Colterra property to undergo redevelopment

In the early hours of the morning in Oct. 2017, a fire broke out on the 200 block of Franklin Street in historic Niwot. While no one was physically hurt, the community felt the loss of Colterra restaurant, with the "barn building" badly burned and deemed uninhabitable. Years, public forums, a development moratorium and a property sale later, redevelopment is finally set to begin.

Chef Bradford Heap bought the property, which had been home to Le Chantecler restaurant. He opened the popular Colterra restaurant and it made it on 5280's Top 10 list–in 2005. After the 2017 fire, he worked with his insurance company and their architect to restore the property, but a county-imposed moratorium on development in Old Town Niwot held up initial plans of re-opening. Then, in 2019, Palmos Development bought the property and has since created plans for redevelopment.

The iterations have changed with time and community feedback, with redevelopment plans subject to approval at the county level. Terry Palmos, a representative of the company, held a town meeting early on to discuss options and has involved Osmosis Architecture in designing the new plans.

To add to the delays, COVID has slowed the review and permitting process.

At present, a demolition permit has been approved and the rear "barn" building is expected to be taken down starting Feb. 1. The historic Bader House will have some remodeling, which will include an additional 400 square feet and two new bathrooms. There are also plans for another building made up of commercial space and five small apartments where the "barn" is currently located.

Mixed-use developments–like the proposed new building–are being encouraged throughout the Front Range. As noted in an email interview with Mary Coonce of Porchfront Homes, "There is a big demand for residential space in Niwot and very low inventory."

There is hope that the Bader House will continue to be a restaurant, but there are no concrete plans yet and its future will depend on who ultimately leases the building.

"Initially construction is messy, but it will be well worth it," said Coonce. "Bringing new residents and businesses will increase opportunities for both current residents and business owners."