Downtown Denver condo and loft residents are looking forward to one of the biggest urban development projects in the country... the new Union Station.

Just released activation plans discuss all the planning and design elements for this new downtown Denver centerpiece.

With more than 10 acres of public plazas and more than 4 Million (yes... million) square feet of mixed use development the new Union Station isn't just a new Downtown Denver projects, it's a new Downtown Denver neighborhood.

What's in the works... well let's take a peek..

• First lets talk about transportation.   This project will revive the Union Station of Denver to it's heyday as a transportation hub for the completed new Downtown Denver light rail station.  The track we are most excited about is the new line from Downtown Denver to Denver International Airport.  This past week's Denver Post Article "DIA, developers could face bill of $72 million to add two rail stations" talks about the decisions being made as to how many rail stations will be at DIA. The good news is that all the options are greater than zero.  That means residents of Downtown Denver condos, Riverfront park condos, or LoHi condos can simply walk and hop on a train all the way out to the airport for their travel plans.  Others can simply jump on their local light rail station and connect through at Union Station.  While you connect maybe you will want to do some shopping because...
• With all that planned Mixed Use space and the incredible amount of foot and transit passengers this area is intended to be a hub of restaurants, shopping, a hotel... even a grocery store has been discussed.  No one is sharing exactly which stores, restaurants, hotels, or grocery brands are likely but the names being tossed around have included the best of the best.  Location, Location, and Location is the mantra for many of these business owners and the new Union Station is a hot location for sure.
• Residential... you know we love Downtown Denver condo and loft living and this neighborhood the words Mixed Use mean condos.   Just like Riverfront Park and Downtown the mixed use plans allow for great condo locations above your favorite Downtown Denver hot spots.  The good news... its in the plan.  The bad news is that it is many many years out.  Some of our clients are finding their favorite Downtown Denver condo to buy today and then looking at that as a step towards something bigger in this new neighborhood when the opportunity arrives.

Contact any of us at New Era Realty to learn more about this exciting Downtown Denver neighborhood or any of the great Downtown Denver condo and Downtown Denver loft opportunities available today.

Yes we picked a headline that rhymes but the Team at New Era Realty has identified the Carlyle Flats as "The Best Buy in LoHi".

These spectacular Flats located at 2460 W. Caithness place are the creation of developer And Klein and they are one of the hottest projects in the Downtown Denver condo and loft market... in fact John and Brian have already helped 3 buyers find their dream home in this project.

Let us start with location...  The LoHi neighborhood is probably the most popular destination in all of Downtown Denver condo neighborhoods with some of the best and most popular restaurants, bistros, wine bars, coffee shops and pubs around.  Just footsteps away from the LoHi Flats are a few of Andy's favorites including Vita, Lola, the new Amato's Ale House, Pasquini's, The Squeaky Bean and Root Down.

If you are reading that list of restaurants thinking this location is in the heart of all things wonderful in the LoHi... you are right.  For those looking for the absolute best in Downtown Denver Condo locations the LoHi Flats offers an incredible location.

Now let's look at some of the great construction, design, and green building aspects.  Andy shared with us that the building...

• Offers the new Camus Go Green Heating System
• Has a hot water system that is 96+% efficient
• Uses the new green cellulose insulation throughout the building
• Energy star appliances
• Anderson Fibrex windows - Smart Sun Glass and Energy Star

That addresses some of the great green features... Now let's hear what John Stegner of New Era Realty has to say about the design.

“I really like the building because it was well conceived.  The floor plans make sense and use the space very well.  Further, when you are looking for resale in a loft or condo, there are a few key qualities that will position the unit well in the future: Location, outdoor space, storage, secure parking & washer/dryer in the unit.  This building has all the key features and the location is excellent and improving by the day.  With new retail going in next door, I expect the buyers in this building will very pleased with the appreciation over even just the next 12 months.”

“The market is picking up and I would not be surprised if the LoHi area is the fastest appreciating area in all of Denver over the next 12 months.  A new restaurant seems to be opening its doors just about every month right now.  Owners are seeing the walk score of their properties increase and this is becoming more and more a buying factor for loft and condo dwellers.”

“The finishes at LoHi flats are top notch and yet the price per square foot is highly competitive.  We have sold 3 of the units in the building and our clients who bought them did their shopping first.  These lofts just stand out in the Denver marketplace right now.  I expect the building will be sold out in just a couple of more months.”Right next door the site being developed has put out a sign announcing that their ground floor tenants will include Core Power Yoga and offer apartments above.  That means your yoga studio could be no farther than a few steps away.  With so many great restaurants within walking distance a few convenient workouts could be a nice thing... but don't forget how bike and running friendly this neighborhood is just blocks from the great Downtown Denver trail system.

Interested in learning more... just give any of us at New Era Realty a call to schedule your own personal tour.

It's a question we get asked often... Which Downtown Denver condo, Downtown Denver loft, and Downtown Denver home neighborhoods are the absolute best.  We have been talking about the great Denver Lower Highlands Neighborhood (LoHi) recently with it's great new condo projects, restaurants, and amenities. This month 5280 magazine did a Downtown Denver Real Estate Guide review of their best neighborhoods.

What are some of their picks including their favorite "microhood" area within the Downtown Denver condo or home neighborhood.  Let's take a look...

• East Washington Park (South Gilpen Street between Arizona and Mississippi Avenues)
• South City Park (Steele Street between 16th and 17th Avenues)
• Hilltop (Glencoe Street between Third and Fourth avenues)
• Five Points (Curtis Street between 25th and 30th streets)
• Lower Highlands (Shoshone Street between 33rd and 34th avenues)
• Alamoe Placita (Emerson Street between Speer Bouldevard and Fourth Avenue)
• East Cheesman Park (Race Street between Eigth and Ninth avenues)
• Arapahoe Acres (East Cornell Avenue between South Marion and South Franklins streets)

We have to agree these are some terrific Downtown Denver neighborhoods and a few of our favorites.  We also notice a few are missing. The 5280 focuses on many reasons why these neighborhoods rank high on their list including the sense of community.  We couldn't agree more, and its all the different variables of these Denver neighborhoods that we share with our Downtown Denver condo and Downtown Denver loft clients.  You may have seen us doing our bicycle tours around LoHi or other neighborhoods sharing details about the restaurants, the shops, the green space parks and all the amenities that are unique to each neighborhood.

It's important to not only love the home you will live in, but to also enjoy the neighborhood and features surrounding your new dream home.  So we want to also mention a few the list missed...

Riverfront Park is an incredible neighborhood centrally located between LoHi and Downtown with it's own private park and the Denver Downtown area.  Riverfront Park has a master HOA that pays for keeping the neighborhood incredibly clean and beautiful.  There is even a neighborhood association that plans events such as an annual ski trip, group seats at Rockies opening day, and the Riverfront Park Fashion show.

Downtown has a community identity as well .  The Theater District of Downtown Denver has seen one of the most popular and fastest selling projects in the country, SPIRE with one, two and three bedroom Downtown Denver condos priced for current market conditions.  SPIRE might be considered its own community with its own pool, fitness center, sports zone, movie theater room, and multiple lounges.

There are so many great choices in Downtown Denver condo and home options that only you can know which area you will enjoy the most.  Let New Era Realty help you learn about these amazing Downtown Denver neighborhoods and take you on a tour today.

It is no secret... our clients love their Downtown Denver condo lifestyle.  We've shared stories of the great restaurants such as Ale House at Amato's, Linger, and LoHi Steak Bar that are booming in the Lohi Denver condo neighborhood.

We've worked with our clients who have been part of the SPIRE Denver condo success story, the recently launched Vallejo Townhomes Lohi Downtown Denver condo townhome project, and more wonderful Downtown Denver condo and residential properties than we can mention in one post.

Our clients share their many reasons for living Downtown... the great lifestyle, the restaurants, the activities, the entertainment, the freedom from maintenance, the amenity rich buildings such as Glass House, SPIRE, ONE Lincoln or the Four Seasons Denver.

But one great benefit of Downtown Denver condo and loft living has been the topic of conversation lately... the freedom from commuting.  For years one of the often discussed benefits of Downtown Denver condo living has been the great car optional Downtown Denver lifestyle.  The city is incredibly pedestrian, bike, and public transportation friendly.  Many Downtown Denver buildings have incredible walkscores and neighborhoods such as Riverfront Park and LoHi offer easy downtown access via pedestrian bridges, bike trails and B-Cycle stations.

Two years ago our clients would share with us the great stories about how they removed two hours of commuting from the day.  They talked about sitting back and enjoying more time with friends and family, walking to work drinking their coffee or riding to work on the light rail reading their favorite novel.  They spoke more free time to enjoy Downtown Dinners with friends, a glass of wine at the newest Downtown Denver bistro, or having an extra hour at the dog park with their best furry friend.

Those benefits are all still true today... but now they are also talking about the incredible cost savings they are experiencing from no longer filling up their tank.  This MSN article reports that federal projects are for a 40% increase in gas prices this summer compared to last year.   Gas prices were already high last year.  Gas prices have been rising this year.  Gas prices are projected to rise into the summer.

Do you see a pattern here.  Many of our clients do and they have chosen enjoy their Downtown Denver condo lifestyle INCLUDING the great benefit of walking, biking, riding public transportation, or scootering (100 miles per the gallon is a pretty go solution) instead of filling up the automobile gasoline tank.    Many have shared stories of saving enough every month cover their Downtown Denver dining budget, season tickets to their favorite team, or even that around the world vacation.

Hmmmm..... Sounds pretty good.  To those who shared stories of taking back two hours of commuting every day while paying for their dream vacation... Congrats and send us a postcard from your trip.  How much would you guess your could save every month if you didn't have to drive?

To learn more about great Downtown Denver residences or how you can free yourself from the gas pump give any of us at New Era Realty a call.

This upcoming weekend marks the closing of Vail, Breckenridge and many of our favorite ski resorts.  B-Cycle has opened and those wonderful red bicycles that had their debut last summer are being seen everywhere throughout the Downtown Denver neighborhoods.  The grass is turning green in Commons Park in Riverfront Park, Wash Park, Confluence Park and the many other hidden green space areas for Downtown Denver condo residents to enjoy.

And perhaps the surest sign that Spring is in full swing would be that the many patios of the many great downtown Denver restaurants, wine bars, bistros, coffee shops, and ice cream parlors are putting out their chairs for the downtown Denver condo and downtown Denver loft residents.

With all this great weather arriving many of our Denver condo clients are looking to find which neighborhood will offer them the most enjoyable lifestyle.  Which Downtown Denver condo neighborhood will have the best restaurants?  Which Downtown Denver condo neighborhood has the best nightlife.  Quite simply... which Downtown Denver condo neighborhood is the most fun?

Well we have to admit that a few of the leaders would be the Downtown Denver condo neighborhoods of Riverfront Park, the Lohi Neighborhood, the Denver Highlands Neighborhood, and of course the LoDo / Downtown Denver proper neighborhood.

LoDo and Downtown have the highest concentration of nightlife, bars, restaurants, and of course the theaters and event venues to enjoy.  This is one of the benefits the folks at SPIRE like to mention as they tell the story of the great Downtown Denver lifestyle at their 42 story residential tower.

On the opposite side of town the LoHi and Highlands neighborhood transitions from high rise towers and renovated lofts into single family homes (both modern or historic), mid-rise Denver condo and loft buildings, and new modern townhomes in an eclectic neighborhood surrounded by some of the best new restaurants in Denver.  The Ale House at Amato's, LoHi Steak Bar, Lola, Linger, Vita, Coral Room, Highland Pacific, Bang, Squeaky Bean, and Root Down are just a few of the locations that make this Denver condo, loft and residential neighborhood another great contender for the funnest neighborhood to enjoy.

And right in between is the great Riverfront Park neighborhood offering easy access to both of the great downtown Denver condo and loft areas.  Let's not forget that it's central location also includes great restaurants such as Zengo and Sushi Sasa.  Riverfront Park also has it's own public green space beautiful park and access to the great Cherry Creek Trails.

And we haven't even looked at Ball Park, Wash Park, Capitol Hill, or any of the other great neighborhoods with their own Downtown Denver condo amenities.  But we wanted to just share a few of our client favorites.

Let's hear from you Denver... what neighborhood would you recommend as the best place to live and enjoy a beautiful Denver Spring and Summer?  If you want to learn all about these great neighborhoods and why a few of them are among the most popular please feel free to call any of us at New Era Realty!

Enjoy the new warm weather!

We just keep talking about the exciting Denver condo and loft developments in Lower Highlands.  Just last week we mentioned the newest and hottest LoHi Denver townhome development with the Vallejo Townhomes developed by Sprocket.  If you didn't get a chance to read about these great Downtown Denver townhomes with starting under $400K in the heart of the great Lower Highlands neighborhood then visit our post here.

As long as we mentioned the Vallejo Towhones in Denver Highlands we should mention all the exciting things that are happening in this great Downtown Denver condo and Downtown Denver loft neighborhood.

Thirsty?  Well the new brew pub in the LoHi neighborhood next to Riverfront Park named the Ale House at Amato's is open.  In fact their second day was the Colorado Rockies opener and the patio has been full ever since.  As a co-op between Wynkoop Brewery and Breckenridge Brewery you can count on the beast ales from both every time you stop in.  For the new Downtown Denver condo or townhome owners in this terrific neighborhood this establishment is just one more reason to love where they live.

And we have to mention.. although we have to wait to give you more details... that this month the new restaurant by the creators of Root Down will be opening just a couple blocks from the new Ale House.  Linger, named after it's previous tenant Olinger has published on their website plans to open their doors this month.

So much is happening in the LoHi Denver condo and Denver loft market that we have to cover multiple topics in each post... but don't worry we will keep you up to date on all the exciting LoHi developments.  In fact you just might be seeing some new video broadcasts.

But in the meantime give any of us at New Era Realty a call to learn more about the Vallejo Townhomes or any of the other great Downtown Denver condo and Downtown Denver loft projects planned around our great city.  The Vallejo Townhomes have been moving quickly so don't miss your chance to learn more while they are still available.

Cheers!  Don't worry the sun will be back soon.

There is a day coming up which is celebrated at the Denver condo building Glass House.. the pool is opening on the 1st of May.  Denver condo residents know that when the weather starts getting close to triple digits there is one Denver condo building amenity that may be appreciated more than any other... the Denver condo building pool.  Of course at the Glass House we aren't talking about a small splash pool or reflective pool.  At the Denver condo building Glass House we are talking about a full Junior Olympic Pool with lap lanes.

With this date the Glass House Denver residents look forward to so much just around the corner we thought it was a good time to talk about this Denver condo building... perhaps the most popular Denver condo building in all of Downtown Denver.

There has been one Denver condo project that set the benchmark for he most popular Denver condominium building in Downtown Denver when it launched.  That Denver condo building was the Glass House at 1700 Bassett Street.

The first reason Glass House is such a popular Denver Condo building.. the Location of Riverfront Park.   Riverfront Park is the terrific and popular Denver condo and loft neighborhood nestled between Lower Downtown (LoDo) and Lower Highlands (LoHi).  It has it's own public Park (Commons Park) and sits at the hub of the Denver bike and trail system.  Up until the Glass House most of the buildings in Riverfront Park had significantly higher per square foot prices such as Park Place Lofts, Promenade Lofts, Riverfront Tower Lofts, and of course the gorgeous Brownstones.

The Denver Glass House Condo project offered incredibly attractive low price points to Downtown Denver condo residents who wanted to live in the Riverfront Park neighborhood.  In fact many first time buyers were renters in the surrounding buildings who had already fallen in love with the area.  It's easy to love this master planned community developed by East West Partners, the same developer you know from many great projects in Beaver Creek.

But Glass House was also a new project in regards to it's focus on amenities.  With a large swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, barbq station, club lounge, movie theater room, 24 hour front desk and free continental breakfast (this still goes on today but only on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays) The Glass House was miles ahead of the Downtown Denver condo competition.

The Glass House sold out almost completely in the first 45 days of sales.  Individuals who got in on that first round of pricing in fact were able to resell their residences immediately after move in for significantly more than they paid... and many did.

But we thought with the pool opening up in just a few weeks it was a good time to mention that if you would like to see yourself spending this summer in your new Denver condo residence at the Glass House then now is an excellent time to schedule a tour with New Era Realty because we have seen opportunities to purchase residences at prices not seen since the early launch of this building.   With the terrific growth at Riverfront Park this building will continue to be the gem of the neighborhood and the only building with amenities such as a pool.

So feel free to give any of us a call to learn more about the terrific Riverfront Park neighborhood, the Glass House, or any of the other terrific downtown Denver condo or Downtown Denver loft projects.  We can have you sitting poolside before summer arrives.

The Recipe for the perfect Denver Real Estate Development.

• Take the hottest Denver real estate neighborhood of Lower Highlands (LoHi)
• Find one of the absolute best locations within that incredible neighborhood - right in the heart of LoHi
• Add in one of Denver's leading architecture and design/build firms - Sprocket
• 10 - 13 foot ceilings, rooftop decks, and more
• Throw in prices starting under at $329K for townhomes ranging from 2-3 bathrooms, 2-3 bedrooms

Now shake and serve... and you have the recipe for Denver's hottest real estate development with the Vallejo Townhomes.

Where do we start in describing these incredible Denver real estate townhomes.

Let's start with the details.  Imagine having a two car garage, a guest room and second bath for your visitors or that writing studio you always wanted on the first floor.  That's right... a Denver condominium project in LoHi with your own private garage.

One level up in your Denver townhome you have your living room, kitchen, master bedroom and master bath all with an incredibly designed floor plan, 10-13 foot ceilings, European finishes including Chroma Quartz Slab Countertops, euro style custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, beautiful hardwood floors, , and yes... these Denver townhomes even have a fireplace, media center, and rooms prewired for surround sound.

The benefits of the Denver real estate townhome don't stop there.  Let's go up one more flight to your own private rooftop deck.  And not just any Denver townhome rooftop deck.. these Denver townhomes offer incredible views of the Downtown Denver skyline and the Rocky Mountains.  What do you want to look at?  Why not both.

You will have a tough time deciding how to adorn your private rooftop terrace however...  because these Denver townhome roof top terraces are prewired and built to support a hot tub.

Hmmmm....  Chaise lounge chairs, a hammock, or a hot tub to relax in after a tough day at work while gazing at the Denver sky.... I don't think we can make that choice for you.  (Actually we like the hot tub idea... it means you can use your patio all winter long).

These Denver townhomes are selling fast so now is the time to give us a call to schedule a tour.  Contact New Era Realty today.

Men's Health magazine has continued their constant city survey article sequence with a new way of putting cities into a contest against each other.   The article "Twitter Towns - Men's Health finds the most socially networked cities in America" did a study of the most socially networked cities in the United States.

What is a socially networked city you might ask.  For their study it involved the total number of people using socially networking sites (higher priority given to Facebook, Linkedin, and Twitter) on a per capita basis.  Guess what.... Denver is number 3.

Yes our wonderful Downtown Denver condo and loft paradise came in third only behind the cities of Washington D.C. and Atlanta.   We could have guessed that.

Working with our Denver condo and Denver loft clients moving to the Downtown Denver area we have learned that one thing is part of the downtown appeal... the great lifestyle.   From Rockies Opening Day celebration (tomorrow) to new restaurant openings like Ale House at Amato's (today) there are literally hundreds of fun and exciting downtown Denver events going on every day.  All of us at New Era Realty and many of our clients are socially networked through our New Era Facebook, New Era Twitter, and of course this blog to keep our clients updated and stay updated ourselves on all the exciting and fun things going on.

Denver is growing.  That almost doesn't even describe it... Downtown Denver has been and continues to be developing in all the sectors that our Denver condo and loft residents love.  Transportation is constant improving with everything from small projects such as B-cycle or the Riverfront Park new pedestrian bridge to large nationally recognized projects such as the new Union Station Development.  We've already highlighted the boom of new restaurants in LoHi (Ale House at Amato's today, Linger next month) and Downtown (Row 14 in the base of SPIRE is open) and that just touches on a few this week.  What could go on and on to include everything from the new Riverfront Park Dog Park to how SPIRE (the 42 story tower we have worked with many clients on) was written up as one of the top performing projects in the country.

Denver is exciting and perhaps the reason we are ranked so high is quite simply because of all the wonderful things that happen in our city every day.  Living in Downtown Denver and the current Downtown Denver condo, Downtown Denver loft, and Downtown Denver home opportunities are simply amazing.  Contact any of us at New Era Realty to learn more and don't forget to join us on Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to this blog.

And today we launched the New New Era Realty Twitter Account!  We hope you will welcome us with a follow!

Cheers and enjoy Rockies opening day!

Wow, we just might be blogging about the Highlands / LoHi area all this month with so much happening.

First you might have driven by and seen the lights on at the Ale House at Amatos' on the corner of 16th and Central.  If you were biking or walking by you might have even heard the click of beer pints being toasted together and heard the warm sounds of people having fun.  Well those folks were enjoying the friends and family opening for the Ale House and tomorrow the Ale House at Amato's is open to the public.

What we didn't mention was that another great new restaurant is gearing up to open it's doors just a block from the same spot as the Ale House.  If you haven't heard, the Olinger building (you know that great big sign everyone can see in LoHi from their Downtown Denver condos or Downtown Denver lofts) is home to a new restaurant callled "Linger".   They only have to remove the "O" from the Olinger sign and their brightly lit marquee is complete.  chef / Restaurateur Justin Cucci's new joint will be opening in April of 2011.

Need we remind you that could mean just a few weeks or perhaps just a few days from now.  If the name Justin Cucci rings a bell it's because you know another fabulous restaurant with his name on it called Root Down.

From a Downtown Denver condo, Downtown Denver loft, and Downtown Denver home market perspective these and other restaurant openings in the LoHi area are part of the reason that the Highlands / LoHi / Riverfront Park market has been consistently a client favorite.    Residents in these downtown Denver markets enjoy pedestrian and bike friendly convenience to some of Denver's best dining and entertainment.  And of course Riverfront and LoHi have only pedestrian bridges, biking and jogging trails, and the green space of Commons Park separating them.

We love LoHi but it's worth pointing out that our clients in Riverfront Park (and the Glass House) have only a short and beautiful green space walk to the LoHi area where these new restaurants are going to be opening (along with LoLa, Vita, Little Man Ice Cream, LoHi Steak Bar and more).

Why are all these Denver restaurant chefs/owners/creators picking LoHi for their location?  Because it is an incredible neighborhood that keeps getting better every day.  Contact any of us at New Era Realty and schedule a tour today... and perhaps a dinner reservation after.