Lewis Mill
San Miguel County, CO

SHF Project #01-HA-002 and 01-02-037

The ruinous but spectacular Lewis Mill above Telluride, owned by the Idarado Mining Company, recently benefited by a successful partnership with the San Miguel County Open Space Department and two State Historical Fund grants.

The first grant provided for A-E Design of Fort Collins to develop an Historic Structures Assessment, while the second grant continued a previous collaboration on the Old 100 Boarding House in San Juan County.  This team consisted of A-E Design, mining engineer Steve Fearn and preservation contractors Klinke and Lew of Silverton.

Loren Lew, Fritz Klinke and SHF's James Stratis stand above the mill in August 2001 (right) shortly before the commencement of work.  The stabilization treatment consisted of the reattachment of sliced off structural framing members and the re-establishment of roof sheathing which performs as a horizontal membrane holding the massive walls in place.

The $125,000 project utilized a helicopter to bring the required materials and equipment to the site which is located at 12,448 feet above sea level.  The work, completed in September 2001, will allow for the continued monumental presence of this 94 year old structure in the historic Telluride area of southwest Colorado.

For additional information about this project please contact the State Historical Fund at 303.866.2825.