Built in 1892, the historic Highland School—now the Highland City Club—is one of Boulder’s most beautifully preserved landmarks and a model of adaptive reuse.

From 1892 Classroom to Visionary City Club—The Legacy of Highland School

Hidden behind a lush hedge at the intersection of 9th Street and Arapahoe Avenue stands one of Boulder’s most exquisite architectural gems—the Highland School building. With its red brick façade, ornate Romanesque and Gothic details, and storied past, this former elementary school is now home to the Highland City Club, a modern business and social club steeped in history and charm.

A School Built to Withstand Time and Nature

Built in 1892, the Highland School was the fourth public school constructed in Boulder. It earned its name from its elevated location above Gregory and Boulder Creeks, which made it safe from the frequent flash floods that once plagued the area. Just two years after it was built, the school’s smart siting proved prescient during the devastating 1894 flood that submerged much of what is now Canyon Boulevard—yet Highland stood untouched.

The land was sold to the city by local teacher and civic leader Hannah Barker, who lived across the street and recognized the urgent need for a safe and sturdy place of learning for Boulder’s children.

A Showcase of Design and Materials

Designed by Denver architects Ernest P. Varian and Frederick J. Sterner—famed for their iconic turn-of-the-century buildings—the Highland School was the first public school in Boulder to feature red brick and locally quarried blond sandstone. These fire-resistant materials weren’t just aesthetic; they were lifesaving in a time when fires posed a major risk to children.

Its unique structure included dormers, gables, arched windows, finials, and a hipped roof—all contributing to its blend of Gothic and Romanesque Revival architecture. Inside, the school housed first through sixth grades, with a third-floor gymnasium and classrooms meticulously designed for the booming town’s youth.

A Turning Point in Boulder’s Preservation History

By 1971, changing demographics led to the school’s closure, and plans for demolition loomed. The city’s decision to raze not only Highland but also Central School sparked outrage among locals. While Central couldn’t be saved, the fight for Highland marked the beginning of Boulder’s historic preservation movement. Out of this battle came the founding of Historic Boulder, Inc., which purchased the property in 1972 and saved it from the wrecking ball.

From Schoolhouse to Social Hub

In 1978, Sina Simantob, a recent CU-Boulder engineering graduate, bought the property and launched a decades-long vision. Simantob reinforced the structure with steel beams, renovated the interior, added residential units, and created the Highland City Club—a haven for local entrepreneurs, thinkers, and creatives.

Among its most famous members was Jim Collins, author of Good to Great and Built to Last, who not only worked out of the building but had attended first grade there decades earlier.

Among its most famous members was Jim Collins, renowned author of Good to Great and Built to Last, who not only worked in the building but also attended first grade there decades earlier.

A Living Landmark

The building today is a harmonious blend of preserved history and modern functionality. Original hardwood floors and staircases remain intact, while careful upgrades ensure energy efficiency and comfort. Highland boasts 14 HVAC systems, 18-inch-thick walls, and gardens graced by mature, non-native trees, including a 130-year-old oak and a towering spruce planted by Simantob himself.

Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the Highland School building has earned multiple awards for architecture, energy conservation, and landscape design.

A Symbol of Boulder’s Soul

Highland School is more than a preserved structure; it’s a living example of Boulder’s dedication to honoring its past while embracing the future. From its origins as a safe learning space to its transformation into a modern community hub, this iconic building represents what’s possible when vision, history, and community come together.

Whether admired from Arapahoe Avenue or explored during a Highland City Club gathering, the Highland School building stands as a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and the spirit of Boulder preservation.

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