Construction Of 30Pearl Affordable Housing Begins In Boulder

BOULDER, CO — Construction of the 30Pearl affordable housing is now underway in Boulder. A total of 120 affordable homes are being built on a 4.6-acre site in Boulder Junction.

The City of Boulder and Boulder Housing Partners broke ground on the project Dec. 13 at 2630 30th Street.

Boulder Housing Partners is the master developer of the project.

“This is a tremendous collaboration between the City of Boulder and BHP to achieve outcomes long identified for this parcel of land,” Jeremy Durham, the executive director of Boulder Housing Partners, said in a statement. “Because of the size and depth of affordability this project brings, it will bring nearly $1.3 million in annual rent burden relief to Boulder’s low-income households – which we believe is more than any development in Boulder’s history.”

(Stay up-to-date on Boulder news with Boulder Patch! There are many ways for you to connect and stay in touch: Free Newsletters and Email Alerts | Facebook)

The new homes are being built in Boulder Junction, a 160-acre redevelopment area that is being transformed into a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented neighborhood with regional transit connections and public spaces.

“The City of Boulder purchased this land years ago with the long-term goal of building affordable housing,” Kurt Firnhaber, the city's director of housing and human services, said in a statement. “Owning the land and contributing it to this partnership has allowed us to control the outcomes, decrease the cost of this development while providing the highest percent of permanently affordable housing of any prior developments in the city.”

The new development will include units that range from studios to three bedroom homes. Families that make 30 to 60 percent of the area's median income — or $30,690 to $61,380 for a family of three — will qualify for the housing.

The development includes 10 units for permanent supportive housing and 20 units in an Independent Living Community for residents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The apartment homes range from 471 to 1,151 square feet, and monthly rents will be around $995 for an efficiency apartment and $1,772 for a three-bedroom apartment.

The buildings will have 122 KW of solar energy capacity, exceeding the city’s energy code, officials said. Homes will all have air conditioning, storage, a pantry and Energy Star appliances. Community rooms, play areas and rooftop decks are planned for the buildings. The property is close to a planned city park, regional and local bus transportation service, bike and multi-modal paths, grocery stores, a Target and a YMCA recreation center.

Residents will be offered transit EcoPasses, car share passes and bike share passes. Low-cost retail space in the 4South building will house Ramble On, a nonprofit organization that provides vocational training for individuals with disabilities.

The project was designed by Coburn Development, and Milender White Construction Co. is the general contractor.

Construction is expected to take around 20 months.