Boulder arts district moves closer to reality
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A rendering of the Pearl Arts District. Photo: Courtesy of Conscience Bay Company
The proposed Pearl Arts District is moving closer to reality as developers bet on two major changes coming to town: Sundance and new passenger rail service.
Why it matters: A 2,500-person performing arts venue could be the first major Boulder venue built with Sundance in mind.
- The district will also create an arts and entertainment destination directly across from our future passenger rail station.
The latest: The Boulder Planning Board will hold a public hearing Tuesday on Conscience Bay Company's request to rezone about 15 acres at 3550 and 3850 Frontier Ave. from industrial to mixed-use.
- The change would clear the way for housing, lodging, retail, restaurants and entertainment envisioned under the city's Transit Village Area Plan.
- City staff recommend approval.
Catch up quick: Conscience Bay unveiled the Pearl Arts District last year, proposing an 11-acre neighborhood anchored by a 2,500-person performing arts venue and a new hotel.
Driving the news: Developer Daniel Aizenman tells Axios the project has taken on new significance since plans firmed up for passenger rail service through Boulder beginning in 2029.
- He says that could allow concertgoers, artists and residents to reach the district without driving — making the project "the poster child" for transit-oriented development.
- Boulder could receive millions annually for improvements around the station if voters approve a November funding measure.
What we're watching: Unlike the existing Boulder venues being adapted for Sundance, Conscience Bay is talking with festival organizers about building the Pearl Arts venue to accommodate programming.
- Aizenman says the vision is to host screenings during the day and concerts and other festival events at night.
What they're saying: The venue isn't expected to open until 2030 or 2031, but Aizenman said he hopes it could help keep Sundance in Boulder beyond its initial 10-year commitment.
- "Our goal is to capture as much Sundance as possible, and then make sure that this could be one of the reasons that they decide to stay longer in our town," he said.
What's next: The Planning Board will make a recommendation, but City Council has the final say.
- A public hearing and final vote is scheduled for Nov. 12.