The  Visitors’ Contact Station at the Maroon Bells entrance site is designed as an earth sheltered concrete structure to resist the forces of possible avalanches. The jobsite is at an elevation of 9,580 feet and is surrounded by 14,000 feet peaks.

The structure design incorporates an architectural wall with a custom designed form liner. The form liner features natural designs depicting aspen trees and their root system. The wall is 74 feet in length, 11 feet tall, and 12 inches thick.

 “From an owner’s standpoint, our main concern is always the final appearance. This is especially true of the architectural wall at the Maroon Valley Visitor Contact Station, due to the high volume of customers that will be using the facility,” said Ed Carlson, with White River National Forest.