Mixed-use, Town Center communities is the latest trend in Denver’s hippest planned communities like Stapleton, RidgeGate and New Town. Get ready to add another planned subdivision to the list of Denver’s trendiest communities. Baseline in Broomfield is finally getting ready to build residential homes and apartment as well as commercial and office space.
The Butterfly Pavilion Moving To Baseline
Having a 2 year old and a 5 year old means constantly trying to find some source of entertainment that is fun and engaging for both ages. One of my favorite spots to take my two boys is the Denver Butterfly Pavilion. About 25 minutes from our house near University of Denver, it is an escape to another world. Stepping into the indoor conservatory, you literally feel like you’ve stepped off the plane into a tropical jungle. The rain-forest-like environment is humid and warm. Birds are singing, my hair is frizzing, and the smell of fresh flowers fill the air. Over 1600 butterflies are free-flying around. Not to mention, the tortoises, fish and turtles are playing nearby. You can also pet tarantulas. Or, dig for worms or watch bees make honey. The only thing that’s missing are the tropical drinks! More than that, the space is small and when there are busy days, it’s hard to get around to see the various exhibits.
Fortunately, the Butterfly Pavilion just announced plans to open a brand new $30 million, 60,000 sq ft campus. The Center for Invertebrate Research and Conservation will focus on invertebrate animal conservation and education. This new facility promises to have it all. It will include a research facility, indoor/outdoor exhibits, classrooms, gardens, play areas, and more. The only thing missing is a tiki bar . The project is a collaboration of Loveland developer McWHINNEY, City & County of Broomfield, and the Adams 12 Five Star School District. The new Butterfly Pavilion is really just one piece of the a new vision for Westminster and Broomfield. This new complex will be called Baseline in Broomfield.
North Park Is Being Transformed To Baseline in Broomfield
As Boulder and Denver both continue to grow, it no surprise that the suburbs in between the two bustling cities are rising to the occasion. Broomfield is no exception. The location of these two adjacent cities is perfect for families who need easy access to Downtown Denver and the Northwest corridor. Developers are taking advantage of this growth and working quickly to bring multi-use projects to the area. The new Butterfly Pavilion is part of Baseline which was formerly known as North Park.
It’s located at the northwest quadrant of I-25 and Northwest Parkway. McWHINNEY purchased this 11,000 acre site in 2007 by for $32.5 million. Of course, it wasn’t perfect timing for the Recession to hit. So, the project was put on hold. Nevertheless, today, plans are in motion and the site will be home to a University of Colorado Medical Complex. Also, Baseline will include medical offices, over 6,000 homes, town center with dining district and STEM public schools campus. In addition, to these residential components, Baseline will incorporate 145 acres of open space, dedicated farm land, and a 150,000-square-foot, $220 million operations center for JPMorgan Chase.
The Butterfly Effect Development Model
What’s even more interesting – and a bit of a hipster conceptualization – is that Baseline in Broomfield will include a first-of-its-kind pollinator-friendly model called “The Butterfly Effect”. When “farm to table” is the cry of the day, it makes perfect sense that the community is actually going to live it.
The community provides it’s members opportunities to learn and grow. The environment attracts bees,butterflies and wildlife. The local inhabitants mind the fields and farms. And, everyone comes together to share at the Town Center. It’s really a whole new level of sustainability . It’s where a community works, learns, socializes, eats all within steps of their front door. Rumors are that IKEA will also be building a second Colorado location adjacent to the new Baseline community. If that’s true, how could you ask for anything more?
Read The Comments for Updates on Progress
So, if you are looking for modern housing in a Town Center environment, put Baseline in Broomfield on your radar. We don’t know when actual homes will be ready for delivery. It could be a while. But I’ll keep you informed in the comments below!
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