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Completion Date
2027
Current Phase
Design

Project Overview

The City of Boulder is moving forward with a multi-year capital improvement project to upgrade essential infrastructure elements in the historic Chautauqua neighborhood. This effort is focused on modernizing utility systems, enhancing safety, and preserving the character of this cherished National Historic Landmark.

The project is designed to address the aging infrastructure at Chautauqua in coordination with the City of Boulder’s and Xcel Energy’s initiative to underground power lines. This coordinated approach will ensure efficient implementation and minimize disruptions to the community.

Project Goals

The goals of the infrastructure project include:

  • Improving safety, wildfire resilience, and reliability of utility services
  • Lowering maintenance costs
  • Minimizing overhead utility obstructions to enhance the historic character of the site
  • Improving community access and roadway conditions

Project Scope

The Chautauqua Infrastructure Project will include improvements to:

  • Dry Utilities: Existing above-ground electric lines (managed by Xcel Energy) and communication lines (managed by Comcast) will be placed underground. In addition, a new fiber network as part of the city’s Community Broadband initiative, provided by Allo Fiber, will be undergrounded during this phase.
  • Wet Utilities: While dry utility work is underway, the city will complete targeted water and stormwater drainage system improvements. These enhancements will help ensure long-term functionality and reduce future maintenance needs.
  • Streets: Once underground utility work is complete, city streets in the Chautauqua neighborhood will be repaved to restore roadway conditions.

All work will be coordinated closely with the Colorado Chautauqua Association (CCA) to preserve the unique and historic character of the area.

Project Timeline

The project will occur in phases over three years:

YearFocus
2025Phase I – Wet and dry utility work beginning at the Ranger Cottage and extending south to Boggess Circle
2026Phase 2 – Wet and dry utility work extending from Boggess Circle to the northeast corner of the property
2027Completion of Phase 2 and repaving of roads

In addition, related work around the city’s water storage tank and radio tower southeast of Chautauqua will take place in the spring of 2025. This may result in temporary trail closures.

Map of work coming soon

Much of the existing infrastructure at Chautauqua is aging and no longer meets modern service, safety, and resiliency expectations. This project improves public utilities and streets while reducing wildfire risk and enhancing service reliability. As reinvestments in water and sanitary sewer rehabilitation have already occurred at Chautauqua, comprehensive upgrades are not warranted at this time.

The City of Boulder - Xcel Energy undergrounding project presents a unique opportunity for the city and its partners to coordinate related infrastructure improvements. This coordinated approach will ensure efficient implementation and minimize disruptions to the community.

The main benefits of undergrounding include:

  • Wildfire mitigation
  • Increased reliability of both electric and telecommunications systems​
  • Reduced power outages 
  • Preservation of viewsheds

Preserving the historic look and feel of the Chautauqua neighborhood is a top priority. Utility lines will be moved underground, helping reduce visual clutter and maintain the area's traditional charm.

Yes, limited and temporary trail closures may occur due to work near the water tank and radio tower southeast of Chautauqua.

Infrastructure Improvements

Streets: The City of Boulder will pay for improvements to the streets and paved alleys located throughout the site, as part of the Pavement Management Program.

Historic Swales: The City of Boulder will pay for the restoration of the existing historic swales, which will be designed to meet stormwater management specifications.

Wet Utilities: The City of Boulder will pay for the planned limited improvements to the water and stormwater infrastructure.

Undergrounding - Electrical

Xcel Energy Main Distribution Lines: The cost of undergrounding the main Electric distribution system will be covered by the 1% Fund as outlined in the Franchise Agreement between Xcel Energy and the City of Boulder. The project will include the cost of labor, equipment, and restoration.

Xcel Energy Electrical Service Lines: The CCA will pay to convert existing overhead electrical service lines to underground service lines.

Site-Specific Work (CCA-Owned Buildings): The CCA will pay for the cost of site-specific work needed at CCA-owned buildings.

Site-Specific Work (Private Residences): Individual residents will pay for the cost of site-specific work needed at privately owned buildings.

Undergrounding - Telecommunications

Comcast and Allo Fiber will pay for their portion of the underground telecommunications infrastructure, distribution, and services, as well as the cost of restoring the landscape after construction.

Site-specific work includes three main components:

  1. The overhead to underground conversion
  2. Updated meter housings
  3. Upgraded electrical panels.

The cost of this work depends on the condition of existing equipment at each unit. Private residents have been apprised of the estimated cost for their units. Please reach out to Jason Hill at jason.hill@chautauqua.com if you would like this information sent to you again.

Main Lines: The placement of the main distribution lines is currently being discussed and will be coordinated with the City of Boulder and CCA. The main distribution lines will need proper clearance from buildings and other existing utilities in the ground.

Service Lines: New underground electric and telecommunication service lateral lines will be installed for each cottage and Chautauqua building. These service lines will extend from the meter housing at each cottage to the nearest pedestal for each utility.

Equipment: The new underground system will require a series of pad-mount transformers, electricity and telecommunications pedestals and cables and conduits to feed the system. New equipment locations have been determined based on engineering and construction requirements.

You can send your questions to info@chautauqua.com