FAQs

CU Boulder is in the early planning stages of a new on‑campus student housing development along Colorado Avenue. This FAQ page is designed to share clear, fact‑based information and respond to common questions from neighbors and community members. The project team will continue to refine designs and share updates as additional information becomes available.
 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Working with a development team from Morgan Stone Everett, we are building new on-campus student housing on CU Boulder-owned land along Colorado Avenue. The project will expand on-campus living options while respecting nearby neighbors through setbacks, landscaping buffers, and other design features.

CU Boulder is working to house more undergraduate students on campus because research shows students living on campus have higher graduation and success rates. CU also recognizes the citywide need for more housing options and aims to reduce pressure on the local housing market by providing more on-campus options.

The project is expected to include approximately 450 units and house approximately 1,650 students. 

The project is being designed to place the lowest building heights closest to the neighborhood and taller heights along Colorado Avenue:

  • 3–4 floors on the neighborhood-facing side
  • 7–8 floors along Colorado Avenue

The design includes a setback and buffer along the neighborhood edge, including physical separation and landscaping. This includes a solid wall, mature tree retention, and additional plantings to create an ample buffer.

Current design concepts include a neighborhood-facing buffer of 40+ feet, with setbacks and landscaping intended to increase separation and privacy.

No. The project is not planning residential balconies, which is one design choice intended to help minimize noise and reduce impacts on neighbors.

Noise and activity concerns are being addressed through both design and management approaches, including:

  • No balconies
  • Activity spaces located on the campus-facing and Colorado Avenue side
  • 24/7 on-site professional property management with campus oversight
  • Quiet hours enforced
  • CU Police Department monitoring

Solar access is an area of focus. The project is using the solar fence measurement approach taken from the City of Boulder’s Solar Access Parameters as a guide, specifically designing the project with a 25-foot “solar fence” at the property line that helps guide building form and solar access outcomes.

CU Boulder will establish the permitting and construction standards for the project. The university expects the project to meet or, in many areas, exceed City of Boulder standards.

Yes. The project concept includes increased green space compared to earlier designs, a landscaped buffer, and retention of mature trees.

CU Boulder has committed to a neighborhood liaison, a construction hotline, and regular updates as the project moves forward.

The project includes 24/7 on-site professional property management with campus oversight.

CU Boulder has identified regular patrols by CU Boulder Police as part of its neighborhood commitments.

The current milestones include:

  • Design and documentation through Spring/Summer 2026
  • Construction begins Fall 2026
  • Move in planned for Fall 2028

CU Boulder will continue neighborhood updates throughout the process. For additional questions, please email: ColoradoAveHousing@colorado.edu