URGENT UPDATE: The iconic Dark Horse Bar in Boulder is facing imminent demolition following a unanimous decision from the Boulder City Council to approve the Williams Village II development project. This decision, made in a meeting last November, seals the fate of the beloved establishment located at 2922 Baseline Road, which has served patrons for over 50 years.
As the countdown begins, the emotional toll is palpable. The Dark Horse has long been a cherished watering hole for students from the nearby University of Colorado Boulder. Current and former residents have expressed outrage over the decision, igniting a wave of online dismay that underscores the bar’s deep cultural roots in the community.
In December 2024, Boulder’s historic preservation staff approved the demolition plan, prompting immediate backlash from locals. While the Dark Horse will relocate to a new site within the development, the original building is set to close soon, with its final operating day likely around March 14. This timeline raises urgent concerns about the employment status of the bar’s staff during the holiday season, sparking calls for the bar to remain open longer. The city has since found a way to extend its operation, providing a temporary reprieve for the establishment.
The Williams Village II project will not only lead to the loss of the Dark Horse but will also bring significant changes to Boulder, featuring 427 residential units, including 122 specifically for students, along with 58,365 square feet of commercial space, parks, and more than 11 new trees alongside pollinator-friendly plants.
Inside the brown-bricked Dark Horse, a unique collection of antiques and artifacts decorates the ceilings, symbolizing a rich history that will soon vanish. The bar’s impending closure highlights a broader conversation about urban development and the preservation of local culture in Boulder.
As the demolition date approaches, residents are encouraged to voice their sentiments and gather for what may be one of the last opportunities to visit this iconic venue. The community’s response to this development remains critical as they navigate the balance between growth and heritage in their beloved city.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story and how the Boulder community will respond to these changes.
