We are excited to announce that Timberline Fire Protection District has taken ownership of the Fritz Peak Observatory, located at 19126 Highway 119, Black Hawk,

The Observatory includes the 3-story main building, the 2-bedroom cottage that sits behind the main building, and Dutch Peak which is the observation site that you can see from most of the Rollinsville valley. Our journey started in 2017, when Timberline was looking for a permanent home near Rollinsville. Through friends, we were made aware that this federal facility may be disposed of in the coming years. The possibility of acquiring the Observatory seemed too good to be true for Timberline Fire, the community, and emergency response to the north end of Gilpin County; however it is now a reality!

We certainly have many ideas on how we will transform this property in the coming years, but our first goal is a detailed assessment of the current condition. We are aware of several issues that will need to be addressed including roof leaks, septic issues, and an overall basic safety remodel to name a few. In the very near future, we plan to reinstall garage doors in their old locations allowing us to begin responding from the station with small vehicles. Shortly afterward, we will be designing and working on cost estimates to add fire apparatus bays to the north side of the building. With this additional operational space, an increased number of firefighters can be on duty expanding our current resident, shift, and overnight firefighter programs and accommodations. We anticipate reduced response times to the north end of the county once we are fully functional.

We know that many people in the area have driven past the Observatory for years and wondered what it looks like inside. Today it is empty as the observation equipment has been removed, but it is still interesting to see! Timberline would like to invite the public to an Open House on May 9, from 5 to - 7 p.m., followed by our monthly Board of Directors meeting at 7 p.m.

This building was first built as the Severance Lodge in 1946 by Horace “Skip” Severance and his wife Dorothy. In the late 1950s scientists began using the facility for star research including studying the Aurora Borealis. We are still learning about the history of the building and would appreciate any information that the community would like to share.

Timberline is honored and excited to give the Fritz Peak Observatory a third life. Final plans, remodel, and buildout will take time and careful planning. The ability to obtain this large facility in such a great location at NO cost to our residents is simply incredible.

This acquisition would not have been possible with the help and support of all the following:

NOAA

Carol Ciufolo

Dr. David Fahey

Megan Melamed

Eric Williams

Special thanks to Wanda Sundquist and Bonnie Nash, both of Gilpin County, for their continued assistance and support throughout the process.

GSA

FEMA

Mr. Will Morgan

Justin Dowdy

Bettina Alcantar

Gilpin County

Sandy Hollingsworth, Commissioner

Kevin Armstrong, Gilpin County Sheriff

Web Sill, Commissioner

Nate Whittington, Gilpin County Emergency Manager

Linda Isenhardt, Commissioner

Colorado Wildfire Matters Review Committee

Representative Lisa Cutter, House District 25

Senator Tammy Story, Senate District 16

Senator Joann Ginal, Senate District 14

Senator Don Coram, Senate District 6

Representative Marc Snyder, House District 18

Senator Cleave Simpson, Senate District 14

Representative Donald Valdez, House District 62

Senator Pete Lee, Senate District 11

Representative Perry Will, House District 57

Representative Mike Lynch, House District 49

Timberline Fire

Rick Wenzel, Board President

Paul Ondr, Fire Chief

John Bushey, Board Vice President

Jennifer Hinderman, Administrative Chief

Whitney Donoghue, Board Treasurer

Christina Willis, Volunteer Firefighter

Chip Smith, Board Member at Large

Additional Support Provided by:

Vaughn Jones, Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control

Tim Griffin, United States Forest Service

Mark Gabriel, CEO and President of United Power

Holly Woodings, Vegetation/Construction Specialist of United Power

Sean Demeule, VP & General Manager of Ameristar Casino Black Hawk 

There will be a Public Open House on Monday, May 9, 2022, at 5 p.m.