OUR WORK
We Build Beautiful Spaces for The Way You Live
Every remodeling project we do starts with listening.
To create a beautiful space that fits your lifestyle, we need to understand your ultimate goals and how you inhabit your home. Although each project is different and tailored to the homeowner’s personalities and tastes, one thing remains the same, our commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, aesthetic sensibility, and keen attention to detail. Everything we do is intentional, honoring the integrity of the materials and the environment they become a part of. Environmental best practices and reducing our carbon footprint is always top of mind.
COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
School of Mines – Race 2 Zero and Tiny House Competitions
Mines Tiny House program began in the fall of 2015 as a way for students to prepare for the 2019 Solar Decathlon. Ken mentored and worked with students as they worked to complete construction on a 220-square-foot tiny house. The mix of engineering, building, and problem solving proved to be as fun as it was challenging.
Keyshong Bridge, Eldora Co.
The Keyshong bridge replaced an unsafe historic bridge that had fallen into disrepair. Moved to publicly owned land, it crosses Boulder Creek and provides access to the western side of Eldora, its trails, and public lands. This was accomplished through the cooperation of neighboring landowners and the county in a 3-way land swap creating public access and a new, permanent home for the bridge. Loads of volunteers spent hundreds of hours building over several fall seasons (when the water level was low). Ken and his team designed the bridge structure to be made by hand with volunteers. For example, the foundation is gabions, rock-filled wire baskets that could be laid by hand. The community of Eldora cherishes the bridge, taking in the seasonal beauty of the area and using it for a multitude of celebrations and events.
The word Keyshong is Nepalese for Happy Valley, which is the name of the original pacer mine of Eldora. Jean Matthews Kindig, Ken’s mother-in-law, suggested the name to put a happy stamp on the bridge, as the planning stages were somewhat controversial. It is indeed more than just a bridge!
Eldorado Springs Town Sewer Advisory Board
As Leader of the Advisory Board, Ken realized the urgent issue of old septic systems in need of replacement. The issue was large in scope, requiring political, community, and practical intervention. Over a 5-year period, Ken and the Advisory Board worked closely with Boulder County on the design, permitting and construction. The town of Eldorado Springs joined the County in a land purchase that became dedicated Boulder County Open Space. This option provided the community a needed location for the underground sewer treatment facility. All one can see is a small shed in a field. The biggest compliment we get is the question, “where is the sewer plant located, anyway?” Because it’s essentially invisible, there is no interference with the town’s beautiful mountain backdrop.
Crew leader – Trail building, hiking and mountain bike trails.
What began as a 2-week intensive in high school became a life-long labor of love. There are many technical and complex skills required in the creation and maintenance of trails in Colorado that most people never think about. Ken learned early and developed the skills and understanding to become an asset as a volunteer. It has been his way of life and what he considers an opportunity to ‘give back’ to the community he loves.
Professional Cycling Course Construction and Oversight.
Setting up for bicycle race such as the Coors Classic or Red Zinger Classic required an entire year of preparation. Ken was one of the most talented motorcycle drivers for the camera crews filming the high-speed cyclists. With precision, he could position the motorcycle to give the camera person the best shot without interfering with the race.
Planning, Organizing, production and construction of the multi-day stage bicycle races was choreographed and broadcast to 18 million live households around the world, each day. Including the Coors International Bicycle Classic, Red Zinger, Tour Dupont and the 1986 World Road racing Championships in Colorado Springs.
Eldorado Springs Resort, Historic Ballroom
The structure of the ballroom was failing. Ken and his team evaluated the old post and beam construction noting that supports were needed. It was necessary to jack up the beams a full 22’, stabilizing all of the sagging areas. Care was taken to preserve the original feel of the space.
Rescue Renovation
While neither volunteer nor community-based appearing on Rescue Renovation is certainly noteworthy. In DIY Network’s Rescue Renovation, host Kayleen McCabe worked with Ken as the licensed general contractor. Together they helped project-challenged homeowners who are in over their heads with their renovations. Kayleen points out exactly what went wrong and formulates a seven-day action plan to turn awful renovations into jaw-dropping rooms.
Let us know how we can help
Sheldon Builders, Inc.
ken@sheldonbuilders.com
303 884 5262
PO Box 326
Eldorado Springs, CO 80025