Diagonal Plaza Redevelopment

• Background Information
• Diagonal Plaza Economic Analysis
• Upcoming Meetings
  • Previous Meetings
• Contact Information - sign up to receive email updates

January 2013 Update

On Monday, Jan. 21, 2013, Walmart confirmed itself as the tenant at Diagonal Plaza, 3303 30th St.

July 2012 Update

The most recent activity at Diagonal Plaza has been in the form of two "Minor Modification" applications for minor exterior changes and an interior "tenant finish" that will join two retail spaces for further retail use. The tenant for which these modifications are being made was not identified in the application (nor is it required). It appears that no building permits have been issued as of yet.

Project Background:

Diagonal Plaza is a commercial center of approximately 33 acres in northeast Boulder (map). The center was first developed in 1965, with a subsequent phase developed in 1995 near 30th Street. The area is zoned BC-1 (Business Community - 1) and the center's physical infrastructure does not meet the city's current land use regulation standards including circulation, landscaping and lighting. Portions of the shopping center haven't been upgraded in decades.

Diagonal Plaza has been aging and the physical appearance of its buildings and improvements have been declining. Sales tax revenues produced by the center have declined over the past several years due to extended retail vacancies. There have been no applications to the city for redevelopment of the site, although developers and retailers have considered the center for conceptual development proposals in the past.

Diagonal Plaza Economic Analysis:

Following a request for proposal process, the city selected the consultant team of Economic and Planning Systems (EPS) of Denver; OZ Architecture; Scott, Cox & Associates; and, RRC Associates to conduct a preliminary economic analysis for potential redevelopment of the Diagonal Plaza shopping center. This analysis will considered several redevelopment scenarios and evaluate factors such as current and potential property market values, market feasibility and needs, infrastructure needs, and a preliminary analysis of potential tax revenues.

The Department of Community Planning and Sustainability's new redevelopment team has defined a study area to evaluate options related to future redevelopment. This may include public-private partnerships or financial options such as the use of the Boulder Urban Renewal Authority (BURA) and tax increment financing or other public financing tools. The study area includes the Diagonal Plaza shopping center as well as several nearby properties. The area includes 15 properties, all under separate ownership. Property owners in the study area have been contacted by the city to review the status of the initial study.

Upcoming Meetings:

No meetings are currently scheduled. All upcoming meeting information will be posted here.

Previous Meetings:

• April 26, 2011: City Council Meeting -  Meeting Agenda and Packet 

At this meeting, City Council reviewed the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) report and BURA comments. City Council voted to proceed with next steps in evaluating redevelopment of the Diagonal Plaza shopping center and area, including:

• Continued communications and data gathering with property owners
• Soliciting feedback from potentially interested developers and tenants

A blight study was not included by City Council in the approved next steps.

• February 23, 2011 - Boulder Urban Renewal Authority Meeting

BURA reviewed and commented on the Urban Land Institute (ULI) of Colorado's Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) report (See Jan. 20 info below) on Diagonal Plaza. Read the staff memo. Comments from the BURA were sent to City Council.

• January 20, 2011 -  Urban Land Institute (ULI) Technical Assistance Panel (TAP)
  

After a site visit, interviews and work sessions, panelists presented their findings and recommendations to the city and interested stakeholders, including property owners and the public. Read the Draft Problem Statement from the ULI TAP.

• November 16, 2010 - City Council Meeting - Memo to Council from staff
  

City Council provided direction on Diagonal Plaza redevelopment options.  Part of this direction was for staff to work with the Urban Land Institute (ULI) to schedule a one day TAP to invite a select panel of area and regional professionals to evaluate redevelopment options for the Diagonal Plaza that would meet the community’s goals for the center, and make strategic recommendations for implementation.  

• Sept. 29, 2010: BURA Special Meeting Meeting Agenda and Packet
  • November 4th Planning Board Packet with Diagonal Plaza Item under Matters
  • September 29, 2010 BURA Special Meeting Minutes 

Contact Information:

For more information, please contact Liz Hanson, Economic Vitality Coordinator, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 303-441-3287.

Last Updated on Friday, 22 March 2013 07:39