Complex mountain terrain
The zoo’s sloping site introduced challenging conditions for structural coordination and the positioning of steel elements.
LOCATIONColorado Springs, Colorado
CLIENT AND FABRICATORDrake Williams Steel
STRUCTURAL STEELApproximately 440 tons
Project overview
Supporting a new chapter in the zoo’s 100-year history.
Located on the slopes of Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is undertaking a major redevelopment to enhance visitor facilities and animal care as it marks its 100-year anniversary.
The expansion includes a new admissions plaza, café and gift shop, along with improvements to the African Rift Valley exhibit. A central feature is the International Center for the Care and Conservation of Giraffes, including an approximately 12,000-square-foot giraffe barn and expanded outdoor habitat.
Anatomic provided structural steel detailing for approximately 440 tons of steel for two primary structures: the Giraffe Barn (Building 1) and the Gift Shop (Building 2).
Approx. 440
Tons detailed
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Technical complexity
Precision detailing shaped by topography, phasing and multiple building functions.
Phased work in an active zoo
The redevelopment required coordination with phased construction activities and the constraints of an operating zoological facility.
Two structures with different functions
The Giraffe Barn and Gift Shop serve distinct purposes, requiring coordination of their respective structural systems and building layouts.
Our approach
BIM-driven workflows connecting design, fabrication and erection.
Using Tekla Structures, Anatomic developed a detailed 3D steel model to define structural components and connections.
The model supported clash detection, interdisciplinary coordination and the preparation of fabrication and erection information. It also helped the team address evolving construction requirements and challenging site conditions.
Project animation
Cheyenne Mountain Zoo model sequence.
The project animation presents the coordinated structure and its construction sequence in a clear visual format.