The Vistas will expand housing choices for older adults while helping meet a critical community need.
As Boulder County’s population ages, the need for housing designed specifically for older adults has never been greater. In fact, the number of people age 80 and older is expected to increase by 220% between 2020 and 2050. At the same time, the community faces a critical shortage of senior housing options, creating challenges not only for older adults but also for families competing for limited housing inventory.
That’s why Frasier is excited to announce a major milestone: approval by the City of Boulder for The Vistas at Frasier, a new independent living apartment building that will add 96 residences to the Frasier campus.
After nearly four years of planning, collaboration, and community engagement, The Vistas is moving from vision to reality.
“The Vistas is an investment in the future of Boulder and answers the call of older adults who want to remain connected to the community they love.”
— Christie Hinrichs, President and CEO, Frasier
A Partnership Rooted in Shared History
The Vistas would not be possible without the longstanding relationship between Frasier and Mountain View United Methodist Church (MVUMC).
The project will be thoughtfully integrated into the existing Frasier campus while extending onto a portion of the neighboring church property. The partnership stems from more than proximity. Both Frasier and MVUMC sit on land originally donated by Elmer and Mayme Frasier and share deep historical ties to the church.
Recognizing their shared mission and history, the two organizations came together to explore how the property could serve community needs for generations to come. Following approval from the church’s board and congregation, Frasier purchased a portion of the church’s land to make The Vistas possible.
“This partnership represents what can happen when organizations come together around a shared commitment to serving our community. We’re honoring our history while creating opportunities for future generations.”
— Megan Burg, Pastor, Mountain View United Methodist Church
Responding to a Clear Community Need
Demand for senior living in Boulder continues to grow. Frasier’s waitlist includes more than 800 households, many of whom already live in Boulder County. The average wait time for an apartment at Frasier is nearly four years.
That demand reflects a very real community need, not a speculative market opportunity.
The Vistas is part of Frasier’s commitment to expanding housing choices for older adults while helping create greater housing availability throughout Boulder. By providing attractive, right-sized residences for older adults, projects like The Vistas can create a ripple effect that opens additional housing opportunities for families across the community.
Designed for Today and Tomorrow
The four-story building will feature 96 independent living apartments connected to the main Frasier campus through an enclosed bridge. To create a more residential feel and reduce visual impact, the building’s fourth floor has been thoughtfully stepped back as part of the architectural design.
Apartment homes will range from approximately 1,100 to 1,900 square feet and include:
- Private balconies or patios for every residence
- Nine-foot ceilings
- Abundant natural light
- Modern finishes and open floor plans
Residents will also enjoy inviting amenities, including gathering spaces, a game room, landscaped outdoor areas, raised garden beds and a rooftop lounge showcasing breathtaking views of Boulder.
Designed to Belong
Boulder-based architecture firm Boulder Associates worked closely with Frasier to create a building that complements both the existing campus and the surrounding Frasier Meadows neighborhood. The design emphasizes visual openness, natural materials and architectural elements intended to soften the scale of the building while enhancing the pedestrian experience.
One of the biggest challenges in bringing The Vistas to life was creating a seamless connection to the existing Frasier campus. Converting Ponca Place from a city-owned street to a privately owned Frasier drive with public access made that possible. The Vistas will connect directly to campus through an enclosed, climate-controlled skywalk, providing residents with comfortable, all-weather access between buildings
With the converting of Ponca Place, the project will transform this space into an attractive streetscape easement that preserves public access while improving connectivity throughout the area.
“Our goal was to create a building that feels like a natural extension of both the Frasier campus and the surrounding neighborhood. The design balances density with openness and creates welcoming spaces that connect residents to the broader community.”
— Juan Ramos, Architect/Principal, Boulder Associates
A Commitment to Sustainability
Environmental responsibility has been a key consideration throughout the planning process.
Current plans include rooftop solar panels and a geothermal heating and cooling system, helping reduce the building’s environmental footprint while supporting Frasier’s long-term sustainability goals. Environmental improvements including new landscaping, upgraded paving, and bio-retention planters to better manage storm water
Looking Ahead
The Vistas will offer residents all the benefits of Frasier’s nationally recognized Life Plan Community, including engaging programs, convenient services and access to a full continuum of care should needs change over time.
Construction is anticipated to be concluded by March 2029.
For Frasier, this approval represents more than a new building. It represents an investment in Boulder, in housing solutions for older adults and in a future where more people can continue living in the community they call home.
“We extend our sincere appreciation to Frasier’s Board of Directors, executive leadership team, Mountain View United Methodist Church and our project partners, particularly Trestle Group, ARI, and Boulder Associates, for their commitment to bringing this vision to life,” said Hinrichs. “Together, we’re helping shape the future of aging services in Boulder.”