0 4th St

Nestled within Carbondale's Historic Commercial Core (HCC) district, the property located at the high-profile corner of N. 4th St. and Colorado Ave. (0 North 4th St.), just one block from the heart of downtown and diagonally opposite Town Hall, presents significant development potential. This prime corner lot offers the possibility for a vibrant mixed-use project, envisioned as a street-enhancing development featuring showroom commercial space at the ground level, complemented by office space and high-end residential lofts above.
This location within the HCC district means that while the property boasts potentially unrestricted floor area and the possibility of 100% lot coverage, development is subject to specific guidelines outlined in the Carbondale Unified Development Code (UDC) that supplement standard town-wide requirements. Notably, a 12-foot combined utility and access easement along the southern boundary restricts construction in that area.
Vertical development is also considerable, allowing for up to three stories above grade with a maximum height of 35 feet, potentially extending to 42 feet upon special review. The property's northern and western edges are defined by public rights-of-way (N. 4th St. and Colorado Ave.), which feature unassigned street parking. The corner lot's configuration allows for the possibility of pedestrian-oriented commercial frontage on three sides, fostering an engaging streetscape. A potential design could incorporate a second floor with a mix of commercial and residential uses, on-site residential parking and storage, and light-filled, open residential floor plans. Furthermore, a generous corner plaza could not only enhance the site's appeal but also offer a unique opportunity to integrate with the Town's public art program, adding a pleasant amenity for the community.
Given its location within the HCC district, any development will need to adhere to regulations intended to promote the district's character, such as cornicing and alignment with Historical Preservation Guidelines, as well as specific programming requirements, like the mandate for commercial use on the ground floor within 25 feet of qualifying rights-of-way.
While the UDC may not impose parking requirements for the commercial square footage in this pedestrian-oriented district, it's crucial to verify the specific ratios for the allowable commercial uses (as per UDC table 4.2-1).