Wheat Ridge City Council approves mixed use zoning for Lutheran Legacy Campus

Wheat Ridge City Council made significant strides towards reshaping the future of the Lutheran Legacy Campus during their meeting on April 28, 2025. The council voted to approve a zoning change that will transition the property from a planned hospital district to a mixed-use zone, paving the way for diverse development options.

The decision comes after extensive community engagement, with over 22 public meetings and a strong turnout from residents expressing their views. Council members emphasized the importance of this process, noting that it allows for community input before any developer is involved, ensuring that local voices shape the future of the area.

Key discussions during the meeting revolved around the specifics of the zoning plan, including the low-density overlay that will dictate development standards. Councilor Stites clarified that the new zoning will limit building heights to 30 feet on the west side of the campus, down from the current allowance of 35 feet, and will prohibit multi-family units in certain areas, maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods.

Concerns about traffic and connectivity were also addressed. City staff assured residents that a comprehensive traffic impact analysis would be conducted as part of the next steps in the development process. This analysis will help determine necessary improvements to local roadways and ensure safe pedestrian access, including sidewalks along the campus perimeter.

The council also discussed the preservation of historically significant structures on the site, such as the chapel and the Blue House, committing to efforts that would encourage their reuse in future developments.

As the meeting concluded, council members expressed optimism about the potential for the site to become a vibrant community hub, balancing residential needs with open space and parkland. The approved zoning change is seen as a critical step in revitalizing the area while respecting the concerns of current residents. The council's commitment to transparency and public involvement will continue as the project moves forward, with further opportunities for community feedback anticipated in the coming phases.