Boulder's Arts District to Feature 2,500-Seat Venue and Housing

A Vision for a New Cultural Hub in Boulder

A developer based in Boulder is aiming to revamp a neglected area near Boulder Junction into a vibrant, walkable arts district. This ambitious project would feature housing, retail spaces, a hotel, and a 2,500-seat performing arts venue. The initiative has the potential to redefine the eastern part of the city, making it a cultural hub that adds much-needed housing and a major events space while supporting Boulder's long-term vision for Boulder Junction as a transit-oriented district.

The Proposal: Pearl Arts District

Conscience Bay Co. is presenting what they call the Pearl Arts District on approximately 11 acres along the train tracks at Foothills and Pearl parkways. Daniel Aizenman, director of development and design for Conscience Bay, explained that the company envisions creating a "15-minute city," where residents can access daily needs on foot or by bike. This plan also aims to complete the area’s transformation into a transportation hub connected to existing bus services and a future train station.

"This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity," Aizenman said.

History and Development

Conscience Bay has owned the land since 2013, and currently, the site includes two tin warehouses with small businesses, including the soon-to-close Sanitas Brewing. However, the developer claims the current layout is not sustainable. Over the past three years, they have studied how to reimagine the site.

A marketplace study identified a gap in large-scale entertainment venues, a finding supported by industry contacts. Existing venues like the Boulder Theater and Fox Theatre have a maximum capacity of about 1,000 seats, and most larger spaces are controlled by the University of Colorado.

A rendering of the Pearl Arts District. Photo: Conscience Bay Company

Key Features of the Plan

The proposal includes a 2,500-seat performing arts venue, which would host at least 180 events annually. It also calls for 55,000 square feet of arts and cultural space, including rehearsal facilities. In addition, the plan features 500 homes, a 150-room hotel, 30,000 square feet of retail space, and a park along the south end of the site with playgrounds and a carousel.

A parking garage will be built beside the concert venue, serving as a buffer between the train and the arts space. Aizenman mentioned that the site would feature all-electric buildings and is exploring geothermal systems through a state grant.

Community Focus

While Conscience Bay helped promote Boulder as a host for the Sundance Film Festival, Aizenman emphasized that the district isn’t being designed around any single event. Although they hope the venue could one day host Sundance programming, the focus remains on the community.

"People ask, 'Are you building it for Sundance?' No, we're building it for the community," Aizenman said.

Next Steps

The project requires the creation of a "Pearl Arts District" and a governing body to oversee it. Aizenman aims to secure a concept review from the Boulder City Council in the first half of 2026, complete the site review by 2028, and begin demolition in 2030. If everything goes according to plan, the concert venue, parking garage, and hotel could open in 2031.