A nonprofit focused on sustainable energy is among tenants in what is being targeted as the first net-zero-energy development in Boulder County.
Rocky Mountain Institute, which focuses on research and acceleration of sustainable energy use, has occupied 14,302 square feet at Boulder Commons, a 100,000-sf project at 2440 and 2490 Junction Place. The newly delivered buildings are located in the Junction Place mixed-use development surrounding Boulder’s transit center.
Other tenants include financial services firm CoreLogic, which leased 9,504 sf; law firm Lathrop Gage, which occupies 9,300 sf; Meriwether Cos., a real estate development and investment firm that leases 2,000 sf; and Boulder Commons developer Morgan Creek Ventures, which occupies 1,950 sf.
Retail tenants include Andrea’s, a 1,535-sf hair salon, and Vasu Skin Solutions, a skin care specialist that leased 915 sf.
The leases comprise more than 40,000 sf. Available spaces range from 1,000 to 28,000 sf.
“With a shared commitment to the efficient use of natural resources and a design focus on employee well-being, all of the tenants saw value in occupying Boulder Commons,” said Erik Abrahamson, a senior associate with CBRE in Boulder who is leasing the property with CBRE’s Jeremy Kroner and Joe Faller.
“Boulder Commons offers the most environmentally sustainable commercial design in all of Boulder County. Further, these tenants have the potential to benefit from building features designed to promote employee well-being, which in turn we believe will lead to increased employee productivity, reduced sick days, and help with employee attraction and retention.”
“We are thrilled to be in a comfortable, healthy and beautiful space that not only meets our needs as a tenant but also completely aligns with our sustainability values. This project demonstrates saving carbon is not only good for the environment but also good for business,” Cara Carmichael of Rocky Mountain Institute said in a statement.
Located just north of the transit center, Boulder Commons’ buildings are designed for optimal light penetration, which reduces the lighting load and overall energy usage while maximizing views and daylight for employees. Additional energy is harvested by solar panels on the roof and east building facades.
Other sustainable features include a tight, well-insulated building envelope, highly efficient HVAC system, energy-efficient lighting, low-flow plumbing fixtures and a car-share program.
“Boulder Commons is setting a new standard for responsible mixed-use development in our region,” said Andrew Bush, MCV Capital principal. “No other commercial project in the area combines the same levels of leading-edge sustainable design, top-quality tenant amenities and an ideal transit-oriented location.”
The buildings offer open floor plans and outdoor decks. Courtyards, a coffee shop, on-site restaurant and lobby/common area provide spaces for people to gather and interact. Located along the Goose Creek Path, the project also features bike lockers, showers and changing rooms.
MCV is in the process of acquiring the Airgas land adjacent to Boulder Commons to develop the second phase of Boulder Commons. Phase II will include 50,000 sf of office and retail space, along with residential units. Development will begin once Morgan Creek Ventures completes a new facility it is developing in Dacono for Airgas.
“Boulder Commons Phase II is a wonderful extension of what’s been started in Boulder Junction with the new Hyatt Place Hotel, the Boulder Junction at Depot Square RTD Station and with the opening of Boulder Commons Phase I,” said Kroner, a vice president with CBRE in Boulder.
