The Boulder City Council approved a controversial plan to expand the St. Julien Hotel on January 16 with a vote of 6-3. This decision paves the way for a four-story extension at 900 Walnut St., which will feature 39 extended-stay suites and a first-floor meeting space dedicated to nonprofits.
The expansion, proposed by St. Julien Partners LLC, needed a special review due to its height, as it exceeds the city’s zoning limit of 38 feet. The new structure will rise more than 55 feet, including a mechanical mezzanine on the fifth floor. The hotel will have a red sandstone base, limestone upper floors, and metal paneling. A new pedestrian corridor will be built to connect Canyon Blvd. and Walnut St.
The St. Julien Hotel, which opened in 2003, has been planning the expansion for several years. However, before construction can start, the project will still require building permits and additional approvals.
According to Matt Cecere, the principal architect at 4240 Architecture, the expansion aims to continue supporting the Boulder community for the next 20 years. He emphasized that the hotel has been a positive force in the community and remains committed to Boulder’s growth.
Despite the support, the project faced vocal opposition from residents, especially those living in the neighboring Arête condominium. Opponents argued that the expansion would prioritize private interests over the community’s needs.
There were concerns about obstructed views, increased traffic, waste management, and the potential decrease in property values. The design of the new hotel includes a building close to the property line on the first and second floors, with a six-foot setback on the upper floors, which will block the views for some residents.
Some critics also questioned whether the site, historically designated for civic use, should be used for private development. St. Julien Partners LLC had committed, as part of a 2019 agreement with the City of Boulder and the Central Area General Improvement District (CAGID), to provide affordable event space for nonprofit organizations.
While the new plans include this nonprofit space, some residents are unsure whether it will be accessible or serve its intended purpose effectively.
The Boulder City Council voted in favor of the expansion, with Mayor Aaron Brockett, Mayor Pro Tem Lauren Folkers, and Councilmembers Matt Benjamin, Tina Marquis, Nicole Speer, and Ryan Schuchard supporting the project. Councilmembers Taishya Adams, Mark Wallach, and Tara Winer opposed the expansion.
Councilmember Adams expressed concerns about the project, saying, “I just see a chronic devaluing of community benefit and community space. I don’t believe it meets the needs of the residents.” While evaluating the project, the council was constrained by the city’s site review criteria, which cover aspects like building height and setbacks.
Mayor Brockett acknowledged the community’s concerns but emphasized that the decision had to be based on these criteria. “When I read through those criteria and staff’s analysis of the criteria, I agree, in general, with their assessment that it complies with those criteria,” he said.
Councilmember Marquis shared a similar sentiment, saying, “It’s a little bit heartbreaking for me that I do believe it meets the criteria. However, how we got here is a great place for me to reflect upon not to repeat this — this instance of a broken promise of civic space and community space.”
To address further concerns, the council added two conditions to the approval: one related to access to a balcony and another focusing on the design of the pedestrian corridor.
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