2025 Mountain States Best Projects
Award of Merit, Residential/Hospitality: Ralston Gardens

Ralston Gardens
Arvada, Colo.
Award of Merit
Submitted by Brinkmann Constructors
Owner Mile High Development
Owner/Developer Brinshore Development
Lead Design Firm Shears Adkins Rockmore Architects
General Contractor Brinkmann Constructors
Civil Engineer Altitude Land Consultants
Structural Engineer KL&A Engineers & Builders
MEP Engineer BALA
Landscape Architect Confluence
This affordable housing project now provides 102 units for individuals and families in Arvada. Working through a comprehensive 18-month preconstruction process on this design-assist project provided critical support during design development along with value engineering initiatives resulting in more than $1 million in cost savings.
To optimize mountain views, the building was designed with an orientation that landlocked it on two sides, creating major access challenges during preconstruction. Resequencing sitework enabled safe access for motorized equipment on all four sides and ensured a secure work environment.
Completed under budget and ahead of schedule in October 2024, the project faced unusual rainfall that dramatically elevated the site’s water table in spring 2023, bringing it 3.5 ft higher than indicated in the geotechnical report. This caused significant groundwater intrusion into the foundation and utility areas. Instead of a full-scale dewatering system, the team used strategic site trenches, water pits and offsite water treatment. This approach required 24/7 monitoring but kept work on track while preserving contingency funds.


