The Boulder City Council voted 7–2 on Thursday, Nov. 21, to hold a public hearing on the St. Julien Hotel’s proposal to expand its property at 900 Walnut Street, creating uncertainty for the owner’s plans to add extended-stay guest suites and a nonprofit meeting space.
Mayor Aaron Brockett and Councilmembers Taishya Adams, Matt Benjamin, Lauren Folkers, Tina Marquis, Mark Wallach and Tara Winer voted in favor of calling up the site review amendment. Mayor Pro Tem Nicole Speer and Councilmember Ryan Schuchard voted against it.
The decision follows months of public scrutiny surrounding the project, with opposition led by neighboring condominium residents citing concerns about obstructed views, increased traffic and waste management.
The expansion is made possible by a site review amendment approved with conditions by the city’s Planning Board last month. Under the proposal, St. Julien Partners LLC plans to construct a four-story building with a fifth-floor mechanical mezzanine. The project includes approximately 39 extended-stay guest suites and a first-floor meeting space designated for nonprofit use. The new building would be located east of the existing 201-room hotel, atop an underground parking garage.
The council’s decision to call up the project means a public hearing will be held within 60 days, after which the council can vote to reject the application or impose additional conditions of approval.
Opposition to the project has been spearheaded by Protect Boulder Civic Space, a group representing residents of the neighboring Arête condominium complex. During last month’s Planning Board meeting, more than two dozen people spoke against the proposed expansion.
The land designated for the expansion has historically been reserved for civic uses under city agreements and planning documents. While the St. Julien has pledged to provide discounted meeting space for local nonprofits to host events, performances and exhibitions, some community members remain skeptical. Critics have questioned whether the proposed civic use aligns with the original intent and whether nonprofits will take advantage of the space.