Pikes Peak is the Highest Active Construction Site

Pikes Peak Is the Highest Active Construction Site in North America

Site work is underway on a new 38,000-SF Summit Complex on the summit of Pike’s Peak at 14,109 feet above sea level. GE Johnson Construction has begun excavation of the primary mechanical and electrical trenching for the site, while the existing Summit House, built in 1963 remains fully operational to peak visitors throughout construction. When complete in the fall of 2020, the new visitor center will offer sweeping views and digital interactive displays focused on the history, significance, and geology of Pikes Peak. Site development will include interactive outdoor exhibits along an accessible elevated pathway which is being integrated to help protect the summit’s fragile tundra.

The project is a collaboration of the U.S. Forest Service, National Park Service, State Historic Preservation Office, tribal representatives and the summit’s five major permit holders: the City of Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak – America’s Mountain, The Broadmoor’s Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the U.S. Army High-Altitude Research Laboratory and Colorado Springs Utilities. Design services were provided by RTA Architects and GWWO Architects with supplementary insights submitted by Colorado Springs residents over an extensive community input period between 2015
and 2017.

The Pikes Peak Summit Complex is the highest ongoing construction site in North America requiring construction strategies to protect against the effects of harsh weather and the extreme altitude including using prefabricated building components, and regular health checks and continual rehydration for workers.

Image/photo credit: RTA Architects / GWWO Architects