Schnitzer West, one of the Seattle and Denver area’s leading real estate investment, development and property management companies, has acquired a parcel of land located at 5675 Arapahoe Ave. In partnership with Brue Baukol Capital Partners, an entrepreneurial real estate investment firm, Schnitzer West purchased the Boulder property with plans to develop a two-building research and development campus. Groundbreaking for the campus is scheduled to take place in Q4 2024.
The 9.5-acre site will offer two three-story buildings with 216,000 square feet of office space, including 515 below-grade parking stalls, bike parking and maintenance facility, a wellness building with private locker rooms and showers, and indoor and outdoor fitness areas. OZ Architecture is the architect (designer/AOR) for the development, from master campus strategic planning to exterior and interior design.
Schnitzer West is pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for the buildings, featuring outdoor terraces, floor-to-ceiling glazing and façade materials for an enhanced design and user experience. The campus will also house a two-acre outdoor amenity park emphasizing an existing pond and landscaping.
While Schnitzer West has a development pipeline of more than 1.6 million square feet in the Denver metro area, the acquisition of the Boulder site marks Schnitzer West’s first investment in the city.
“Boulder is a wonderful place to be and a flourishing market with dynamic entrepreneurial energy. We’re excited to be part of the Boulder community,” said Doug Zabel, regional investment partner at Schnitzer West. “Our investment in the area reflects our confidence in Boulder’s long-term economic prospects. Working in close collaboration with the City, we will develop a best-in-class project that will support the region’s growing economy.”
Named after the Flatirons, a series of distinctive rock formations that tower over the nearby foothills and are popular destinations for hiking and climbing enthusiasts, the Flatiron business area offers a unique blend of high-tech innovation and outdoor recreation. The site is situated in East Boulder, where business tenants have the opportunity to expand their footprint and provide a private campus environment for their employees to enjoy. It is easily accessible from major highways, increasing flexibility for commuter tenants.
“We are delighted to partner with Schnitzer West once again,” said Geoff Baukol, president of Brue Baukol Capital Partners. “As a Colorado-based firm, we fully comprehend the nuances and requirements to convert this site into a space that effectively caters to the needs of today’s tenants while preserving the intrinsic beauty and allure that Boulder and Colorado offer.”
Schnitzer West is committed to collaborating with Boulder’s planning department to ensure the project meets the needs and wants of the community while optimizing the local infrastructure.