restoration
+ development
Deep Creek Mine Revitalization (DCMR) is a three-phased capital campaign with the goal to preserve and restore the Deep Creek Mine.
Phase I (Change of Zoning and Special Use Permitting) is complete.
Phase II is happening now.
Phase III will support future development in the form of classrooms, studio/labs, and galleries for education and regional and international experimental art.
Join us in bringing to life a new era for this cherished landmark.
Work began in the Spring of 2023 to design and upgrade the ground controls and ventilation system to meet the strict requirements for public access.
PHASE I
LEGAL STATUS & STABILIZATION
In 2017, DCMR kicked off Phase I and successfully worked with Colorado State’s Division of Mining, Reclamation, and Safety to revisit both the reclamation plan and the zoning for this historic property. An application for rezoning from Forestry, Agriculture, and Open zoning to Heavy Commercial zoning was successfully completed with San Miguel County. In the Fall of 2022, an application for a Special Use Permit was approved by the San Miguel County Planning Commission. At the same time, a local mining engineering firm was hired to perform a structural analysis of the mine and recommend practical solutions for development and establish safety protocols for public access.
Main portal into the Deep Creek Mine. This entry will be rebuilt to current safety standards as part of the renovation process. One compelling feature of The Mine is that the interior remains at a constant temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit thereby saving thousands of dollars in potential heating/cooling costs. An array of 60 solar panels and battery storage will supply energy for industrial studio equipment and supplementary heating.
PHASE II
NEW CONSTRUCTION
The goal now is to raise money to fund the upgrade of the existing seven mine portals, install state of the art “ground control” in 50% of the mine, and engage in new interior upgrades. These costs include seven timber and steel framed mine portals; an upgrade of the electrical system; the installation of LED lighting; the permanent stabilization of the mine ceiling and entries; the installation of fire-proof industrial doors, the mitigation of mine ventilation and safety protocols; the refinement of ground surfaces and select walls, and doors; and the development/refinement of outdoor performance and installation space for pyrotechnic events, public performances, and experimental sculpture.
Interior of the Mine (photo credit: Anton Viditz-Ward)
PHASE III
FULL BUILD-OUT
Phase III will support future development in the form of state-of-the-art classrooms, studio/labs, galleries, and installation spaces for regional K-12 students, university students, citizen scientists, local artisans, and internationally recognized artists.
Fulfilling both San Miguel County building requirements and community needs, the space will be historically restored, be sound and weather resilient, and provide (at the end of PHASE III) some 80,000 square feet of space for creative activities. (As a point of comparison, Telluride’s Transfer Warehouse is just 6,000 square feet).