Project Overview & Background

In late 2021, the City of Longmont kicked off a sub area planning process to develop a more detailed vision and development strategy for the Sugar Mill and STEAM areas. This area of Longmont, generally located from the E. Ken Pratt Blvd. & E. 3rd Ave. intersection on the east and Main St. on the west, from 3rd Ave. to Boston Ave. and the railroad tracks, has long been an area of interest for the community. There has been some initial work done for both Sugar Mill and STEAM area, which this sub area planning effort will build on – see additional background information below.

The City continued talking with the community about this area of Longmont. The City  partnered with a consulting team lead by Stantec to create a detailed plan focused on the following areas:

• Land Use (mix of housing, commercial, community and other uses)
• Urban Design (architecture and character)
• Transportation (including bike and pedestrian connections)
• Storm Drainage & Sustainable Infrastructure

The project team placed equity, sustainability and resilience at the center of this work and engaged the community throughout the planning process, which progressed through spring of 2022.

Previous Planning Efforts

In August of 2020, the Urban Land Institute (ULI) convened a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) of volunteer experts to provide recommendations on the revitalization and reuse of the historic Sugar Mill and surrounding areas. The panel prepared a full report detailing recommendations for site remediation, master planning, creating an agri-hub, developing a sustainable community, and financing. The full report is available for download here: Revitalizing Longmont's Great Western Sugar Mill: A Technical Advisory Panel Report

In 2019, City Council convened the community to visualize what “could be” along specific areas of the St. Vrain River Corridor, including the area north of the creek, between Main St. and Martin St. This effort looked at possible uses that could be added to the area and what steps should be pursued to create an actionable vision. Summary information was reviewed and discussed by Council in October 2019.

Initial Project Approach

In order to accomplish the objectives laid out during initial project scoping, the project team will be working to:

• Establish a Baseline Understanding and Story of this Place
• Review and Synthesize Previous Visioning and Planning Work
• Balance Community Vision, Market and Development Feasibility

For questions, please call the Planning Division at 303-651-8330 or email at longmont.planning@longmontcolorado.gov.