Gold Hill Mesa

Gold Hill Mesa is a 210-acre mixed-use infill development located at the southeast corner of US Highway 24 and 21st Street within the City of Colorado Springs.

The site was formerly a gold processing facility known as the Golden Cycle Mill, which operated from 1906 to 1949 and processed approximately fifteen million tons of ore from Cripple Creek and Victor area gold mines. Other development challenges included mitigation of site related traffic impacts, soil settlement, site access, severe topographic changes, contaminated soils, and potable water pressure zone issues.

The site is a very unique opportunity for infill within the City of Colorado Springs and will be a catalyst for revitalization within the surrounding area, creating jobs, shopping opportunities, and new housing all within two miles of downtown Colorado Springs. The site is being developed in a traditional neighborhood style with a focus on pedestrian friendliness and community creation.

Matrix, working with the Environmental Program Manager, Casey Resources, Inc., has provided environmental services for this program since 2000. Services include preparation and technical review of the VCUP, human health and ecological risk assessment, and design services for the, engineering of an environmental cap for the site and implementation of the cap placement, remediation of streamside tailings and site health & safety management. Matrix has also been an integral component in the financing, planning, and design aspects for the project, including preparing a comprehensive infrastructure phasing plan coupled with a detailed cost model. The phasing plan and cost model segmented off-site and on-site trunk, sub area trunk, and in-tract infrastructure project costs.

Utilizing these tools, Matrix assisted with the formation of the Gold Hill Metropolitan District, including review of the district service plan, development of an intergovernmental agreement with the City of Colorado Springs, negotiations with the Urban Renewal Authority, and preparation of the district financial cash flow projections. Matrix is also the district engineer for the Gold Hill Mesa Metropolitan District, providing professional engineering and district consulting services.

From an entitlement standpoint, Matrix provided planning, surveying, and engineering services necessary to obtain Concept Plan approval from the City, Development Plan approval for Filing 1, and Final Plat approval for Filing 1 of the project. Given the complexities of the project, this effort included significant public outreach and local jurisdiction coordination. Matrix worked on additional phases of the project that include Development Plan and Final Plat entitlement work.

As the engineer for the project, Matrix prepared final engineering drawings for the development, including grading plans, erosion control plans, water and sanitary sewer plans, and roadway and drainage plans. The projects include both in-tract design work as well as off-site infrastructure improvements. Off-site improvements include major roadway widening along two City arterials, a mile long extension of a 16" water line, and three water quality ponds.