Gilpin County is inviting proposals from qualified firms to provide foundation construction and restorative services for the historic Thorn Lake School located on Tolland Road, just west of Colorado Highway 119, in Rollinsville, Colorado. The Thorn Lake School building was built circa 1896 as a one room school for educating rural children in Gilpin County School District No. 10. A new slab on grade foundation will need to be designed and constructed to support the historic structure. The historic structure is currently placed on a trailer that is on a loan from a member of the community. The structure currently sits approximately 0.2 miles from CO 119 on Tolland Rd, on the south side of the road. The historic structure is secured to the trailer using straps. Once the foundation has cured, the structure will need to be removed from the trailer and placed on the foundation with the bay door facing south towards the railroad (a rotation of 180 degrees). Gilpin County staff will coordinate with the owner of the trailer that the historic structure is currently resting on, for its removal from the County owned lots. A geotechnical investigation to determine proper foundation type for the existing soil conditions may be required so that the construction of the new foundation and structural floor is in accordance with the recommendation of the geotechnical report.
During construction of the new foundation, missing and deteriorated sills will need to be replaced. Roof rafters will need evaluated for load capacity. Restoration and/or rehabilitation of the interior will require design of new structural upgrades for lateral stability to replace the current internal bracing.
The exterior walls are framed with 2 x 6 studs, sheathed in vertical 1 x vertical boards, and clad in lap siding. There are trim boards at the corners and at the eaves. Damaged siding and trim will need repaired or replaced. The exterior will need repainted as there is virtually no original paint left.
The structure has a gable roof which is covered in asphalt shingles over wood shingles. The roof has exposed rafters, and there is a sheet metal flue on one side. The asphalt shingles are deteriorated and past the end of their useful life. The wood trim at the eaves is badly weathered as well. The shingle roof will need to be replaced with wood shingles. The deteriorated trim will need repaired and repainted.
No doors remain on the structure. It is recommended to install new doors based on evidence from historical photographs or appropriate period design.
The original windows are missing and only one widow sash remains in the structure. Evidence on the existing jambs suggest that the windows were double hung, without counterweights and secured by sash pins. Installation of new windows with a design based on existing evidence and typical period construction details.
Installation of new electrical service, lighting and power receptacles as appropriate for the Thorn Lake School’s new use as a visitor/welcome center.
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