Alpine-Balsam redevelopment of former hospital site moves closer to reality

The Boulder City Council on Thursday, Oct. 17, advanced the Alpine-Balsam redevelopment by approving a key ordinance and declining to call up the associated development review applications, allowing the project to move forward without further delay. 

This marks a significant milestone for what city officials say will be Boulder’s largest affordable housing project, which will also include market-rate housing, new city offices and commercial space.

The city purchased the site — located between Alpine Ave. and Balsam Ave. on the west side of Broadway — for $40 million in 2015. An additional $16 million was spent to demolish the former Boulder Community Health hospital, according to a city official. Officials estimate the project will require another $40 million in capital investment and $100 million in debt issuance.

In partnership with Boulder Housing Partners, Coburn Partners and ZGF Architecture, the city plans to construct 157 permanently affordable housing units and 60 market-rate units, according to city development records. The project also includes 2,100 square feet of commercial space. Additionally, the site will serve as a “Western City Campus,” consolidating city offices and services currently scattered across Boulder in aging buildings. 

A proposal by developers and the city to convert a space occupied by Flower Pepper, a Chinese restaurant on Broadway, into parking was rejected by the Planning Board last month, highlighting a tension between accommodating parking needs and creating a pedestrian-oriented, walkable neighborhood. By not calling up the use review application, the Boulder City Council upheld the Planning Board’s decision not to convert the commercial space to parking. 

“[It’s] really exciting to see us hit this major milestone,” Mayor Aaron Brockett said during the Oct. 17 city council meeting. “I’m looking forward to the work to come.” 

With the council’s approval, the development team can now begin securing building permits and other approvals. Construction on horizontal infrastructure, such as grading and utilities, could start as early as this year, according to a city official.