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The Idaho Springs school board owns several acres of land flanking I-70 that currently sits vacant. The County Commissioners and local City Council is considering our plan to retrofit this land into a mixed-use attraction for I-70 tourists. Idaho Springs is one of many linear mountain societies that exist along the interstate. This vacant land and the lots to the east and west currently present themselves as the city’s ‘back door’ to the passing traveler. Yet this area, the central of three entrances into the city, should be valued due to its proximity to the neighboring historic downtown. The addition of hotel anchors, a cultural events center, an underground parking structure, a transit center, retail storefronts, and a welcome monument will invite a visit from many of those who normally would not stop in Idaho Springs. Most importantly the Village concept will include offices, townhomes, apartments, and multi-family homes, all organized around the existing recreation center. This ensures the local community will not become overwhelmed by the tourists. Traffic patterns and plaza layouts were designed with this very concern in mind.