Midland Streetscape Project Update October 28, 2024

Zone 3 North Side Paving Completed

Last week, the construction crew completed paving the north side of the first portion of Zone 3 between Bistro Bernard and St. Vincent Catholic Church.  Beneath the new pavement is the continuation of vital infrastructure including stormwater, fiber for communications, irrigation, and electric.  Above ground are additional crosswalks, landscaping, and wider ADA compliant sidewalks with additional room for pedestrians and outdoor commerce.

The project is on schedule and on budget and progressing according to plans. 

Where We Are Now

Work over the next several weeks will take place on the south side of Midland Avenue between the Iron Horse Building and Monkey’s.  The crew will continue with landscaping, crosswalk, sidewalk, and utilities installation. Please see the below map for work zone area, traffic light locations, and access detours.  Again, we thank you for your patience.

What’s Next

The work zone for the entire project extends to the end of Midland Avenue near the Basalt Barber Shop.  Once the current work is completed, the project work zone will extend further east for infrastructure installation, some sidewalk work, and utility tie-ins that will include work on both sides of Midland Avenue.  

We will update you as we advance toward this final phase of the downtown underground work. 

The Past and Present in Conversation

Because Basalt has such a rich history that is inseparable from Midland Avenue, it was important to the entire project team and community to integrate tangible historical markers into the streetscape and to create space for the public to imagine the overlay of what once was and what is now and the ongoing conversation between the past and present on this vital artery of downtown.

The historical elements are also in concert with the Basalt 2020 Master Plan and community engagement during the conceptual phase of the project.

Passersby can now see that embedded in the sidewalk throughout Midland Avenue are segments of stone showing where the historic property lines were in 1900 and illustrating the names of the former property owners or shops.  The intention is to show how Basalt was created more than a century ago.

In addition to the sidewalk markers, seven more historic signs will be added to the Basalt Walking Tour, bringing history alive and forward facing for all who visit Basalt’s Midland Avenue.

A Glimpse into the Past

In the book Basalt: Colorado Midland Town, the authors wrote, "In 1900 Aspen Junction's best building was erected. It was of brick with a stone foundation. Through the years it has remained in good condition.

The owner, Mr. E. B. Kelly kept a saloon on the lower floor, and he and his wife rented the upstairs rooms to railroad men." 

Elise Wolf, Landscape Architect with Connect One Design adds, "While the red etched stone markers certainly do not account for the entire history of Basalt, they represent a snapshot in time. A time when rail was king, and everyone fought for a good life. The stories of these families are extensive, and the design team is honored to be a part of telling their stories." 

December 13 Celebration of Midland Avenue

It’s time for our community to celebrate the progress of the Midland Avenue Streetscape!  

Save the date for Friday December 13^th  

More details coming soon!

Midland Money Expires October 31

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