Boulder, CO (1888PressRelease)
August 18, 2007 - The 2000 U.S. Census reported Boulder, CO to have a 2.2% rental vacancy rate, compared to the average rental vacancy rate in the U.S. of 8%. In 2005, the median monthly rent in Boulder was an astounding $979 ($671 in Colorado) and the average cost of a home was $457,000 ($223,300 in the state). These facts demonstrate that Boulder is in need of more low-cost housing, but in a city with severe anti-expansion laws and height restrictions, creative housing solutions must be utilized.
One solution, Landmark Lofts Phase I, has been designed by Knudson Gloss Architects (KGA), for the founder, owner, and developer, Chanin Development, Inc., envisioned by Jim Chainin. This mixed-use project located at 1000 28th Street is linked with a direct pedestrian underpass to the University of Colorado campus. It is comprised of 103 units with one to four bedrooms and from 600-2,000 SF (with varying footprints). The project has a gross density of 55 units per acre, below-grade parking, and it maximizes the use of wood framing. Prices range from the low $200s to penthouses in the high $600s with nearly a third of the units under $300,000.
"On 1.88 acres, Phase I accomplishes urban density in a non-urban setting. We were able to create spectacular view corridors to the Front Range and simultaneously maintain 42% open space," says project manager Thomas Marsden of KGA. He sees this project as a catalyst for reinvigorating this blighted area.
In addition to maximizing the potential of a limited site, the design team has created an optional interior finish "environmental package". This package includes recycled content carpet & glass tile, paper stone countertops (a recycled paper and resin composite), and flooring made from sustainably harvested bamboo.
Phase II and III of Landmark Lofts are also in the works. Project Architect Graham Swett notes that, "the buildings will include residential units, a larger proportion of mixed-use retail space, and will continue with the same goals as Phase I: to rejuvenate the area, and offer modern, community-based design with a true urban aesthetic."
Knudson Gloss Architects has been designing award-winning custom residential, speculative & multifamily residential, urban infill, mixed-use and light commercial projects for thirty years. Based in Boulder, KGA believes that the best design is achieved through a team effort using client’s desires and needs to generate innovative and thoughtful solutions. Their design expertise, construction knowledge, and market savvy allow them to conceptualize unique architecture.
For more information on KGA, visit www.kgarch.com or call 303-442-5882.
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