Lofty dreams

There’s about to be another reason to pull off 1-70 in Idaho Springs other than Beau Jo’s pizza. Work began last week on a $58 million gondola that will haul people 1,300 feet up the mountain from the historic Argo Mill in town. There, folks can stop off at The Outpost, a three-level building, to grab a bite or drink, soak up the sun and views, or explore surrounding trails. In addition, there will be a 300-seat amphitheater and an observation walkout with views of Mount Blue Sky, according to the Denver Post. 

The project was the dream of longtime Idaho Springs resident and businesswoman Mary Jane Loevlie. She and a group of investors bought the Argo Mine about 9 years ago, and after a few setbacks – namely a title company that embezzled millions from the project – her vision is finally taking form.

“Coming up here for a sunset cocktail?” Loevlie, who founded and owns Shotcrete Technologies with husband, Kristian, mused.

The gondola, called the Mighty Argo Cable Car, is named after the Mighty Argo tunnel, which was built in the early 1900s from Idaho Springs to the mines of Central City. The Argo Mill, which dates back to 1913, houses a museum and is open daily for tours. The mill and tunnel were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

Since then, the mine – which leaks hundreds of gallons of metal-laden water a day – has been plugged and declared a Superfund site. The water is now funneled through a water treatment plant next door.

Evergreen construction contractor Bryan McFarland is Loevlie’s partner in the project. Other major investors include Gondola Ventures, which recently bought and reopened the historic Estes Park Tram, Switzerland’s Doppelmayr and a German investment fund. The hope is to have the gondola, which is being built by Doppelmayr, open this fall. The price for a ride hasn’t been set but is expected to be in the $30-$40 range. 

In partnership with the City of Idaho Springs and the Colorado Mountain Bike Association, the 400-acre Virginia Canyon Mountain Park is being built on slopes above the mill. Eventually, there will be more than 20 miles of trails. A downhill mountain bike trail from The Outpost, called Drop Shaft, has been completed as well as an adjacent 4.9-mile hiking trail. Cable cars will include carriers for hauling bikes. 

“My thing is, I’m going to hike the trail up, have my mimosa and take the gondola down,” said Loevlie.

Sounds lovely.