Located at a prominent gateway intersection at the outskirts of Leadville, this 8-unit workforce housing and mixed-use project reimagines a long-underutilized site as a welcoming and active landmark. The project transforms a dilapidated former gas station into a compact work-live building that supports local housing needs while creating a distinctive point of arrival for both residents and visitors passing through Lake County.
Morgan Law
Bunny Tucker
Diem Tran
Downstream Construction
Zach Rogers, Mountain Range Structural Engineering
JK Mechanical Design
Collective Carpentry
8,600 sf
Leadville, CO
The design takes cues from Leadville’s mining heritage, referencing the massing, proportions, and material character of historic mining buildings, interpreted through a contemporary approach. The goal is to create a building that feels grounded in Leadville’s past while clearly looking ahead, celebrating the town’s identity and its future. Positioned at an important intersection, the building is intended to act as a beacon that signals entry into the community.
The eight residential units are efficiently planned to make the most of the site and its remarkable setting. Every unit is oriented to capture expansive west-facing views toward the Sawatch Range from Mount Massive to the Collegiate Peaks. Large triple-pane windows frame these views while providing excellent thermal performance. At an elevation above 10,000 feet, Leadville’s climate demands a highly insulated and durable building envelope. The design prioritizes comfort, longevity, and reduced heating demands through robust wall, roof, and window assemblies.
A ground level café activates the corner and creates a public-facing use that benefits both locals and visitors to town. Opening toward the mountain views, the café brings life to the corner and reinforces the project’s role as a social anchor at the edge of town. Above, the housing creates a compact residential presence that supports a more walkable, mixed-use environment.
The building is designed to pursue net-zero performance through a high-performance envelope, energy-efficient systems, and thoughtful spatial planning. Materials are selected to echo the textures and durability of local mining structures, helping the building feel at home in its context while offering a resilient, forward-looking model for workforce housing in Colorado’s high-alpine communities.
