How important is transportation? We would like to consider this very important, and more than a few developers feel the same way. The folks at SPIRE located their 42 story residential tower right next to the main light rail station. The folks at Riverfront Park put the light rail plan into their concrete entry way floor as a talking point. Oh yes... transportation is important.
Now we don't claim to be experts in as transit urban planners, but we do know that in Denver and in other cities there is a organic growth of urban development that follows the path of light rail or other transit options. Looking at a New York city real estate offering and you are likely to see pointers about "easy access: to a transit station of some form or another. And if you were to venture to cities overseas you would see how transit has been developed into an art form in some of the most forward planning transit cities in the world.
And Denver is, albeit not perfectly, focusing in on more and more transit options. Folks who live in the core of downtown Denver are connected by the easy and simple 16th street shuttle or the buses taking off from Market Street Station. Light rail now connects so much of the city that folks can live downtown and ride the light rail to their offices outside the city. More and more light rail expansion such as plans to connect to DIA and Boulder mean wonderful things for Downtown Residents. And its a motivation for many to walk away (literally) from their automobiles and the high prices at the pumps. It has been truly amazing to sit with our clients and watch the growing trend of embracing an urban living and pedestrian friendly lifestyle. There is a shine in their eyes at the closing table as they talk about their new way of life. Some give up their cars entirely, go from two cars to one, or pick up that shiny new scooter they always wanted and begin a new daily ritual of walking to the light rail station and enjoying their warm cup of coffee and the newspaper as the light rail buzzes them off to their office.
Snow falling, icy roads, and traffic can make a long day even longer. Clients share with us their stories about the peace they enjoy putting those worries away as they ride home with their favorite book and texting (no safety issues about texting when someone else is the driver) to make plans for dinner in or out that evening.
In real estate we often spend so much time looking at the physical elements of a downtown loft or condo. The architecture, the amenities, the finishes are all wonderful components of our homes. But what is the true magic, especially when looking at a life downtown, is the incredible lifestyle.
Now plans to expand the Union Station Neighborhood, possible return of the street cars that used to run in areas like the Highlands, and the completion of TREX mean the reach of this convenience is only getting greater. To learn more about what is happening in downtown Denver or exciting loft and condo opportunities by contacting us today.
Travel safe!!