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Broomfield Town Square Development

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Broomfield Town Square approved! On Sept. 13, 2023 Broomfield City Council and BURA approved the Site Development Plan for the Broomfield Town Square. Moving forward, construction and project updates will be found on the developer’s website: Broomfield Town Square Alliance website.

You can learn more about the history of this project, including how community input shaped the guiding principles of this development, by reading below. Additional information about the Concept Review can be found on the Broomfield Town Square Concept page.


Aerial rendering of the proposed Broomfield Town Square Development.

Broomfield Town Square Approved!

On Sept. 13, 2023, the Broomfield City Council and the Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) unanimously approved the site-specific development plans for the first phase of the Broomfield Town Square.

The first phase of development includes:

  • Approximately 471 multi-family (apartment) residential units and 12 townhomes
  • Approximately 63,590 square feet of commercial development including a new market hall in the former Safeway building
  • An enlarged lake with trails and gathering areas incorporated throughout such as a plaza near E. 1st Ave, a beach and future boathouse at the northwest edge of the lake, restaurants and in smaller settings in various locations around the lake
  • Space for a potential future expansion of the Broomfield Library/Auditorium facility on the east side of the expanded lake
  • Parking primarily located within parking structures set within the mixed-use buildings
  • Realignment of Community Park Drive
  • Site improvements such as grading, drainage and utilities to serve the site
  • Income-aligned housing is required. The developer has the option to provide on-site units or pay a cash-in-lieu fee to the City and County of Broomfield to apply to other affordable housing developments within Broomfield.

The Developer, the Broomfield Town Square Alliance, anticipates the construction document preparation and permit review period will take place in 2024 and construction to begin in 2025.


Community Engagement Summary

The Broomfield Town Square went through an extensive public engagement process over the years including focus sessions, neighborhood meetings, concept review meetings, public hearings and comment forums on Broomfield Voice. Public comments included a range of opinions and questions ranging from support to opposition.

Comments in opposition to or questioning elements of the project included:

  • Concerns about the lake (various concerns from preferring less or no lake and preserving/providing more play area, lake maintenance including goose management, safety, water source/concern for water use, etc.)
  • The project density and height
  • Traffic
  • Trails/connectivity
  • The lack of RTD transit service in the area
  • Impacts to the First Filing neighborhood (such as parking overflow into the neighborhood)
  • Debt associated with the project
  • Opposition to the use of taxpayer money to support the project
  • Reserving space for potential Broomfield Library/Auditorium expansion
  • Not enough retail vs adding retail that might compete with existing businesses.
  • Additional comments asked about accessibility, light pollution, incorporating affordable housing, pedestrian safety and connectivity, including pollinator-friendly landscaping, and keeping the tennis courts.

Comments in support of the proposal included:

  • Excitement about creating a special place - a downtown for Broomfield - where people can gather and also bring out-of-town visitors.
  • Support expressed for redeveloping the long vacant former Safeway store into a market hall
  • Support for expanding the lake and recreational opportunities associated with the lake.
  • Providing local shopping and dining opportunities and keeping tax revenue in Broomfield.
  • The public hearing held on Sept. 12, 2022, in particular, had a very strong turnout of people expressing support for the project and eager to see it be realized.

The approved development plans addressed numerous comments and concerns by incorporating:

  • A robust trail/pedestrian network including an accessible grand staircase and a pedestrian-activated flashing light at E. 1st Ave connecting the market hall on the south to the plaza, lake and mixed-use development to the north
  • Dark-skylighting
  • Low water and pollinator-friendly landscaping
  • A four-story building height restriction for the mixed-use building at Main St and E. 1st Ave with the fourth floor west elevation setback from the primary facade to appear more like a three-story building
  • Lake safety measures such as a railing and other design mitigation techniques around the lake
  • A commitment to retain the existing tennis courts
  • Electric vehicle and ADA parking
  • Land area for a potential future expansion of the Broomfield Library/Auditorium
  • The plans anticipate there will be public art although the details have yet to be determined

City and County of Broomfield staff and external agencies (including Boulder Valley School District, North Metro Fire Rescue District, Colorado Department of Transportation, and Mile High Flood District, among others) reviewed the plans and various technical and engineering studies, and associated revisions provided by the development team, over the course of approximately two years. Concerns of a technical nature were addressed in engineering reports on traffic, parking, drainage, utilities, etc. and were adapted into the development plan as applicable. Affordable housing and project financing details were established in separate previously-approved agreements. In addition, City Council approved a code amendment to address overflow parking concerns for the Broomfield Heights neighborhood which will allow residents to work together to submit an application requiring permit parking on neighborhood streets if desired.

Due to the extensive scope of the project, the plans were considered at two separate public hearings. The zoning and subdivision plat were considered and approved at a public hearing in September 2022 and the site development plans was finalized and approved the following year in September 2023.


Developer's rendering of amphitheater seating leading to the lake with buildings rising in the backgroundDeveloper's rendering of a plaza with children playing in a fountain


Broomfield Town Square Approved!

On Sept. 13, 2023, the Broomfield City Council and the Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) unanimously approved the site-specific development plans for the first phase of the Broomfield Town Square.

The first phase of development includes:

  • Approximately 471 multi-family (apartment) residential units and 12 townhomes
  • Approximately 63,590 square feet of commercial development including a new market hall in the former Safeway building
  • An enlarged lake with trails and gathering areas incorporated throughout such as a plaza near E. 1st Ave, a beach and future boathouse at the northwest edge of the lake, restaurants and in smaller settings in various locations around the lake
  • Space for a potential future expansion of the Broomfield Library/Auditorium facility on the east side of the expanded lake
  • Parking primarily located within parking structures set within the mixed-use buildings
  • Realignment of Community Park Drive
  • Site improvements such as grading, drainage and utilities to serve the site
  • Income-aligned housing is required. The developer has the option to provide on-site units or pay a cash-in-lieu fee to the City and County of Broomfield to apply to other affordable housing developments within Broomfield.

The Developer, the Broomfield Town Square Alliance, anticipates the construction document preparation and permit review period will take place in 2024 and construction to begin in 2025.


Community Engagement Summary

The Broomfield Town Square went through an extensive public engagement process over the years including focus sessions, neighborhood meetings, concept review meetings, public hearings and comment forums on Broomfield Voice. Public comments included a range of opinions and questions ranging from support to opposition.

Comments in opposition to or questioning elements of the project included:

  • Concerns about the lake (various concerns from preferring less or no lake and preserving/providing more play area, lake maintenance including goose management, safety, water source/concern for water use, etc.)
  • The project density and height
  • Traffic
  • Trails/connectivity
  • The lack of RTD transit service in the area
  • Impacts to the First Filing neighborhood (such as parking overflow into the neighborhood)
  • Debt associated with the project
  • Opposition to the use of taxpayer money to support the project
  • Reserving space for potential Broomfield Library/Auditorium expansion
  • Not enough retail vs adding retail that might compete with existing businesses.
  • Additional comments asked about accessibility, light pollution, incorporating affordable housing, pedestrian safety and connectivity, including pollinator-friendly landscaping, and keeping the tennis courts.

Comments in support of the proposal included:

  • Excitement about creating a special place - a downtown for Broomfield - where people can gather and also bring out-of-town visitors.
  • Support expressed for redeveloping the long vacant former Safeway store into a market hall
  • Support for expanding the lake and recreational opportunities associated with the lake.
  • Providing local shopping and dining opportunities and keeping tax revenue in Broomfield.
  • The public hearing held on Sept. 12, 2022, in particular, had a very strong turnout of people expressing support for the project and eager to see it be realized.

The approved development plans addressed numerous comments and concerns by incorporating:

  • A robust trail/pedestrian network including an accessible grand staircase and a pedestrian-activated flashing light at E. 1st Ave connecting the market hall on the south to the plaza, lake and mixed-use development to the north
  • Dark-skylighting
  • Low water and pollinator-friendly landscaping
  • A four-story building height restriction for the mixed-use building at Main St and E. 1st Ave with the fourth floor west elevation setback from the primary facade to appear more like a three-story building
  • Lake safety measures such as a railing and other design mitigation techniques around the lake
  • A commitment to retain the existing tennis courts
  • Electric vehicle and ADA parking
  • Land area for a potential future expansion of the Broomfield Library/Auditorium
  • The plans anticipate there will be public art although the details have yet to be determined

City and County of Broomfield staff and external agencies (including Boulder Valley School District, North Metro Fire Rescue District, Colorado Department of Transportation, and Mile High Flood District, among others) reviewed the plans and various technical and engineering studies, and associated revisions provided by the development team, over the course of approximately two years. Concerns of a technical nature were addressed in engineering reports on traffic, parking, drainage, utilities, etc. and were adapted into the development plan as applicable. Affordable housing and project financing details were established in separate previously-approved agreements. In addition, City Council approved a code amendment to address overflow parking concerns for the Broomfield Heights neighborhood which will allow residents to work together to submit an application requiring permit parking on neighborhood streets if desired.

Due to the extensive scope of the project, the plans were considered at two separate public hearings. The zoning and subdivision plat were considered and approved at a public hearing in September 2022 and the site development plans was finalized and approved the following year in September 2023.


Developer's rendering of amphitheater seating leading to the lake with buildings rising in the backgroundDeveloper's rendering of a plaza with children playing in a fountain


ARCHIVED

Broomfield Town Square approved! On Sept. 13, 2023 Broomfield City Council and BURA approved the Site Development Plan for the Broomfield Town Square. Moving forward, construction and project updates will be found on the developer’s website: Broomfield Town Square Alliance website.

You can learn more about the history of this project, including how community input shaped the guiding principles of this development, by reading below. Additional information about the Concept Review can be found on the Broomfield Town Square Concept page.


  • Phase 1 Site Development Plan Approved: City Council Hearing, Sept. 13, 2023

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    View the developer’s presentation at the Sept. 12 City Council and BURA public hearing

    Watch the recording of the City Council public hearing

    On Sept. 12, 2023, the Broomfield City Council and the Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) unanimously approved the site-specific development plans for the first phase of the Broomfield Town Square. These plans build on the framework approved for the project through:

    • the community’s long-desired vision for a gathering place for the community
    • a Redevelopment and Reimbursement Agreement approved in 2019
    • the PUD plan (zoning) approved in 2022


    The first phase of development includes:

    • Approximately 471 multi-family (apartment) residential units and 12 townhomes
    • Approximately 63,590 square feet of commercial development including a new market hall in the former Safeway building
    • An enlarged lake with trails and gathering areas incorporated throughout such as a plaza near E. 1st Ave, a beach and future boathouse at the northwest edge of the lake, restaurants and in smaller settings in various locations around the lake
    • Space for a potential future expansion of the Broomfield Library/Auditorium facility on the east side of the expanded lake
    • Parking primarily located within parking structures set within the mixed-use buildings
    • Realignment of Community Park Drive
    • Site improvements such as grading, drainage and utilities to serve the site
    • Income-aligned housing is required. The developer has the option to provide on-site units or pay a cash-in-lieu fee to the City and County of Broomfield to apply to other affordable housing developments within Broomfield.


    The Developer, the Broomfield Town Square Alliance, anticipates the construction document preparation and permit review period will take place in 2024 and they will commence construction in 2025.

  • LURC Considers Detailed Site Planning Documents - 6-12-23

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    The Land Use Review Commission (LURC) considered the proposed site development plan/urban renewal site plan (SDP/URSP) at a public hearing on June 12, 2023 and voted unanimously (7-0) to recommend approval of the application. The application will proceed to a final hearing before City Council and the Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority on September 12, 2023.

    This phase of the site planning includes a new, expanded lake, a public plaza, a new market hall in the former Safeway store, trails, a beach and boat house, up to 491 residential units (primarily rental apartments), and 63,590 sqft of commercial development.

  • City Council Hearing: Sept. 13, 2022

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    City Council unanimously approved the zoning-related plans (PUD Plan, Final Plat, and a Comprehensive Plan land use map amendment) for the Broomfield Town Square development. These approvals establish a board framework for the future town square. The approval was made following:

    • A detailed updated presentation by the developer which included density concessions
    • A large turnout of support by the community
    • Careful deliberation in two hearings on May 24 and Sept. 13


    The Broomfield Town Square Alliance (the master developer) offered to reduce the number of residential units by 175 to a new maximum buildout of 643 residential units. All units would occur north of E. 1st Avenue. The plans also approved up to 187,000 sqft of commercial development including the redevelopment of the former Safeway site as a market hall.

    View the developer’s presentation to City Council

    Watch the recording of the hearing (scroll to agenda item 11.a for the town square hearing)


    Next steps: The Broomfield Town Square Alliance will resume work on the site-specific development plans and technical studies currently in the development review process.

  • City Council Hearing - May 24, 2022

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    On May 24, 2022, the Broomfield City Council considered the proposed Broomfield Town Square Planned Unit Development Plan (a custom zoning plan) for the town square site generally located northeast of W. 120th Avenue and Main Street. Following concerns expressed by some Councilmembers regarding the proposed density, the lake, and associated water and maintenance, the developer requested a continuance of the hearing to consider Council's concerns.

    Council voted to continue the hearing until September 13, 2022. Please refer to the Project Timeline in the upper right corner of this page for more information.


  • LURC Hearing - May 9, 2022

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    The Land Use Review Commission (LURC) considered the proposed final plat at a public hearing on May 9, 2022 and voted unanimously (6-0) to approved the application subject to a 15-day call-up period by City Council. Council has called up the plat for consideration.

    The plat is scheduled for Council consideration at a public hearing on September 13, 2022 along with with the PUD Plan and the land use map amendment.

    The final plat creates the legal subdivision for the property with lots, tracts and the dedication of public right-of-way and easements.

  • LURC Hearing - January 24, 2022

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    supporting image

    The Land Use Review Commission (LURC) is scheduled to consider the Broomfield Town Square Planned Unit Development Plan. This Plan sets forth the custom zoning details for the property such as permitted land uses, building height, and setbacks among other details.

    The PUD Plan is available to review in the document center (upper right corner of this web page.)

    Please note, site-specific details such as the proposed building architecture, landscaping, lighting, parking, site amenities, etc. will be addressed in future plans considered through a similar public hearing process anticipated to be scheduled later this year.


    Drawing of the Planned Unit Development Plan of the Broomfield Town Square. The plan is broken into two areas: 1. Area 1 is north of 1st Avenue and features residential buildings, mixed-use development, the existing Broomfield Library, a lake, a boat house, a park and a plaza. 2. Area 2 is between 1st Avenue and 120th Avenue and features a reused Safeway™ and mixed-use development.

  • Project Update - January 2022

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    2022 - Anticipated Activity

    2022 - First/Second Quarter

    Broomfield anticipates scheduling certain development plans and associated documents for consideration of approval by the Land Use Review Commission (LURC) and/or City Council (CC). These include:

    • Broomfield Town Square PUD Plan [LURC & CC]
    • A Comprehensive Plan land use map amendment [CC]
    • Final Plat [LURC with option for call-up by CC]


    2022 - Late Spring/Summer

    Broomfield continues to review engineering reports, technical studies and the site development plan (SDP) for the formal site details including architecture, landscaping, and site amenities.

    Later in the year, Broomfield anticipates scheduling the formal SDP and associated documents for consideration of approval by the Land Use Review Commission (LURC), City Council (CC) and/or the Broomfield Urban Renewal Authority (BURA). These include:

    • Broomfield Town Square Site Development Plan [LURC & CC]
    • Amended Broomfield Plaza-Civic Urban Renewal Area (URA) and Plan (URP) [CC] - to reduce the boundary to exclude the town square area
    • Broomfield Town Square URA and Plan [CC] - to create a new urban renewal area dedicated to the town square development
      • Associated Tax Increment Financing Agreements [BURA]
    • Petition for Business Improvement District Formation and Operating Plan [CC]

    Once the land use plans are approved by City Council, the developer will submit construction documents for administrative review. These include:

    • Civil Plans
    • Building Plans

  • Neighborhood Meeting (September 30, 2021) - Come Join the Discussion about Future Phases!

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    supporting image

    Broomfield's development partner, the Broomfield Town Square Alliance, will be hosting a neighborhood meeting (virtual) on September 30, 2021 at 6 pm to share their vision and gather your input on future phases of development. These future phases are in the conceptual stage only and are anticipated to follow the initial phases which are currently in the development review process with Broomfield. The initial phases -- encompassing an enlarged lake, a vibrant town square framed by mixed-use buildings with ground-floor restaurants and shopping with a local emphasis, a mix of apartments and townhomes, and a newly reimagined Market Hall in the former Safeway store -- were presented in concept on May 26, 2020 (link to the concept plans) and in a prior neighborhood meeting in September 2020 (link to meeting video).

    Virtual Meeting Connection (Microsoft Teams):

    Join on your computer or mobile app: Click here to join the meeting

    Or call in (audio only): +1 646-838-1601,,545649845# United States, New York City

    Phone Conference ID: 545 649 845#

    Find a local number | Reset PIN

    Learn More | Meeting options

  • Conceptual Plan Review - An Opportunity to Preview Potential Future Phases - August 31, 2021

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    supporting image

    City Council consideration of a Concept Review regarding the Broomfield Town Square Future Phases (Mixed Use) and project update by the Development Team.

    Link to Concept Plan

    Link to Agenda Report

  • Sidewalk Expansion Project Will Be Staged in Safeway Parking Lot - NOT the Start of Construction

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    Better sidewalk access is coming to 120th Ave! In preparation for a sidewalk expansion that will span 120th Ave. from Teller to Main Street, Xcel Energy will be undergrounding the overhead power lines on the southside of 120th. Residents may see crews working on this corridor from mid-May through late summer 2021, as well as equipment for the project staged in the old Safeway parking lot on 120th.

    Learn more about the upcoming sidewalk replacement project.