400 E Simpson St

Lafayette Commons, located in the heart of downtown Lafayette, Colorado, is a distinguished historic property that has been transformed from a state of disrepair into a thriving business community. Originally constructed in 1898, the building has endured two fires and was meticulously restored in 2014 by Chernoff Boulder Properties. Today, it serves as a dynamic workspace that blends historic charm with modern amenities.

The result is a beautifully preserved and reimagined property, offering a unique environment for businesses while contributing to the revitalization of downtown Lafayette.

A Vision for a Modern Community Space

The redevelopment of Lafayette Commons was guided by a vision to create a vibrant, collaborative business environment. Spanning 16,000 square feet, the property now houses 22 office suites across three floors, centered around a bright three-story atrium. Tenants enjoy access to premium shared amenities, including:

• Two conference rooms
• A shared kitchen
• A workout facility
• Additional collaborative workspaces

Extensive Renovation & Historic Preservation

The restoration of Lafayette Commons was a highly visible community effort, supported by the City of Lafayette and the Lafayette Urban Renewal Authority (LURA). These partnerships played a critical role in the project’s success, providing funding and guidance for the exterior renovation.

Key restoration efforts included:

• Façade Rehabilitation – Removal of aging siding and reconstruction of the underlying structure.
• Historic Exterior Updates – Installation of period-accurate lapboard siding and reinstallation of historically accurate corbels on the north elevation.
• Preserving Original Character – Replacement of wooden siding with limestone block on the western section, in alignment with historic photographs.

Community Impact & Recognition

The grand re-opening ceremony on December 9, 2014, marked a major milestone in the redevelopment of Lafayette Commons. Attended by local leaders—including Mayor Christine Berg, Representative Mike Foote, and City Manager Gary Klepake—the event celebrated the building’s transformation and its role in the community’s future growth.

In September 2015, the project received the prestigious Governor’s Award for Excellence in Best Adaptive Reuse or Rehabilitation, recognizing its outstanding restoration and community impact.

Sally Martin, LURA Chair, praised the project, stating:

“Lafayette Commons is sure to remain a keystone project as further development of the area continues under the direction and contribution of the Urban Renewal Authority. It has set the scene for many more good things to come. The building has an amazing history, and it continues with this Governor’s Award for Excellence.”

A Catalyst for Revitalization

The redevelopment of Lafayette Commons has played a key role in the revitalization of historic Simpson Street, aligning with the 2011 Downtown Vision Plan. By preserving its historic integrity while modernizing it for today’s businesses, Lafayette Commons has set a new standard for adaptive reuse and sustainable development in the area.