Boulder design board reviews 22‑unit addition at 2717 Glenwood; neighbors raise parking, shading and tree concerns

The City of Boulder Design Advisory Board on Sept. 10 reviewed a site‑review proposal for 2717 Glenwood that would add a three‑story, 22‑unit building on an existing parking lot, increasing the property’s total units from 37 to 59 while reducing on‑site parking.

Board members and staff described the project as a reuse of excess parking to create housing close to grocery, transit and bike routes, but neighbors and the board flagged several design and operational issues that the applicant must resolve before formal sign‑off.

Why it matters: The proposal was referred to DAB by City Council during concept review. The board emphasized how the project sits between single‑family homes to the west and heavier commercial uses to the east, and said careful design and landscaping will be needed so the new building improves street presence without worsening impacts on adjacent residents.

The proposal and public concerns

Shannon Mueller of the City of Boulder planning department briefed DAB that the application is in site review after a council referral. Applicant Michael Bosma described the plan to retain the existing 37‑unit building and add a separate three‑story structure on the oversized surface parking area, creating 22 new units (59 total). Architect Bob Wilson said the new building would include about 43 parking spaces overall and 120 bicycle parking spaces. The applicant reported roughly 37% open space in the current design.