Current Projects

Through the years, Gilpin County unfortunately has not kept a strict key system. Without a history on issuance and revocation of keys, Gilpin County has decided to secure its building using credential based locking systems on the exterior doors of all of its buildings to regain the ability to have access control over county sites. The process streamlines access issuance and revocation to our buildings now and for the future for the continued safety of citizens and staff.

Start Date: September 25, 2023 
Estimated Completion Date: March 15, 2024 

Status: Complete

Gilpin County has two wells which feed a 330,000 gallon water tank to support all operations at the Gilpin County Justice Center, the Gilpin County Community Center, the Gilpin County Exhibit Building and Fairgrounds, and the Gilpin County Food Pantry. The water from these wells are within the Ralston Creek Drainage area. The State Water Commission permitted the use of these two wells and the water systems for the above sites with the condition that Gilpin County retain a water augmentation plan to supplement water back into Ralston creek, should we exceed our allotted usage from the wells in Ralston creek, and/or should a senior water rights holder on Ralston Creek have a call for water. To satisfy the need for an augmentation plan Gilpin County has long been partners with the Dory Lakes POA to retain water rights of the water itself stored in Dory Lake. Depending on a number of factors such as snowpack/snowmelt flow, seasonal rain, and usage of water from numerous parties within the Ralston creek drainage, the State Water Commission may call on Gilpin County to supplement water into Ralston Creek from Dory Lake. 

Gilpin County maintains a pumping system at Dory Lake to satisfy these calls from the State Water Commission and therefore retain our ability to use the wells, as allowed by State permit, for our main County Facilities. In 2020 one of two pumps at Dory Lake failed, and the second was identified as failing. This left the County vulnerable as without these pumps, the County may not be able to uphold its obligations with the State Water Commission with its augmentation plan, ultimately putting the operation of County buildings at risk. Gilpin County solicited engineering firms to design a new pumping system that can be more accessible and better maintained to avoid issues in the future. The engineering firm is to provide full construction drawings and engineered plan sets to achieve this goal. Developing these plans sets are the most crucial step to ensuring  a safe and maintainable system for now and the future. Once plans are complete, the county will solicit contactor for construction of the finalized plan. 

On February 7, 2024, Dory Lakes residents attended a Q & A session with engineering firm HRGreen about the Dory Lakes pump replacement project to give feedback and ask questions.

Status: Investigation, Public Meetings, and Design completed by February 7, 2024. Construction Drawings complete.

Construction: TBD from Proposals received – RFP to be released in early 2025 for construction. 

The Historic Courthouse marks its 124th anniversary this year, showcasing numerous original features. Gilpin County is committed to preserving this esteemed landmark while prioritizing both its safety and functionality. Over time, the front porch has experienced considerable wear due to heavy foot traffic. Currently, Gilpin County is evaluating the deck's structural integrity and rejuvenating the decking boards. This project is not only aimed at ensuring safety, but also restoring this part of the courthouse to its former beauty to provide continued enjoyment and service for many years to come. 

Status: Complete

The Gilpin County Community Center is the heart of the Gilpin County Community and is designated as an emergency reunification center. The safe and efficient operation of the facility has long been a priority. The HVAC units which maintain fresh air circulation, heat, and cooling for the users of the facility are 21 years old. Roof Top HVAC Units (RTU's) have an expected lifespan of 20 years before repairs start to add up over time and become so costly, that replacement is the most appropriate action. As best practice to both ensure financial responsibility, and to ensure safe and continued operation of the facility, Gilpin County has chosen to pursue the replacement of all HVAC roof top units. These new units by code are more efficient as well, which will look to make reductions in utility costs to the facility over their lifespan as well.  

Status: Complete. 

The Gilpin County Community Center Low-Slope Roof is an EPDM type roof with internal drains. The current low slope EPDM roof is 21 years old. The construction of the roof is not to current code, has known defects from the original build, and the materials are beyond their usable life. These issues have led to leaks around the facility during heavy rains and snowmelts. These roof leaks have the potential to cause further damage to the building. Because of these items, Gilpin County has pursued the replacement of the Low Slope Roof at the Gilpin County Community Center. The replacement of the Low Slope roof will ensure longevity to the structure, and prevent any further damage from occurring.  

Status: In progress, estimated completion October 2024

The Gilpin County Justice Center Low Slope Roof is a built up roofing system with internal drains. The current low Slope Roof Structure is 31 years old.  The current construction of the roof is not to current code, has known defects from the original build, and the materials are beyond their usable life. These issues have led to leaks around the facility during heavy rains and snowmelts. These roof leaks have the potential to cause further damage to the building. Because of these items, Gilpin County has pursued the replacement of the Low Slope Roof at the Gilpin County Justice center. The replacement of the Low Slope roof will ensure longevity to the structure, and prevent any further damage from occurring.  

Start Date: March 4, 2024 
Status: In progress.

Gilpin County has identified the need for multiple HVAC system components across the county. Many of these components provide critical operations support to the facilities which they are a part. In an effort to attract competent, qualified, and reputable vendors, Gilpin County has organized its needs and combined many of its projects into multiple site projects within a given discipline of work. This effort also allows Gilpin county to more efficiently manage and implement replacement needs across the county. The multiple site HVAC Replacement project for 2024 includes the replacement of:

• Packed Wall unit at Dakota Hill Communications Site
• Energy Recovery Unit at the Gilpin County Community Center
• Make Up Air Unit at the Gilpin County Justice Center - Detentions Division
• Ductless Mini Split Cooling Unit for the Main Server Room at the Historic Old Courthouse.

Start Date: Feb 29, 2024 
 

The main campus of Gilpin County contains some of the largest and most complex facilities. These facilities include:

• The Gilpin County Justice Center
• The Gilpin County Community Center
• The Gilpin County Exhibit Building and Fairgrounds
• Gilpin County Food Pantry

All of these facilities are supported by fresh water infrastructure consisting of two fresh water wells and a 330,000 gallon water tank. The pumps within the two wells supply all the water to fill the water tank and therefore these facilities. Both pumps are between 10-15 years old and due for replacement. Replacement of these pumps, for the continued operation and fresh water supply to these buildings, is necessary to maintain the critical infrastructure of fresh water supply to these sites. 

Start Date: March 11, 2024 
Status: Completed.

Gilpin County has identified the need for multiple Fire Systems across the county. These systems provide critical operations support to the facilities for which they are a part. In an effort to attract competent, qualified, and reputable vendors, Gilpin County has organized its needs and combined many of its projects into multiple site projects within a given discipline of work. This effort also allows Gilpin county to more efficiently manage and implement replacement needs across the county. The Multiple Site Fire Systems Replacement project for 2024 includes the replacement of fire safety systems at:

• Gilpin County Community Center
• Gilpin County Justice Center
• Gilpin County Exhibit Building
• Gilpin County Apex Facility 

Start Date: February 15, 2024 
 

Gilpin County has identified the need for engineering consultation on systems at multiple sites across the county. Many of these systems provide critical operations support to the facilities which they are a part. In an effort to attract competent, qualified, and reputable vendors Gilpin County has organized its needs and combined many of its projects into multiple site projects within a given discipline of work. This effort also allows Gilpin county to more efficiently manage and implement needs across the county. The Multiple Site Engineering Services project for 2024 includes the assessment of:

• Hot Water Recirculation Line Pinhole Leaks at the Community Center and Justice Center
• Lightning Protection System at Dakota Hill Communications Site
• Grading and Drainage at the Community Center and Justice Center
• Electrical Load Assessment and Generator Sizing at the Gilpin County Justice Center 

The Gilpin County Food Pantry currently operates out of a 25-year-old work trailer. This work trailer was purchased in 2004 for temporary offices while the Gilpin County Community Center was being built. Since this is a temporary structure/trailer and not a fixed asset, its value depreciates much like an automobile, instead of appreciating in value like a well-maintained building. The current trailer is valued between $5,000 and $8,000. The temporary structure has been identified to need a minimum of $76,364.00 worth of work in the next 3 years to meet codes and continue safe operations. Over the next 20 years the trailer is expected to need approximately $313,000 worth of work between man hours and materials. These costs to maintain this facility far exceed the value of the asset itself. Gilpin County as a government entity who are 1) stewards of taxpayer dollars, and 2) established to serve the needs of the community in perpetuity, has decided that pursuing the planning and construction of a permanent facility to house the Gilpin County Food Pantry is the most responsible decision to provide a long-term solution to house food pantry operations.  

Gilpin County has contracted with CSHQA Architects to have design plans and construction drawings developed for a new facility. Initial designs were shared with the Board of County Commissioners at the February 20, 2024 work session. Grant opportunities are already being pursued to cover as much of the construction costs as possible.  

Construction: TBD from Proposals based on Architects agreed Construction Drawings. 

Status: Floor Plan & Site Designs Complete March 6, 2024. Designs presented to BOCC at March 19, 2024 Work Session.

Earlier this year, the county applied to the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Energy and Mineral Impact Assistance Fund (EIAF) for a grant to help fund construction costs on this project. The county received notice that it was granted $650,000 which will pay for a significant portion of the project. The EIAF grant program assists political subdivisions that are socially and/or economically impacted by the development, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels. Funds come from the state severance tax on energy and mineral production and from a portion of the state's share of royalties paid to the federal government for mining and drilling of minerals and mineral fuels on federally-owned land.

View Frequently Asked Questions for the Community Center Annex.