Waneka Property at Center of Lafayette’s Development Debate

An earlier version incorrectly stated that Lafayette approved annexation of the Waneka property. The council has only approved the first two procedural steps; final annexation would require a future ordinance vote.

In the unincorporated space of Boulder County sits 78 acres of rural land, a century-old reminder of the region’s agricultural history and the eastern gateway into the city of Lafayette. Silos and a homestead are all that remain of the property’s past as a working farm. Though it now sits vacant, its future could soon change.

The Lafayette City Council has advanced the first two steps of the state’s annexation process for the Waneka property, paving the way for the Gateway Lafayette project, a mixed-use development proposed by the Waneka family in partnership with Kairoi Residential, a Texas-based developer with a regional Denver office. The project would include residential housing, commercial space, and recreational facilities.

Kairoi says it plans to design the development in a way that welcomes residents and visitors while respecting the city’s character. Residential housing would target the “missing middle income segment,” according to annexation materials.

Map of the 78-acre Waneka property in Lafayette (from city documents).

Despite the approval, some Lafayette residents are pushing to preserve the land as open space. Preserve Lafayette, founded by four local volunteers, is among the groups advocating against development.

“We support the Lafayette Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan that identifies this land as a top priority for acquisition as open space,” the group told Yellow Scene Magazine.

The city’s 2019 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan ranked parcels in the eastern gateway among the top priorities for preservation. “This land is the last piece of the puzzle needed to preserve the rural eastern gateway into Lafayette,” Preserve Lafayette said, warning that development would fragment wildlife habitats and shrink the agricultural buffer between Broomfield, Erie, and Lafayette.

Preserve Lafayette has gathered more than 1,100 signatures on its petition, which was presented at city council hearings and to Boulder County Commissioners. More than 40 residents have spoken or submitted written comments in favor of keeping the land as open space, some multiple times. At the May 20 council hearing, about 60 people wore “I Support Open Space” stickers, 20 spoke to the council, and another 20 submitted emails—while only five supported development.

Debbie Wilmont, communications director for the city, said the project is still in its early stages. No other developers have applied, and the plan is on hold until Kairoi submits an updated proposal.

While Kairoi intends to include open space within its development, Preserve Lafayette says the vision sharply diverges from decades of local preservation efforts. If the project moves forward, Lafayette’s eastern gateway would transform from open farmland to a mixed-use community, altering the character of the area and challenging the community’s long-standing vision for conservation.

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