Boulder's boom: More than 30 building projects on tap for next 2 years

Big changes are brewing in Boulder.

The city is on the brink of a building boom that -- in relatively short time -- could alter the look and feel of large parts of the city.

The developments that are expected to come online within the next two years are on track to add 1,500 apartments, a few hundred new hotel rooms and a large volume of new office and retail space.

Of the dozens of projects either in the planning process or already under construction, the Daily Camera has identified more than 30 private developments that are significant in size, location or historical context.

"This long list certainly contradicts the notion that Boulder is not growing -- and, indeed, is a note of caution that we not rush to develop them all at once," City Councilwoman Suzanne Jones wrote in an e-mail to the Camera. "There are finite options for new development and redevelopment within Boulder, so we need to proceed with deliberation, creativity and even restraint to ensure that this pulse of building activity reflects Boulder's long-term values and community aspirations."

The amount of projects that could move forward is not surprising, city officials say. Financing and construction dried up with the rest of the economy four years back.

"I don't know that there would be a dramatic transformation," said Charles Ferro, a city planner. "It may feel that way in certain pockets."

In some of those areas -- notably the transit-oriented Boulder Junction east of 30th and Pearl streets -- the city has planned for change, said Tim Plass, a city councilman. For other areas, this flood of new projects will serve as a "great test" for the effectiveness of the city's rules and regulations, he said.

"My hope is that with the regulatory structure in place with the site review (and other) processes, that we get products that are going to complement our vision for our community," he said. "...While we have room for change, we want to make sure we keep the things about Boulder that make it Boulder."

The influx of construction activity and the resulting projects could be a boon for city coffers.

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Boulder's boom: More than 30 building projects on tap for next 2 years