City Council Plans $25M Renovation for Cajun Parking Garages Over Six Years

The Boulder Junction Access District Meeting held on July 25, 2025, focused on significant budget proposals and capital improvement plans aimed at enhancing community infrastructure and services. The meeting highlighted a substantial increase in the capital budget, primarily driven by ongoing renovations of parking garages and the need to address deferred maintenance.

A key discussion point was the request for $300,000 in 2026 for electronic signage updates in the B Jet parking area. Additionally, the district is seeking $500,000 over five years starting in 2027 for general capital enhancements and maintenance in the Boulder Junction Access District (BJAD). This funding is intended to improve accessibility and safety for community members and visitors.

The meeting also detailed a major construction management project for the Cajun parking garages, with an anticipated investment of $25 million over six years. This project will focus on the Pearl and Spruce garages, which are the most utilized in the area. The district has also received a grant from the Denver Regional Council of Governments to explore the implementation of mobility hubs within these garages, requesting $3 million over three years for this initiative.

In celebration of the Pearl Street Mall's upcoming fiftieth anniversary, the district plans to allocate $3 million next year for enhancements, with $2 million sourced from the Cajun fund and $1 million from the Capital Construction and Repair Services (CCRS) fund. These funds will be used for aesthetic improvements rather than major structural changes.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain essential services despite budget reductions across the organization. The next steps include a city council review of the budget on August 29, followed by further discussions with commissions in September, leading to a final budget vote in October. The district aims to prioritize safety and accessibility as it prepares for increased community events and usage of its facilities.