Redstone Coke Ovens | bluegreen

Winner of an Outstanding Award in the 2026 WLA Awards – Built Small Public Space category

Nestled in the Elk Mountain Range of west-central Colorado, Redstone is situated along the banks of the Crystal River just south of its confluence with Coal Creek. Adjacent to Redstone is the Coal Basin region, home to a high-quality coalfield. Despite the treacherous terrain and formidable climatic conditions, this natural coal deposit became a catalyst for the rich cultural history and industrial heritage of Redstone. Left to decay after coke production ended in 1908, the ovens were under serious threat when residents began working to save them.

COMMUNITY
Through a Preservation America – Historic Preservation Funds Grant awarded to Pitkin County, the landscape architect was contracted to design a Historic Park Master Plan. Core objectives included involving the community throughout the design process, promoting heritage tourism in Redstone, and providing an exemplary case study to inspire other communities to protect and promote their historic legacies. A key part of the planning was the creation of a steering committee consisting of advisors from the Redstone Historic Preservation Committee, concerned residents, and representatives from Pitkin County.

LIVING DESIGN
In addressing the Redstone Coke Ovens Historic Park site, a simple yet compelling design focused efforts on implementing cost-effective solutions while improving the environmental condition of the postindustrial landscape. One major theme prevailed as the design dialogue progressed—expressing the “essence of time”. Visitors see a gradient of decay as they walk from the fully restored coke ovens towards those being consumed by the landscape, allowing time’s action to manifest physically.

INDUSTRIAL UNDERSTANDING
Residents seeking to preserve the landmark wanted to ensure that the design did not overwhelm the coke ovens’ character and that future visitors could engage with the site in an honest setting. Once stabilized, the ovens no longer required protective fencing, removing any physical barriers. A simple circulation network was established along the rail line, bringing boxcars loaded with unprocessed coal right up to the wharf, where they were unloaded. Visitors can get close to the wharf wall and see that it was built from the same stone that gave Redstone its name. The importance of these coke ovens cannot be overstated. At the height of the industrial revolution, coke was essential for processing the metal that made the movement possible. Seeing the massive scale of the operation in such an isolated location speaks to the incredible moment in history the coke ovens represent.

IMPACT
Embracing the challenges of tight budget constraints, phasing requirements, and limited design fees, the landscape architect focused on creating a cohesive series of spaces deeply rooted in heritage and geographical context, which can be expanded upon as circumstances allow.

Redstone Coke Ovens

Location: Redstone, Colorado, USA

Landscape Architect: bluegreen
Architectural Restoration: JVA Consulting Engineers

Image Credits: bluegreen
Text Credit: bluegreen

Photography Credits: Marion Brenner Photography; Sam Smith Wilkey, Crystal River Jeep Tours;