Downtown Boulder hasn't seen a residential development this size in roughly 50 years. A rare run of contiguous lots, pieced together parcel by parcel over decades, has finally landed in one hand after years of assembly. Picea Residences is a four-level luxury townhome development rising on Spruce Street. Trailbreak Partners is developing the project. Phase I is now for sale, with move-in anticipated for 2027.
A Different Scale
Most downtown Boulder townhome projects top out at eight or ten units. Picea is more than five times that size. Its scale is intentional, distinguishing it from a single building inserted into an existing neighborhood.
“Picea's scale, 52 residences, makes it feel like its own enclave within walking distance of Pearl Street, with the design and finish quality you'd expect from a custom build rather than a typical multifamily project,” says Doug Elenowitz of Trailbreak Partners.
“Picea is a rare opportunity to become part of one of Boulder's most authentic and sought-after neighborhoods,” says local resident Paula Doyle, who says its connection to nature and the vibrant energy set it apart.
Walkable Living
According to the development team, location is what makes the community stand out. Sitting at the edge of Whittier, one of Boulder's older residential neighborhoods, Picea places residents on quiet neighborhood streets to the north and blocks from Pearl Street to the south.
“Picea creates a true sense of community while seamlessly connecting the energy of Pearl Street with the 28th Street district, offering a walkable lifestyle that's unlike anything else in Boulder,” says Patrick Brown of Compass.
Built for Downsizing Without the Downsides
The buyer pool is broad by design, ranging from young professionals to empty nesters looking to downsize. Floor plans are designed to reduce square footage without sacrificing functionality, featuring walk-in pantries, oversized primary closets, and garage parking in every unit, including some with space for two vehicles.
Every townhome comes with an oversized private rooftop deck with solar pergolas and room for an outdoor kitchen, and some units have elevator access straight to the roof.
“The proximity of the loft-like living space to the rooftop deck is unique in Boulder. This combination allows for maximum use of both interior and exterior space,” says Ali Gidfar of Pace Development.
“They're truly private outdoor living spaces in the sky, complete with outdoor kitchens, shade from the elements, and incredible Flatiron views,” Brown says.
Green by Design
Picea is all-electric, with no fossil fuel hookups anywhere on site. Heat pumps handle heating and cooling, solar panels top every roof, and continuous insulation wraps the exterior envelope, backed by R-65 insulation in the ceilings. Each unit is pre-wired for EV charging, and the location keeps daily errands and transit within easy reach.
The project could bring new foot traffic to businesses along 28th and 30th streets. Gidfar says the courtyard design, with front doors opening onto shared courtyards, encourages the kind of interaction that leads to real relationships between neighbors.
Whether it's the rooftop terraces, shared courtyards, or walkable location, Picea is designed to bring new residential life to a part of downtown that hasn't seen a project of this scale in decades.
To learn more, visit PiceaBoulder.com