Wheat Ridge voters will decide on height restrictions on hospital grounds

Now that Lutheran Hospital has moved from its 100-acre campus in Wheat Ridge to the new Lutheran Medical Center at Interstate 70 and 40th Avenue, Wheat Ridge has a unique opportunity to grow the area and better serve the community.

On Tuesday, voters will decide whether to approve an amended bylaw that increases the height limit from 50 to 70 feet in the center of campus and lowers it from 35 to 30 feet on the perimeter.

Wheat Ridge is one of the few cities in Colorado that has building height restrictions. The city charter limits the maximum permitted residential density to 21 housing units per acre.

Wheat Ridge hopes the restrictions will encourage a potential developer to keep taller, high-density buildings in the center of campus while building lower-density housing with open space and trails along the outer edges.

Michael Coleman, an agent with the Denver Agency, described the location as “a blank canvas with tremendous potential.”

“It’s all about having a vision,” he said. “Given my experience in new construction, I believe this location is ideal for a residential development, but ultimately it is up to the future buyer to make the most of it. Whoever takes this on will have a great opportunity.”

In 2021, Wheat Ridge adopted a community-created master plan for the Lutheran Legacy Campus to replace the more than 100-year-old hospital.

The city is working on new zoning rules for the site, which is designated as a planned hospital district. This zoning allows for hospital, hospice and ancillary services associated with the medical campus.

The proposed plan for the Wheat Ridge property emphasizes primarily low-density residential uses and buffer space along the edges with higher-density developments in the center.

Doug Jennings, a partner at RE/MAX Commercial Alliance, said there are many options for redeveloping the property.

“At almost 100 acres, there are several options for the best use,” he said.

“Additionally, the fact that the campus has not been fully developed as a hospital opens up a number of options for mixed uses such as retail, apartment building and office (perhaps still a medical office to retain some of the established operations). This gives the area good opportunities for entertainment and even employment.”