Idaho Springs City Council discusses plans for Argo gondola, new police headquarters

BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

Idaho Springs City council members moved Argo gondola plans forward and discussed a possible new police headquarters at the July 24 city council meeting.

Plans for Argo mill and tunnel gondola are back on e Mighty Argo Cable Car Company, MACC as it’s known, is one step closer to becoming a reality after the Idaho Springs City Council unanimously approved the construction of a retaining wall.

A permit from the city was required to begin the process of preparing the upper gondola landing site for development.

In May of 2020, the City approved Phase 1 of the gondola project at the Argo mill and tunnel on the east side of Idaho Springs. e project has been delayed for nearly two and a half years.

Argo owner Mary Jane Loevlie estimates when complete, the gondola is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of tourists to the site.

Loevlie said the City will receive

38 38 to take the gondola for free. On its website, the Argo advertises the MACC will travel 1.2 miles up Rosa Gulch, climbing 1300’ on the 10-minute ride. e mountaintop Argo Landing will feature pedestrian plazas, viewing decks, an observation trestle, food and beverage options,

An opening date for the MACC has not been set.

Idaho Springs considers the purchase of former bank for new police headquarters Council members discussed using the former Citywide Bank building, located at 1744 Miner St. as the new for $625,000. e motion to move ahead with the purchase was unanimous. However, it is still subject to nal review and approval by the City Attorney.

Mayor Chuck Harmon says he’s heard there may be another o er on the building and to “stay tuned.”