Project Profile

Owner:  City of Central
Use: Comprehensive Plan
Services: Master Planning, Architecture

Central City is a historic mining town in the beautiful Colorado mountains. It began with the discovery of gold in 1859 by John Gregory. At its boomtown zenith, Central City had a population of 15,000 people and was dubbed “The Richest Square Mile on Earth.” In 1961, through the efforts of local historic preservationists, the Central City and Black Hawk National Landmark Historic District was created.

After mining operations largely ceased, the remarkably well-preserved historic district did not thrive. In 1990, Colorado voters passed a law allowing “limited gaming” in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek that allocated taxes generated by gaming toward historic preservation in those cities.

35 years later, Central City hired OS Architecture to update their comprehensive plan and associated regulations to spur economic growth, improve civic infrastructure, improve services and amenities, and find a way to allow for meaningful new development within the historic district and surrounding areas.