Spring is in the air meaning that the busy buying and selling season is heating up, especially in the Denver metro area. But, this year looks to bring similar real estate conditions where demand for new homes will be high, but supply will remain low for interested buyers in the downtown Denver and surrounding metro areas.

New Construction and Opportunities in the Metro Area

Recent statistics published in The Denver Post show that the residential building sector is trying to make up for the lack of potential houses on the market for interested buyers by significantly increasing new build projects within the Denver metro area. Numbers from McGraw Hill Construction show that 2013 construction starts were valued at $6.9 billion, which is an 11 percent increase from 2012 and a 146 percent increase from 2009. Multifamily and single-family housing are leading factors of the recovery and boom in Denver’s building industry.

Whether it’s building completely new neighborhoods or adding new developments into existing popular neighborhoods, dust is moving and new homes are popping up across the Denver metro area. Some of the most notable new construction projects currently underway include:

• North of the city, Anthem Highlands in Broomfield is adding new homes on a daily basis. With recent accolades for Best Master Planned Community from the National Association of Home Builders, Anthem Highlands is a highly sought-after place to live with high-end amenities for families and seniors, as well as mountain views and easy access to Boulder and Denver.

• West of the city, Wheat Ridge is jumping on the real estate band wagon that was ignited from the development of the West Highland area and is now traveling westward along 38th Avenue to Sheridan and Wadsworth.  According to a recent Denver Post article, the Wheat Ridge area has 100 homes valued at approximately $40.6 million either under construction or breaking ground this spring. One project underway is the Perrins Row development at 38th and Depew, which features 26 new row homes. Also, plans are underway a few blocks northwest of Perrins Row for the development of 26 energy-efficient homes to break ground in April.

• South of the city, the Terrain Neighborhood in Castle Rock has been voted the 2013 Master-Planned Community of the Year by the Home Builder’s Association of Metro Denver.  Mixing outdoor adventure and a small town community feel, Terrain features seven model home options from three award-winning builders.

• East of the city, Green and Bluff Lake Neighborhoods in Stapleton display some of the newest construction offerings in this highly popular residential development that appeals to families, singles and senior citizens alike. Offering a mix of urban amenities and outdoor open space recreation options, Stapleton is an award-winning neighborhood within Denver’s city limits.

New construction in Denver is booming as we kick off the busiest season in real estate across the city. If you’re ready to tap into the new construction boom that is sweeping all areas of the metro Denver area, call the real estate experts at New Era Group. They can help you find the best new home in the neighborhood of your choice, as well as help you sell your existing home if you are looking to move up into a brand new neighborhood.

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Denver has won honors in 2014 for being the fittest and most desirable major metropolitan city in the U.S.  How can Denver be beat with the pristine views of the Rocky Mountains, an abundance of interlocking trails for recreational fun, constantly improving public transportation and of course some of the greatest spots teams and fans around!  Combine the many options for an active lifestyle with the wonderful mix of culinary pleasures inspired from around the world and it is no wonder the city is one of the most sought-after metropolitan areas in the country. People from all walks of life love what the vibrant city life can offer them!  However, the recent rise in home values may soon price many out of the dream of owning a home in the heart of the city.

A recent report by CoreLogic revealed that Colorado’s housing market is a leader in the country for record housing prices as single family home prices rose by 8.7 percent in February when compared to last year’s prices. The Denver, Aurora and Lakewood metropolitan areas lead the state with homes rising 9.7 percent in February from the year before.

With a strong housing market in Denver that’s positioned for continued growth throughout the year and beyond, it is a good time to invest in a Denver area home that you can enjoy today and watch grow in value for months and years to come.

Metropolitan Living in Jefferson Park Neighborhood at Prices That Make Sense

The modernistic Jefferson Park Place development at 2100 Decatur Street (corner of Decatur Street and 21st Avenue) is one of the newest residential properties in the Mile High City that is reasonably priced, but offers everything you could need and want for an ultimate city living experience. Jefferson Park Place, located northwest of the city near the trendy LoHi, LoDo and Riverfront Park neighborhoods, can make your dream of living the Mile High lifestyle a reality. This new 27-unit townhome development is under construction and scheduled to be delivered in early 2015!  Key to the success of the project and the quick start in the reservation process is the location that is adjacent to downtown Denver and across the street from the popular Jefferson Park green space. These modernly designed townhomes feature upscale designs and finishes you won’t find anywhere else in this neighborhood, as well as affordable pricing for young adults, young-at-heart retirees and families to call a trendy, revitalized Denver metropolitan neighborhood home.

Jefferson Park Offers the Best of the Mile High City

With accolades as one of the top ten places to live in the city by 5280 Magazine and its close proximity to Denver’s urban core, Jefferson Park is uniquely positioned as a contemporary, but cozy, neighborhood within the city that can accommodate a varying mix of downtown interests and living styles. Within close proximity to the city’s nationally known sports facilities such as Sports Authority Field at Mile High and the Pepsi Center, football, basketball, lacrosse and hockey fans can live near the action of where their favorite athletes compete. Or, if enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors is more your sport, Jefferson Park offers recreation for adults and kids alike with six acres of lush green open space that connects to popular trails in the downtown and Central Platte Valley areas. And, Denver’s fine dining and energetic nightlife are within walking distance and easy public transportation access for those looking to enjoy the popular happy hour and after-hour scenes in the Highlands and downtown neighborhoods.

Located in the City, but Living in a True Denver Neighborhood

When most people think of downtown living, they envision navigating through bumper-to-bumper traffic, while living among 24x7 noise and activity. When you live in the Jefferson Park neighborhood, you have access to all of the hustle and bustle that downtown living offers. But, once you’re finished enjoying the sites of the city, Jefferson Park offers a more relaxing, quiet retreat where you can enjoy pristine Denver skyline and mountain views on your luxurious rooftop deck. With easy access to the main Denver commuting highways and streets such as I-25 and Speer Blvd., you can get to where you need to go quickly for work and entertainment. But, since there aren’t any main traffic arteries that go through the Jefferson Park neighborhood, residents aren’t bombarded with daily rush hour or downtown event traffic. Jefferson Park offers the best of both worlds when it comes to downtown living – easy access to all of the activities you could ever dream of and a relaxing place to call home after a long day of work or play.

If you’re ready to embrace a true urban lifestyle in one of the hottest areas of the Mile High City, Jefferson Park Place has everything you need for upscale city living when it comes to a supreme location, trendy modern architectural designs and affordable pricing starting in the $300s. With only 27 luxurious townhomes available, this property will sell out fast. Contact the downtown Denver real estate experts at New Era Group today to begin living your dream of home ownership in the Mile High City.  You can find their contact information on the project’s website, Jeffersonparkplace.com, along with pricing, floor plans and construction updates.

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First a little history...

In 1846 the first baseball game was played; well, officially played in Hoboken New Jersey. The game hit off a trend that continued to grow with a young nation still getting its footing in the world. America was no super power in 1846, just a large country struggling to find its identity.

Through 1861 to 1865 the worst war ever fought by the US raged on as brother killed brother and still, baseball endured. In 1876 the National League was formed. That same year, John Hopkins University was founded, Alexander Bell was granted his patent for the telephone and makes his first phone call, Wyatt Earp serves under Marshal Larry Deger in Dodge City, New York City and San Francisco were connected by the Transcontinental Express, Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer was published and Colorado became a state.

Opening Day is an integral part of America's fabric

To say Opening Day is simply another sport event is really undercutting the significance of a day that has borne the modernization of our nation. Our great, great grandparents were taking their kids to Opening Day. The only other entertainment that they would have gone to that is older is Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. 

This year, longtime St. Louis Cardinal Ozzie Smith and Budweiser petitioned the White House to make Opening Day a holiday. Sadly, it feels more like a PR stunt. But baseball, after all, is about making money.

And in all this history, the 21-year-old Rockies prepare to launch their home season opener on April 4 with their first game against Arizona. But it seems the Rockies may not fare much better than they did last year. Without Helton and with Dexter gone, it may not be a great year. Sales have certainly declined, so much so that this year nearly 3,000 seats were taken out to make room for restaurants because they were becoming an eyesore being empty every year.

The new 38,000 square-foot construction will be considerable renovations to the right field upper deck and concourse where empty seats will be replaced with a party deck. Included will be an homage to our Mile High city with the 5280 Craft Bar that will be 52’ by 8” and will feature 52 taps of Colorado beer. 5280 Craft Bar will include two restaurants, Oskar Blue’s CHUBurger and Tavern Ballpark. Seating near the Rooftop start at $14 with a $6 concession or merchandise credit.

The views from the rooftop upper right field deck will be stunning. Plus what is more American than baseball, food and beer? Add in some beautiful Colorado views and the next hundred years looks pretty good. Now let's GO ROCKIES!

Want to get closer to the action?
Maybe consider moving to the thriving Ballpark neighborhood!

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As April begins, so do the sunnier and warmer days and with cabin fever set in deep, April is a good time to start getting out and finding that fresh, crisp, Colorado air we so long for during the early spring season. While you’ve skied all winter and gotten the crispiest air possible, by now, you’re probably sick of the cold and want to enjoy walks, jogs or biking. A great place to get started on your cabin fever decompression is the Chatfield Reservoir.

A Natural Playground

Once a major thoroughfare into Pike’s Peak country in the mid-1800s, it also boasted the first lumber industry as well as the initial purebred cattle industry within the state. In 1870 Lieutenant Issac W. Chatfield bought the 720 acres where the South Platte River and the Plum Creek meet. He farmed the land until 1879 then left. A notorious flood area, it was devastated in the early 1930s, 1942 and again in 1965. To prevent further danger, the U.S. Army Corps constructed a dam in 1967. The new reservoir stopped the destructive floods and provided a grand body of water that was leased to the Colorado State Parks for recreation in 1974. It was eventually developed into Chatfield State Park in 1976. It was an easy sale to families in the area and has since been one of Colorado’s favorite natural playgrounds.

Outdoor Fun for the Whole Family

With 26 miles of biking trails, 12 of which are paved, there is enough space to keep warm and still enjoy the outdoors in the early part of April.  Boating is perhaps the park’s most popular activity. While out on the water, you can water ski, sail, fish or simply float about enjoying the sun. And if you wish to stay the night, Chatfield has 197 campsites, all with electrical hookups, many with full hookups that include water, sewer and electric. Only a few sites are open through the winter. There are great group camp areas to include a bigger family gathering. Chatfield Reservoir will be especially nice during spring break when the kids are stir-crazy. Speaking of kids, while you’re there, you can also schedule some education programs.

The main entrance to Chatfield State Park is located one mile south of C-470 on Wadsworth. The approximate address is 9700 S. Wadsworth Blvd., 80128. If you are coming from the south, the entrance there is 11500 N. Roxborough Park Rd., Littleton 80125. For more information call (303) 791-7275.

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Craft beer is as Colorado as the Rocky Mountains, Ski Country USA and the Mile High City. While our mountains sweat Rocky Mountain spring water and brewers within Denver and the state pursue their passion for mixing special brews of hops and barley, Denverites are spoiled with various options and flavors when it comes to indulging in their favorite brews. To celebrate the lively and vibrant Colorado craft beer culture that our state is nationally recognized for, local Denver and statewide breweries will be celebrating Colorado Craft Beer Week from March 21-29.

Events Abound Around Denver for Craft Beer Enthusiasts

Most brewpubs around the Mile High City are always bustling with special tapping events, live music and delicious food trucks throughout the year, but during the state’s official Craft Beer Week, there are special brew-themed events on tap during all hours of the day throughout the week. The most notable include:

• The Collaboration Festival on March 22 at the Curtis Hotel is the headline event of Colorado Craft Beer Week. This event from 3-7 p.m. will unveil more than 20 Colorado collaboration beers.

• The New Kids on the Block on March 28 at The Lobby will feature all of the new Colorado Breweries from 8-11 p.m. who are less than two years old.

• The Hops & Handrails event on March 29 will close out the week of beer-centric events as snowboards and craft beer come together in harmony at the Left Hand Brewing Company in Longmont. This family friendly winter wonderland event will feature the finest craft breweries alongside a 25’ high ski ramp.

Newbies Still Making the Scene in Denver’s Craft Beer Industry

The craft beer scene in downtown Denver is as vibrant as ever as new breweries continue to open their doors in some of the hottest and most sought-after downtown neighborhoods. From the trendy River North (RiNo) to the Golden Triangle, new craft beer pubs and tasting rooms are popping up all over the city. In fact, Zagat recently released its list of hottest breweries just hitting the scene within the last six months. This top eight newbie list includes:

• CAUTION: Brewing Co. West, 105 S. Wadsworth Blvd. in Lakewood

• Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project, 3350 Brighton Blvd in the RiNo Artisanal Marketplace

• Former Future Brewing Company, 1290 S. Broadway in Downtown Denver

• Grist Brewing Company, 9150 Commerce Center Circle in Highlands Ranch

• Jagged Mountain Craft Brewery, 1139 20th Street in the Ballpark Neighborhood

• Lowdown Brewery + Kitchen, 800 Lincoln Street in the Golden Triangle Neighborhood

• Station 26 Brewing Co., 7045 E. 38th Avenue in the Park Hill Neighborhood

• Stem Ciders, 2811 Walnut Street in the RiNo Neighborhood

For more details on the breweries that made Zagat’s Hottest Craft-Brewery Taproom list, click here. For information on all of the craft beer events taking place throughout the Mile High City during Colorado Craft Beer Week, click on this link. Support local breweries this week and make a toast to craft beer in Colorado!

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Last year, the Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) was held in Washington D.C. They were expecting some 8,000 participants, but in the end, the number was closer to 10,000. Not all of the hoopla was directed at the conference alone. Many were just beer enthusiasts happy to ride along as breweries, pubs and restaurants featured craft beers in different ways. The event was a smash and it’s not expected to be any less of a party here in Colorado April 8-11 at the Colorado Convention Center with an expected crowd of 10,000 or more. In short, it’s an early Great American Beer Festival.

Unlike the Great American Beer Festival held annually in Denver in the fall, the Craft Brewers Conference is solely open to professionals and not open to the general public. The conference brings together brewers, marketers, suppliers and equipment makers, among other professionals of the craft beer industry. It’s become a yearly must for many brewers. It’s unique in that no other conference in the world is solely focused on just the craft brewers and their needs. Moreover, the event is an international affair bringing brewers and the wider beer industries from all around the world. If you are a Brewer's Association (BA) member and interested in attending, online registration ends on March 28.

What? Italian Craft Beer?

This year, the event may mark a special moment in the history of the beer world. Italy, who so often is not associated with craft beer, will be coming into its own at this year’s conference as several Italian craft beer producers will be attending. Giovanni Campari from Birrificio Del Ducato, Italy’s most awarded brewer will be attending. Also attending will be Bruno Carilli owner and brewer of Toccalmatto. Carilli has been part of the overall beer scene, mainly in the industrial sector. But after years of working for the big beer companies he set out on his own and became a major push for the third generation of Italian craft brewers. His hoppier styles are changing the Italian palate. Perhaps the father of collaborations, Carilli triggered many brewers in Italy to follow suit. But none of this would have been happening if it weren’t for one of the originators of the movement, Agostino Arioli owner/brewer of Birrificio Italiano. So important was Agostino to the movement that he added a new word to the Italian lexicon—birrificio. The real word for brewery in Italian is birreria, a word which leaves a connotation of industry. Agostino twisted the word by adding the suffix ficio which in some ways applies to something more suitable to food, like paneficio for bread makers. Birrificio has become the standard word relating to craft brewing.

Since its conception in 1996, Italian craft beer has been growing exponentially and in the last five years Italian craft beer exploded on the beer scene, reaching as far as Japan in the east, Australia in the south and making a splash here in the US. Winning several acclaimed world beer awards, the Italians are beginning to turn some heads. This year’s conference is especially important. Every two years, the CBC hosts the World Beer Cup, often referred to as the Olympics of craft beer competitions since only one Gold, one Silver and one Bronze are awarded for each of the 95 categories. It’s not a surprise then that two of this year’s beer judges are Italian, Anna Managò and Lorenzo “Kuaska” Dabove.

Kuaska is probably the most important piece of the Italian craft beer movement. A long aficionado of beer, Kuaska had been traveling the customary beer circuits of Belgium, Germany and England for some time before Italy began to move into the picture. From the first days of the birth of the craft beer movement in 1996 in Italy, Kuaska became their messiah, leading them to brew better beers. As an Italian beer judge, he was critical in not only trumpeting the quality of brewers and their beers from his country, but more importantly in helping them develop some of the finest craft breweries in the world.

Denver’s Beer and Butter

For Denver, this isn’t just another beer festival; it’s our beer and butter. Colorado is such an important part of the craft beer movement worldwide, a keystone to the entire craft beer world. It’s no coincidence that the annual Great American Beer Festival (GABF) is held here in Denver. Like this April’s Craft Brewers Conference, the GABF is organized by the world’s most important craft beer institution, the Brewers Association headquartered in Boulder.

Through April 8-11 Denver will be bubbling with beer nerds from around the world. They will be thirsty to try our local and world renowned craft beers, hungry for Denver’s avant garde local foods and excited to be amongst some of the world’s greatest beer fanatics, Coloradoans. So come join the party and meet some of Italy’s renowned brewers as they become the toast of the town.

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Although there’s still a little over a month left until Coors Field welcomes back fans to the Ballpark Neighborhood for a new season of Colorado Rockies Baseball, the crack of bats and throwing of first pitches of Spring Training in Arizona is gearing up for the home team at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, AZ.

With the first spring training home games started, the excitement of baseball is in the air. If you are unable to sneak off for a weekend of spring training ball in the sunny state of Arizona, you still can get geared up for the season by visiting some of the best baseball bars and restaurants in the Mile High City’s Ballpark Neighborhood.

Ballpark Neighborhood Serves Up Rockies Fan Fare

The Ballpark Neighborhood caters to Rockies fans during the regular season with some of the best pre- and post-game baseball food and beverages, but it also is home to some of the top sports bars in the country year round. Head on over to your favorite Rockies bars during spring training to catch some of the latest action from Arizona and enjoy some of the best baseball fan fare in the city.

• ViewHouse Eatery and Bar at 2015 Market Street has an amazing view of the Mile High City skyline and Coors Field. Grab your baseball buddies for a happy hour brew on the patio to kick off spring training and the start of Colorado Rockies baseball season.

• Jackson’s at 1520 20th Street is perfectly situated across the street from the home plate entrance of Coors Field making this sports bar one of the best pre- and post-game hot spots during the regular season.

• Sports Column at 1930 Blake Street is the place to be for all things sports, but especially all things baseball. Recognized nationally as a top 10 baseball bar, Sports Column offers all major sports packages for your sports viewing enjoyment, as well as a rooftop bar with views of Coors Field.

• Breckenridge Colorado Craft at 2220 Blake Street is the perfect location for catching a Rockies game while enjoying an American craft beer. With 32 craft beers on tap and a bundle of HD televisions on-site, this location is on top of its game when it comes to serving Colorado Rockies fans.

• Blake Street Tavern at 2301 Blake Street has received recognition as Denver’s best sports bar with 45 HD televisions and a rooftop patio that features Northside views of Coors Field. Blake Street Tavern has everything that Rockies fans are looking for to experience the excitement of spring training from the Mile High City.

Ballpark Neighborhood Offers City Living for Sports-Minded Residents

If you’re interested in what’s new and hot for condos and lofts in the popular Ballpark Neighborhood, give the real estate experts at New Era Group a call. They can help you find the best condo or loft near Coors Field so you’re only within walking distance to where the baseball action will be this season. Get in the game this Colorado Rockies season by owning a home in the Ballpark Neighborhood.

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According to Denver-Cityscape.com, Denver’s Central Business District, which encompasses about 34 million square feet of commercial and government office space is the largest in the area. Almost 130,000 people work in downtown Denver while about nearly 10,000 people live in the area. There is no other greater office district in a 600 mile radius. Denver’s Central Business District has more than 3 million square feet of retail space and nearly 5,000 residential units and still growing.

Achieving Great Heights in Denver

Denver began to set its sights in the skies pretty early in its history, beginning with the Equitable Building. Built in1892 the heavy, nine-story, brick and mortar building, adorned in Romanesque arches, ionic Roman columns smacks of its era. Sandwiched between the light and slender glass skyscrapers, the Equitable Building is squat and cumbersome, but it remained the tallest building until 1910 when the Daniels & Fisher Tower, better known as the 16th Street Clock Tower, was built. The Daniels & Fisher Tower was not only the tallest building in Denver, for a time it was the tallest building between Mississippi and California. The architectural style jumped a few centuries, too, reflecting the 14th century Palladio architecture that dots the majority of the Veneto region of northern Italy. It remained the tallest building until the 621 17th Street building, formally known as the First Interstate Tower South, was completed in 1957. The First Interstate Tower South remained the tallest for a decade to be replaced by the 1600 Glenarm Place building.

Continued Expansion Upward

From then on, as soon as one building reached the highest, another replaced it some 25 times—a Babylon of sorts. The 1980s stood out as the decade of decadence and the birth of Denver’s most infamous building, the One United Bank Center, later renamed the Norwest Plaza and today renamed the Wells Fargo Center completed in 1983. Known as the Cash Register building, the Wells Fargo Center, which stands at 698 feet with 52 stories, was a watermark because it was designed by the famous architect, Philip Johnson who was credited with kicking off America’s modern architecture. Many more famous architects would come to plant their styles and names in the city, but the Johnson’s Cash Register building became the definitive mark in Denver’s skyline. Even though the Republic Plaza, the tallest skyscraper in Denver at 714 feet, and the CenturyLink Tower at 709 feet would surpass the height of the Wells Fargo Building, the Cash Register remains taller than the two, because it sits on a hill.  

To date, the Tabor Center Tower Two on 17th and Larimer Street is being proposed by Callahan Capital Partners with Kohn Pedersen Fox as its architect. The 630 foot building will hold 43 stories and is an 830,000 square foot office mammoth. It will be the largest development in Denver since 1985.

The drive to build higher obviously comes from the soul of a growing city. As we move through the Great Recession, downtown Denver’s Central Business District continues to expand, not so much outward, but upward. If you’re interested in reaching the skies, contact the New Era Group.

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Residents of the Mile High City will soon be flocking to restaurants in Downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods as the infamous Denver Restaurant Week kicks off this weekend. Celebrating a decade of offering diners special pricing at some of the city’s most popular restaurants, Denver Restaurant Week will run February 22-28.

New Price Changes Rolled Out This Year

With more than 300 restaurants participating in this city-wide culinary event, you can expand your taste buds by trying new establishments and cuisines for a set price of $60 per couple or $30 per person. This year is the first time that restaurants participating in Denver Restaurant Week have changed their prices from $52.80 (referring to the city’s 5,280 feet in elevation) per couple to the new $60 price.

Restaurant Week Celebrates Worldwide Cuisine

Every restaurant offers individual menus during Restaurant Week, but most include at least three courses (appetizers, entrée, dessert) as part of their offering.  Ranging from international cuisine from France and Italy to hometown favorites of Elk, Buffalo and Angus steaks, participating restaurants can cater to your desire to enjoy some of your long-time favorite meals or try newly inspired dishes from around the world.

Highlands Neighborhood Hot Spot for Good Eats

To give you a snapshot of what Denver Restaurant Week has to offer this year, the following popular restaurants in the hip and trendy Highlands neighborhood will be serving some of their best eats throughout the week:

• Axios Estiatorio, offering traditional Greek flavors.

• Café Brazil, offering land and sea South American cuisine.

• Indulge French Bistro by William Wahl, offering authentic French cuisine with a global twist.

• Root Down and Linger, offering farm-to-table organic dishes.

• LoHi SteakBar, offering award-winning American steakhouse favorites.

• Firenze a Tavola, offering authentic Tuscan specialties.

Click here for a complete list of participating restaurants organized by neighborhoods ranging from LoDo, Larimer and Riverfront to Uptown and Capitol Hill. If you see a place that makes you salivate, call for reservations sooner, rather than later, as tables fill up fast during this popular week dedicated to dining out. If you’re unable to secure a spot at your favorite place, don’t get discouraged. This week’s Denver Restaurant Week is only the first of a two-part series dedicated to encouraging couples to dine out in some of Denver’s most desirable restaurants. The second round of Denver Restaurant Week will take place this summer on August 23-29.

If you find a new-to-you neighborhood during your dining experience this week, or during the August event, and you would like more information on condos, lofts or single-family homes that are within walking distance to your favorite Denver restaurant, give the Downtown Denver real estate experts at New Era Group a call. They can help you find the most desirable downtown residences that will satisfy your taste buds and dining lifestyle.

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Hans Mueller, a Colorado native and a School of Mines graduate, has found a way to give the oil company a profit where it did not exist before. Hans has found a way to turn greenhouse gases into money. In short, Hans is turning garbage into gold by clean means that could revolutionize how oil companies make a profit while meeting state emission-reduction requirements.

Capturing Greenhouse Gases

At the School of Mines in Golden, Hans and a group of students worked on a project that captured the natural gases produced during the decay of garbage in landfills and turned them into energy. After graduating, he continued his quest of helping the environment by capturing greenhouse gases. Hans understood early on that, to help the environment, he would have to turn poison into gold and make a profit. It soon dawned on Hans that there could be a way to capture those gases that leak from oil storage tanks. We see the escaping gases that Hans captures as unsightly fires burning at the top of huge stills. In fact, when one of Han’s EcoVapor Recovery Systems, or as Hans calls it, the “vapor recovery module” is running, the flame goes out, a sign that Han’s gases are turning into dollars and those burning dollars aren’t chocking our air with greenhouse gases.

This type of technology has been the Holy Grail of the oil industry and just as elusive. One of the main issues is that when these mineral rich gases are captured it’s difficult to re-pipe them back into the system, mainly because of the oxygen that is found in the compounds. Oxygen corrodes precious pipelines. But Hans found a clever and highly technical way to remove the oxygen molecules from the gases. This then allowed the EcoVapor to re-pipe the gases back into the system, mainly methane.

With about 235 million cubic feet of methane now captured by his 21 machines the size of a small school bus, Hans could heat some 6,500 homes.

Finding Solutions

So what’s the problem? Why aren’t there school-bus sized vapor recovery modules dotting every oil field in America, or the world? Well, one word—accounting. The problem is who owns the gases? Wells and tanks are often owned by multiple people. Also, the minerals in the mineral-rich gases are also owned by individuals holding mineral rights, which are separate than oil or land rights—a slippery predicament. Mineral owners have historically not generated revenue from gases, since gases have never been captured; therefore, they’ve never been sold or taxed. So who does the gas belong to?

The solution to the accounting nightmare was found by Rep. Dave Young, D-Greeley through House Bill 1322.  But because of some miscommunication or perhaps bad wording, House Bill 1322 missed its mark and became wholly unpopular for the wrong reasons. As it stands now, the question remains. Who do the gases and now its profits belong to?  It’s a solution that can easily be found through accounting paperwork to oil companies instead the multiple wells, tanks and owners.  Finding a piece of legislation that can project profits from gas would remove one last hurdle to Hans’ new technology, the environment and finally make clean air a profitable market. The Holy Grail has been found, now can the government and huge business find a means to make it work?

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