A historic Colorado streetcar that seemed doomed a year ago is back in operation thanks to its sale to an out-of-state company that builds and operates urban and tourist gondolas.
Built in 1955, the Estes Park Tram is scheduled to operate until 2022, but did not open last year after its owners put it up for sale. Gondola Ventures purchased it and reopened it in May.
The Estes Park Tram takes tourists 1,080 feet up Prospect Mountain on the western edge of Estes Park, about four miles east of the Beaver Meadows entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park. It was built by cable car legend Robert Heron, a veteran of the 10th Mountain Division who constructed several ski lifts in Colorado after World War II, including Aspen’s single-chair Lift 1 in 1946 and Colorado’s first double chair at Berthoud Pass in 1947. During his career, he was involved in the construction of over 100 ski lifts across the country.
Bryan McFarland and Mary Jane Loevlie, who are investors in the tram, are also behind the project to build a gondola in Idaho Springs called the Mighty Argo Cable Car. Gondola Ventures is also involved in that project. The purchase of the Estes Park Tram was completed in March.
“We spent the next seven weeks spending about $1.5 million on deferred maintenance on the grounds and buildings,” McFarland said. “The streetcar was carefully maintained as required each year, but the buildings needed a little TLC. We got everything in order and completed construction on the day of the grand opening on Memorial Day weekend.”
Like all ski lifts in Colorado, the tram is subject to regular inspections by the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board.
Heron operated the Estes Park Tram until his death in 1999. His son John took over and ran the operation until his death in 2022, when the family decided to sell.
“We were thrilled to acquire this iconic tram in this beautiful location,” said McFarland. “It offers the most spectacular views of Rocky Mountain National Park imaginable. We look forward to continuing to operate this facility into the future, and we have plans for improvements over the next few years, working with the City of Estes Park and Larimer County.”
Plans include building a museum at the mountain station with historical artifacts, photographs and technical plans for tram construction.
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