Boulder approves Pearl Arts District rezoning
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A rendering of the Pearl Arts District. Photo: Conscience Bay Co.
Boulder's ambitious Pearl Arts District just cleared a major rezoning hurdle. But don't expect the curtain to rise anytime soon.
Why it matters: City leaders are betting the project will turn Boulder Junction into an arts and entertainment destination — with a possible starring role in Sundance's future.
Driving the news: Boulder City Council voted 8-0 Thursday to rezone nearly 15 acres near Pearl and Foothills parkways, paving the way for taller buildings and far greater density.
- Council also rejected two Planning Board recommendations that would have imposed additional housing and community benefits.
- Developer Daniel Aizenman of Conscience Bay warned those restrictions could have driven up costs, delayed construction and threatened the project's viability.
What they're saying: "I think it'll be transformative for this transit-oriented part of town and also transformative for the Boulder community," Mayor Aaron Brockett said Thursday.
Zoom out: A proposed 2,500-seat performance venue could become a major draw for the Sundance Film Festival, which makes its Boulder debut in January.
- Aizenman said the venue could give Sundance room to grow — and help cement the city's status as the festival's long-term home.
- "This project is fundamentally about creating a cultural heart for Boulder," he said.
The big picture: The district got another boost at the ballot box last week, when voters approved a 0.333% sales tax to expand Colorado Connector (CoCo) passenger rail service along the Front Range.
- Initial Denver-to-Fort Collins service, including a stop near the Pearl Arts District, is planned for 2029.
- Expanded service could arrive in 2032, just as the arts district begins welcoming visitors.
- Aizenman said the rail connection could bring concertgoers and diners from across the region.
What's next: A separate flood mitigation project involving a railroad culvert must be completed before construction can begin, and that's not expected to be finished before 2030.
- If the Pearl Arts District can break ground then, developers hope parts of the project will be completed around 2031 or 2032.