Conscience Bay Company, a Boulder-based real estate firm, is exploring plans to build a 2,500-seat performing arts and events center near Boulder Junction. The proposal for the venue, which would be larger than any existing in Boulder, comes as the city prepares to host the Sundance Film Festival.
The project, proposed for a site on Frontier Ave. in East Boulder, could host concerts, film screenings, theater, dance and private events, according to Daniel Aizenman, director of development and design for Conscience Bay. Early plans also include a 125-room hotel, mixed-use housing and retail space on the same site.
Conscience Bay plans to begin the city’s entitlement process later this year, including submitting a concept plan with specific details. The company aims to open the venue by 2029 and is also seeking an operator. The Daily Camera first reported the project.
The idea for the venue emerged after a 2022 Create Boulder event spotlighted the local arts community’s need for a new arts hub. Now, Boulder is preparing for the arrival of Sundance, which is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors annually. The festival announced in March that it will move to Boulder in 2027.
“Sundance will have needs for sure,” Jan Burton, chair of Create Boulder’s board, told Boulder Reporting Lab. “If we can leverage their needs to help us get to something that will benefit the entire arts community, then fantastic.”
It would be really helpful, in articles such as these, to include a map indicating the proposed development site.
Movies are the perfect escape—two hours to laugh, cry, or just forget about everything else. There’s nothing like getting lost in a great story and coming out with a new perspective (or at least a new favorite quote).
Frontier Avenue is three miles from Boulder Junction…
And here we go. Let’s all now focus on what we can do in Boulder to cater to the Sundance Film Festival.
It is not three miles from Boulder Junction.
Exciting! Wonder what will be getting displaced? Fingers crossed not sanitas
A performing arts center near railroad tracks? Although freight trains are infrequent, the noise and vibration from a passing train would certainly spoil a performance.
State of the art all purpose venue. From my front door to their’s is all on the bike path. Bands love coming here, but need a bigger draw. This would be Boulder’s version of the Mission Ballroom. Let’s get on with the shows.
How many spaces in the proposed parking garage?