What's Happening?
The city of Aspen recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its pedestrian mall, a significant community space often referred to as 'Aspen’s living room.' However, the celebration comes at a time when the city is facing a shortage of the historic bricks
that make up the mall. Originally constructed in 1976 using bricks sourced from St. Louis, the mall's bricks are now over 100 years old and are beginning to deteriorate. The city has maintained a stockpile of these bricks for repairs, but this reserve is dwindling, with only about 16,000 bricks remaining. This is enough to cover approximately 3,200 square feet of the 144,000-square-foot mall. As the bricks degrade, particularly in high-traffic areas like the Wheeler Opera House corner, the city is considering replacing them with modern bricks while preserving the historic character in key locations.
Why It's Important?
The pedestrian mall is a vital part of Aspen's community life, providing a traffic-free area for residents and visitors to gather. The potential replacement of historic bricks with modern ones raises concerns about maintaining the mall's historical integrity. The mall is not only a local landmark but also a part of Aspen's identity, contributing to its cultural and historical landscape. The decision to replace the bricks involves balancing the need for preservation with practical considerations of safety and accessibility. The outcome of this project could set a precedent for how historic sites are maintained and modernized, impacting local businesses, tourism, and community engagement.
What's Next?
The city of Aspen must finalize the specifications for the replacement bricks and obtain formal approval from the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) before proceeding with the project. This process will involve ensuring that the new bricks match the historic ones in color and size to maintain the mall's aesthetic. The city plans to keep the historic bricks in key areas while using modern bricks elsewhere. The project will require careful planning and community input to ensure that the mall continues to serve as a welcoming space for all while preserving its historical significance.
