Reinventing the Invisible Community
May, 2016
Smeltertown, CO
Senior Capstone
The Shattered Glass Theory
Half of the Smeltertown site exists as a rock quarry that was constructed over an environmental cleanup area.
The other half lives in the shadow of Salida most of which is worn down businesses and residential homes.
However, it is also the historical location of a very rich mining culture. A smokestack still stands erect at a
height of 365 feet as a monument surrounded by mountains. It was completed almost a century ago in 1917.
Consequently though, Smeltertown is in dire need of a recovery strategy if it is to maintain its historical
landmark and rich working class culture.