IDAHO SPRINGS, Colo. (KDVR) — A long-anticipated gondola project in Idaho Springs is nearing the finish line, with final inspections underway this week and an opening expected by the end of the month.

The Mighty Argo Cable Car — a $71 million development built into the historic Virginia Canyon — is poised to become one of the Front Range’s newest tourism draws, offering scenic rides, mountain biking access and a modern take on Colorado’s mining history.

“This is really about place-making and heritage tourism,” said Mary Jane Loevlie with Mighty Argo. “We wanted to pay homage to the incredible mining history here in Idaho Springs, where the first major gold discovery in Colorado happened.”

A ride through history — with a modern twist

The gondola stretches more than a mile up the canyon, climbing roughly 1,250 feet from the base to Miners Point near the top.

Riders will travel in a mix of cabins — including glass-bottom “golden gondolas” — designed to showcase sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and historic landscape.

The project is built alongside the Argo Tunnel, which dates back to 1893 and played a key role in Colorado’s early mining industry.

Built for bikers — and everyone else

In addition to sightseeing, the gondola is designed with outdoor recreation in mind.

Specialized cabins can carry up to eight bikes at a time, allowing riders to skip the uphill climb and access trails directly from the summit.

Developers say up to 28 miles of hiking and biking trails are planned, with about 15 miles expected to open initially and more expansion already in the works.

“It’s for the recreationalist, the tourist who just wants a beautiful view — really anyone who wants to get out into nature,” Loevlie said.

More than a gondola: a full mountain destination

At the top, visitors will find what developers call “The Outpost,” a hub featuring multiple food and beverage options, gathering spaces and panoramic viewpoints.

The site also includes an amphitheater designed for concerts, weddings and corporate events, along with a trestle structure expected to serve as a key photo spot.

“We’re creating an experience where you come up and stay awhile,” Loevlie said.

Economic impact for a historic town

Located about 30 to 35 minutes from Denver, Idaho Springs has long been a gateway to the mountains — and officials say the gondola could bring a significant boost to local businesses.

Visitors can expect a mountain experience that feels far removed from the city — without the long drive.

“You’ll feel like you’re deep in the mountains, this close to Denver,” Loevlie said.

Opening timeline

Developers say final inspections are underway, and if approved, the Mighty Argo Cable Car could open to the public by the end of the month.

The attraction is expected to be family-friendly and dog-friendly, adding to its appeal as a day-trip destination for locals and tourists alike.

MERIDIAN (Idaho Statesman) — It could cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to fix the damage caused when an Idaho woman allegedly drove an ambulance into a Meridian building where the Department of Homeland Security leases office space, a new document shows.

A building-permit request filed with the city of Meridian estimates that repairs to the lobby of the St. Luke’s Portico North building would cost $700,000.

The six-story office building is located at the southeast corner of Eagle and Franklin roads, one block north of St. Luke’s Meridian hospital. And it’s where prosecutors say the woman drove through the south entrance doors and into the lobby on Feb. 18, according to prosecutors. No one was injured, police said, but the building sustained “significant damage,” a St. Luke’s spokesperson said at the time.

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The spokesperson, Christine Myron, told the Idaho Statesman on Tuesday that the building has remained closed since the incident and that “due to the extent of the damage and the scope of the repairs,” there is no estimated date for reopening. In response to follow-up questions about the building permit, she added that repairs are still being assessed, and the health system doesn’t yet have a full cost estimate.

But the known repairs so far? According to the permit materials, filed by a Meridian design firm, needed repairs and improvements are expected to include: new sliding glass entry doors on both the north and south entryways, new flooring, wall and ceiling finishes in the lobby area, elevator shaft repairs, and some “minor” fire alarm, sprinkler and electrical work.

Existing construction would be protected during the work, permit materials show. The total construction area is just shy of 2,900 square feet — about the size of a standard tennis court.

Corner Office Design LLC filed the permit with the city on March 31. According to the city’s online database, the permit request documents are under review.

In February, when the existence of the Department of Homeland Security lease was first reported, Myron told the Statesman that the building was not used for clinical care.

“St. Luke’s has worked with a variety of organizations, including the General Services Administration, over the years to temporarily lease unused office space,” Myron said in an email at the time. “Last fall, GSA signed a lease for the Department of Homeland Security to utilize administrative office space in the Portico North office building near Franklin and S. Eagle Road.”

Sarah George, of Boise, stole a Canyon County Paramedics ambulance from St. Luke’s Meridian before crashing it into the Portico North building, according to the prosecution’s motion for detention. She allegedly tried to light a fire before being scared off, police said.

Prosecutors asked U.S. Magistrate Judge Debora K. Grasham to keep George in detention, and Grasham agreed. Her trial is scheduled for April 20, according to online court records.

It is unclear whether additional repairs will be needed beyond those referenced in the permit. In the meantime, Myron said workers typically based in Portico North have been relocated to other locations temporarily.