The Project

Preservation Plan

 The Adelaide Ranch and associated buildings have resisted harsh weather and human use for over 130 years. They have stood up valiantly but are now at the end of their life, as evidenced by the collapse of several of the original structures. Our intention is to stabilize the remaining structures so many more generations of visitors can wonder at the fascinating history of this special valley.

STRUCTURAL STABILIZATION

All structural systems including roof, framing, sheathing and foundations will be reinforced as needed. Historic materials will be retained whenever possible. New materials, when required, will be chosen to be compatible with the existing.

EXTERIOR PRESERVATION

The exteriors will be preserved as close as possible to how they appear today. While some new materials will be required to achieve a weather resistant shell, they will be chosen to maintain the existing appearance.  

INTERIOR CLEANUP

The few remaining interior details will be preserved and reinforced as necessary. The extensive graffiti and other signs of abuse will be cleaned up. No interior details will be “reconstructed” as we have no evidence of what was originally there. Access to the interiors will be prohibited to prevent further damage, ensure human safety and as required by our USFS approvals.

Phasing Plan

Phase I


Completion of Stabilization and Preservation of the Shop and the Outhouse

Budget | $87,000 

Completed | October 2022

 
“I consider this project one of the greatest successes from last season.”
— Sarah Mees, Project Manager, HistoriCorp\
 

Phase II


Stabilization and Preservation of the Roadhouse

The Hunter Creek Valley site is presumably Aspen's earliest Euro-American settlement site.  This site was undeveloped until 1879, when it was initially settled; a small group of prospectors and miners wintered there. The site was established as a homestead by William C. E. Koch in 1890 and occupied for years afterward.

Budget | $150,000

Completed | October 12, 2023

Scope of Work | Roadhouse

  • Replaced and weatherproof main roof and vestibule roof 

  • demo interior and vestibule flooring

  • added structural supports for  interior and vestibule

  • repaired and stabilized brick chimney

Scope of Work | Outhouse

  • leveled structure

  • added foundation

  • built new door

Phase III


Stabilization of Roadhouse

Completion | August 19 - September 28, 2024

  • Re-establish Roadhouse and porch foundation and sill plates

  • Reinstall salvaged flooring to extent possible and begin to add new wood flooring

  • Install gravel bed at porch and install diagonal wood flooring

  • Stabilize brick chimney

  • Repair or replace siding as needed

  • Replace/repair any deteriorated wood framing window and door framing and siding

  • Installed French drainage and landscaped berm for water mitigation

Architectural history program for Miners Cabin to document the building in preparation for restoration/reconstruction phase on cabin 

Phase IV


Completion of Roadhouse

Completion | August 25 - September 26, 2025

Budget | $45,000

  • Complete interior flooring

  • Reinstall original wainscot, trim and baseboards

  • Rebuild entryway door and secure for viewing interior

  • Prep with primer interior walls for paint, preserving some graffiti

  • Repair milk cooler, protect bricks adjacent for historic viewing

Phase V


Preservation and Stabilization of Miners Cabin

the Miner's cabin was very possible first structure constructed in the  Hunter Creek Valley by a small group of miners, led by Henry Staats, who spent the winter in Aspen in 1879. This Log Cabin is remarkably well-built and likely took, at a minimum, close to a month to complete. The shelter used during the winter of 1879-1880 was likely more primitive and hastily constructed due to their late arrival in the valley and the onset of snow by November 5th.

Completion | August 25- September 25, 2026

Budget | $62,000

  • Determine Historic Value

  • Brace and shore structure for log replacement

  • Stabilize with new foundation

  • Repair, replace logs as needed

  • Treat logs and sills with protective  preservatives

  • Prepare building for PHASE VI (Fall 2026), including reconstruction of roof

Phase VI


Completion of Miners Cabin

Completion Date | Fall 2027

  • Complete preservation and stabilization of Miners Cabin

  • Rebuild roof

  • Create interpretive signage for Adelaide Ranch

  • Explore preservation of Dam Keepers Cabin

Phase VII


Preservation of the

Dam Keeper’s Cabin

In May of 1886, city superintendent Major W. H. Mathers built the first dam up Hunter Creek. records show the Dam Keeper's Cabin was also built along with the dam in 1886.  Much of the 40-foot-long wooden structure anchored in boulders still stands today as does the Cabin. Mather  laid out its reservoir to feed the town’s water pipes, as well as deliver “high-head” water power to turn a Pelton wheel and generator for Aspen’s first electric plant.  Thus touted in 1886 as the first place west of the Mississippi to light its streets and businesses with hydroelectric power.   

Budget | $118,000

Fall 2027-2028

Scope of Work | Dam Keeper's Cabin

  • Remove trees up to 6' around the building perimeter

  • Regrade site, soil removal by hand

  • Replace 2-3 wall logs on each elevation, as needed

  • Repair 3-8 log crowns on purlins and ridge log

  • Repair chinking and daubing on the exterior walls

  • Investigate first-level floor structure and flooring, then repair or replace, as needed

  • Repair lumber roof sheathing and replace corrugated steel roofing panels

  • Install hog wire over the door

  • Remove modern interior wall cladding, including plywood

  • Rehabilitate the remaining wood window sash and build two replica wood window sashes to match the existing west window

  • Set up appropriate systems and follow safety protocols for fall protection, lead paint containment, and hantavirus exposure.

“This approximately 60-acre site in the Hunter Creek Valley floor will preserve a showcase of the important early cultural history of this valley, both for future residents and visitors in our community and for the White River National Forest, alongside the beloved Townsites of both Ashcroft and Independence.”

— Hunter Creek Historical Foundation Board