The James is an innovative infill project in downtown Boulder. With a progressive and dynamic architectural approach it embodied the values of Boulder. The heart of the idea is to create “place” not just a building.
The project is located adjacent on 14th St near the Tea House, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Boulder Creek, and the Boulder Transit Center.
The James was proposed to be 4 stories and conceived as a “shared-use” project to promote sharing of spaces for all users. The apartments are organized around a green courtyard that covers the parking. 3 stories of office are located in a new building on 14th St. adjacent to the existing 2-story building. Storefront retail creates a lively and engaging street presence. New “micro-studios” wrap the garage that line a new paseo; these are very small work spaces to support non-profits, business start-ups and alternative work arrangements. These studios line a paseo along the irrigation ditch - an extension of the City's bike path system.
The project was designed as LEED Platinum with a wide array of sustainable approaches including green roofs and rain gardens, photovoltaics, interior bike storage for all residents, and shading systems. The project got City of Boulder Site Review approval but the developer later decided to not move forward.
Client: Element Properties
Size: 75,000 s.f. 43 units and 21,000 sq ft office, 43 parking spaces
Type: Mixed use residential and office
Cost Estimate: $9 - 11 million
Date: 2014-2016