In 1998, Nike considered the site as a relocation of its national headquarters, but pulled the plug in the face of huge opposition, the extreme costs of getting infrastructure to the top of the mesa and a stock price that at the time was eroding. At the time, many thought Nike was trying to convince city officials in Beaverton, OR to allow it to continue to grow its office campus.

But the Nike deal helped rally conservation groups to look to buy the land, something they have coveted for more than three decades. Greg Stevinson, the largest developer on the West side of the metro area, and for years head of Jefferson County Open Space, also opposed the Nike headquarters on the mesa, and wanted to see the land saved.

"This land has been sought after by conservationists for more than 30years," Doug Robotham, director of TPL's Colorado office, tells GlobeSt.com. "We didn't try to buy it during the Nike thing, but soon after we started look at ways to make it work. Coors was really leading the way here. They came to the conclusion they could serve their fiduciary obligations to shareholders, while also serving the public good. You have striking 360-degree views from the top of the mesa. On a clear day, you can see from Pike's Peak to Long's Peak. There is no better view of where we live from there. Even though it is in the middle of an urban area, you feel quite removed on top of the mesa."