City of COS halfway to financial goal for new Pikes Peak Summit

Organizers in Colorado Springs say they have half of the money needed for a $50 million reconstruction of the Pikes Peak Summit.

The project is expected to start next year and finish in 2020.

It includes building a new summit house to replace the one erected in the 1960s.

The city first considered renovating the current summit house but decided money would be better spent on a larger, modern facility.

“A neat element is that it’s kind of built into the side of the mountain. So when you come to the summit, you experience it–and not the summit with the building on top,” said Karen Palus with City Parks and Recreation.

“I’m sure it takes a lot of money to maintain all of this. But they’re making quite a bit (with) people coming up here, so I’m glad to see they’re putting it into something that benefits everybody,” said Dylan Massa.

“I would like that–the views, scenery, 360, glass, safe, warm, more air-conditioned,” said Josh Waterloo.

Organizers say they hope donations will cover the remaining $25 million.

The project may also affect a weather station, an army research station and the COG Railway.