Structural Associates » Reconstructing the Fowler Hilliard Hut

Reconstructing the Fowler Hilliard Hut

The Hut

The Fowler Hilliard Hut, originally constructed in 1988, is located near Vail Pass at 11,500 feet and is one of the most popular huts in the Tenth Mountain System. On average, it has approx. 2,300 vistor/nights per year. It was funded by the Fowler/Hilliard families in rememberence of Anne Fowler and Ed Hilliard who were tragically killed in a climbing accident.

The Fire

In September 2009, the existing Fowler Hilliard Hut suffered catastrophic fire damage. Though it isn’t known with 100% certainty what caused the fire, lighting is suspected to be the cause. Due to the rural nature of the huts, the fire wasn’t reported and discovered until it had destroyed the majority of the structure. In response to the 1,500 reservations that had been made for the Fowler Hilliard Hut in the 2009-2010 season, Tenth Mountain put up a temporary yurt structure to be used until the new structure is complete. The yurt, which sleeps approx. 16 and includes all of the amenities of the former Fowler Hilliard Hut, allowed the majority of the back country trekkers to keep their reservations.

The New Hut

The Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association initiated a massive fund raising effort to cover the budget shortfall of the hut’s replacement. Also, through a quick response to the catastrophic hut damage, the project team began the pre-construction process immediately after the existing hut burned to the ground. A coordinated effort between the Tenth Mountain Division, the original architect, and Structural Associates was launched to design and build the hut so that it would ready for the 2010-2011 season. The group also developed a list of improvements to the hut’s energy efficiency, view, storage capacity and fire resistance that are being integrated into the new structure. To follow the hut’s reconstruction progress, become a fan of the Tenth Mountain Hut Division on Facebook.

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