Glassier Farmstead Historic Preservation

Project Overview

Set within the heart of the middle Roaring Fork Valley’s historic agricultural corridor, Glassier Open Space reflects more than a century of farming and ranching. First settled in the late 1800s by the Glassier family and shaped by generations of Italian immigrant farmers, the 137-acre property includes a distinctive 1904 brick farmhouse, early log buildings, and irrigated fields that once produced hay, cattle, and the region’s famed potatoes. 

The ranch was purchased with funding from the Town of Basalt, the Mid-Valley Trails Committee, Great Outdoors Colorado, and Pitkin and Eagle Counties. Today, the ranch is protected through a partnership between Pitkin and Eagle Counties. Preserving the farmstead is important not only for its agricultural and scenic character, but also for its cultural significance as a rare, intact example of early homesteading life and mid-valley Italian heritage.

Glassier Ranch Farmhouse is two stories and constructed of redbrick

With voter approval in 2016 and guidance from the Historic Preservation Policy, Open Space and Trails is now rehabilitating the historic farmhouse, which will provide much-needed on-site housing for agricultural lessees and Open Space and Trails staff once complete in 2026. This restoration phase also lays the groundwork for future stabilization of other historic structures, including the iconic 1890s log barn, allowing the farmstead to remain a working agricultural site. 

Ultimately, the restored Glassier Farmstead will continue to serve as a hub for local food production, wildlife-friendly land stewardship, and the preservation of one of the mid-valley’s most historically rich places.

Project Goals

  • Rehabilitate the 1904 farmhouse for agricultural lessee and Open Space and Trails staff housing.
  • Stabilize and preserve historic outbuildings, including the 1890s log barn.
  • Maintain active agricultural operations by continuing to lease irrigated fields and farmstead areas.
  • Honor the cultural heritage of Italian immigrant homesteaders and early potato farming in Emma.
  • Provide future opportunities for community partnerships, educational tours, and small-scale local food production.
Architectural drawing of the front facade of Glassier Ranch Farmhouse

Glassier Farmstead Restoration Phasing Plan and Schedule

Glassier Restoration Project Site Map with callouts about phases

Key Dates

Historic log barn
  • 1891 – Frederick H. Glassier begins farming in Emma.
  • 1904 – Glassier Farmhouse is built.
  • 2009 – Freda L. Glassier passes away; the farmhouse remains vacant.
  • 2013 – Open Space and Trails, along with partners, acquire the Glassier property.
  • 2015 – Glassier Open Space is leased to local farmers.
  • 2017 – Open Space Lease Bid Process and Policy is updated to support all producers in providing local, natural, and organic food for the community.
  • 2018 – Open Space and Trails Historic Preservation Policy is adopted.
  • 2020 – Glassier Open Space Management Plan is updated with goals for future use and restoration.
  • 2023 – The Glassier Ranch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its agricultural, ethnic heritage, and architectural significance.
  • 2023 – Installation of a pivot irrigation system to more efficiently and evenly distribute water across the agricultural fields.
  • 2025/26 – Phase 1 of the Glassier Farmstead Historic Preservation Project: Rehabilitation of the Glassier House. 
  • 2026/27 - Phase 2 & 3 of the Glassier Farmstead Historic Preservation Project: Replace non-historic garage/barn with a new three-bay agricultural building and loft apartment, and stabilize historic log barn (pending funding). 

More Resources

Stay Informed

Sign up for email updates regarding the Glassier Farmstead Historic Preservation by emailing us. Use the subject line "Request Glassier Farmstead Historic Preservation Updates" and provide your name and email address. 

Contact Jessie Young, Planning and Outreach Manager, Open Space and Trails, via email or 970-309-4707.