TKE Elevators at Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center in the Spotlight

The Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center in Manitou Springs, Colorado, was featured in the October 4 episode of America ByDesign on CBS News. Designed by RTA Architects to be sustainable and accessible, the 38,000-ft2 Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center opened in June 2021 and includes two environmentally friendly elevators by TKE Elevator (TKE). "Our elevators are part of what makes this unique destination accessible for all," noted TKE in a social media post announcing that the company would be featured in the episode, which tells the story behind the design and construction of the visitor center.

Work on the project began in 2018. At 14,115 ft above sea level atop "America's Mountain," it was the highest construction site in North America at the time. General contractor GE Johnson and TKE overcame significant weather- and transportation-related challenges during construction. The center has received awards including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Award of Merit, AIA Maryland Excellence in Design Award and AIA Baltimore Design Award. It was the first building in Colorado to achieve Living Building Challenge certification and is pursuing LEED Platinum certification. The Pikes Peak Visitor Center offers a variety of exhibits, panoramic views and its famous "donuts in the sky."