WATERVIEW
Multi-Family + Multi-Use
Architecture | Interiors | Masterplanning
14.87 acres, 263 units
Boulder, Colorado
Designed as an urban village on the Arapahoe Avenue thoroughfare, Waterview works in harmony with the flowing course of South Boulder Creek that shaped East Boulder—providing sensitive responses to mountain viewsheds and the residential neighborhood to the south. It forms a simple vocabulary drawing contextual ties to the agrarian history of Colorado’s eastern slope, with stout masonry bases, crisp pale volumes and roofs, articulated to respond to light, view and climate.
Buildings are configured as a 3-4 story ‘necklace’ strung along the riparian corridor of the creek, and across the water on the northeast parcel. Residences are buffered from the bikeway by terraced landscape treatments. The balance of buildings are long 3 and 4-story ‘fingers’ arranged from street edge to the north pond, opening perspectives and diagonal sightlines to the Front Range and the dramatic Flatirons formations.
The Gateway on Arapahoe is framed as a ‘finger’ building spans the drive, leading to the entry plaza. This first layer is a mixed use engagement of community with an organic café, yoga studio, and early childhood education. At all locations, wood and warm materials mark entries and common spaces.
Pedestrian connectivity is integral in all planning, with porosity from Arapahoe avenue transit, through buildings and the central green, to a network of trails and paths with creek side patio and picnic pier.
A rich open space program is enhanced by parking under several of the ‘finger’ buildings, reducing the presence of the car. The auto and pedestrian bridge connecting the northeast parcel becomes the ‘couplet’—connecting pool and fitness, clubhouse and central green, with a rec den and terrace. This boardwalk crossing becomes a social opportunity, with lookout deck niches over the water. Green roofed amenity buildings are seen as gardens by residents above. Waterview is seamless with its landscape, tailored for vibrant community.
