Structural Associates & Tenth Mountain

The Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association manages 29 Huts throughout the central Colorado mountain region between Aspen, Vail and Leadville.  The heart of the system are 12 Huts that are owned and operated by the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association [Tenth].

One of the founding fathers of the Hut system and World War II 10^th Mountain Division Veteran was Fritz Benedict. Structural Associates was fortunate enough to be selected as the builder of the Benedict Huts, honoring Fritz and Fabi Benedict.  The Benedict Huts were completed in the fall of 1997.  Despite the extreme challenges of construction at 11,600’, the positive, professional process led to a long term relationship between the “Tenth” and Structural Associates.

The service relationship started with Structural Associates conducting diagnostic site and building inspections.  These inspections resulted in maintenance schedules which allowed volunteers and professional associates of the Tenth to plan for repairs, improvements and maintenance.  Structural Associates, as a dedicated team member, has completed maintenance and repairs on the Huts every summer for the last thirteen years.

On September 21, 2009 there was a catastrophic fire at the Fowler Hilliard Hut, near Camp Hale.  The fire is believed to be caused by a lightning strike.  Structural Associates, as the team builder, will be constructing the new hut.  In addition to building the Hut, Structural has also had the opportunity to work closely with the Tenth and Architect by hosting a design charette as well as the continued development of the design and finish for the new Fowler Hilliard Hut. Construction on the new Hut started in mid June and will be complete for the 2011 season.