Wheat Ridge Planning Commission recommends rezoning Lutheran Legacy campus to mixed-use district

In the heart of Wheat Ridge, a significant transformation is underway as the Planning Commission convened to discuss the rezoning of the Lutheran Legacy Campus. Under the bright lights of city hall, city planner Scott Cutler presented a comprehensive plan to shift the campus from its restrictive hospital zoning to a more versatile Mixed Use Lutheran Legacy Campus (MU LLC) zone district. This change aims to breathe new life into the area, which has been largely dormant since the hospital's relocation to Clear Creek Crossing.

The proposed rezoning, initiated by the city rather than a private developer, is designed to foster public engagement and ensure that community voices are heard throughout the process. Cutler emphasized that this initiative aligns with the city’s master plan, which envisions a vibrant mix of residential, commercial, and open space uses. The new zoning regulations will allow for varied housing types and building heights, with lower structures on the perimeter and taller buildings at the center, promoting a balanced development that respects the surrounding neighborhoods.

The timeline for this project has been extensive, beginning in 2021 when the hospital's move was first announced. Since then, the city has held numerous public meetings and open houses to gather input from residents, culminating in a charter amendment approved by voters in November 2024 that allows for increased building heights on the campus. This amendment is a crucial step in facilitating the desired redevelopment.

As the Planning Commission deliberated, Cutler noted that the rezoning would not only enhance the community's health, safety, and welfare but also stimulate investment in the area. The city has taken proactive measures to inform residents, sending notifications to property owners within a thousand feet of the campus and posting signs around the site. Despite the extensive outreach, no public comments were received regarding the rezoning proposal.

With the Planning Commission's recommendation set to be forwarded to the City Council, the final decision on the rezoning will be made on April 14, 2025. This pivotal moment marks a new chapter for the Lutheran Legacy Campus, promising to transform it into a dynamic space that reflects the community's needs and aspirations. As Wheat Ridge looks to the future, the successful implementation of this plan could serve as a model for similar initiatives across the region.