It seems that the Denver Skyline is filled with Cranes as the progress of construction continues to bring new development to our city. While new buildings both for sale and for rent continue to be built, the RTD FasTracks network is rapidly coming to life connecting every corner of our city.

Denver is growing in so many great ways we thought it might be good to do a recap of some of the developments.

Today in the News:  9th and Colorado

Today in the Denver Post on of the top stories covers the “Denver Urban Renewal Authority is seeking to establish an urban redevelopment zone at the site of the old University of Colorado hospital on Ninth Avenue and Colorado Boulevard.”   This project could be a huge development for Denver with 41 acres in discussion for redevelopment over 6 years.

City planners, if they are brought in, could take this project to a great new level with more of a master planned approach.  New Street designs, bike lanes, and other city improvements with a mixed-use design could create a great new Downtown Denver neighborhood.

Union Station Neighborhood Development

Speaking of master planned… The new Union Station Neighborhood is starting to look like an architectural gem. The main RTD design areas near completion with landscaping in full bloom, the main train structure (that large white architectural metal skeleton) is getting close to completion, and developers are adding glass and steel mid-rise buildings to the skyline.  

The transit is running, the next evolution will be when the office buildings fill with activity and the new Union Station Hotel project opens its doors for visitors and patrons to the planned restaurants and eateries.

Exciting things happening in Downtown…

Sun Valley “Riverfront Style” Development with Great Denver Views

If you haven’t been following the news in Sun Valley then you may not know that a new Riverfront style development project is underway.  We mean Riverfront as in “on the River”, not the luxury condos of the Riverfront Park Neighborhood… yet.

This area that could easily become the new Stadium District has a new Urban plan underway and developers and speculators seem to be door knocking to find available land and properties.  Will this be the next secret neighborhood in to “Pop” in Denver… perhaps.  It is located right next to LoHi and has some incredible city views.  We certainly put this on the one to watch.  

These are just a few of the new updates for Denver this week.  Contact anyone on the New Era Realty Team today and learn about everything happening in Denver.

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Living downtown often means that the convenience of place becomes a sacrifice of space. Finding conventional furniture to fit into tight, awkward architectural fits from converted buildings or houses is more than a challenge. We stack, build shelves, place furniture in awkward positions to make them fit, and then have to squeeze by any table that might be large enough for four — forget six chairs. Above all, the sacrifices amount to a fine furniture clutter or a dismal display of minimalism with no convenience for comfort.

The Italian-Designed Space Saving Furniture by Clei

Imported by Resource Furniture, Clei is more than just a solution, it’s downright awesome. They are a revolution in space saving design furniture. With armoires that unfold into bunk beds, small coffee tables that rise into dining room tables or desks that with a flick of a button turn into beds without even having to remove what is on the desk top, Clei is a fine-furniture revelation. The depth of space transformed from the systems is more than half of the traditional or conventional Murphy’s bed with style to boot. Shelves that hold up to 40lbs. above a transforming sofa can fold down from the wall without removing a single item to reveal a queen size bed with steamed beach wood slats that are imbedded underneath and form a spring so that the bed remains light, silent, stylish and comfortable. With hydraulics a 400lbs. foldout can be lifted or released with a single finger.

Amazing Ideas for Families Seeking Downtown Denver Space

In the confines of a 200 sq ft apartment, you now can make that tiny second bedroom into a two kids’ bedroom. A small room can adequately remain a play room until bedtime. Then like origami, desks, shelves or armoires fold out to a bunk bed for a comfortable sleeping space.

Imagine you’re having guests from out of town coming to your downtown, 200 sq ft studio that is hip, stylish and finally complete. Your guests sit at the coffee table having a few drinks while you cook dinner. When dinner is ready, and it’s time to set the table, you reach under the coffee table, press a tiny button and up pops a secret: a folded table within that unfolds into your dining room table. When dinners finished, it’s late and time to crash, you simply remove the cushions from the couch, press a button like some haunted-house-secrete-passage-bookshelf and down comes a queen bed, light, luxurious and especially comfortable. Without removing a single book, photo or knickknack, it all simply folds within itself.

For New Era Realty and small families seeking a downtown space, it’s a dream come true. A family of four or three can now have access to smaller apartments and utilize the space as needed and still keep it downtown posh.

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Apartment Construction on the Rise

If you take a tour around Downtown Denver you will see a lot of construction underway. But whether it’s a crane in the sky or a concrete pour, most of the larger projects are not about new residential housing, but instead apartments.

In Union Station, the site that was once thought to be a project similar to Glass House, construction is underway on City House, an apartment building. In LoHi, across from Lola and Vita, a prime location is now alive with renters in a large scale apartment complex. Riverfront Park boast two new Apartment buildings with the newly completed phase of the Manhattan and the new AMLI under construction.  

Take your pick of any Denver neighborhood and you are likely to see the major projects focused on apartment construction. The reasons why are easy… lenders become much more willing to loan developers funding for apartment projects due to Denver’s rising rental rates. But all those parcels that have been assigned to apartment projects mean less inventory that could have been residential.

Being a Homeowner in Denver just became a better decision

Some of the homeowners we’ve spoken with couldn’t be happier. With an already rapidly moving market sellers are able to command higher prices on their homes. With no new inventory coming on the market, those who own in downtown areas are watching as their real estate becomes even more valuable.

We recently had a buyer with a focus on Riverfront Park. If the parcels that are now being developed would have been residential there would have been more available inventory for the neighborhood competing with existing listings.  

When SPIRE was being built (and sold) the inventory on the market created a nice price opportunity. With no new high rise residential buildings underway inventory, and prices, have increased.

But these are just the kind of market conditions that generate the needed demand for a developer to begin a new high rise in Denver.  Every time our average price per square foot goes up both lenders and developers take note. How far away are we from a market where a new high rise is a better investment than a new apartment building... we have some guesses but so much depends upon the position those developers are currently in.

Fortunately, there are a large number of smaller development projects going on throughout the city.  They move quickly, and the New Era Realty team is focused on these projects so our clients can be better informed in this exciting market.

To learn more about how New Era Realty can help you find your dream home or condo, or to learn what your home might be worth, contact anyone on the New Era Realty team today.

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The weather forecast for Denver this coming Memorial Day weekend looks great so we thought we might share a few highlights of some of our favorite things to do with a 3 Day Holiday Weekend! Whether it’s health, music, the arts… there is a little something for everyone.

The Bolder Boulder – Monday

The Bolder Boulder 10K is considered to be one of the most popular races in the entire country… maybe the world.   Runners enjoy the spectacular mountain and flatiron views, live bands, belly dancers, and a triumphant finish running into the University stadium.

Registration is open all the way up until the day of so it’s not to late to do something healthy on Memorial day, and they have designated memorial bib options to recognize someone in your life. 

The Day of Rock – Sunday

Feel like some great music for a great cause. Celebrating their fifth year Denver Day of Rock takes over the 16th Street mall for a full day rock concert.  Sponsored by Newmont Mining, Denver’s Day of Rock is a fundraising event for Concert for Kids, a Denver-based, non-profit organization that raises funds for more than 50 children’s charities.

Downtown Denver Arts Festival – May 24th – 26th

Every Memorial Day weekend the Denver Performing Arts Center Complex sets up for the Downtown Denver Arts Festival. The fine art and fine craft exhibition features some of Colorado's and the nation's best artists with over 150,000 people expected to attend.

Water World Opening Weekend – Sunday

Looking for something family friendly to do this weekend. With a nice weather forecast don’t forget that it is Water World’s opening weekend. Celebrate opening weekend at Denver's 67-acre water park, home to more than 65 aquatic attractions.

Elitch Gardens

It’s amazing how often we forget that Denver has a great amusement park right in the heart of our city and just footsteps from the light rail. All the rides look to be up and running and waiting for a nice family friendly fun day this weekend.  Visit Elitch Gardens Theme and Water Park website for more details.

Memorial Day Parade and Tribute Ceremony – May 25th

Let’s not forget the most important event of this Memorial Day weekend by attending the parade and tribute that honors our fallen heroes. Denver will be commemorating those who lost their lives while serving our country during the Denver Memorial Day Parade on Saturday, May 25 at 10 a.m. The parade is followed by the Veterans Memorial Day Tribute at the Veterans Monument. The parade will be held in Downtown Denver in and around Civic Center Park. For details and updates visit their webpage here.

All of us at New Era Realty wish you a very happy and safe holiday weekend.

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Denver is not just amazing, it’s home

The Hip Highlands

Northwest of Denver, between I-25 and Federal, south of West 38th Avenue and north of 29th Avenue.

Recognized in 2012 by Forbes as 17th on its list for America’s Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods, Highlands has filled its 250-acres with stylish apartments by nationally known architects, with trendy restaurants, bars, shops, boutiques, art galleries and three diverse commercial districts. It continues to grow and reenergize its highly spirited appeal. This is perhaps the most culturally eclectic of all the neighborhoods giving way to longstanding Caribbean, Mexican, Peruvian, Argentinian and Italian family restaurants. It also boasts fine dining and performing arts along its bungalow-style houses. You can enjoy its three parks, Sloan’s Lake where the annual Dragon Boat Festival celebrates their Asian culture, the Rocky Mountain Lake and Berkley Park.

When you’re ready to get out of the neighborhood for a little city excitement, just walk across the Highland Pedestrian Bridge into LoDo.

Lower Downtown (Lodo)

20th and Blake, contiguous to Larimer Square at 15th and Larimer.

With Coors Field as its crown, this once hard neighborhood filled with warehouses has transformed into a jumping nightlife of 90 plus brewpubs, sports bars and cafés. Just beyond its enterprising nightlife is the largest concentration of Victorian and turn-of-the-century architecture in the country. Close to LoDo is the longstanding Union Station where Denver’s 120-mile Light Rail network comes together allowing easy access for those living in the suburbs. There is Elitch Gardens, the only downtown amusement park, a Children’s Museum, Aquarium and the massive REI flagship store, as well as the Pepsi Center where you can cheer on the Nuggets or the Avalanche.

And when you’re ready to cool things down, just jump on a rentable Denver B-Cycle and ride along the 22-mile Cherry Creek Bike Path into Cherry Creek.

Cherry Creek

3.5 miles from downtown Denver along 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Avenues, from University to Steele Street.

The cheeriest of all the neighborhoods, Cherry Creek is where fashion can be bought from the 320 or so independently owned shops, boutiques, galleries as well as the stylish shopping center with 160 brand name stores. It’s home to some of the finest upscale restaurants and spas and very walkable along posh public art on tree-lined streets and picturesque gardens that become the backdrop for the 4th of July weekend Cherry Creek Arts Festival.

Golden Triangle/Capitol Hill

Along Lincoln, Speer , Colfax and 13th Avenue

But if its art you’re looking for, Golden Triangle/Capitol Hill is the museum district with the Denver Art Museum, Buyers-Evans House Museum, Kirkland Museum of Fine and Decorative Art, the Molly Brown house, Denver Firefighters Museum, the History Colorado Center and the Clyfford Still Museum, a truly special place if you’re into modern art. You don’t even have to enter a museum to experience art.  In this small area world-renowned architects Michael Graves, Gio Ponti, I.M. Pei, and Daniel Libeskind showcase their buildings.

It’s where the Capitol Building is located, the Civic Center and the Mayor’s Mansion all in the traditional Jeffersonian architecture. Of course, like all of Denver, it’s hip and filled with great restaurants, bars, clubs and coffee shops. You’ll also find one of the most famous Jazz clubs, Dazzle.

These are just some of the fine neighborhoods where New Era can find you a home.

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Riverfront Park’s Amenity Rich Building

The month of May means something special to many Downtown Denver condo and high rise residents… pool season starts.  The first weekend in May is the traditional opening of the Glass House pool, and even with snow falling on May 1st the pool was uncovered for it’s residents.

With over 300 days of sunshine and high summer temperatures it makes sense that one of the most sought after building amenities for high rise living is a swimming pool. For full time residents a pool is a place to relax on the weekends, a site to gather with friends and pay tribute to the sun gods.  For those on the investment side, a pool amenity can mean much greater demand and in turn much higher rental rates.

Of course our single family homeowners might opt for a pool as well.  But the condo lifestyle means no maintenance, no cleaning, and no fuss.  It is like living at your favorite resort… at least for several months every year.

Denver’s Pool Friendly Buildings

But the Glass House isn’t the only downtown building to offer a nice swimming pool for it’s homeowners.  In fact many other buildings offer year round swimming (so you don’t have to wait for the spring) and/or hot tubs in the winter.

SPIRE, Denver’s newest address offers two different pool spaces and two hot tubs, both open year round. But in terms of swimming, the pools may be year round but they aren’t quite large enough to do your fitness training laps.  Some residents of SPIRE consider the pools the perfect size for a quick dip to cool off on a hot summer day. The approach at SPIRE seems to be more focused on making sure enough space exists on the huge outdoor spaces for more chairs, grills, and gathering areas. Based on sales we have worked with on this building, it seems their formula is popular.

ONE Lincoln, just down the street and also in the downtown area offers on it’s Sun deck an Infinity edge pool, Jacuzzi, 2 outdoor BBQ’s and a fireplace.  Another great Denver spot to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Of course this just highlights a few of the most popular pool amenity rich buildings in Downtown Denver.  Some of the more modern buildings have a pool feature because developers realized what a huge lifestyle addition a pool can be.  To learn more about all of Downtown Denver’s amenity rich buildings or just the ones that allow you to take a dip in the Summer please contact any member of the New Era Realty team today.

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Spring isn't just about flowers. It means enjoying all that Denver has to offer in our great city that offers over 300+ days of sunshine. From running to an after workout beverage (you know what we mean)... Denver is full of fun. One of the most talked about and photographed events in Denver is our own home grown Denver Cruiser Ride. This amazing community events takes place weekly doing a two pedal tour of many favorite pubs and establishments. What's more, they even include costumes so you can put on a creative hat. We are just days away from our first ride with a Hi Ho Silver Theme. If Western isn't your theme... check out the many other choices to enjoy a pedal friendly view of Denver.

Cruiser Ride 2013 Schedule

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The City Backs Bike Riding

Denver added another reason for bike riders and commuters to love this city with a city proclamation creating a Wednesday “Bike Nights in Denver” Designation. Our own Denver Mayor Michael Hancock signed the proclamation that makes an official bike riding season to celebrate from May 15th through September 25th of this year. What began as a local Denver Cruiser Bike riding night has now become a city recognized event.

There are a number of great reasons for the city to support our local cycling community. Creating a designated Bike Night in Denver and working with both the Denver Cruiser Ride Community and Bike Denver allows everyone to focus on safety and awareness. Bike commuting is a great form of transportation, and one that our 300+ day of sunshine city can readily support.

Denver as a Bike Friendly City

Denver doesn’t just have great weather or our side. Top rated bike friendly cities such as Minneapolis, Portland and Seattle have a long history of city supported bike initiatives. Steps such as designated bike lanes, bike paths, and a city bike program are keys to success.

And we have all of those in Denver.

In the past 5 years (and maybe a stretch longer) city urban plans have included the planning for bike lanes. Areas such as the new 14th Street initiative and our the Tennyson Street design had required bike parking in the design.  

Our city wants to welcome bike commuters.

Celebrating Denver's B-Cycle Community

No where can this be seen more than in our expansive and growing B-Cycle community. With more than 30 new stations  for the 2013 season B-Cycle has been a great success and created a biking network tied to light rail across our city. What is even better is that local businesses and residents celebrate each bike station opening.

Our bike friendly attitude is more important to a bike system that you think. Granted, we have the benefit of new design projects, developers who strive to have a station close to their project to increase it’s value. That’s right, your home or condo might one day have it’s light rail and B-Cycle access a core question for buyers.  

Not every city has it so easy. New York City has unleashed a FURY as they try to implement a bike sharing program. With limited real estate trying to retro fit a bike friendly culture has brought parties to the point of war. Store owners don’t want to lose limited sidewalk space and some don’t want to lose limited street parking.  

If you have never stopped to consider how wonderful Denver is to be a young city in the midst of urban design projects that can plan for sustainable living, our bike lane and sharing projects bring the benefit to light.  

From Downtown Denver to Wash Park, LoHi to Golden Triangle, our clients who love to enjoy a bike friendly culture have a great deal to celebrate. Not only are we blessed with some of the best weather, we have youth and time to plan on our side.

Cheers to the Denver Bike Community. Enjoy the new Denver Bike Night!

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Affordable Luxury in a Modern Townhome Design

Developer Urban Ventures is bringing the newest modern urban townhome project on the market with only 13 opportunities to own. With square footages from 966 square feet to 1915 square feet and pricing starting at $315K this exciting new project offers models to suit every Denver lifestyle and budget.

The Aria Townhomes combine a great location near Downtown Denver and LoHi with affordable downtown living. Here are just a few key elements that make this project one to check out.

First we begin with design. While we do love our historic Denver Square homes and vintage mid century modern flats, the new Aria Townhomes bring modern architecture to bear with open floorplans and spacious rooms. Urban Ventures equipped these townhomes with modern finishes including Caesar Stone countertops, Kährs wood floors, and sleek European designed bathroom and kitchen faucets and details. Caesar Stone, for example, was the interior design feature many loved in the ONE Riverfront and Park at ONE Riverfront luxury townhomes and condos.

There are a great many reasons why we love new builds. You have heard of those who love new cars where everything is perfect and flawless. With new construction homeowners enjoy brand new appliances and the same benefit along with the comfort of both appliance and developer warrantys.  

There are many reasons new construction developments have been selling out in record time. One of those reasons is, to put it plainly, is the pure joy of having every inch of the home brand new, perfect, and awaiting your personal touch to decorate and fill the home. Before the construction process begins and materials are ordered buyers often get to select their hardwood floors, tile colors, and other construction details.   

Forget remodeling, design what you want from scratch!

More reasons to love the Aria Denver Townhomes

Urban Townhome projects combine the best of both worlds. They utilize a parcel of incredibly valuable real estate to create amazing living spaces at affordable prices. In the case of Aria Townhomes they also give homeowners the benefits of a Single Family home with basements, private yards, and garage spaces.   

And did we mention the great location? The Aria Denver Townhomes are located at West 52nd Avenue and Decatur Street in the amazing Northwest Denver area that is booming with new restaurants, shops, and an expanding light rail network.

Great neighborhood, great project, and a great price combine to make the Aria Denver Townhomes a great option for your Downtown Denver dream home. Call anyone on the New Era Realty team today to learn more… two of the 13 have already been pre-sold as of this writing.

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In Rome residential areas are known as quartieri. Zones that have been quadrated over hundreds, and in some cases thousands of years, developed into their own characteristics. In New York City these zones are known as boroughs. While Rome has spent millenniums developing these areas, and New York City a few centuries, it’s amazing to watch Denver’s Highlands develop in the past few years into their own.

In the Highlands, it’s All About Character

Since its conception, Highlands has always had its own distinguished characteristic that has attracted an in-crowd.

A month after establishing Denver City, William Larimer, Jr. founded Highland in December 1858. By 1885, the Town of Highlands became a town of its own. With the Fifteenth Street Bridge and streetcar traffic, the town blossomed. The North Denver Athletic Club was formed allowing the mainly protestant, republican, Masonic men to rub elbows. The high influence eventually seeded schools, a library and its fast growth, which led to it being annexed into Denver in 1896.

Soon, large numbers of Italians migrated to the area adding some spice to the overall protestant residential area. The street-car became the main artery for the area. As a streetcar suburb, Highlands quickly developed into a commercial center. Irish and German immigrants continued to flood in adding cultural accents. Then, in the 1950s the artery was cut off. The borough took a dive. It became riddled with gangs and associated with violence.

Regardless of the downturn, Highlands maintained a particular cultural feel to it. Far from its Protestant beginnings, small Hispanic shops continued to fuel its heart and soul. Perhaps it was with food that the borough never lost touch with its main ingredient—culture.

A Denver Borough is Reenergized

In the late 1990s and early 2000s the Highlands was given a new artery. With the development of the Denver Millennium Bridge, the Platte River Bridge and especially the pedestrian Highland Bridge a hip, new pulse was beating once again.

In 2012 LoHi was 17th on Forbe’s list of America’s Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods. Today, with the development of stylish apartments by nationally known architects, restoration of historic homes and the redevelopment of fallen areas, Highlands continues to reenergize its highly spirited appeal.   

So if you are looking for a downtown location full of history and with a unique vibe as a Denver borough comes into its own, still with a suburb feel, New Era Realty has what you’re looking for in the swank Highlands area.

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