BOULDER, COLO.—Global design studio WATG, a leader known for delivering dynamic hospitality destinations around the world, has completed the architecture and landscape architecture of Limelight Boulder, a new lifestyle hotel by Aspen One located on the University of Colorado—Boulder’s campus.
Situated within Boulder’s “The Hill” neighborhood, known for its vibrant academic community, Limelight Boulder adds 252 guestrooms and suites to the city’s hospitality offerings. Developed by Aspen One in partnership with University of Colorado—Boulder and the City of Boulder, the hotel serves as a new “living room” for the city at a prominent gateway between the campus and the surrounding neighborhood.
Built to LEED Gold standards, Limelight Boulder is the largest all-electric hotel in the country. Through energy-efficient systems and the utilization of environmentally responsible materials, the design lowers energy use and minimizes environmental impacts. Early in the design process, WATG coordinated with project stakeholders to remove soil contaminants from the former brownfield site, advancing ecological restoration efforts. In addition, the team carefully designed around a century-old underground spring to preserve its natural flow and the site’s hydrology.
Spans a Buried Spring
“Limelight Boulder offered an opportunity to reimagine what a lifestyle hotel could be in a university setting,” said Dan Patton, Studio Director, Architecture, at WATG. “It serves as a bridge, both literally and figuratively, spanning a buried spring and connecting campus to community. It is designed to become a vibrant part of Boulder, feeling both new and completely at home.”
The architecture and landscape architecture of Limelight Boulder strengthen the property’s connection with its setting. The hotel’s grand ballroom is the first of its kind in Boulder, offering 15,000 square feet to accommodate conferences, events, and large-scale gatherings. The viewpoint deck featuring the pool, hot tub, and cabanas offers expansive views, connecting the hotel to the surrounding mountain range.
“The rooftop gardens and pool terrace sit above stylized mountain gardens and outdoor rooms, all thoughtfully planted with species reflective of the region and setting,” adds Craig Thibault, Creative Director, Landscape, at WATG. “Guests and friends can relax and unwind while experiencing the changing seasons and taking in stunning views of the Flatiron Mountains and campus.”
Views of Boulder’s Iconic Flatirons
Community-friendly access points are integrated alongside the hotel’s formal entrance, inviting visitors into public spaces. The southern side of the hotel connects to the campus via a restaurant, coffee shop, and a University of Colorado—Boulder bookstore. Meanwhile, on the western side, a public courtyard offers picturesque views of Boulder’s iconic Flatirons and creates a direct visual link between the hotel, the city, and the surrounding mountains.
“The opening of Limelight Boulder marks an exciting milestone as we continue to thoughtfully grow the Limelight brand,” said Jeff Toscano, CEO of Aspen One subsidiary Aspen Hospitality. “Working in close collaboration with WATG, the University of Colorado, and the City of Boulder, we’ve created a hotel that not only delivers modern, elevated hospitality but also reflects the city’s natural beauty and strong sense of community. We are thrilled to welcome guests into this vibrant new space where design, sustainability, and authentic connection come together.”
Using native plants in formal and natural arrangements, the landscape architecture creates a dialogue with local ecosystems. The central courtyard, which links to the main entrance via a naturalistic trail edged with local boulders and trees, promotes connection and exchange. A wood amphitheater, fireplaces, and a Flatirons-inspired fountain further anchor the space, creating gathering points for social interaction.
Immersing visitors in the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, the lively energy of the University of Colorado—Boulder campus, and the city itself, Limelight Boulder is designed to be at the center of it all. Through thoughtful architecture and landscape architecture, community-driven design, and a commitment to sustainability, WATG has crafted a hotel in partnership with Aspen One that exemplifies the best of university-town hospitality, creating an enduring place for connection.
