Find out more about this update in the latest video from CBS Colorado, featuring Park County Preservation and Project Manager Evan Lockhart Borman!
Photo Source: Form+works design group
Erected in 1894 at an altitude of 11,003 feet, the Paris Mill stood as a crucial facility for processing precious metals sourced from mines in Park County’s Buckskin Gulch. However, shifts in time and volatile metal prices led to the mill’s closure in 1951. By 2004, the Paris Mill had deteriorated significantly, landing it on Colorado’s Most Endangered Places list. Neglected and exposed to the elements, the original machinery within the structure faced decay.
Park County intervened, acquiring the mill and spearheading its preservation efforts. Over nearly a decade, the county diligently secured funding from various sources and meticulously devised preservation strategies. This endeavor showcased the unwavering commitment of numerous stakeholders and underscored the indispensable role of perseverance, particularly in large-scale preservation undertakings.
Thanks to the steadfast dedication of these stakeholders, the Paris Mill earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, it underwent preservation work valued at over $900,000 through the State Historical Fund. Collaborating with private donors and volunteers, Park County successfully stabilized and restored multiple sections of the mill, including the Cyanidation Wing, Gold Precipitation Wing, East and West Wings, Center Section, Tower, and Tank House.
The designation as a SAVE with Colorado Preservation Inc. for 2024 acknowledges the exceptional contributions of entities such as the South Park National Heritage Area, Park County, Form Works Design, JVA, RMC Excavation, Alpine Archaeology, and Wattle & Daub Contractors. With these efforts, the mill is poised to reopen later this year as a guided tour museum, preserving its rich history for future generations.
