Now that Lutheran Hospital has moved from its 100-acre campus in Wheat Ridge to the new Lutheran Medical Center located at Interstate 70 and 40th Avenue, Wheat Ridge has a unique opportunity to grow the region and better serve the community .

On Tuesday, voters will decide whether to approve an amended charter to increase the height restriction from 50 feet to 70 feet in the center of campus and lower it from 35 feet to 30 feet along the perimeter.

Wheat Ridge is one of the few cities in Colorado that limits building heights. The city charter limits the maximum density allowed to 21 housing units per acre.

Wheat Ridge hopes its restrictions will encourage a potential developer to keep taller, high-density buildings in the center of campus while building low-density housing with open space and trails along the outer edges.

Michael Colemanan agent with The Agency Denver, described the site as “a blank canvas with tons of potential.”

“It’s all about having a vision,” he said. “Given my experience in new construction, I view this space as prime space for housing development, but ultimately it is up to the future buyer to make the most of it. Whoever takes it will see a great opportunity.

Wheat Ridge adopted the community-created system Lutheran Heritage Campus Master Plan in 2021 to replace the more than 100 year old hospital.

The city is working on new zoning rules for the property, which is zoned as a planned hospital district. This zoning permits hospitals, hospice care and accessory uses associated with a medical campus.

Wheat Ridge’s proposed plan for the property primarily emphasizes low-density residential uses and buffer space along the edges with higher-density buildings in the center.

Doug Jenningsan associate with RE/MAX Commercial Alliance, said numerous options exist for redeveloping the property.

“With an area of ​​almost 100 acres, there are several options for establishing optimal use,” he said.

“Additionally, the fact that the campus has not been fully developed as a hospital gives way to a number of options for a mix of uses such as retail, multi-family and office (perhaps still a medical office to retain some of the established operations). This provides the area with good entertainment and even employment opportunities.