The Masterplan for Boulder's Civic Area 2015THE MASTERPLAN FORBOULDER'S CIVIC AREA
Revised June 2015
BoulderCivicArea.com
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Acknowledgments
Special thanks to the people and organizations below who contributed their time and ideas throughout the Civic Area
Master Plan update process.
City Council Members
Matt Appelbaum, Mayor
Suzanne Jones, Mayor Pro Tem
Suzy Ageton
KC Becker
Macon Cowles
George Karakehian
Lisa Morzel
Tim Plass
Andrew Shoemaker
Sam Weaver
Mary Young
Boards and Commissions
Boulder Arts Commission
Boulder Design Advisory Board
Downtown Management Commission
Human Relations Commission
Landmarks Board
Library Commission
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Planning Board
Transportation Advisory Board
Water Resources Advisory Board
Consultants
Tom Leader Studio
Anderson Consulting
ERO Resources Corporation
HR&A
JVA Consulting
Tuttle
Re: Architecture
Russell + Mills Studios
City Staff
Jeff Arthur, Director of Public Works for Utilities
Sam Assefa, Senior Urban Designer, Project Coordinator
Michael Banuelos, Communication Specialist
Joanna Bloom, Source Water Administrator
Yvette Bowden, Director of Parks and Recreation
Kathleen Bracke, GO Boulder Manager
Jane Brautigam, City Manager
Joe Castro, Facilities and Fleet Manager
Matt Chasansky, Arts and Cultural Services Manager
Bill Cowern, Traffic Operation Engineer
Joanna Crean, Project Coordinator
Jeff Dillon, Capital Investment Manager, Parks and
Recreation
David Driskell, Executive Director, Community Planning
and Sustainability
Bob Eichem, Chief Financial Officer
David Farnan, Director of Library and Arts
Jeff Haley, Parks Planning Manager, Project Coordinator
Heidi Hansen, Civil Engineer II
James Hewat, Senior Planner
Lauren Holm, Administrative Specialist
Katie Knapp, Engineer Project Manager
Lane Landrith, Business Coordinator, Downtown and
University Hill Management Division & Parking Services
Glenn Magee, Facilities Design and Construction Manager
Lisa Martin, Urban Parks Operations Manager
Annie Noble, Flood and Greenways Engineering
Coordinator
Karen Rahn, Director of Human Services
Maureen Rait, Executive Director of Public Works
Michael Sweeney, Interim Director of Public Works for
Transportation
Molly Winter, Director of Downtown and University Hill
Management Division & Parking Services
Patrick von Keyserling, Communications Director
Contents 3
Contents
Overview ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������5
The Vision ......................................................................................................................6
How Will the Plan Be Used ..........................................................................................7
Guiding Principles .........................................................................................................8
Creating the Place ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
PARK AT THE CORE ...................................................................................................16
EAST END: FOOD AND INNOVATION .........................................................................20
WEST END: ARTS AND CULTURE ..............................................................................24
Access and Mobility .....................................................................................................28
Key Improvements ......................................................................................................30
Implementation and Phasing ����������������������������������������������������������������������37
Strategies ....................................................................................................................38
Phasing Plan ...............................................................................................................40
Implementation Roles .................................................................................................42
View from the park looking south towards Boulder Creek
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Part 1
Overview
Part1: Overview | The Vision6
The Vision
Just imagine... It's 2025 and you are walking through the Civic Area. You see a variety of people
and activities surrounding Boulder Creek, interspersed between timeless architecture and a great
downtown park.
Boulder's Civic Area will be the heart of Boulder with nature at its core, flanked by bookends of civic, cultural, and
commercial buildings that are alive with activity, collaboration, and innovation at the east and west. It will be a place
for everyone - a lively and distinct destination that reflects our community's values, where people of all ages, abilities,
backgrounds, and incomes feel welcome to
recreate, socialize, deliberate, learn, and
access city services. The green space and
beauty along Boulder Creek will provide
significant open space and will be the
unifying design that weaves existing and
new facilities with a rich diversity of civic,
commercial, recreational, artistic, cultural,
and educational amenities and programs.
The Civic Area also will continue to be
a service center for Boulder municipal
government and a new center for innovation,
where community members, officials, and
partners can meet, interact, and innovate.
All together, these elements create a true
civic heart for the Boulder community, a
place where the city's past, present, and
future are debated, celebrated, and realized.
Part1: Overview | How Will the Plan Be Used 7
How Will the Plan Be Used
The Civic Area Master Plan reflects robust multi-
year community collaboration. Over that period, the
community came together to define a future for the Civic
Area - one that reaffirms shared values and provides
a path for engagement while addressing change over
time. Reflecting back, Boulder began with a series of
questions: What if ...the area could be a transformative
place for gatherings, recreation, dialogue and innovation?
What if...it could showcase sustainability values? What
if... it could have an expanded farmers' market and
provide space for arts, culture, education and other
events?
The Civic Area Master Plan provides a roadmap for how the
Civic Area can transform into an even more extraordinary
place that reflects the community's shared values as well
as its diversity. The plan maintains beloved places - the
Dushanbe Teahouse, the Boulder Public Library, the Farmers'
Market, Sister Cities Plaza, and others - and views of the
Flatirons and access to Boulder Creek. It also:
identifies future facility needs;
makes more space for art, food and culture; and
provides a framework that allows Boulder to
maintain a sense of place in the heart of the city while
positioning the area to be a model of future innovation.
This plan illustrates future prospects for the largest publicly-
owned place in the heart of Boulder. The plan area is located
south of downtown and includes some private properties.
The plan is intended to be consistent with the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan and provide direction for a specific
geographic area and its land use.
The plan provides a generalized picture of the desired future
of the Civic Area and is advisory in nature. The city zoning map
assigns every parcel of land in the city to a zoning district. The
zoning regulates allowable uses and building forms and more.
The plan defines policies, priorities, facility needs, and capital
budgeting. The plan's intent is to:
1. provide flexible guidance, allowing for change over
time based on further analysis and new information;
2. present an illustrative future plan for mostly public
owned land and guide decision making, coordination,
and detailed site design;
3. give direction for the future of adjacent private lands,
encouraging coordinated planning and proposals that
are consistent with the intent of this plan;
4. support continued interdepartmental
coordination and collaboration to create
integrated outcomes; and,
5. provide the foundation for a comprehensive
and multi-faceted financing strategy, including
capital budgeting for facilities and multiple
types of financing sources - public, private,
non-profit, grants, and others - to accomplish
the expressed vision. Implementation of the plan
is dependent on funding from already available
and newly identified sources.
This plan is intended for use by the public, businesses,
property owners, city officials and staff. It provides the
community with an idea of what to expect in the future
in the Civic Area and will guide decisions about private
development, and public facilities and services in the
area.
The pace of area redevelopment will be determined
by private property owners who voluntarily choose to
redevelop their properties. The publicly owned areas
will be guided by the schedule for development of the
Civic Area park site. The plan helps ensure that when
redevelopment occurs, property owners can design
their projects to be consistent with the vision for the
area. It also helps ensure that public improvements will
be in place to support the new development.
Details of the plan will change, especially because of its
dependence on funding and coordination with multiple
parties. If changes to the vision or principles are
proposed, City Council will consider amending the plan.
Periodically, City Council may revisit the work program
and implementation schedule. Additionally, City Council
and appropriate city boards and commissions will
review and give direction or approval on the various
specific improvements to make the plan's vision a
reality. The implementation section (page 42) details
the role of council as well as boards and commissions
in the transformation of the Civic Area.
Part1: Overview | Guiding Principles8
Guiding Principles
Seven key principles guide the vision for Boulder's Civic
Area. They were approved by City Council early in the
planning process to inform development of the plan. The
principles will continue to provide direction as the plan is
implemented, when analyses are prepared, and as detailed
planning, design and financing decisions are made.
1. The Civic Heart of Boulder
Boulder's Civic Area has symbolic,
geographic, and functional importance
and should serve as an inclusive place
for people to interact with each other
and with government. The area should
be complementary to Pearl Street (the
commercial heart) and Downtown. In
the future, the Civic Area will adhere
to the following principles.
City Center: Serve as the primary location for city
management and government, including functional and
interactive places for the community to interface and
conduct city business and be creative;
Diversity: Represent the cultural richness, history, and
diversity of our community;
Art Center: Continue to be one of the major centers for art
in Boulder;
Phasing: Allow for phasing, with flexibility for new ideas to
be ever-evolving and incorporated over time;
the idea...
Unified Public Space: Be maintained as the largest
thematically cohesive, unified public outdoor space in
Central Boulder;
Design Excellence: Be a model of design excellence with
compelling architecture and design reflecting forward
thinking;
Destination: Be an enjoyable destination for the community
and visitors; Be an integrated place that blends "natural"
and "built" environments;
Welcoming and Safe: Be designed to be welcoming,
accessible, comfortable, clean and safe;
Space for All: Foster programming and design of spaces
and facilities to encourage use and participation by all age
groups, income levels, and visitors and locals, avoiding the
predominance of any one group of people;
Linking Areas: Complement and link with surrounding
neighborhoods and destinations, including Downtown,
Goss-Grove, CU and University Hill, and Boulder High
School; and,
Canyon Boulevard as Complete Street: Include a new
urban design and streetscape character for Canyon
Boulevard - to make it more of a "boulevard" with attractive
landscaping that is comfortable for pedestrians, bicycles,
and accessible by transit.
2. Life & Property Safety
Boulder's Civic Area is located within
the 100-year floodplain, and much of
the land lies within the High Hazard
Zone (HHZ). The city will meet or
exceed existing flood standards,
including avoiding placing new
structures and parking in the HHZ
and will be proactive about planning
for and educating about floods.
Specifically, the city will adhere to the
following principles.
Flood Regulations: Ensure any proposal meets or exceeds
all current flood-related codes and regulations, which
prohibit new development and substantial improvement to
existing facilities in the HHZ;
Parking and Structures Relocation: Pro-actively develop
a plan for removal of surface parking and structures,
including the New Britian and Park Central buildings that
are in the HHZ. In their place will be expanded park space
with amenities and activities. Also, plan how to relocate
facilities and uses after a flood;
the idea...
Part1: Overview | Guiding Principles 9
Cohesive Green Space: Create a unifying "linear green"
theme and cohesive outdoor spaces - uniting the parks
south of downtown as a significant asset to the city's overall
park system;
Protect Significant Trees: Protect existing significant trees
and shrubs (taking into consideration their anticipated
lifespan) and maintain an ecologically healthy creek
channel;
Public Art: Blend public art into outdoor spaces to attract,
inspire, educate, and encourage exploration and play;
Boulder Creek: Allow safe access to Boulder Creek in
locations that will not damage ecological value;
Views: Provide and maintain views and breathing room;
Private Irrigation Ditch*: Improve the park-like quality and
linear connections along the Farmer's Ditch;
Welcoming Space: Make outdoor spaces feel safe and
welcoming (e.g., through lighting, seating, strategic
landscape and design, programs and activity, and
enforcement); and,
Recreation: Provide increased opportunities for outdoor
recreation including nature exploration and play, fishing,
kayaking, jogging, yoga, tai chi, etc.
Flood Safety Education: Educate the public and Civic
Area and building users about safety and risks associated
with flooding and natural and public values of water (e.g.,
through public art, landscape elements, and interpretive
signage);
Landscape Plans: Create future landscape plans that
enhance public safety and orientation of visitors to flood
egress routes, while also enhancing the aesthetic or artistic
character of the area; and,
Critical Facilities: Ensure that any new facilities (e.g.,
emergency services, critical government operations, and
facilities that house vulnerable populations such as day
cares and nursing homes) will be in compliance with the
adopted Critical Facilities ordinance.
3. Outdoor Culture & Nature
Boulder's Civic Area is a central place
to enjoy the outdoors in the middle
of the city. The linear "green" along
Boulder Creek will be a unifying focus,
providing natural beauty, ecological
function and flood safety as well
as recreational, art, and cultural
opportunities. The city will follow
these principles.
Maintain/Expand Green: Maintain or expand the green,
open space (no net loss), particularly in the High Hazard
Flood Zone - as a blend of natural, restored creek, urban
parks and playgrounds, and community gardens;
the idea...
* Boulder & Whiterock Ditch, North Boulder Farmers
Ditch, Boulder & Lefthand Ditch, and Smith & Goss Ditch
Part1: Overview | Guiding Principles10
4. Celebration of History & Assets
Boulder's Civic Area has a historical
focus and many long-standing
functions and facilities highly valued
by the community, such as the library,
Sister City Plaza, Farmers' Market
and Teahouse. Existing community
assets will continue to play a vital role
in the area. The following principles
will guide the community.
Farmers' Market: Continue and expand the Farmers'
Market as a vital component of the area, source of
community pride and economic benefit, and source for
local and healthy food. Partner to expand the Farmers'
Market extent and function as an outdoor market, and
possibly expand it as a year-round (or extended season)
local foods marketplace;
Local Food and Farms: Encourage sharing of information
about local food and farms and regional relations
(e.g., Farmer's Ditch);
Inclusive History: Preserve, reflect and celebrate the
area's fully inclusive history (e.g., indigenous populations,
mining, the railroad, Olmsted's linear park and landmarked
structures);
Historic Structures: Preserve historic structures in
accordance with city policies and regulations;
Integration of History: Integrate history with arts, culture,
local food, and any new structures or designs; and,
Existing Assets: Ensure that existing assets contribute
positively to the area and are vital and useful (e.g., address
Bandshell use, access and delivery/noise; increase
enjoyment of Sister City Plaza).
the idea...
5. Enhanced Access & Connections
Boulder's Civic Area has well-used
bicycle and pedestrian amenities
and convenient transit connections,
serving as both an important
destination and connector. Travel and
access to the area will continue to be
improved. The following principles
will guide the city.
Improvements: Continue to improve the pedestrian and
bicycle experience and amenities;
Wayfinding: Continue to improve connections and
wayfinding to/from Downtown for those on foot or bike or
using transit;
Parking: Explore replacement of surface lots with
structured parking; Assess the parking needs for proposed
new uses to address the carrying capacity for all modal
access and potential for shared parking;
Boulder Creek Path: Address conflicts and connectivity
along the Boulder Creek Path, which is a significant
transportation route and recreational amenity (in and
through the area);
Thoroughfares: Reduce the barrier-effect of major
thoroughfares (e.g., Canyon Boulevard, Arapahoe Avenue
and Broadway) and improve their aesthetic quality; and,
Streets: Explore feasibility of shared, closed, or event
street(s)(e.g., 13th Street).
the idea...
Part1: Overview | Guiding Principles 11
6. Place for Community Activity & Arts
Boulder's Civic Area offers potential to
expand civic services or cultural, arts,
science, educational or entertainment
amenities that are otherwise lacking in
the community. Any new facilities will
provide a high level of public benefit
and will be guided by the following
principles.
Architecture and Design: Increase the area's potential for
great beauty and attention through artistically compelling
architecture and site design;
Indoor & Outdoor Space: Elegantly blend indoor and outdoor
spaces to encourage movement and gathering;
Mixed-Use: Provide a vibrant mix of uses and design to
encourage activity and inclusiveness throughout daytime and
evening hours and around the year; and,
Harmonious with Downtown: Fit the area's overall public
purpose and be harmonious with (but not a replication of)
activity on Pearl Street and Downtown.
the idea...
7. Sustainable & Viable Future
All future uses and changes in
Boulder's Civic Area's public
properties will exemplify the
community's sustainability
values (i.e., economic, social and
environmental) and will be guided by
the following principles.
Partnerships: Rely on and encourage partnerships in
which key roles, such as administrative, maintenance
operations, financial and program services, are
collaboratively but formally shared between the city and
other entities;
Financial Analysis: Demonstrate consideration of sound
financial analysis, including likely capital and ongoing
operations and maintenance costs for public and private
uses;
Community Benefits: Prove community and social benefit,
increase inclusiveness, and minimize impact to like-uses,
venues and nearby neighborhoods;
Environmental Considerations: Conserve energy, consider
the use of renewable energy, minimize waste and carbon
emissions, conserve water and improve water and air
quality; and,
Experiential: Provide educational and experiential
components.
the idea...
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Part 2
Creating the Place
Part 2: Creating the Place | 14
The Place
The Civic Area vision embodies thousands of community-
driven ideas� It adds green space for recreation, while
creating new built spaces for essential community functions�
It addresses public safety and environmental issues while
at the same time meeting the community's recreational,
cultural, and diversity objectives� Boulder's Civic Area
is envisioned to transform into a place for community
inclusiveness and activity-a cohesive and expanded central
"green" at the core, bookended by vibrant "built" mixed-use
blocks on the west and east ends�
Park at the Core
Boulder Creek serves as the defining feature that establishes
much of the natural beauty of the Civic Area and captures the
beauty of Downtown Boulder. Along the creek will be a variety
of park spaces, play areas, art, mobile food, and programmed
activities filled with a diversity of people. To encourage safety
and night use, the park will be better lit, landscaping will
be cleared and maintained, and new adjacent day and night
uses will provide more "eyes on the park." Buildings and
urban plazas on the east and west ends will complement
and bookend this expansive outdoor "playground," offering
more places for people to gather, shop, learn, meet, dine
and be entertained. These uses will harmonize with existing
and historic structures and places, such as the Dushanbe
Teahouse, Sister Cities Plaza, Municipal Building, Storage
and Transfer Building (Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art/
BMoCA). The whole area will complement Downtown to meet
broad community needs.
Additionally, removing buildings and parking lots
currently in the High Hazard Flood Zone (HHZ) will
improve safety and create additional park land. The
vision approximately doubles the area's usable pervious
surface, promoting "green" infrastructure to help
mitigate storm water run-off and urban heat island
effects. Green infrastructure also improves the quality
of place and increases surrounding property values.
In turn, the land outside of the HHZ on both ends of
the area will be redeveloped to add more vitality and
excitement to the Civic Area. For more information on
the park, see page 16.
Part 2: Creating the Place | 15
The East End: Food and Innovation
The East End (from 13th Street to 14th Street between
Canyon Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue) will likely
include an expanded Farmers' Market and plaza space,
the Dushanbe Teahouse, the BMoCA building, possibly a
year-round public market hall, a mixed-use community
services /innovation center and structured parking to
support these functions. Additionally, a vibrant mix of
uses are encouraged at the East End that could include
small restaurants, cafes, incubator offices, hotel and/
or residential units mixed in with city services and civic
functions, such as event and meeting space. This will
ensure activity and interest throughout the day and night,
all week long and all year. For more information on the
East End, see page 20.
The West End: Arts and Culture
The West End (the area west of Broadway between
Canyon and Arapahoe) will include the existing library
on both sides of the creek; a cafe; the Senior Center; the
landmarked Municipal Building; a new multi-use building
on the St. Julien Civic Use Pad, as well as structured
parking. The north library currently accommodates small
performing arts uses within the existing gallery space and
Canyon Theater. With the redevelopment of the adjacent
park areas on site, many opportunities exist for enhanced
cultural programming and outdoor performance venues
to activate the area. Further study will determine options
for enhancing the existing facility to accommodate a mix
of uses to create a flexible arts and cultural facility. This
enhancement could also better accommodate gatherings
and community uses. There is also the possibility of mixing
private and public development to generate 24/7 vitality. A
new pedestrian bridge across Boulder Creek west of the
existing covered library bridge will better connect the west
park area, as well as any future new activities and uses if
the Senior Center and the north library are redeveloped.
The Municipal Building may be repurposed for a hands-on
arts center, museum or other civic related uses should any
or all current municipal services relocate elsewhere in the
Civic Area. For more information on the West End, see page
24.
Part 2: Creating the Place | PARK AT THE CORE16
Performance Criteria
Public parks are central to the vision for the Civic Area.
These criteria establish program and design standards for
parks within the area.
Plazas and Gathering Places: Generally, large open
spaces should be spatially defined into smaller, more
easily identifiable and relatable areas. People commonly
gather at articulated edges in or around a plaza. A distinct
sense of place can be achieved by defining edges and
establishing a sense of enclosure through the use of
canopies, trees, shrub plantings, arcades, and trellises,
which must be balanced with visibility and defensibility.
For plazas, small parks, and portions of larger parks,
peripheral uses that generate activity, such as eating and
drinking outlets, small retail, and music performances
are particularly important to the park's attractiveness and
liveliness.
Plazas will generally have a "human scale" if they are
less than 60 feet across. Avoid large, unarticulated areas,
except for those intended for public gathering. Provide a
variety of sizes and shapes to encourage socializing and
community building.
Park Access: The Boulder Civic Area has well-used
bicycle and pedestrian amenities and convenient transit
connections. Travel through and access to the area will
continue to be improved with enhanced pedestrian and
bike as well as limited vehicular access.
Traffic calming features and pedestrian-
oriented streetscape amenities for all streets
surrounding and intersecting parks, including:
Canyon Boulevard, Arapahoe Avenue, 9th
Street, Broadway, and 11th, 13th, 14th and 15th
Streets.
Pedestrian access across Canyon Boulevard
should be improved at key crossing points.
Establish a hierarchy of types of paths that
includes: commuter biking paths, children's
biking paths, soft (unpaved) walking paths and
health paths (perhaps incorporating stone
inlays or other interactive art).
Pathways should provide safe, protected pedestrian
links from the park to adjacent uses, such as transit
stops and Downtown.
Pathways should consider those park users who may
wish to meander through or around the park as well
as those who wish to move efficiently from point to
point.
Art and Entertainment: Encourage visual and performance
arts by integrating art and opportunities for art to take
place throughout parks. Visual art may include earthworks,
temporary or permanent sculptures, lighting installations
and murals. Visual art may also be incorporated into park
fixtures and furnishings such as park signage, gateway
markers, pedestrian light posts, banners, pavement, seating,
tree grates and guards, and bike corrals. Performance art
spaces may include multiple performance venues of different
types, including a stage with an amphitheater as well as
open plazas.
Food: Incorporate access to a variety of existing and new
food establishments and vendors in the park, including
permanent and temporary seasonal outdoor and indoor
facilities. Recognize the community values of existing
food establishments such as the Dushanbe Tea House,
the Boulder Farmers' Market, and Mustard's Last Stand,
and provide opportunities for enhancing their social and
economic viability in the area. When Park Central Building is
relocated, consider opportunities for Mustard's to continue to
be part of the future development of the Civic Area.
PARK AT THE CORE
Over half of the 27 acres - and the core - of the Civic Area is Civic and Central parks with Boulder Creek flowing through,
a green spine that unifies spaces and provides natural beauty, ecological richness, shade, recreation, art and places
to gather. Park amenities and activities, such as kiosks, food and seating, lighting, and cohesive signage will be added
throughout for a consistent look and feel, and green space will expand through the relocation of parking and structures
from the High Hazard Zone (HHZ) to other places. Adjacent buildings will create "eyes on the park" and make the area feel
more inclusive, safe, and family-friendly.
Part 2: Creating the Place | PARK AT THE CORE 17
Provide cafe seating opportunities with flexible
furniture, including permanent, fixed picnic seating at
appropriate locations.
Expand outdoor seating and cafe opportunities at the
North Library garden, including external access to the
library cafe.
Provide opportunities for an ice cream vendor and
food trucks.
Services Extending the Range of Uses: At plazas and
performance spaces, provide secure electrical outlets, water
spigots, restrooms, and other services that will encourage a
greater range of uses.
Views and Viewpoints: Design parks to take advantage
of views to the mountains, the creek and other amenities.
Use vegetation and path orientation to frame and direct
views. Incorporate park edge vegetation to screen views
of surrounding roadways and parking and create a sense
of place and enclosure. Plan for views into the park from
access points.
Noise Mitigation: Mitigate and detract attention from
traffic and other ambient noise, in strategic locations
for performance spaces as well as quiet contemplative
places, by using elements such as fountains, waterfalls and
vegetation.
Public Amenities: Provide site furniture and amenities,
such as waste receptacles, bicycle racks, drinking fountains,
game tables, kiosks, children's play equipment and artwork
at key locations within the park. Provide restrooms that are
accessible from outdoors within existing buildings, such
as the library, and in new buildings. Wayfinding elements,
such as signage, lighting, entry gateways and pavement
treatment, should be designed to provide a unified look to
the park.
Build Green:
Exceed minimum energy performance and take
advantage of renewable resources.
Conserve water for landscaping.
Mitigate urban heat island and stormwater
runoff.
Safety and Security: Crime Prevention through
Environmental Design (CPTED) refers to a group of
strategies intended to reduce the fear of crime and the
opportunities to commit crime.
Natural Surveillance: This type of "passive
surveillance" occurs when areas of the park are
open to view by the public and neighbors, and is
a major crime deterrent. Maximize the number
of "eyes on the park." Ensure that an officer
driving by or through the park can see the
facilities that might be targeted by offenders.
Orient restrooms, shelters, and other structures
so that they are easily visible from the roadways
and parking areas.
Defensible Space: Design parks so that
potential perpetrators cannot lurk or commit
a crime and then flee via a convenient escape
route.
Lighting: Lighting along pathways, plazas,
entrances, parking structures, play areas, etc.,
should suit the intended hours of operation and
level of activity, and should not create glare and
deep shadows.
Windows: Encourage windows and adjacent
uses that look out onto parks and provide good
natural surveillance to discourage criminal
activity.
Landscaping: Provide landscaping that is open
and allows visibility and natural surveillance and
doesn't allow places to hide. Hedges should be
no higher than 3 feet and tree canopies should
start no lower than 8 feet. This is especially
important around entryways and windows.
Native, riparian vegetation should be restored
and maintained along Boulder Creek in a
manner that addresses both ecological health
and safety concerns.
Territoriality: Visual cues show that the
community "owns" its parks. Good maintenance
and seasonal displays send a clear message
that people care and won't tolerate crime in the
area.
Part 2: Creating the Place | PARK AT THE CORE18
Dynamic topography
A large contiguous lawn with dynamic
topography and necessary infrastructure
to accommodate large formal
gatherings and special events as well as
less formal daily uses and activities.
Cafe Terrace &
Cherry Tree Plazas
Distinct plaza areas adjacent to the
Library and Municipal building that
feature urban design elements to
support a range of activities and flexible
uses.
Nature Play along the Creek
Nature play and interactive physical play spaces primarily south of the
creek and incorporated throughout the park for innovative activation and
to create a destination for families.
Enhanced circulation
PARK AT THE CORE
Key Elements
Part 2: Creating the Place | PARK AT THE CORE 19
Gateway
Promenade
A continuous promenade along
Canyon and repeated along Arapahoe
as feasible for access, arts and
events, inviting visitors to the Civic
Area and creating a strong edge for
the park.
Expanded Farmers'
Market
Development of picnic areas and
gathering spaces within Central Park
to better accommodate the market
and allow expansion into the park
areas for stalls and tents on market
days.
11th Street Spine + Signature Bridge
Continuous paved access corridor aligning the north and south areas of the
park to connect Pearl Street through the Civic Area and south to University Hill
that features a signature bridge across the creek as well as distinct gateways
located at both Canyon and Arapahoe entrances.
Potential
Relocation of
the Bandshell
Part 2: Creating the Place | EAST END: FOOD AND INNOVATION20
EAST END: FOOD AND INNOVATION
(13th/14th Street Block)
The East End is envisioned as a mixed-use block that incorporates a variety of uses in existing
buildings and future new developments. Desired uses include civic functions integrated vertically and/
or horizontally with private uses such as a center for innovation, incubator offices, residential/hotel
and commercial uses. The area's proximity and link to the Pearl Street Mall via 13th Street, as well
as access to transit services, make this block conducive to maximizing synergy with existing public
and private amenities. As the site with the most potential for new development, special attention is
required for a careful mix of uses and their design to achieve the guiding principles. Since all desired
uses may not fit within the block, all effort should be made to make sure the final plan reflects a
balance in the type, mix, and scale of uses. The following performance criteria will guide program
choices and site planning.
Illustrative example of 13th Street Plaza with
Farmers' Market and market hall
Illustrative example of a mixed-use facility on 13th St block
Illustrative example of
performing arts lobby
Part 2: Creating the Place | EAST END: FOOD AND INNOVATION 21
Performance Criteria
Arts and Culture: The East End of
the Civic Area has a rich history and
foundation of arts and cultural uses
within the 13th Street Block. Current
facilities include the Dushanbe Tea
House and the Boulder Museum
of Contemporary Art that provide
opportunities for cultural programs and
activities. The Boulder County Farmers'
Market also provides programmatic and
activation focused on arts, culture and
local foods. These facilities and uses will
be maintained and enhanced to support a
mix of uses within the East End.
Service Center: Develop civic uses
such as municipal services as part of a
mixed-use development vertically and/
or horizontally integrated with other uses
to encourage innovation and creative
collaboration. Day and evenings, during
the week, Boulder residents, business
owners and government officials will
gather to meet and deliberate over
local choices and policies, and conduct
business and work with partnering
non-profits.
Day and Night Time Uses: Integrate uses
that generate 24 hour activities such as
residential or hotel.
Public Plaza: Develop an urban plaza
space to serve as an organizing feature
within the block and to provide a variety
of public and outdoor functions as a
complement to the more "green" park
spaces to the west and Farmers' Market.
Structured Parking: Provide the
appropriate amount of parking for
adequate and convenient access to
existing and future uses, balanced
with area wide Transportation Demand
Management.
Part 2: Creating the Place | EAST END: FOOD AND INNOVATION22
The East End: Food and Innovation
ARAPA
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The plan graphics and drawings shown here are
intended to illustrate the concepts and principles
contained in the plan. They are not meant to
prescribe the exact location, type or size of future
buildings or amenities. The actual physical form
of the area will evolve over 10 or more years and
will likely be different from these illustrations.
Part 2: Creating the Place | EAST END: FOOD AND INNOVATION 23
Building Form and Massing
The Civic Area Masterplan will be used as the basis of future
land use map changes in the Boulder Valley Comprehensive
Plan (BVCP), as well as the basis for rezoning. The
performance criteria for Building Form and Massing will be
used in the Site Review process to help determine whether
a project meets the Site Review criteria. The East End
includes five private properties. As the plan is implemented,
the City will coordinate with the owners on development
opportunities.
Building heights should range from two to four
stories. Along Canyon, provide up to four stories to
help create a more urban character, while buildings
along Arapahoe should help transition to the relatively
lower height of the residential buildings in the vicinity.
At the ground level, buildings should have
permeability and transparency with visual and
physical connections to the outdoors and public
spaces.
At least 60% of the ground floor area should be
visually transparent along all major public streets,
including Canyon Boulevard, Arapahoe Ave., 13th and
14th Streets, as well as along public plazas.
Use high quality, durable materials that enhance the
building and convey a sense of permanence.
Employ sustainable green building standards.
To the extent possible, include active market hall and
food-related uses along Canyon Boulevard, 13th and
14th Streets, and facing new plazas.
Consider the effect of building height on shading and
views.
Building orientation should enhance the opportunity
for views of the Flatirons and publicly accessible
roof-tops.
Building entrances should be clear, direct, and
welcoming and orient to public areas, streets, plazas,
and parks.
Locate parking structures with active uses to
avoid visibility and degradation of the pedestrian
environment. Structures should be well lit and easy to
navigate in the interior.
Possible Program Elements
Market Hall
Service/Innovation Center
Museum
Night time uses
Performance Facility
For Continued Consideration...
The block will include the outdoor Farmers'
Market (expanded), Teahouse, City Storage
and Transfer Building (BMoCA), outdoor space
and parks, and structured parking. The Atrium
Building could be repurposed or redeveloped.
With further analysis, any of the above possible
program elements could also occur here,
provided they meet the performance criteria.
Part 2: Creating the Place | WEST END: ARTS AND CULTURE24
WEST END: ARTS AND CULTURE
(Library and Senior Center)
The West End is envisioned as a cultural/arts core within the Civic Area that builds on the existing
civic and cultural functions including the Main Library and the West Senior Center. Building on this
site provides opportunity to enhance both the indoor and outdoor functions of the existing amenities,
as well as redevelopment and/or new development opportunities. The consideration of the Civic Use
Pad for a mix of public and private uses provides a potential synergetic relationship of land uses
throughout the West End. In addition, a potential repurposed Municipal Building to the east, and the
park in-between, provide further opportunity to create a unique and vibrant mix of outdoor/indoor uses
primarily focused on arts and cultural uses.
Illustrative example of Nature Play near the Library
Illustrative example of
performance space in the park
Part 2: Creating the Place | WEST END: ARTS AND CULTURE 25
Performance Criteria
Library North: The north library currently accommodates
small performing arts uses within the existing gallery
space and Canyon Theater. With the redevelopment of the
adjacent park areas on site, many opportunities exist for
enhanced cultural programming and outdoor performance
venues to activate the area. Further study will determine
options for enhancing the existing facility to accommodate
a mix of uses to create a flexible arts and cultural facility.
This enhancement could also better accommodate
gatherings and community uses.
Library Cafe: As part of the new cafe at the bridge, expand
opportunities for outdoor seating and gathering to spill out
onto the adjacent garden to the east.
Library South: The redesign of Civic Park south of the
creek will create a more kid and family friendly as well as
a community destination and gathering place. The interior
space and function of the library should be integrated
with the outdoor space through art, park design, play
area and future programming of the library. Features may
include public art that enhance the physical and visual link
between the outdoor and indoor spaces, a nature play tot
lot, a children's reading garden, a water play sculpture,
and intimate picnic and seating areas among shade trees
along the creek.
Senior Center: If redeveloped as a new senior facility,
explore providing a wider range of services, including
relevant city and community services, in a more integrated
"one stop shop" model. If the senior center is relocated
elsewhere outside the Civic Area, consider the site for
residential development, including potential micro units.
Consider also potential coordination with Boulder Housing
Partners and federal H.U.D. for incorporation of Arapahoe
Apartments into new residential development.
Structured Parking: Provide the appropriate amount of
parking for adequate and convenient access to existing
and future uses, balanced with area wide Transportation
Demand Management.
Illustrative example of outdoor seating at Library Cafe
Part 2: Creating the Place | WEST END: ARTS AND CULTURE26
The West End: Arts and Culture
The plan graphics and drawings shown here are
intended to illustrate the concepts and principles
contained in the plan. They are not meant to
prescribe the exact location, type or size of future
buildings or amenities. The actual physical form
of the area will evolve over 10 or more years and
will likely be different from these illustrations.
Part 3: Creating the Place | WEST END: ARTS AND CULTURE 27
Building Form and Massing
The Civic Area Masterplan will be used as the basis
of future land use map changes in the Boulder Valley
Comprehensive Plan (BVCP), as well as the basis for
rezoning. The performance criteria for Building Form
and Massing will be used in the Site Review process to
help determine whether a project meets the Site Review
criteria.
Building heights should range from two to four
stories along Canyon to create a more urban
character along this wide public right of way, and to
establish a better formal relation in mass and scale
with St. Julien and the future development at the
Civic Use Pad.
Along Arapahoe, building scale and mass should
help transition to the relatively lower height of
residential buildings in the vicinity. Building heights
should be limited to no more than three stories.
At the ground level, buildings facing Canyon
Boulevard and Arapahoe Avenue should have
permeability and transparency with visual and
physical indoor/outdoor connections and public
spaces, with at least 60% visual transparency along
all major public streets and park space.
Use high quality, durable and timeless materials
that enhance the buildings and convey a sense of
permanence.
Employ sustainable green building standards.
Consider the effect of building height on shading
and views.
Building orientation should enhance the
opportunity for views of the Flatirons, especially
along west building facades.
To the extent possible, include opportunities for
publicly accessible roof-top spaces.
Building entrances should be clear, direct, and
welcoming and orient to public areas, streets,
plazas, and parks.
Locate parking structures either underground,
or above ground wrapped with active uses to
avoid visibility and degradation of the pedestrian
environment. Structures should be well lit and easy
to navigate in the interior.
Possible Program Elements
Multi-Purpose Senior Center
(Redeveloped)
Expanded Cafe
Civic Use Pad
Night Time Uses
Outdoor performance
For Continued Consideration...
The West End will include the existing south
wing of the library as it is today, the Municipal
Building, structure parking, and outdoor space
and parks. With further analysis, any of the
above possible program elements could also
occur here, provided they meet the performance
criteria.
Part 2: Access and Mobility28
Access and Mobility
Access and mobility are important to the vitality of the Civic Area. People using all transportation modes-
whether on foot, bicycle, bus or car-need to be able to get around easily. People also need to be able to
connect to surrounding destinations safely and conveniently. The Civic Area and Downtown already have
well-used multi-modal amenities and connections, including the 13th Street contra-flow bike lane, local
and regional transit services and the Transit Center, bike parking, Boulder Creek Path, Pearl Street Mall,
and a parking district. However, improvements throughout the area could still be made.
Access and Mobility Elements
Canyon Boulevard: Canyon Boulevard will be enhanced from 9th to
17th Street to become a complete street, incorporating dedicated
bike lanes, safe pedestrian environments and more street trees and
landscaping while still accommodating cars and buses.
Broadway: Reduce Broadway as a barrier by employing design
elements to improve pedestrian safety at the Arapahoe
and Canyon intersections. Design treatments similar to
the special brick pavers used at the Pearl Street Mall
and Broadway crossing would help to reduce the barrier
perception while improving safety.
11th Street: 11th Street will be improved to allow
enhanced physical and visual connectivity from Pearl
Street to the Civic Area and to the University Hill area. This
improvement will provide a pedestrian and bike friendly
corridor that allows visitors to easily access these core
areas of downtown.
13th Street: 13th Street could be remain unchanged, which
is open to vehicular traffic except during the Farmers'
Market, or could be transformed into an urban plaza with
bike access and a stronger connection to Pearl Street Mall.
14th Street: 14th Street could remain unchanged, or converted
to transit-only with bike and pedestrian access, or converted to
a transit and general use street.
Public Transit: Local and regional transit public
transportation services, including the SKIP, JUMP, DASH,
BOLT, BX, and AB, will continue to provide access to the Civic
Area and the Downtown.
Bicycle/Pedestrian: Maintain and expand current bicycle and
pedestrian pathways to facilitate better circulation as well
as connections to nearby areas, including Pearl Street Mall,
Goss/Grove, CU and University Hill.
Goss/Grove Access: Create an east-west bike/pedestrian corridor
through the Goss/Grove neighborhood starting at 14th Street and
continuing to 17th Street.
Parking: Over time, the surface parking in the HHZ will be removed
to improve life safety and to open up more parkland; however, these
spaces will be replaced with parking structures on either or both the
west and east end of the Civic Area.
P
P
P
P
P
B
B
P
P
P
Canyon
Bl
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Arapah
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A
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To Campus
Boulder
Transit
Center
To Campus
Walnut
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Pearl St.
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Part 2: Access and Mobility 29
P
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P
B
B
P
P
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Canyon
Bl
v
d.
Arapah
o
e
A
v
e.
To Campus
Boulder
Transit
Center
To Campus
Walnut
St.
Pearl St.
Pedestri
a
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y
B
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dw
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B
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New Ped/Bike Connection - Canyon Blvd.
Major Ped/Bike Connection
Boulder Creek Trail - Ped/Bike
Ped/Bike Connection
Internal East/West Connection
Bike Lane
New Ped/Bike Connection - Goss/Grove Access
Existing Parking Structure
B-Cycle Station
Enhanced Ped Crossing
Transit Station and/or Stop
Potential Parking Structure
Boulder Transit Center
Transit Corridor
Potential Transit Corridor
Legend
P
B
P
Part 2: Key Improvements 30
Key Improvements
Many different possible elements will enliven the Civic Area and attract
people and activity. The elements listed below represent potential ways
to develop the area.
Park at the Core
The green space and beauty along
Boulder Creek will provide significant
natural and programmed park spaces
and will be a "ribbon" that weaves
together existing and new parks
facilities. The park will be active and
safe, with a rich diversity of civic,
recreational, artistic and cultural
amenities and programs. The four major
focus areas are:
1. The Creek
2. The Civic Front Door
3. Nature in the City
4. Central Park
The Creek: Boulder Creek will continue to be a focal point
and unifying element running through the park. The creek
will be enhanced by creating opportunities for access,
designing viewpoints, maintaining the riparian vegetation
(in a manner compatible with safety concerns), and varying
the shoreline treatment with vegetation in some areas and
terraced rock shores in others.
the idea...
The Civic Front Door: Civic Park north of the creek will
remain an open, sunny Great Lawn for gathering and
unstructured sport, but it will also be newly activated with
outdoor dining, musical and dance performances, yoga
and exercise classes, and other events, such as "Picnic in
the Park." Seating for a new library cafe will spill out onto
adjacent terraces. Food trucks and carts will add culinary
diversity, while folks enjoy live music and games, like
ping-pong and chess, and browse demonstration gardens
and sculpture displays.
Nature in the City: Civic Park south of the creek will be
a naturalistic, shady refuge that relates to the library,
and Boulder Creek will be designed with children and
families in mind. Improvements will be coordinated with
the planned renovation and reconfiguration of the library's
interior space and function, aimed at better integrating
the interior physically and programmatically with
nearby outdoor space. Features may include public art
enhancing the physical and visual link between outdoor
and indoor spaces, a nature play tot lot, a children's
reading garden, a water play sculpture, intimate picnic
and seating areas among shade trees and along the
creek, and themed gardens, such as edible, shade or
xeric/low water.
Part 2: Key Improvements 31
Central Park: This area is characterized by the historic
bandshell and several state champion trees that demonstrate
the history of the park while also providing a park experience
for the adjacent Farmers' Market along 13th Street. In the
near-term, the bandshell programming will be increased to
encourage an array of performances and cultural activities
that are multi-generational and attract more visitors to the
area. However, due to various constraints determined in the
current location, the bandshell will be relocated to improve
the functionality and use of the current site. This will provide
opportunities for enhancements to the Farmers' Market
within the park and a promenade along Canyon Boulevard
that is complimentary to the future "complete street." This
relocation will also achieve better visibility through the site
and increased lawn areas for park uses.
Farmers' Market
The Farmers' Market will continue
to operate on 13th Street and expand
to the west and into the Teahouse
Plaza, improve access and function,
and possibly extend days or hours of
operation.
In 2012, the Farmers' Market celebrated 25 years of
operation, and it is one of the most notable draws in the Civic
Area. It operates on 13th Street on Wednesday afternoons
and Saturday mornings from April to October. The locally
grown fresh produce fits Boulder's values for healthy living,
eating fresh, and supporting local businesses and farmers.
The city has invested in improvements along 13th Street to
provide better space for the market stalls. The Farmers'
Market, working with the city, is exploring how to better
provide drop-off/pick-up access for customers, easier access
for vendors, and closer and more accessible parking. Also
with the city, it will explore how a year-round "public market
hall" could complement its mission to provide a marketplace
for local and Colorado agricultural producers.
the idea...
Public Market Hall
The public market hall, or food
hall, may supplement (not replace)
the outdoor seasonal market on
13th Street, subject to further
coordination with the Farmers'
Market and analysis. It could be a
new vertically mixed-use structure or
repurposed Atrium building.
A public market hall would provide a year-round venue
for local food and other locally produced goods and
provide additional space for the Farmers' Market to
expand during the peak season. A new building could
be in the 13th/14th Street block that would complement
the park uses across the street and enhance the market
experience within the park. On 13th Street, it would
ideally be mixed vertically with other uses. Additionally,
the building could be designed for specific market
needs. If the market hall were to be located in the Atrium
building, city offices would have to be relocated, and
the functionality of the market would be limited by the
building configuration and size. The market hall concept
will be further analyzed by the city in partnership with the
Farmers' Market. Considerations will include synergy with
the Farmers' Market function; cost; prospective tenant
interest, projected market demand and impact; usability
on non-market days; suitability of adjunct uses; synergy
with adjacent uses; and access and parking.
the idea...
Part 2: Key Improvements 32
Bandshell
Explore relocating the bandshell
within the Civic Area or other
locations that allow increased
usefulness as an outdoor structure.
The Glen Huntington Bandshell, built in 1938, is a local
historic landmark and protected under the city's Historic
Preservation Ordinance. It is architecturally significant
as an example of Art Deco architecture in Boulder. Today,
it faces challenges, including limited programming, worn
appearance, uncomfortable seating, frequent transient
occupation, and traffic noise and access challenges for
performances. The context also has changed significantly
from the 1930s. The north end of the bandshell is
within the 65-foot setback from the centerline of Canyon
Boulevard, which is needed for creating a "complete
street" design along Canyon from 9th Street to 16th Street.
The current location of the bandshell would prohibit
implementation of a "complete street" between Broadway
Avenue and 13th Street.
Recent outreach and public involvement has concluded
that the bandshell is not currently functional and faces
many challenges relating to its physical location and
programmatic effectiveness. Additionally, many proposed
uses and physical improvements have been identified for
the current space that is occupied by the bandshell within
Central Park. Consideration has been given to relocate the
bandshell to increase its effectiveness and functionality
while allowing improvements to the park area in its current
location. The community will be further engaged in the
relocation initiative through an outreach to gather ideas
and thoughts about its new location and programmatic
opportunities. This process will balance the framework of
historic preservation while achieving the goals outlined by
the community for the improvement to the Civic Area.
the idea...
Arts, Culture & Science Opportunities
Continue to explore a blend of
indoor and outdoor arts, cultural and
science facilities and spaces as an
integral and important components of
the Civic Area, including:
Permanent and temporary art installations or outdoor
cultural, arts, and science displays throughout parks;
Ideas to incorporate an art and cultural related
multi-use event space into at the Civic Use Pad;
Housing the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art
(BMoCA) in a new facility, or in an expanded facility at
its existing location.;
Possible repurposing of the Municipal Building (if city
facilities are consolidated in new building(s)) for art or
cultural related uses; and,
New facilities as an addition to (or as a redevelopment
of) the north wing of the library.
The community wants new arts, culture, and science in
the Civic Area and has expressed interest in a community
events venue for meetings, banquets, reception dinners,
charitable events, etc. BMoCA is exploring expansion of
its facility, either at its current location on 13th Street or
moving to a new facility within the Civic Area. Additionally,
outdoor arts and science are ideas that resonate with the
community.
the idea...
Part 2: Key Improvements 33
Performing Arts Facility
Continue to explore the feasibility
of a performing arts facility, either
as an outdoor facility near the
library or on 13th St. as part of a
mixed-use complex. A facility may
generate excitement and should
reflect emerging trends in arts
facility programming and usage.
The demand for and capital and
operation costs of a facility requires
further study, as does its projected
impact on the Downtown and other
venues in and near Boulder. Any
facility would need to meet the
Guiding Principles and performance
criteria in this plan.
In 2013, a local nonprofit, the Boulder Center for the
Performing Arts (BCPA), commissioned a feasibility study
for a performing arts center in Boulder. Their results were
published in April of 2014. The group expressed preference
for a mid-sized performing arts center (700-1,200 fixed
seats) that would be built through a private/public
partnership on city-owned land. The city's Community
Cultural Planning process executed in 2014 and 2015 has
also identified a need within the community for a mid-sized
performance venue. An independent analysis of the BCPA
study commissioned by the City of Boulder suggests that
the greatest need is for a flexible performance venue of
approximately 500-700 seats depending upon the program
expectations of the space. The independent analysis
stresses the importance of constructing a technically
well-equipped venue capable of adapting to future needs
in order to host multiple types of events. A well-equipped
flexible venue will be of interest to many in Boulder if it
has a flexible design capable of hosting large meetings
and events as well as performances. The next step is to
complete a comprehensive business plan for a performing
arts facility. Any performance facility must ensure many
uses to avoid creating an inactive zone when it is not in
use.
the idea...
Mixed-Use Community Services /
Innovation and Events Center
Create a mixed-use community
services/innovation and events center
(one or several buildings on the
13th/14th Street block) as a space
for public/private collaboration,
gathering, and celebration through
events. Buildings will integrate
well with outdoor plazas, theatre,
etc. and exemplify the community's
sustainability values. The building
may accommodate replacement
of city functions removed from the
HHZ or any repurposed buildings
(possibly the Municipal Building and/
or Atrium), other city functions, and/
or other community needs.
To optimize day/night uses, any new building should be
part of a mix of uses, including possibly a vertical mix with
the public market hall, other small restaurants or cafes,
community event space, and plazas and outdoor spaces.
More than 25,000 customers are served each year in seven
city buildings in the Civic Area (excluding the Main Library
and Senior Center), and multiple events and meetings occur.
A center with private incubator space could accommodate
multiple community needs.
the idea...
Part 2: Key Improvements 34
West Senior Center
Continue to explore the creation
of a 21st century Senior Center
consistent with best practices and
models providing a wider range of
access for older adults to resources,
socialization, and continuous
learning and enrichment. Explore
co-location of the center with other
services, activities, and amenities
- either in its current location
(redeveloping existing center) or
elsewhere, possibly including
Downtown, close to other services
and amenities.
The West Senior Center is west of the library and south
of Boulder Creek and was built in 1974. The center, a
16,200 square foot facility, serves 56,400 customers
a year, including Meals on Wheels, and the city offers
many other senior programs here. The Human Services
Department is currently updating its masterplan, and is
exploring the senior center's future, consistent with 21st
century best practices and models. Often, newer centers
are co-located with other services (such as for children,
youth, and families) to be convenient for customers and
providers. Additionally, they provide both dedicated
space for senior adults and flexible, intergenerational
community space.
the idea...
Part 2: Key Improvements 35
Structured Parking
Relocate most surface parking in the Civic
Area to structured parking on the west and
east ends. Some handicapped spaces and
spaces for seniors may remain near building
entrances; however, most parking would
be in structures designed to be convenient
and attractive, and to include a mix of
uses around the outside, similar to other
downtown parking structures.
To create a strong pedestrian environment for the Civic Area,
"just enough" parking spaces will be provided for those who
chose to arrive by car. Parking demand is expected to increase
with the new, additional uses and amenities, increased events
and programming, and higher park visitorship envisioned by this
plan. However, that demand will be minimized to the greatest
extent possible by providing facilities, services and a physical
environment that support and encourage walking, biking and
transit use, and by ensuring that parking spaces are shared by
uses with different peak periods. The appropriate number of
parking spaces and their location will be determined through
further analysis and discussion, and will take into account: current
and projected parking supply and demand for specific uses and
activities at different days, times and seasons, within and adjacent
to the Civic Area; potential for coordinating uses and sharing
spaces; pedestrian, bicycle and transit enhancements; floodplain
issues; site configurations; surrounding street network and
access; and other factors.
the idea...
36
37
Part 3
Implementation and Phasing
Part 3: Implementation and Phasing | Strategies38
Strategies
The following strategies will help
accomplish the plan.
1 Phasing/Prioritization "Roadmap." Key steps
and phasing will be necessary to sequentially
and systematically work toward the vision in the
near-term and over time. (See phasing diagrams on
pages 42 and 43 for initial prioritization and phasing.)
2 Coordination. Using designated staff coordinators
and other staff within the city to work across city
departments and with community partners to
carry out the plan (e.g., nonprofit organizations,
such as the Farmers' Market and BMoCA, private
land owners and developers, and others, such as
the Ocean Coalition, Bridge House and Boulder
Chamber). See sidebar on right for further details.
3 Detailed Planning and Design. Develop detailed site
plans for certain parts of the Civic Area (e.g., site
plan for the core park, for the East and West Ends
and for the future Canyon Boulevard). Further engage
the community and boards and commissions to
review and give feedback on detailed plans. Develop
cost estimates for infrastructure and improvements.
4 Investment Strategy. Identify a comprehensive
portfolio of financing tools and development
structures to pay for capital improvements in
phases and identify ongoing operations and
maintenance funds. The financial and investment
strategy could include any combination of:
public financing through voter-approved bonds or
sales tax;
private financing;
districts such as general improvement districts,
metropolitan districts and others;
endowments;
certificates of participation (COPs);
General Fund and Capital Improvement Program
(CIP) alignment of priorities;
public improvement fees;
state and federal grants (e.g., state Great Outdoors
Colorado funds for parks and open space, and
National Endowment for the Arts);
urban renewal financing; and,
crowd source funding.
The proposed land uses and ownership (e.g.,
private or public) to some degree determine what
kind of financing strategies (financing tools and
organizational structures) might be applicable.
5 Land Use Code Update. If the Land Use Code
is inconsistent with the desired plan, update
standards as necessary to incentivize or limit
certain types of development.
6 Programs and Activities. Collaborate with
appropriate partners to expand existing programs
and activities or create new programs consistent
with the Plan's vision and principles (e.g.,
programming new facilities, expanding flood
education, and/or creating work opportunities for
people who are homeless).
7 Construction. Following detailed site planning
and engineering, construct infrastructure, street
improvements, art, informational pieces, park
improvements or structures, and buildings.
Part 3: Implementation and Phasing | Strategies 39
Partnerships: Cooperate with non-profit and
service organizations to ensure that in
all programming or built spaces, there
are options for people of all incomes and
abilities to use the space or participate in
events together. As spaces are redeveloped
or reprogrammed, enable ways to create
space for service provision even if it is not a
direct city-provided service.
Maintenance and Operations: Develop on-going
community-oriented maintenance activities
for the Civic Area. Develop regular ways to
involve community members in clean-up
and maintenance and to build civic pride
and cooperation. Engender a different way
of thinking about this area throughout the
community. For example, have an on-going
clean up paid program for low-income or
homeless residents, possibly sponsored by
the business community, and also structure
regular times for full community projects.
A mix of uses will take a mix of strategies. For
example some options may be:
Arts/Culture/Parks: private/public shared
financing, supplemented with grants
City facilities: public financing
supplemented with private development and
city leasing
Offices or retail: private/public partnership,
city lease or sale
Parking Structure: Central Area General
Improvement District (CAGID) and user fees
Housing: private, public-private partnership,
possible trust, lease/sale by city
Examples of Partners
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Parks & Plazas Implemented
Planning
Phase 1
Access & Mobility Implemented
Phasing Plan
The diagrams that follow identify the likely phasing and timing to implement the plan. This phasing plan is
preliminary and depends on the availability of funding sources (public, private and other). The phases are broken
into the following approximate time periods:
Phase 1: 2016 - 2018
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Buildings Implemented
Parks & Plazas Implemented
Access & Mobility Implemented
Phase 2
Planning
Phase 2: 2018 - 2023
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Parks & Plazas Implemented
Access & Mobility Implemented
Phase 3
Planning
Completed in a previous phase
Phase 3: 2023+
Part 3: Implementation and Phasing | Implementation Roles42
Purview
(as it relates to Civic Area)
Implementation Role
City Council Whole plan; decisions about city-owned land and facilities
Approval of any proposals related to city-owned land, facilities or financing; approval of any plan amendments
Arts Commission Art in public places, role of arts in the Civic Area Direction on public art and refinement of strategies related to arts
Boulder Design Advisory Board Urban design Input on urban design for any new buildings or major changes to existing buildings
Downtown Management Commission
Parking and development in CAGID (Central Area General Improvement District, a.k.a. Downtown)
Input on parking implementation that affects Downtown, advice on parking strategies, approve any changes to CAGID
Human Relations Commission Inclusiveness, homeless Advice on fostering inclusiveness, particularly as it relates to the homeless population, in proposed programs and designs
Landmarks Board Historic preservation and review of landmarked structure
Review of any landmark alteration permit, including moving bandshell or alterations to other area landmarks, or other proposals that emerge related to historic preservation during the implementation of the plan
Library Commission Library Master Plan and any overlapping aspects Approval for any changes to the library and input on any changes adjacent to or affecting the library
Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Parks planning, greenways, parks function Advice on site planning and choices about activating the park
Planning Board Land use changes (private land)Approval of any land use changes to private properties (in the vicinity, and any public or private development) review application in the area that normally requires zoning changes and/or Planning Board approvals
Transportation Advisory Board Transportation and connections Input on transportation connections and improvements, such as Canyon "complete street" design, recommendation on any Transportation Master Plan changes that affect the area
Water Resources Advisory Board Changes to the floodplain Input on creek improvements and any proposed flood mitigation
City Council & Board/Commission
Implementation Roles
Additional guidance from City Council and the boards and commissions with purview in the Civic Area
will be needed to implement this plan. This table describes their roles.