The application by Qwest to expand its existing switching building at 8296 Niwot Road by 3,500 square feet was approved by the Boulder County Planning Commission on Jan. 16.  The planning commission vote was unanimous.

The original application, submitted more than a year ago, was for a 14,000 square foot addition.  Reaction from the community to the proposal was very negative.  Judging from comments at a series of meetings, most residents were appalled by the size of the proposed structure.  

The original proposal triggered a year of negotiations, a change of architect, several public meetings in Niwot and the formation of an informal organization of more than 100 neighbors.  

Al Weimer, who lives just west of the Qwest site, organized the neighborhood effort.  Several meetings with Qwest representatives ultimately convinced Qwest that community support would require significant downsizing and architectural changes to the original plan.  Neighbors worked with the county land use department and Qwest to reach an acceptable compromise.  Several speakers at the hearing for assistance praised the county 
planning staff in the year-long negotiations.

In addition to the significant reduction in size, several other changes were made to the original plans.  Henry Daniels, a Qwest architect with Reddy & Reddy Architects, explained, “The mechanical equipment, which is now on the north side of the building, will be moved to an underground location on the south side of the addition.”  This change will not only reduce the sound level, but it will also locate it farther from the existing residences.

The building is designed to look like a residence, with a stone course at grade and white stucco walls.  Mock windows and doors will aid in the residential appearance.  A gray concrete tile roof will be installed.  The neighbors, according to Daniels, requested that the roof pitch be increased to 30 feet in height.

The grading around the building has been raised two feet.  This will lower the appearance of the structure.  A five foot high berm, requested by the Duprey’s, who live just south of the site, will be installed to hide the five-space parking area from view.  

Heavy landscaping close to the building on all sides is envisioned to screen it from Niwot Road and adjacent residences.  Jeff Reddy, Architect, said that the new trees would be at least three-inch caliper and the planting should grow to the sizes shown on the drawings within three years.

Mark Hall, a spokesperson for Qwest, spoke to the need for expansion.  “There is a demand for additional services, and there is no room now.”  Hall said that the company “sharpened our pencil” and was able to reduce the building size to the present application, 4,500 total square feet.  “This is a top priority for Colorado,” Hall said. “We hope to start in April. It will not be too soon.” Qwest recently announced that it will provide DSL service in the Niwot area.   

The temporary emergency generator, presently located on the west side of the building, will remain until construction is complete. Noting that the community has criticized its appearance.  Hall explained that it was required to provide eight-hour back up.

Weimer, representing the neighbors and five homeowners associations concluded, “They have done a fine job, we can live with this.”  He also discussed deed restrictions, which the assistant county attorney said may or may not be applicable.