We Hit History Instead of Bedrock

Thirty Feet Below Our Aspen Job Site, We Hit History Instead of Bedrock

While building a home at the base of Aspen Mountain, our micropiles suddenly lost resistance. A quick investigation revealed the reason: a hidden mine shaft from the historic Baltic Mine.

How We Fixed It

Turning a 30‑foot‑deep void into a safe foundation took careful planning and precise execution.

First, we dug out and re‑compacted the loose soil to create a stable base. Then, we pumped in grout and concrete in controlled stages to fill the empty space and strengthen the ground.

Because some of our early micropiles had shifted, we also installed soil nails—long steel rods drilled into the slope—to lock everything in place for the long term.

Working in Downtown Aspen

This wasn’t just an engineering challenge—it was also a community challenge.

The site is located in a busy neighborhood at the base of Aspen Mountain, surrounded by locals and second‑home owners. Using heavy machinery and loud equipment meant we had to keep neighbors informed, stay precise and efficient with operations, and follow Aspen’s strict building rules and schedules.

A big thank‑you to Superintendent Mike Mount and Project Manager Elisabeth White, who led the charge. They kept the project efficient, cost‑friendly, and neighbor‑conscious from start to finish.

Where We Are Now

The site is now fully stabilized, and the footings are in place.

Next up: foundation walls, and soon this site will hold a modern mountain home with sweeping views of Aspen Mountain—built right on top of a piece of local history.

At HCI, construction is more than just building. It’s about solving problems, respecting history, and creating world‑class homes while keeping our community happy.

This home is the perfect example of Aspen’s past meeting its future.