Yaw: Choose the right road

As a longtime Aspen architect and resident, the stale uncertainties about the future of Highway 82’s entry into Aspen is not only disturbing but could preclude long-term land use benefits for both local residents and visitors.

To be clear: I strongly oppose the “straight shot” highway option that would slice through the Marolt Open Space. Once a vehicular route is built through that land, its potential as a public nature park — a peaceful, lasting gift to future generations — is gone forever!

Aspen’s character has always been associated with its intimate scale and stunning alpine setting — a mountain sanctuary envisioned by Walter Paepcke as prime for reflection, renewal, and intellectual fulfillment.

A thoughtfully preserved Marolt Park can be a continuation of that vision, offering an open space that mirrors our town’s scale and soul — open forever to townspeople and visitors with pathways, natural beauty, and community connection.

The final stretch into town should have “vestibule-like quality” — a transition space that prepares us for Aspen’s unique historic scale, charm, and natural beauty. That’s the kind of experience West Main Street deserves, not a multi-lane highway with a new bridge smashing into it.

There’s a better alternative — a reimagined use of the Castle Creek route with phased improvements for public safety, lane capacity, traffic flow, etc. This option could become Aspen’s own “green vestibule,” echoing the experience of entering from Independence Pass through mountain river valleys, verdant meadows, and pedestrian path opportunities.

Aspen deserves a gateway that reflects who we are, not just where we are going or coming from. 

Let’s choose the path that honors our past, protects our open space, and preserves the Aspen experience for generations to come. 

Larry Yaw, FAIA Architect

Basalt