Smart
Growth Hall Of Fame 2001
Ten Examples Of Good Planning Decisions In Colorado
F.
Steel Yards Mixed-Use Redevelopment
City of Boulder
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History: The 10 acre site of the Steel Yards project is the former site of a steel fabrication company. As the City of Boulder grew, a mix of automobile oriented strip mall like buildings developed around the steel company. Originally, redevelopment of the site was proposed to house a Home Depot surrounded by parking lots and another large building. After opposition from the city, the property owners entered discussion with Coburn Development, who proposed the current mixed-use development. The project began in 1994, however, due to a commercial moratorium placed by the city, the project was temporarily halted to allow for a rezoning of the area. The City of Boulder embarked upon a rezoning of a large portion of the city, including Steel Yards. With the Coburn plan in hand, the City of Boulder Planning Department created new zoning designations that allowed the mixed-use development. The final Steel Yards proposal creates a pedestrian oriented community of 22 buildings including a mix of residential, retail, office and light industrial spaces. Adding to the economic sustainability of the development, a revitalization project recently revamped the neighboring businesses, creating a desirable transition to this pedestrian friendly development.
Elements of Good Planning: Steel Yards represents good planning on several different levels. First, the development furthers the goals of the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan (described on pages 6-7 of this report) that emphasizes creating infill, mixed-use developments and constructing community and transit oriented neighborhoods. Second, this development shows a cooperative effort between Coburn Development and the City of Boulder. The City of Boulder recognized this proposal as smart growth and worked with the developer to creatively re-zone the area to allow mixed-use. Coburn Development integrated the following smart growth techniques into the design and development of the Steel Yards proposal:
- Provides a mix of
residential, retail, office and light industrial areas. The proposal
calls for 90 residential units in 83,000 square feet, 19,400 s.f. of retail
space, 60,600 s.f. of office space, 28,400 s.f. of service industrial space,
27,400 s.f. of light industrial space, and 1,000 s.f. of daycare space.
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Design standards that emphasize pedestrian use and community interaction. Grocery stores and other community amenities are all within walking distance. The proposal includes an ample amount of under ground parking to further deemphasize the automobile.
(Picture taken from www.coburndev.com)
- Located near one of
Boulder's major transportation corridors allowing for mass-transit
(i.e. bus and potentially light rail) use. Also in close proximity to bicycle
and pedestrian pathways.
- Creates an infill
project in a commercialized part of Boulder property that remained untouched
for over three years.
- Provides affordable housing. 85 residential units will be permanently affordable under deed restrictions. Affordable prices will target household incomes that are between 60% and 74.5% of the area median income.
Overall, Steel Yards is a well-planned development that incorporates a variety of smart growth principles creating a community that encourages people of varied incomes to live and work in the same neighborhood.
Involved Parties: Coburn Development and the City of Boulder
Location: The 10 acres of Steel Yards is located on the east side of 30th Street in between Pearl Street and Valmont Avenue.
Status: Steel Yards is currently under construction. Five buildings are completed. Coburn estimates that full build out will take 2 to 3 years.
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