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Redstone Coke Ovens
Redstone Coke Ovens
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Other Projects by Bluegreen
Redstone Coke Ovens
Nestled in the mountains of Colorado, Redstone is situated along the banks of the Crystal River. In the early twentieth century, Redstone was the region’s largest supplier of coke and built 249 beehive-shaped ovens to keep up with demand. Less than a decade after completion, rising transportation costs made mining unprofitable: mines closed, and the coke ovens abandoned. After decades of decay, residents organized to protect the rich history of the site. Bluegreen facilitated community collaboration resulting in a Historic Master Plan whose very essence spoke to the socioeconomic and environmental context of Redstone, both past and present. To express the essence of time, several coke ovens are fully restored. Moving away from the focal point of restoration efforts, the ovens appear to degrade to their present condition, allowing the action of time to manifest in the historic spine. The dialogue between structure and environment evolves as they meld together, a realization of nature’s regenerative power. This strategy offers a unique solution to financial constraints of the project while preserving the visual impact of the industrial footprint. The coke ovens’ proximity to the river demanded a sensitive approach to brownfield reclamation. To address environmental contamination due to mining spoils, Bluegreen selected plant materials with success in bioremediation. Those same plants also serve as primary catch bioswales for site particulates during storm events and snowmelt. A native plant palette ensures cohesion with the surrounding valley. Interpretative elements foster restoration efforts and improve legibility of the site’s legacy. The entire length of ovens is protected from human intervention with the introduction of a wall in the language of the original industrial wharf. Crusher fines pathways and raw steel signage elements recall the historic rail line. Interpretive signage offers insight into the coke ovens’ past to visitors, completing the narrative of historical legacy.
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