HPC approves new concrete retaining wall and bearproof trash enclosure at Waltham Avenue property

The Manitou Springs Historic Preservation Commission voted July 1 to approve MCAC 2611 for a property in the Ruxton historic district, permitting removal of a failing wood retaining wall, construction of an approximately 7-foot concrete retaining wall colored to match surrounding rock, and installation of a trash enclosure.

Zachary Davidson, planner, told the commission the structure will replace a failing wood timber retaining wall and accommodate minor repairs behind the wall if needed. "Here is the proposed retaining wall, 7 ft high, which is roughly the same height as the current wall," Davidson said, noting the replacement is prompted by multiple failed wood walls in that area.

Applicant Scott Harvey, who identified himself with a Manitou Avenue address, described prior retaining-wall failures and asked for permission to remove two protruding stones at the top of the existing stone wall to ease forming for the new concrete. He also said the owners experienced bearproof trash cans being thrown around the parking lot and want to install an enclosure with bearproof latches.

Commissioners discussed material and color matching and whether removal of the two stones should be included as a motion condition. Staff said the exact trash-enclosure location will be determined by setbacks and described typical enclosure construction details (2x4 ledger, 4x4 treated posts, 1x6 cladding, galvanized roof). The commission moved and approved MCAC 2611, including language allowing removal of the two protruding stones if necessary; the vote was recorded as 4–0.

Next steps: staff will finalize the permit language, coordinate samples for the integrally colored concrete, and file the decision. Any substantial deviations from the approved work would require returning to the commission or the planning department per standard procedure.