From Market to Landmark: A Community-Driven Mixed-Use Vision in Downtown Basalt

Z Group Architecture & Interior Design
Jul 13
3 min read

Updated: Aug 3

Groundbreaking a New Chapter for Basalt

In the heart of historic Downtown Basalt, where the legacy of the Colorado Midland Railway meets the rhythm of the Roaring Fork River, a new landmark is rising. On July 10, 2025, Z Group Architecture & Interior Design, in collaboration with LB West and Shaw Construction, broke ground on Basalt Center Circle and The Midland Residences, a visionary mixed-use project that blends modular mountain housing, locally focused retail, and community-first design in the Roaring Fork Valley.

Project partners, architects, and local leaders pose with shovels during the Basalt Center Circle and Midland Residences groundbreaking: Kris Mattera (Basalt Chamber of Commerce), David Knight (Mayor of Basalt), Andrew Light (LB West),Brendan Matthias (First Bank), Scott McHale (Z Group Architecture & Interior Design), Craig Cordts-Pierce (CP Restaurant Group), Gonzo Mirich (Jimbo's Liquor), Brendan Matthias (First Bank), Tim Belinksi (LB West), and Lawrence Scott (Northstar Systembuilt) — Kris Mattera (Basalt Chamber of Commerce), David Knight (Mayor of Basalt), Andrew Light (LB West), Brendan Matthias (First Bank), Scott McHale (Z Group Architecture & Interior Design), Craig Cordts-Pierce (CP Restaurant Group), Gonzo Mirich (Jimbo's Liquor), Brendan Matthias (First Bank), Tim Belinksi (LB West), and Lawrence Scott (Northstar Systembuilt)

Mixed-Use Design with Community at Its Core

Rising from the site of the former Clark’s Market, Basalt Center Circle and The Midland Residences reimagine the town’s future while honoring its roots. The project introduces 65 condo units, developed with Northstar Systembuilt, situated above 10,000+ square feet of local-first retail, including a neighborhood market, CP Restaurant Group eatery, Jimbo’s Liquor, and a European-style café.

Architectural rendering of The Midland Residences above retail shops at Basalt Center Circle, showcasing modular construction, mountain-modern design elements, and surrounding plantings that blend with the town’s natural landscape.

Interior rendering of a modern studio apartment at The Midland Residences, featuring a compact open-plan kitchen with light wood cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, black herringbone tile backsplash, and a cozy seating area with large windows and mountain views.

Z Group’s design prioritizes sustainability by incorporating aspects of modular construction while maintaining the warmth, character, and craftsmanship that define their mountain-modern aesthetic. Every design decision was guided by place, purpose, and the community it serves.

A Groundbreaking Built for Basalt Locals

The groundbreaking ceremony welcomed Basalt’s town council, planning board, residents, and project partners to celebrate a milestone in downtown revitalization.

Developer Tim Belinski of LB West emphasized the project’s focus on local ownership and entrepreneurship. Approximately 75–80% of residential units are expected to be sold to local buyers, while all retail spaces are reserved for locally owned businesses, such as Jimbo's Liquor, which was located in the previous building, and CP Restaurant Group, which will operate the market, eatery, and cafe.

Mayor of Basalt, David Knight, speaking at the groundbreaking alongside Tim Belinksi and Andrew Light of LB West and Craig Cordts-Pierce of CP Restaurant Group stand under a tent. One man in a green shirt speaks into a microphone. A green banner reads "SHAW." Trees visible outside. — Mayor of Basalt, David Knight, speaking at the groundbreaking alongside Tim Belinksi and Andrew Light of LB West and Craig Cordts-Pierce of CP Restaurant Group.

This commitment to housing affordability, economic resilience, and year-round vibrancy positions Basalt Center Circle and The Midland Residences as a catalyst for connection and cultural sustainability, and we are honored to be part of the legacy project.

Collaborative Vision from Z Group’s Leadership Team

At Z Group, design begins with listening and flourishes through collaboration. The design vision for Basalt Center Circle and The Midland Residences is led by Scott McHale, Principal & Director of Design, whose connection to Basalt’s heritage informed every detail.

“Basalt Center Circle represents a rare opportunity to reconnect a vital part of town with its future. It’s rooted in community and built for modern life.”—Scott McHale, Principal & Director of Design.

Portrait of Scott McHale, Principal & Director of Design at Z Group, wearing a dark suit jacket and blue button-down shirt, smiling confidently in a professional studio setting. — Scott McHale, Principal & Director of Design

The Z Group team brought cross-disciplinary expertise across architecture, interiors, and site coordination:

Seth Hmielowski, Senior Principal, AIA NCARB, ASID, LEED AP
Scott McHale, Principal & Director of Design, LEED AP
Randy Henrie, Senior Associate, NCARB, LEED AP
Marina Skiles, Senior Interior Architect, AIA
Katie Hmielowski, Project Manager & Architectural Designer, LEED AP
Matt Ott, Project Manager & Architectural Designer
Amy Coy, Interior Designer
Jessye Ebbinghouse, Interior Design Assistant

Design Partners Rooted in the Western Slope

This project is a celebration of regional collaboration. Z Group works alongside:

Together, this team is creating a space where design and community converge in harmony.

The Future of Downtown Basalt and the Roaring Fork Valley

Slated for completion in Summer 2026, Basalt Center Circle and The Midland Residences will stand as a model for Colorado mixed-use architecture that is deeply community-aligned and environmentally conscious.

As Z Group looks ahead to future phases—expanding public space, civic partnerships, and integrated placemaking—this project marks a defining moment in our 70+ year legacy of shaping people-first architecture across the Western Slope.