Project Architect and Structural Team in Portland, Oregon
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Silverton, Colorado has always been a place where history and landscape shape daily life. As we move forward with our new hotel project, our goal is to create something more than just a place to stay—we’re building a “versatile base camp” that bridges Silverton’s storied past with its sustainable future, all while meeting the evolving needs of both locals and visitors.
High-Elevation Challenges, Innovative Solutions
Constructing a hotel at 9,318 feet is no small feat. Silverton’s remote location, steep mountain passes, and short construction season present real logistical and engineering hurdles. Getting large building materials—like the mass timber panels and glulam beams we’ve chosen for this project—up the mountain requires careful planning and coordination. The alpine climate brings heavy snow loads, dramatic temperature swings, and a compressed window for on-site work.
To meet these challenges, we’re using prefabricated mass timber construction. This approach, inspired by Silverton’s own timber-framed mining structures, allows us to assemble large sections of the building off-site, then transport and install them quickly and efficiently. Prefabrication means less disruption to Main Street, higher quality control, and a smaller environmental footprint. It’s also a direct response to the realities of building high up in the San Juans—where every day of the construction season counts.
Sustainability and Heritage in Harmony
Our choice of mass timber isn’t just about logistics—it’s a commitment to sustainability and heritage. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glulam beams are not only strong and durable, but they also sequester carbon and have a much lower embodied energy than traditional materials like steel or concrete. By using timber, we’re echoing the construction methods of Silverton’s mining era while pushing forward with environmentally responsible building practices.
This blend of old and new is reflected throughout the hotel’s design. Minimalist, nature-inspired interiors by Francesc Rife use a palette of colors and materials drawn from Silverton’s landscape, creating a welcoming space that feels both contemporary and rooted in place. The building itself becomes part of the Silverton experience—a bridge between the town’s mining legacy and its future as a hub for responsible, year-round adventure.
A Base Camp for All: Serving Community and Visitors
At its core, our vision is to create a hotel that serves as a true base camp for Silverton. That means more than just providing a bed for the night. Spacious rooms with kitchenettes and dedicated workspaces cater to remote workers and extended-stay guests. The ground-floor café and event space are designed to be part of daily life in Silverton, offering grab-and-go meals for locals and hosting events, workshops, and gatherings throughout the year.
This is a project shaped by the needs of the community, as outlined in Silverton’s master plan: high-quality lodging, dining that works for locals, and year-round spaces for connection. It’s also a response to broader trends—boutique hotels with a strong sense of place, amenities for remote work, and a focus on eco-responsibility. Most importantly, it’s a long-term investment in Silverton’s future, designed to serve both residents and visitors while respecting the town’s past without being bound by it.
As we progress towards an intended start of construction next year, we’re excited to share more about the technical ingenuity, community partnerships, and sustainable practices that are making this project possible. We hope this new base camp will become a welcoming hub for everyone who loves Silverton—whether you’re here for the history, the adventure, or the sense of belonging that makes our town truly unique.