Poverty Flats Changes Hands: “We ♥ Leadville” Site Sold at Last

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After years of stalled deals and dashed hopes, the long-awaited sale of the “We ♥ Leadville” parcel—better known locally as Poverty Flats—has closed. On October 4 the property officially transferred from Seven Saints Land Company to High Country Developers, LLC for $1.35 million.

Prime Location Meets Utility Upgrade
The nearly 40-acre tract stretches from the corner of East 12th Street and Highway 24 (adjacent to the Family Dollar) northward past Leadville’s iconic “We ♥ Leadville” sign, all the way to parcels behind the Silver King Inn and Malette Gas Station. Originally under contract in 2009, High Country Developers’ plans were delayed when they discovered there was no sewer line serving the site. That obstacle was removed in 2011, when the Leadville Sanitation District completed a $1.7 million upgrade—installing larger pipes and extending service to 14th and Harrison Avenue—clearing the way for renewed development talks.

New Owner’s Vision: Mixed-Use with Leadville Character
John P. Lichtenegger, an attorney-turned-developer from Jackson, Missouri, formed High Country Developers in 2009 with the express goal of acquiring Poverty Flats. He says the next step will be annexing 37 of the 39 acres into the City of Leadville, a move he believes aligns the land with its urban neighbor. With CDOT set to accelerate its Highway 24/Mountain View Drive intersection project—transforming it into a full four-way junction—Lichtenegger foresees a cohesive gateway leading directly into his proposed mixed-use community.

Plans call for highway-front retail and commercial buildings that honor Leadville’s mining-era architecture, backed by a residential mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Lichtenegger is particularly committed to integrating workforce and affordable housing into the site, reflecting his long-standing interest in real-estate development and local needs.

Honoring a Landmark: The “We ♥ Leadville” Sign
Perhaps the most photographed piece of Poverty Flats is the “We ♥ Leadville” wall. Lichtenegger pledges to preserve that cherished landmark—either in its current form or as part of a new installation—once the site plan is finalized.

From “Shattered Dreams” to New Beginnings
Poverty Flats earned its name in Leadville’s early mining days, when weary prospectors left behind personal belongings in frustration, unable to carry them onward. Today, the site’s history as a symbol of dashed hopes gives way to renewed promise. With local housing shortages—and persistent calls for affordable options—High Country Developers’ project could transform Poverty Flats into a community centerpiece rather than a cautionary relic.

As Lichtenegger puts it: “I’ve been enchanted with Leadville for years—its pioneer-built architecture and stunning mountain backdrop are simply spectacular. We ♥ Leadville, and it’s time to give this land a future worthy of that sentiment.”

Kathy Bedell of The Great Pumpkin LLC contributes to Leadville Today. She can be reached

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Leslie Thomas is a versatile news magazine writer with a talent for crafting engaging stories across a wide range of topics—from hard-hitting investigative pieces to lifestyle and culture blogs. Drawing on her keen editorial insight and curiosity, she brings clarity and depth to every article, keeping readers informed and inspired with fresh perspectives and compelling narratives.
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