Members of the Lafayette City Council have approved purchasing a nearly 2-acre site in a downtown section of the city that may see the eventual construction of an administrative office.
The site is located on the east side of South Public Road in a neighborhood with a mix of residential, retail, and office development.
For the last several years the property, which is thought to be highly desirable because it is less than one mile from Lafayette’s downtown core, has belonged to Boulder County.
The county had earlier announced plans to build on that site, but abandoned those plans when it instead purchased an existing structure on the same thoroughfare to be used as county offices.
In response, city officials argued in favor of buying the land. It has been noted that a transit-oriented development could be built at the site because it is located next to a Regional Transportation District Park-n-Ride station.
A report compiled by city staff describes the land as “desirable, and acquiring it has significant strategic value.”
The report continues: “Rarely do opportunities of this nature present themselves, and it’s appropriate and advisable to pursue them when they emerge.”
The site was additionally described as “one of the larger undeveloped pieces of land in downtown Lafayette.”
City officials have additionally noted that because of the property’s zoning classification, it could also see the construction of a restaurant, residential, or retail project.
The purchase price for the land is $610,000.
Reports indicate that that purchase may be finalized sometime in July.
By Garry Boulard
