Downtown Boulder Real Estate News: June 2008

The Old Ideal Market Is Being Renovated

It is nice to see that Ideal Market is going to be transformed and given much needed upgrades. I know many people were worried that when the Whole Foods Wild Oats merger took place that Ideal Market might be closed. I have many memories of going to the old Clark Chapman owned Ideal when I was growing up in Boulder. I hope the new store retains some of that charm.

http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/jun/17/whole-foods-remodeling-ideal-begin-work-alfalfas-a/

Historic Renovation of the Frakes Home at 1936 Mapleton

The Historic Frakes House renovation at 1936 Mapleton is bringing life back to the old structure. This picture shows the brick masons rebuilding the 20th Street side of the house. The wall was completely taken down and rebuilt over a new foundation using the original bricks and windows.

John and Laurel Hickman who own Hickman Construction are undertaking the restoration and expansion of this landmarked house. They are adding a basement and new addition to the back of the house. The house when completed will have around 2700 square feet above grade and a finished basement of about 750 square feet. A new 2 car garage with a with a 350 square foot studio is being built off of the alley. The project is expected to be finished around Christmas this year. The price is still to be determined.

Proposed Demolition of Lund Hotel/Coop Site on East Pearl

City of Boulder Landmarks Board considers demolition permit from the applicant Brad Hahn on 1904,1912,1918.5 Pearl St.

The Landmarks Board unanimously voted to place a stay of 180 days on the demolition permit.

Brad Hahn the applicant made a strong case that the building lacks any significant historic architectural significance due to the changes made to the exterior of the property through the years. He cited studies from 1988 and 1995 that found the building lacked historic significance because of these changes.

Paul Ekland who recently renovated 1212 Pearl the Patagonia store spoke on the applicants behalf. He had looked at the building to renovate himself and did not think it was financially
feasible to restore and renovate the property.

The Landmarks Board argued that the Lund Hotel has significant Historic value based on the Swedish Cultural History of the building even though it might not be architecturally significant .

http://www.bouldercolorado.gov/files/audio/landmarks/landmarks_6_4_08_5c.mp3

City Council Mulls Outline For Home Size Consultant

Boulder City Council analyzing what the guidelines should be for 100,000
consultant on home speculation and home size in Boulder.
http://www.dailycamera.com/news/2008/jun/05/house-size-process-criticized/