by dvmosomy | Thursday, February 1, 2024 |
THK prepared Architectural Design Guidelines for the I-25/ Ilex and I-25/1st Street Interchanges. These interchanges are the first constructed segments of the New Pueblo Freeway. The Design Guidelines develop structure aesthetics, landscape architectural design and irrigation services. By developing these Guidelines, THK is responsible for the development of the visual character of the project.
This aesthetic development was based on an interactive process with the community to determine what the character of the new freeway should be. THK developed aesthetic concepts for the architecture and landscape of the interchanges based on community input. For these interchanges, connections to the Historic Arkansas Riverwalk (H.A.R.P.) and Runyon Field Sports Complex were especially important. The community and the design team agreed that it was very important to create a sculptural element in the landscape that connected back to the Pueblo community.
Currently, construction of both the Ilex and 1st Street interchanges are underway. THK continues to be involved with the design-build project as an Owners Representative for CDOT. Click here for the quarterly project construction update.
by dvmosomy | Thursday, February 1, 2024 |
THK Associates, Inc. developed the Aesthetic Design Guidelines for the re-design of the I-25 and Highway 24 (Cimarron St.) interchange in Colorado Springs. This interchange serves as the gateway to downtown Colorado Springs, as well as Garden of the Gods. Both the community and the City had a strong desire for this interchange to have a unique and distinguishing character. Moreover, the new structures had to blend and compliment the previous work in the corridor including COSMIX and the Bijou Street Bridge renovation. THK lead the design effort not only for the landscape, but for all of the structural aesthetics as well. This included an 8 month+ design process working with a group of key stakeholders to define the desired aesthetics and character. The project also included re-constructing a reach of Fountain Creek; the team designed a creek corridor that is flood resilient, provides fish passages and creates natural and aesthetically-pleasing vegetated habitats.
The I-25/Cimarron Interchange is currently under construction. THK continues to be involved in the process acting as an Owners Representative for CDOT. The project is anticipated to be complete the end of 2017.
by dvmosomy | Saturday, September 16, 2023 |
The Big Dry Creek Pilot Project was a priority project identified in the Big Dry Creek River Corridor Master Plan completed by THK. The City partnered with the Urban Drainage Flood Control District to bring contractors on board early to collaborate during the design process. The project is broken up into 2 phases, Floodplain Restoration and Passive Recreation. Set for construction in September 2019, the floodplain restoration plans were successful in achieving a no-rise certification. While preliminary stages showed a slight rise on site, THK expanded a natural drainage area to eliminate the rise in the floodplain while increasing biodiversity, promoting natural drainage, and creating a more enjoyable user experience. This project is also setting a precedent for environmental permitting through its data collection and monitoring.
THK is working with the City to complete the Passive Recreation Plans. The plans will include a portion of the Heritage Regional Trail, a connector trail, a new pedestrian bridge, a trailhead, secondary trails and opportunities for creek access.
by dvmosomy | Tuesday, August 8, 2023
THK recently finished the design and construction documents for Anythink Nature Library in Thornton, CO. The entire design philosophy for this project is to allow any visitor to find their place in nature by providing a variety of outdoor spaces that serve as different discovery opportunities. THK incorporated a small botanic garden area which includes a sensory, pollinator, desert, Colorado native, mountain, and prairie gardens. A learning garden was designed to allow the library to teach anyone and everyone about planting, maintaining, and harvesting vegetables or other foods. A community garden was also designed and it includes 30 garden plots, compost processing, a beehive area, and a food forest.
by dvmosomy | Tuesday, September 13, 2022 |
In 2012, THK, in combination with Clear Creek County and the Colorado Department of Transportation, began the planning and construction documentation for the Old Game Check Station Trailhead and 2,200 linear feet of improvements along Clear Creek. The trailhead focuses on multiple user groups, access to the trail system in Clear Creek County, access to Clear Creek, restoring native vegetation and habitat and protecting existing ecological systems.
The trailhead provides an important connection to the Scott Lancaster Memorial Path and bridge and will offer river access, restrooms and interpretative opportunities. The trailhead was designed to meet ADA accessible guidelines and features a paved parking lot, sidewalks and a plaza area. The plaza will highlight the Fallen Heroes Memorial, an installation remembering fallen military personnel.
The Creek restoration will return Clear Creek to a more natural state by reducing the channelization that has occurred on the corridor, reducing flow velocity, adding flood capacity, establishing and expanding native ecosystems and improving fisheries habitat. The Old Game Check Station Trailhead was completed in October, 2015 and was designed and constructed in association with the Twin Tunnels Widening Project.
