A Look at Union Station’s History

When the renovation of Denver’s classic Union Station is completed in 2014, the building will have received a very modern makeover. But while the majority of people who walk by the construction each day ponder as to the future of the station, its past is just as interesting.

So we have included some rather interesting and unknown facts about our beloved Union Station that most people do not know, but should.

• The current Union Station was not the first one. On the same site, the Union Depot and Railroad Company built Denver’s first station in 1881 for $525,000. Due to a fire ignited by a faulty electrical system, that station was burned beyond repair on March 18, 1894. The existing Union Station was built quickly afterwards.
• There used to be a massive stone clock tower in the center of the front façade, but it was torn down in 1914 and replaced with the central section we see today.
• In the center room of the station, there are 2,300 Columbine flowers, Colorado’s state flower, carved into the plaster arches.
• The true glory days of Union Station were in the 1920s and 1930s, when the station would operate about 80 trains a day.
• When train travel was still all the rage, Union Station saw its fair share of famous passengers, including Presidents Harry Truman, William Taft, Theodore Roosevelt, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, and Queen Marie of Romania.
• In 1933, Denver was inundated by a series of devastating floods. On August 4, the station was overwhelmed and closed for a period of time as trains could neither arrive nor leave.
• Up until 1958, Union Station saw more travelers per year than the Stapleton Airport.
• RTD and the City of Denver made improvements to the station in the 1980s in order to accommodate the new rail platforms, canopies, and bus lanes that provided access to the Market Street Station.

Once the Station is reopened:
• Trams will run regularly between Union Station and Denver International Airport, a much needed transportation corridor.
• The commercial and retail space designed for the new Union Station will contain only locally owned businesses and no major chain stores.
• Many people speculate that when Union Station is finally reopened to the public, the city blocks immediately surrounding it will become the new “it” neighborhood in the city, surpassing Larimer Square and Cherry Creek North.
• The station’s historical building will have a new 110-room hotel, run by Sage Hospitality.
• The now empty area behind the station will be completely developed with both commercial and residential space.

New Town Home Project in Jefferson Park!

It is clear that the Highlands neighborhood of Denver is hot with development right now. There seems to be a new project springing up on every block: from trendy, modern town houses to more contemporary apartment buildings. And with the jump in the number of available houses, more and more people are making the move to this up and coming neighborhood. And we are happy to announce another fabulous, modern town home project in the Jefferson Park neighborhood, named Decatur Row. Construction is about to begin on eight gorgeous town homes, with breathtaking views of downtown, Elitches, the Aquarium, Pepsi Center, and the Platte River Valley. These town homes are located on Decatur Street and are just blocks from Jefferson Park, the heart of LoHi, Riverfront Park and numerous restaurants, boutiques, and bars. Each town home will have 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. In addition to the 1229-1370 interior square feet, each unit has a rooftop deck that will only help to maximize the amazing views. The units are priced between $369-$389k, with two already under contract, and ground has not even broken yet! So if you are interested, give us a call today!

Denver Union Station Update

Progress on the Union Station project is in full swing and now, final installations are quite noticeable. If you can look past the mountains of dirt, the barricade of chain link fences, and the endless line of construction equipment, some of the project’s final details can be seen. Behind the historic station, a huge canopy structure has been installed, closely resembling the Highlands Bridge, just a few blocks down 16th Street. The juxtaposition of the modern, contemporary sculpture next to the classic, historic station adds an exciting sight for LoDo. On either side of the canopy, the construction of the Cadence Apartments is in underway. For those of you who don’t know what this project is, the Cadence Apartments will offer 13 floors and 220 units of residential, urban living. The project is one of the first for the new Union Station neighborhood and is scheduled for completion in Fall 2013. But quite possibly the biggest news is the station itself. Although it is still open for people to tour through, that could come to a halt as soon as the end of the year. Once the project team in charge of the station’s renovation receives final approval, Union Station will be closed until the renovation is complete in 2014. So if you want to see the inside before it’s unrecognizable, now is your chance. Denver Infill will be hosting another Union Station tour this Saturday, November 17th. This could the last chance to see inside, so take advantage of this tour!

Introducing the New Ballpark Neighborhood

For years, the Coors Field area was known for just that, Coors Field. To the west and southwest of the ballpark is the famous LoDo; consisting of shops, restaurants, and trendy lofts. But what was to the north and northeast of Coors Field? Well, the answer is simple: parking lots. But all of that is slowly changing. The Ballpark neighborhood has seen a dramatic makeover with new residential complexes springing up, accompanied by bars and restaurants. The residents and developers in this area are keen on reclaiming and revitalizing it, and this movement has no end in sight. The newest project, Legacy 22nd, is a 6-story, 212 unit apartment complex, developed by Legacy Partners. A trendy façade, innovative design, and a great location is all this complex needs to be the next big living place in downtown Denver. The Denver Infill blog offers complete renderings from the project’s architect, KTGY. The project is in the final stages of city approval and is expected to break grounds in late 2012 or early 2013.

New Entrepreneur-Friendly, Tech Center in the Golden Triangle

It seems like such a simple idea: create a technology campus where entrepreneurs can come to try and promote their small businesses. This one, central area will offer a shared workspace, mentorship, investor insight, and a software-programming school-all under one roof. Yet this has yet to been seen in Denver. Introducing Galvanize, a project aimed to combine all of these services and other support tactics for up to 70 different startups. These small businesses are expected to drive half of Denver’s workforce in the foreseeable future, and they now have a central hub. With technology growing at an exponential rate, Galvanize is using this to its advantage and helping the little guy establish something great. In a recent Denver Post article, the executive director of Denver’s economic-development office, Paul Washington, said that Galvanize “makes Denver a more attractive place to work for the 21st century employee.” Galvanize is the brainchild of restaurateur-turned-entrepreneur Jim Deters, who is known for opening the Asian bistro, ChoLon in LoDo. Recognize the name, ChoLon? That’s because Galvanize’s neighborhood-to-be, Gather Café and Lounge, is the work of ChoLon’s executive chef, Lon Symensma. In picking the perfect location, Deter focused on Denver’s circulation paths and main nodes, and eventually came up with the Rocky Mountain Bank Note Building in the Golden Triangle. Situated near a bike trail and a short distance to other downtown hotspots, the building was the prefect place to gather a crowd and hopefully use the community ties to an entrepreneur’s advantage. And with the Gather Café and Lounge in the lobby, the Rocky Mountain Bank Note Building will create its own some community within the larger LoDo area. A startup company can use the communal atrium for $300 a month, or pay $450 for a permanent desk on the mezzanine level. For more details and rental options, check out Galvanize’s website and start your business off on the right foot!

Groovy New Café to Open in Denver’s Golden Triangle

Gather, a new café and lounge, is set to open up in the historic Rocky Mountain Bank Note Building in Denver’s Golden Triangle. A joint project between Chef Lon Symensma of ChoLon and the Flow Restaurant Group, Gather’s main goal is to provide a comfortable, yet trendy and vibrant, community space for the surrounding businesses and residents, and serve as a place where people are encouraged to exchange ideas while indulging in great food. Intrigued? Well, it gets even better. The menu, crafted by the critically acclaimed and successful executive chef, Lon Symensa, will include your typical breakfast and lunch fares, like muffins, scones, bagels, and sandwiches, but will also showcase Symensa’s own creations, inspired by Vietnamese street foods. And if you are simply in the mood for a happy hour beer, Gather can satisfy that as well. The café will include a wide variety of Colorado beers on tap, but also offer fresh squeezed juices, an outstanding superior coffee program by Ninety Plus, and a full liquor bar is in the works. The downside? You’ll have to wait until December for Gather to open, but we’re sure that it will be worth the wait.

Denver Real Estate Market Strengthening

There are concrete, solid stats that support everyone’s hopes-the Denver real estate market is recovering. According to the Real Estate Market Trends, released by the Denver Metro Association of Realtors, as of September 2012, there is the lowest inventory per capita that Denver has ever seen. In general, there are only about 2.7 months of inventory and more buyers than there are sellers. And compared to 2001, there are about 20% more people in Denver, but we still have the same inventory levels as 2001. And for the first time since the housing market crash in 2008, the September average sale price has beat levels from six and seven years ago, surpassing those levels from 2005 and 2006. These are sure signs that the market is making a strong comeback! So if you wanting to sell your house, now is the time!

Denver Art Museum

The Denver Art Museum is a bold statement in the heart of the capitol. Its geometric shapes and rock crystal inspirations can be seen blocks away, towering over the surrounding streets. And to make an even bigger statement, the architect himself, famous and daring, is shrouded in criticism and questionable design techniques. Daniel Libeskind, known for his bold architectural elements, designed the building with the Rockies as inspiration and with the full support of the Denver Artists’ Club. There is no question that the building is spectacular, but perfect for a museum? That is where the controversy begins. Yes, the angled walls and cantilevered sections are stunning and graphic, but they make hanging art difficult, a problem in an art museum. Some may argue that the building itself is a piece of art and others claim that it focus on form more than function. So we will let you decide for yourself. Whether you like the building or not, the art inside is sure to astound. With galleries ranging from European classics to modernist photography to Pre-Columbian pieces, there is something for every art lover, regardless of how the pieces may be hung.

New Restaurant in LoHi Gets Rave Reviews

If LoHi didn’t already have enough trendy and attractive restaurants, another has opened that brings East Coast chic to Rocky Mountain modish. Uncle, offering Asian-inspired eats, closely mirrors David Chang’s Momofuku Noodle Bar in New York City, yet brings its own original spin. For those of you who aren’t familiar with David Chang, he’s a noted Korean-American chef that owns numerous restaurants throughout the world, included Ko in New York City, the recipient of 2 Michelin stars. Needless say, Uncle could be compared to a worse restaurant. It is located at the corner of W. 32nd and Vallejo Street, in the heart of the Highlands. Although Uncle has only been open for a month, it already attracts a regular crowd and is quickly becoming a neighborhood hotspot. Official reviews of the restaurant haven’t been released yet, but word on the street is that Uncle is awesome. So if you’re into a minimalist setting, amazing food and an energetic atmosphere, hit up Uncle for your next night out.

Big City, Train Boom in US

It is hard to miss the massive renovation that Union Station is currently under. It may be visibly difficult to see what is actually happening in the large pits surrounding the station, but numerous blogs and news articles will tell you that the rail depots and terminals are getting quite the upgrade. And Denver is not the only city making this momentous investment. Throughout the United States, somewhat rundown and underused rail stations are finally getting the attention they deserve. In the early 1900’s, train travel was the best, and cheapest, way to get around the country. And the train stations that housed these popular terminals were architectural gems, invoking various architectural styles and design innovations, as seen by the Los Angeles Union Station. As train travel started to decline, the design of these stations did as well, giving way to bland, and architecturally boring, buildings. A prime example is the Salt Lake City Amtrak Station, a drab box that hardly elicits a second glance. But with the resurgence of train travel, cities are starting to invest in their train stations and give these historic structures a modern finish. The New York Moynihan Station will involve the classic Penn Station and the historical post office next door, while the Washington DC Union Station will add on to the existing station. The historic Seattle King Street Station is getting a major renovation and who can forget about Denver’s own Union Station, with plans to create a new multimodal transportation hub in downtown. This new train boom is paving the way for a different way to travel around the United States, yet maintaining its historic roots.

LoHi Row Update

If you take a drive down West 32nd Avenue in the Highlands, you’ll notice quite a bit of construction between Wyandot and Vallejo streets. The visible framing and foundation is for a new, 12-unit townhouse project called “LoHi Row”. LoHi Row was dreamed up and designed by Sproket Design/Build, an architectural firm based out of Denver. Known for their excellent use of form, function, and quality, Sproket is incorporating all three into LoHi Row. These modern and chic townhouses will only add to Highland’s growing popularity and trendy gentrification. According to the DenverInfill blog, the wood framing is up to the second floor on six of the units, while the foundation work for the last six has started. Everyday, more progress is made on the project, inching it closer to its scheduled completion date in March 2013. Priced in the low $400k, the units are going fast, as 11 of the 12 units are already under contract. But with one unit left, LoHi Row promises to be modern living in Denver’s new up and coming neighborhood!

Denver’s Up and Coming Trendy Neighborhood

It is clearly evident that the Highlands neighborhood, west of downtown, is the new up and coming neighborhood in Denver. With new condominiums and row houses springing up overnight, this area is getting a modern update. LoHi (the eastern edge of Highlands) even caught the attention of Men’s Journal, who said that “Colorado’s capital finally has its own Brooklyn.” But what truly makes this neighborhood so appealing is the accessibility to everything one might love about Denver, yet maintaining its own, unique flare. In spite of all of the new development and modern additions, LoHi still clings to its older, cultural feel. The authentic Mexican grocery stores and taquerias still flourish and co-mingle with newer restaurants, like the high-end Mexican place, Lola and the mod-retro, Root Down. Brick brownstones and sleek townhouses fuse with the aged, yet distinguished, character of the existing homes, creating an interesting and diverse climate. And one of the highlights of the area is the pedestrian bridge that directly connects the Highlands to downtown. Crossing over I-25 and connecting 16th Street on both sides, walking from either neighborhood has never been easier. With its easy accessibility, trendy, yet historic, vibe and red hot real estate market, it is no wonder that the Highlands are Denver’s “it” neighborhood.

Charming Congress Park Home!

Listed at: $549,000

-1979 square feet + finished basement 350
-4 bedrooms
-3 full baths

Charming Congress Park home with soaring ceilings, an open floorplan, remodeled kitchen and master bath will not disappoint. 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths, 2 car garage, tons of windows and natural light, and an intricately landscaped yard complete with a flagstone patio and ornamental grasses, this home contains the best of form, function, and a top notch location. Walk to Congress Park, The Botanical Gardens, Cheesman Park, Snooze, Barolo Grill and much much more.

http://www.lizrichardsrealestate.com/1025_Cook.html

Ten Things To Do In Denver

We all have our reasons as to why we love Denver. Maybe it’s the 300+ days of sunshine a year, the short drive to world-renowned ski resorts, or just the amazing food downtown that has to offer. But most people would agree, there are certain things in Denver you have to do before you leave. Here is our Denver Bucket List.

1. Attend a Rockies game on a perfect summer’s evening. There is nothing more American than enjoying a beer and a hot dog, while watching America’s favorite past time.
2. Be sure to stroll through the Botanic Gardens when the flowers are in full bloom.
3. Eat to one of the participating restaurants during 5280 Restaurant Week. For one week, over 90 amazing restaurants offer a meal for two for just $52.80. It is a great deal at some of Denver’s best eats.
4. Drink your fill at Denver’s own, Oktoberfest. It is one of the largest of its kind in the nation and promises a good time, time-honored German heritage, and more beer varieties than you can imagine.
5. Gather the family together and spend a few days at A Taste of Colorado, the annual festival offering a variety of musical performances, local food vendors, and artisan booths. Located in Civic Center Park, the city practically shuts down for this event.
6. Take a stroll up 16th Street Mall when all of the street performers are out. It is free entertainment and the perfect place to people watch.
7. Spend a few hours in the Museum of Contemporary Art. Offering a different array of art than your typical museum, this experience is unique to Denver. And the building alone is worth seeing, designed by famous architect, David Adjaye.
8. Go on a Denver brewery tour. Colorado has one of the largest beer cultures in the country and is home to the nation’s largest brewery, Coors Brewery in Golden. But there are plenty of others in Denver that are sure to broaden your beer horizon.
9. Catch a show or ballet, or even a concert, at the Denver Center for Performing Arts. Showcasing some of Broadway’s finest plays, this gorgeous theater is a timeless experience. With famous shows on a regular basis, there is something for everyone.
10. Go to any of the bars, dance clubs, shops, or restaurants on Denver’s chic, Larimer Square. With Victorian buildings and a trendy appearance, this street as been one of Denver’s hot spot areas for over 40 years.

And because Colorado itself is so great, here are a few other things you have to do around the state:
• Attend a concert at Red Rocks. This is a must and with hundreds of concerts each year, there is no excuse.
• Hike the Maroon Bells in Aspen. The area offers trails and hikes of all difficulty level and views to die for.
• Go skiing. Colorado is known for its ski resorts and for a good reason-they are some of the best in the world!
• Take a trip down to the Mesa Verde National Park and see the cliff dwellings that date back to 600 AD.

Colorado Homes Prices Up 7.3%!

In the U.S. over the last year, homes prices have jumped up a staggering 3.8%. This increase is reason for cautious optimism, considering how weak the real estate market has been. And this is the biggest year-over-year increase in the last six years, a Denver Post article reports.

Ready for some better news? Colorado’s home prices are up 7.3%, ranking as the fifth state with the biggest gains. It falls behind Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and South Dakota. Since July 2011, Arizona’s home prices have risen nearly 16.6%.

Although the housing prices remain below where they were in April of 2006, the market has been slowly recovering in 2012. Builders are starting work on more homes, the sales of new and previously occupied homes are up, and mortgage rates are close to their lowest levels in the past 60 years. The recovery may be slow, but it is happening!

16th Street Mall to be Renovated

Earlier this year, RTD submitted close to $70 million in Federal grant applications, hoping to receive a fair portion of that to fix-up and renovate parts of the 16th Street Mall that are in dire need of some attention. According to the DenverUrbanism blog, in late July, RTD learned that they have been awarded nearly $8 million for the project!

This money will target the blocks between Market and Larimer Streets, Larimer and Lawrence Streets, and the block and a half area between Court Place and Broadway. Each section will get a full reconstruction, all the way down to the sub-base, but they will also receive an aesthetic update, with new trees, surrounding tree pits, and fountains throughout. New pavement will be laid, as well as new water and lighting utilities.

Although this money will go a long way, RTD’s application for funding for new mall shuttles and zero emission buses was denied. So instead, the project will focus on the stationary elements of the mall. Thousands of people use the pedestrian mall on a daily basis, so this project can only help to elongate the life of this historic, Denver icon.

Denver’s Strong Economy Profiled in New Report

The Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation recently published its Metro Denver Economic Profile report, a publication that highlights Metro Denver’s accomplishments in business development and key economic factors. The report is often used as a marketing tool to persuade companies to locate business operations here, but it also reminds us that Denver’s economic conditions continue to grow and prosper when compared to other markets across the country.

Some of the important, and optimistic, highlights mentioned in the report include:
• In 2012, major company headquarters such as Coleman Company (outdoor products) and TriZetto Group (healthcare technology) decided to relocate their headquarters in Metro Denver.
• Forbes ranked Metro Denver fifth among the 25 “Best Places for Business and Careers” in 2012. Criteria for the ranking included costs of doing business, educational attainment, and projected economic growth.
• Metro Denver is a magnet for young, smart, and diverse workers. In fact, the region of 2.9 million people is one of the fastest growing in the country and is the top location for relocating adults ages 25 to 34.
• The City of Denver has one of the largest public parks system of any U.S. city.
• Metro Denver was listed among the Brookings Institution’s nine “Next Frontiers,” or metro areas with the highly educated and diverse population needed to support future growth in a technology and diversity-driven economy.
• Metro Denver students have access to a wide range of higher education options including world-class research institutions, graduate and professional schools, and a broad spectrum of undergraduate programs.
• Metro Denver ranked third among 116 metro areas for smallest decline in median home price between 2010 and 2011.

“Metro Denver has a national reputation as a place that stimulates business. There is continued interest in our region from international and national C-level executives, thanks to our pro-business environment, highly educated workforce, and status as a high-tech hub,” said Tom Clark, CEO of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation.

East Colfax Development

The shattered, and nearly forgotten, stretch of East Colfax Avenue is getting an updated makeover, thanks in large part to Sprouts Farmers Market. A massive project is in the works for the site of the long-vacant Rosen-Novak and Elway car dealerships, near Colorado Boulevard, reports a recent Denver Post article.

The site was originally set to host a Sunflower Farmers Market, but when the two companies merged, Sprouts was the surviving name. The Sprouts Market, estimated at 26,000 square feet, will take up the north side of Colfax between Garfield and Monroe. The adjacent block, what is now used as a parking lot for National Jewish Health, is going to see the addition of numerous restaurants and shops, according to plans unveiled by the retail developer, Evergreen Development, and the landowner, the Rosen family of Denver.

The big picture for the grocery store is to help boost the neighborhood’s redevelopment, while maintaining a low impact on the people. Small details are being taken into big consideration, as Sean Mandel, a part of Rosen Properties, wants the parking lot hidden behind landscaping and a brick wall. Other architectural features were designed with the public in mind.

Demolition for the new Sprouts was scheduled to begin on August 20th of this year, with completion in April of 2013.

You just bought your first home...now what?

Buying your first home is undoubtedly one of the most exciting events in one’s life. But sometimes, it can seem overwhelming. A local homebuilder, Allen Shulman, with over 25 years experience, decided to help “rookie homeowners” by putting together “The New Homeowner Guide “, a book that explains the basics of home care.

In a recent Denver Post article, Shulman explains some of the important tips in home maintenance and how to settle comfortably into that brand, new property:

If you spend now, you’ll save later: By spending a few dollars on a tube of bathroom caulk and replacing that around the walls of your bathtub, you can help to prevent water damage and avoided an ugly bill upwards of $10,000. Shulman teaches how small, immediate maintenance can save you a lot of money in the long run.

Just because it “works,” doesn’t mean it works: Even though your dryer may turn on and appear to operate normally, clogged dryer ducts cause your appliance to use up more energy and boost your energy bill. But most people never inspect these ducts and thus, never know about the problem! By regularly maintaining the dryer ducts and connections, you can avoid a hefty energy bill.

Things you don’t see CAN hurt you: Some seemingly invisible things-like mold, radon, and termites-can cause major problems for both you and your house, if you don’t know that they are there. Radon is an odorless and tasteless gas that can cause serious health issues, like lung cancer. And termites, although small bugs, can cause extensive damage to the structure of your house. But you’ll never know if any of these invisible dangers are there unless you get your home tested. A simple test can save you big bucks!

Check out Shulman’s company, BrightNest, for other expert tips and relevant reminders to help make your new home the best it can be!

HGTV Host Gives Advice for High Style on a Low Budget

Sabrina Soto hosts HGTV’s “The High Low Project,” a show where she helps people find affordable solutions to add cool, unique design elements to their homes. A recent article in the Denver Post highlighted some of Soto’s secrets and advice on finding bargain items and creating stylish settings.

• Bargain shop. Soto's favorite haunts are thrift stores, but she also frequents online auctions, Craigslist, etsy.com, Overstock.com, Target, and HomeGoods.
• Look for new uses for common items. Next time you see an old birdcage, imagine, ooh, a cool chandelier. Likewise, when you find an ugly glass table at a thrift store, buy it for the glass, which is often worth more. Put the glass on a new, fun base. Look twice at ugly lamps. Many can be transformed with a new shade. Buy bad art if it has a cool frame.
• Read the reviews. Because pictures can be deceiving, when buying a product online, read all the customer comments. "When I've made a mistake, or been disappointed in an online purchase, I often find the warning was in a review," she said. "Right there, it will say, color not as it appears! Now I religiously read them."
• Search for design features, not names. When searching for low-cost alternatives to high-end-looks, don't search for the item by store name. For instance, don't search Restoration Hardware Tufted Headboard. Search for tufted headboards with bronze nail heads. "You may find one that has the same character, only it's covered in microfiber not Belgian linen, and it costs a lot less. Also try searching by manufacturer, not store, and see if the item shows up elsewhere for less,” says Soto.
• Only make what you can't find or afford. "I'm very time-sensitive," says Soto, whose first choice is to find ready-to-go deals locally. When she can't, she shops online. If she still can't find what she wants, then she gets crafty.
• Worst corners to cut: Spend real money on upholstered items that look and feel good, said Soto, who doesn't like to buy upholstered items used, unless they were very gently used. She has bought bargain furniture off of film sets where they were used for a shoot.
• Best corners to cut: Wood furniture. "The most awful looking pieces can be sanded down and painted." She talked a friend, who was expecting a baby, out of buying a vintage wood dresser for her nursery that cost over $1,000. "It's insane to spend that on nursery furniture." Instead, Soto told her friend to buy an unfinished dresser and paint it high-gloss teal like the dresser she wanted. The friend reluctantly took her advice. They added vintage knobs from Anthropologie, "which we spent a little money on," and it looked gorgeous — for $125.

Natural Bamboo Artwork at the Denver Botanic Gardens

The Denver Botanic Gardens is always a great weekend destination to escape to and surround yourself with natural beauty. This Garden’s signature exhibition for the summer is Kizuna: West Meets East, which highlights two prominent installation artists working in bamboo: Tetsunori Kawana and Stephen Talasnik. Using different working methods, both artists employed this versatile natural material to create large site-specific works for the Gardens.

Related to this exhibition, the Denver Botanic Gardens will unveil the newly expanded Japanese Garden, Shofu-en, with the additions of the new Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion and Tea Garden in June. These expanded areas will feature living displays that illustrate the diversity of bamboo species.

If you’re planning a visit to see the bamboo exhibition, here are a few things to keep in mind:
• Kizuna Exhibition Tours: Join docents on an interpretative walk to explore and appreciate the works of Kawana and Talasnik. For more information or to make a reservation, please contact tours@botanicgardens.org or call 720-865-3539.
• Japanese Tea Ceremony for Families: Saturday, July 21, 2012 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Come experience the centuries-old Japanese tradition of chanoyu - the Japanese Tea Ceremony. Discover the four principals that guide a ceremony, learn about the purposeful design of the Ella Mullen Weckbaugh Tea House and observe a real tea ceremony. Cost is Member Adult/Child $30 or Non-Member Adult/Child $35.
• Bonsai Workshop for Families: Saturday, August 4, 2012 - 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art form where miniature trees are grown in containers. Come explore a variety of bonsai in the new Bill Hosokawa Bonsai Pavilion, discover the techniques used to form bonsai and start your own jade plant bonsai to take home. Cost is Member Adult/Child $30 and Non-Member Adult/Child $35.

Another Reason to Love Denver:

Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit at DAM

Few names top the list of fashion icons like Yves Saint Laurent. The French-born designer is often described as one of the most influential designers in the last fifty years and upon his death in 2008 at age 71, the New York Times described him as “the designer who arguably did more to advance fashion than any other of his generation pointed the way to the future by consistently reviving the past. His enduring fascination with more gracious or, perhaps, more vital times, informed his refined, theatrical aesthetic and made him the most influential designer of his day. His celebrated fashions of the '60s and the '70s continue to inspire younger generations.”

To celebrate his life, a sweeping retrospective of the designer’s 40 years of creativity, Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective features a stunning selection of 200 haute couture garments along with numerous photographs, drawings, and films that illustrate the development of Saint Laurent's style and the historical foundations of his work. And the Denver Art Museum (DAM) happens to be the only venue in the U.S. that will be hosting the exhibit.

Organized thematically, the presentation melds design and art to explore the full arc of Saint Laurent’s career, from his first days at Dior in 1958 through the splendor of his evening dresses from 2002. The exhibit runs through July 8 at DAM, so plan your trip there soon to catch a glimpse of this once-in-a-lifetime presentation.

If you’re planning a night out to see the exhibit, you might also consider making reservations at Palettes, the on-site restaurant at the museum. In honor of Yves Saint Laurent, the restaurant is featuring a three-course prix-fixe Retro-French Tasting menu for $26.

Planning Your Produce Shopping at Denver-Area Farmers Markets

For those looking to do their spring/summer produce shopping at Denver-area farmers markets, there are three main ones to consider visiting:

1.) CHERRY CREEK FRESH MARKET
Saturdays, May 5 – Oct 27, 8 am – 1 pm
& Wednesdays, Jun 20 – Sep 26, 9 am – 1 pm
1st Ave. & University Blvd.
2.) CITY PARK ESPLANADE FRESH MARKET
Sundays, May 13 – Oct 28, 9 am – 1 pm
E. Colfax Ave. & Columbine St.
3.) STAPLETON FARMERS MARKET
Sundays, Jun 17 – Oct 14, 8:30 am – 12:30 pm
E. 29th Ave. & Roslyn St.
These three markets are overseen by an organization called Colorado Fresh Markets, and have been referred to as the "Cadillac of farmers markets among nearly 50 markets throughout Colorado" according to Colorado Biz Magazine.

With a dedication to supporting local Colorado farmers, shoppers will find great selections of fresh produce and other amazing food. And to help you plan your shopping, Colorado Fresh Markets also offers a crop calendar that lists out when certain produce is in season.

Cherry Creek North Development Project Put on Hold

A recent Denver Post article said that a proposed redevelopment along Columbine Street in Cherry Creek North is on hold while Denver finalizes the area plan for the neighborhood. According to the article, the proposed project by Western Development set forth plans for “an eight-story, 70,000-square-foot office building on the northeast corner of Columbine and East Second Avenue. The $100 million development would step down gradually as it approaches Third Avenue, where a three-story building would include about 80 condos. The development also includes 38,000 square feet of retail space.”

Western Development is facing opposition from the Cherry Creek North Neighborhood Association, in terms of building scale, traffic and parking associated with the project. The Association will be hosting a General Resident Meeting on Tuesday, May 22th at 7pm at the Daniels Fund Building. The Meeting will provide residents with highlights of the Cherry Creek Area Plan and present specific information from two of its important working groups 1) Urban Form and its work on BID zoning modifications and 2) Transit with its views on future Cherry Creek transportation issues and improvement recommendations.

Liz Richards Featured in New Issue of 5280

When 5280 wanted to talk about the things potential home buyers and sellers should think about, they knew they needed a real estate expert well-versed in the Denver market—so they contacted Liz Richards. For the magazine’s Denver Real Estate 2012 section in the latest issue, the editors tapped into Liz’s insight and experience to help readers navigate the local real estate market.

Location and Size
“There’s continued migration into the city, where people want pedestrian-friendly areas, don’t want to deal with commutes, and would rather have 1,600 square feet in a sensible, great location rather than 3,000 square feet farther out,” says Liz.

Lifestyle and Quick Returns
“People have adjusted their paradigm and now realize that their house is more of a home than an investment. People want to be smart, but they’re buying it more for the emotional connection than because they think it’ll be worth more in a few years,” says Liz.

Liz was also consulted on the popularity of the Highlands neighborhood, saying that “Whether they’re buying or renting, people want to go where it’s hot.”

5280 mentioned some other key reasons for the increased demand to live in the Highlands:
1. Location—the rehabilitation of LoDo in many ways led to the Highlands renaissance. The nationwide new urbanism trend has renewed the appeal of city living, and once Denver erected the Millennium, Platte River, and Highland bridges, the seamless pedestrian and bicycle link between northwest Denver and downtown made it that much easier to walk or bike to work or to LoDo restaurants and recreation.
2. Mixing commercial and residential—the once-booming, later-dormant Highlands commercial areas have been revitalized over the past decade. It’s more than just the retail and restaurant hub at Highlands Square; the area is also bubbling over with mini-commercial districts such as 32nd Avenue and Zuni Street, along Tejon Street, and on Tennyson Street between 38th and 45th avenues.
3. Walkability—even if you aren’t heading downtown or out to eat, Highlands itself has plenty of attractions for the everyday pedestrian, such as Sloan’s Lake to the west and the Platte River trails to the east. There are plenty of parks—a boon to the growing number of young families in the area—and they’re spread out enough that the nonparents aren’t constantly fighting stroller traffic like in more congested parts of the city. And between historic Victorians, well-kept bungalows, Denver Squares, and vibrant new construction, a walk in Highlands is like a self-guided architectural tour.

Do you have other questions about the Denver real estate market and/or living in the Highlands? Contact us today for the answers.

Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series

There’s nothing like a gorgeous summer night in Denver set to some live music in an amazing setting. Maybe throw in some wine and cheese too. All of these things come together at the Denver Botanic Gardens Summer Concert Series and this year’s line-up is pretty stellar with music that runs from classic R&B to traditional South African harmonies.Tickets went on sale Monday for Garden members and then open up to the general public on May 1. Here’s the line-up of concerts:• July 11—Nanci Griffith with special guest Greg Brown• July 16—Marc Cohn with special guest Joan Osborne• July 17—Natalie Merchant with the Colorado Symphony• July 23—Al Green• July 25—Mary Chapin Carpenter• August 6—Diana Krall with special guest Denzal Sinclaire• August 9—Ladysmith Black Mambazo and The Johnny Clegg Band• August 10—Shawn Colvin and Loudon Wainwright III• August 16—Kenny Loggins• August 17—Wynonna & The Big Noise• August 21—Gipsy Kings• August 30—Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers with special guest Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers• September 7—Pat Metheny Unity Band
And if you don’t feel like packing your own food, pre-order a meal by Catering by Designs and you’ll have an amazing basket of culinary delights waiting for you at the concert.

Another Reason to Love Denver—Tour de B-cycle

We all have our “active” Colorado bucket list items: hike a fourteener, plan a hut trip, take an epic mountain bike ride, etc. Well, there’s another challenge to add to the list that takes place within Denver and can be done any weekend you want—the Tour de B-cycle.

Most locals are aware of the Denver B-cycle program that offers people the chance to temporarily check out bikes at stations spread across the city. Denver B-cycle charges a membership fee to gain access to the system plus additional charges for any trip lasting longer than 30 minutes. An annual pass costs $80 and ride data such as distance, duration, calories burned, and carbon offset is captured and uploaded to your personal page at Denver.Bcycle.com if you register online for an account.

The Tour de B-cycle is a challenge where you have to visit all 52 stations in one day and all rides between stations must be under 30 minutes. The other rules for this include:
• E-mail info@denverbikesharing.org letting them know your intention to “conquer” the Tour de B-cycle (put “Tour de B-cycle”in the subject line). Include your full name and date of your planned attempt.
• You must check-in and out a B-cycle at all stations. (This ensures you’re tracked in your trips report for going to each station.)
• You MUST return to the B-cycle station that you started from for a complete loop.

Wine & Art—“Uncorked” Event at the Denver Art Museum

Mixing wine with art is always a solid pairing, and the Denver Art Museum (DAM) will be hosting one of the city’s premier events for wine lovers—the twelfth annual DAM Uncorked Wine Tasting on April 20, 2012.

The event is a great evening where guests get to sample and enjoy more than 300 wines from vintners around the world. There will also be helpful tasting guides available and delicious hors d’oeuvres at this popular annual fundraising event.

Tickets are $90 for DAM members, $125 for non-members and $45 for designated drivers. If you want to beat the crowds and be part of the First Taste, which begins at 5pm, you can pay an additional $35 per person to be there when the first bottles get uncorked. All tickets also include admission to the museum that day (April 20) during regular hours.

It’s a great event to support the museum’s efforts and a chance to enhance your palette for fine wines while taking in DAM’s world-renowned art collections.

Casual Drinks, Amazing Homes—Progressive Cocktail Party on April 12

It’s that time of year again—when the sun extends days into nights, when restaurant patios start to fill up after a workday, and when we get excited about our favorite summer cocktails. So to kick the season of right, we are hosting a modern, progressive cocktail party next Thursday.

Here are the details:

WHEN: Thursday April 12 from 5-7:30pm

WHERE: Three amazing, modern homes in Denver

947 South Gilpin Street
654 Ivanhoe Street
727 Forest Street

WHY: Because it’s no longer winter and these homes offer a perfect setting to enjoy the warm weather in style, along with some drinks and good conversation.

What’s your favorite summer cocktail? You can’t go wrong with a margarita or mojito, but we’re also excited to try something new, like these suggestions from epicurious.com.

Pimm's Cup: A mix of Pimm's No. 1, ginger beer or ginger ale, and fresh mint garnished with a cucumber slice.

Royal Blush: A blend of cherry purée, vodka, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, fresh mint leaves, and brut Champagne.

Architectural Salvage—Hunting for Hard-to-Find Home Items
If you’re tired of making trips to Home Depot to browse through off-the-shelf, standard items or are looking for one-of-a-kind, unique antiques for home projects, then consider a trip to Architectural Salvage. Located in Denver, it offers an array of great finds that include doors, fixtures, mantels, lighting pieces and much more.

Their website is loaded with image galleries of the items they have for sale such as:
• An oak ten-panel swinging door in jamb with Rixson in-floor hardware
• A leaded stained and beveled glass window in an oak frame
• A 5-tier crystal chandelier (circa 1928) that has been professionally rewired
• An oak mantel with original beveled mirror with fireplace opening
• Antique, whole-embossed green and cream tiles

A trip to Architectural Salvage’s warehouse is an adventure in itself and what they have in stock changes on a consistent basis so you can find some great treasures for your home. It is located at 5001 N. Colorado Blvd. Denver, CO 80216 and hours are Monday-Saturday 10:00am-5:00pm, and open Thursday nights until 7:00pm.

Downtown Denver’s Fourth Quarter 2011 Economic Report -

The fourth quarter economic data indicates that Downtown Denver’s economy is on an upswing, consistent with national forecasts that 2012 could be a “gear year,” where consumers are more comfortable spending. The fourth quarter of 2011 emphasized several strengths and weaknesses in Downtown Denver’s recovery. For example, while many of the indicators are positive, such as low retail and office vacancy rates, high retail sales tax collections and increasing hotel occupancy rates and room rates, the retail and office lease rates still haven’t returned to pre-recession levels. Read the full Downtown Denver economic report, online.

Don’t have time to read the whole report? Check out the first page (the executive summary) to catch up on the highlights.

The Downtown Denver Partnership produces an array of research to support Downtown’s overall economic development, retail and housing efforts. The research can be found on DDP’s website. As part of its research portfolio, DDP produces comprehensive reports each quarter that provide a holistic perspective on the overall economic health of Downtown. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Cole Judge, Downtown Research Coordinator, at cjudge@downtowndenver.com.

Kentwood Real Estate Unveils Newly Enhanced Website Showcasing Lifestyle Information About Metro Denver

Denver- Kentwood Real Estate, Colorado’s premier Real Estate Company, has unveiled newly enhanced website showcasing informative “Lifestyle” information about the Metro Denver area and other new upgrades that take the online home searching experience to a whole new level.

This website is already one of the most visited Real Estate websites in Colorado, and now it offers comprehensive information on special events, restaurants, things to do , music, concerts, and even details on Colorado’s professional sports teams.

Carol Ihli, Marketing Director for Kentwood Real Estate says,” To our knowledge, we are the only leading real estate website in the country to expand its website to include lifestyle information about metro Denver and Colorado in general.”

For those who enjoy arts and theatre, you can find details on www.DenverRealEstate.com including special exhibits and acclaimed artists performing. You can even find information on varieties of cuisine.

Sports enthusiasts will get details on the Colorado Rockies, Denver Broncos, Denver Nuggets, and Colorado Avalanche.

Website visitors can search featured listings, view city statistics, and weather information, open houses, photography, communities, and neighborhoods.

Kentwood Real Estate is comprised of The Kentwood Company in the Denver Tech Center, Kentwood Company at Cherry Creek, and Kentwood City Properties.

Rocky Mountain West Urban Leadership Symposium

The Downtown Denver Partnership released a new research report, Downtown Denver: A Magnet for the Future Workforce, last week at the 2012 Rocky Mountain West Urban Leadership Symposium in Denver. Details of city building efforts- including amenities, transportation infrastructure, educated population, residential growth, innovation and entrepreneurship, and emerging green economy-that make the urban core of the Mile High City an attractive spot for a new generation of workers are outlined in this report. The strengths and opportunities for Downtown Denver are also discussed in this report.

Our city’s long term commitment to comprehensive and collaborative planning strengthens our position to reap economic benefits of the millennial generation. In recent reports by the Brookings Institution analyzing U.S. Census Bureau data notes, “To the extent they are moving at, all young adults are headed to metro areas which are known to have a certain vibe like college towns, high tech centers, and so-called ‘cool cities’.” These “cool cities” are places where it is easier to consume less and live more sustainably. They are places with transportation infrastructure, an educated population, and innovative business climates. Brookings has named Denver the number one most attractive city in the entire country for young people or the future workforce to live and work.

Employers are recognizing on a national scale that the millennial generation is more likely to choose to live and work in or near an urban center. Mountains and oceans have become secondary to downtown locations or proximity to downtown locations. Strategically minded companies are leveraging downtown locations or closeness too these locations as way to attract candidates. This is important to the economy because this means that downtown locations will continue to be a hub for infrastructure and growth.

The Downtown Denver Partnership, Inc is a non profit business organization that creatively plans, manages and develops Downtown Denver as unique, diverse, vibrant and economically healthy urban core of the Rocky Mountain region. For more info, visit www.DowntownDenver.com

Join us for an evening of Modernism!

****When
February 16th 5pm-8pm

****Where
947 South Gilpin Street, Denver

****What
Come check out the captivating design of 947 South Gilpin which is Elevate.

Stop by and enjoy some fabulous wine and nibbles.

947 South Gilpin Street
Wash Park modernist Zen retreat. Floor to ceiling windows abound in this modern dwelling on one of Wash Park's best blocks. Clerestory windows, 11 ft ceilings, European styled kitchen, dramatic open great room, finished basement with workout room, over sized 2 car attached garage, and thoughtfully concise design with sleek finishes, make this a home that will knock your socks off. Eat-in kitchen nook, formal dining room, dramatic great room, 4 bedrooms on second floor plus 5th bedroom in basement and 4 1/2 baths combine to make an extremely functional floor plan.

Artwork Provided by PLUS GALLERY
Since 2001 Plus Gallery has developed a program that is widely considered one of the most prominent and reputable for contemporary art in Denver, representing regional and national artists of renown. The gallery relocated to a custom designed space in North Downtown Denver in 2009, a unique renovation of a parcel of the historic Benjamin Moore Paint Factory. The gallery was named "Art Space of the Year" in 2009 by the Denver Post and has been praised consistently for it's exhibitions, artists and programs over the last 10 years. The full gallery profile is available online at www.plusgallery.com

Featured Artist KATE PETLEY
Kate Petley's work addresses the subtleties of location and atmosphere, referring to the edges where nature bumps up against the urban environment. Her installations, two-dimensional works, and sculpture emphasize the unusual beauty of our everyday world. Petley's work is found in the collections of the Nicolaysen Museum, Houston Airport System, The Federal Reserve Bank, UCLA Santa Monica Hospital, Denver Children's Hospital, the Hyatt and Mariott Hotels, and private individuals across the country. Petley has exhibited throughout the US for over twenty years, most recently at the prestigious Scope Art Fair in Miami, 2011.

Union Station's Latest Renderings

Latest Projects In Denver's Hottest Neighborhood

Lohi Row

Dramatic townhomes in the heart of Lohi. This is a new project by Sprocket, one of the city’s leading architectural and Design/Build firms known for their mastery of form and function and quality! The project consists of 12 town homes ranging from 2 bedrooms + study and 2-3 bathrooms, 1300-1485 square feet, and priced from $399k-$439k.

More features for Lohi Row:
• Fabulous open floor plans
• 10-13 foot ceilings
• European finishes
• Oversized windows
• Chroma Quartz Slab Countertops
• Euro Style custom cabinetry
• Stainless steel appliances
• Attached garages
• Hardwood floors
• Prewired rooms for surround sound
• Fireplaces
• Media center
• Amazing design nuances
• Private rooftop decks
• Jaw dropping views of Denver’s cityscape and Rocky Mountains
• Prewired outdoor entertainment spaces plumbed w/ gas and water to accommodate hot tubs

Latest Projects in Denver’s Hottest Neighborhood

Umatilla 4

Four gorgeous modern townhomes in the heart of Lohi are being built just ½ block away from Lola, Vita, Linger, and Little Man Ice Cream.

These uber modern townhomes will have sleek euro-style finishes that will not disappoint. Designed with amazing outdoor spaces which consist of a private yard, second floor balcony, and spacious rooftop decks! Other townhome details are: sleek European styled cabinetry, ribbon/river rock fireplace, oak floors, chromastone slab counter tops, 1625 sq ft, 2 bedrooms, 2 and 1/2 bathrooms, and 2 car garages.

• 2939 Umatilla St. $499,000 2 beds 2.5 baths and 1625 sq ft
• 2941 Umatilla St. $489,000 2 beds 2.5 baths and 1625 sq ft
• 2943 Umatilla St. $499,000 2 beds 2.5 baths and 1625 sq ft
• 2945 Umatilla St. $489,000 2 beds 2.5 baths and 1625 sq ft

How Can You Profit From Housing Growth in Denver

In a recent Fox Business feature, Greg Rand Radio Host at WABC and CEO of Real Estate website http://OwnAmerica.com tells America where the top city in America to buy real estate is. Wonderful Denver, Colorado! He says that there is a migration all over the country towards Denver. Young professionals like the Denver vibe. With an average age of 31 these new transplants are settling in to the active lifestyle Denver has to offer. Greg Rand says when he asks people why they like Denver they respond with, “I don’t like it I love it” or “you could not pay me enough to move back to New York or California”.

These young fit people are just attracted to the quality of life here in our beautiful city. With the economy booming and Denver’s foreclosure rates at almost half the national average it makes for a great investment area for single family homes and the condo market. Open the link to watch the feature: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9frmEv-vPA&feature=share

In Berkeley’s Tennyson Street District, homebuyers see a neighborhood come to life, one corner at a time.

According to an article written by Mark Samuelson in the Denver Post dated 1/3/12 Berkeley’s Tennyson Street District is being resurrected. Mark Samuelson starts the article by introducing Herv Flesher whose parents opened a music store on Tennyson in 1959. There was a five-and-dime next door, a bowling alley down the street, a soda fountain and a café diner. 53 years have passed and the dime store is gone but Flesher-Hinton is still selling saxophones, the bowling alley and Kyle’s Kitchen are doing a trade and a steady flow of new eateries and galleries align the corners from W. 38th Avenue north to W. 44th Avenue.

In the article Flesher remembers that it was very slow in the 80’s compared to now with moms out walking with their kids.

A Denver Real Estate agent in the area quoted a newly built 3 bedroom single family, very contemporary home to be $432,000 in the area. That same agent in the article said the next door home to his comparable sold in less than 30 days and compared the single family home values to duplexes selling in the Highlands for the same price range.

Tennyson Street district is not Berkeley’s only walking shopping district it does include another walking shopping district at 44th and Lowell making this a neighborhood anchored by two shopping districts, galleries, restaurants, and homes priced less than in the Highlands.

The borders of this neighborhood include:
W. 38th Avenue north to W. 46th Avenue and Federal west to Sheridan

Also check out www.TheBerkeleyDistrict.com

Free Trees Offered to All Denver Residents This Spring

Applications Due Feb.15, 2012

Denver, CO- This spring only, all Denver residents are eligible for free trees regardless of where they live within the city. All Denver areas including but not limited to City Park, Washington Park, Highlands, LOHI, and Sloans Lake. This rare opportunity is made possible by two different tree distribution programs: The Park People’s annual Denver Digs Trees street tree program and the City’s Mile High Million tree planting initiative.

The Park People’s Paige Heydon says, “We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting partnership that is sure to add thousands of trees to Denver neighborhoods across the city.” She goes on to say, “The trees are being offered at no cost. It’s a win for the city’s urban forest and a win for Denver residents.

Any City and County resident of Denver can apply for free trees to plant along the street in the public right of way. Those who have space for trees on the west side of their homes in front, back, or side yards along the street are eligible to have trees ordered and planted for them.

According to Sara Davis, the program Manager for Denver Parks and Recreation’s Mile High Million Program, trees planted on the west side of houses not only offer wonderful shade, they also reduce energy consumption, “With that in mind, we are happy to offer the trees and the planting free of charge.

Availability will be limited, so apply no later than February 15, 2012. Visit www.theparkpeople.org or call 303-722-6262 for application information.

Denver’s City Forester Rob Davis says, “Trees beautify neighborhoods, improve property values, provide environmental services, and support good health by encouraging people to spend time outdoors. This is a great opportunity for Denver residents to enhance their neighborhoods.”

The Denver Digs Trees program is able to offer free street trees to all Denver residents this spring thanks to a partnership with Denver Parks and Recreation Forestry Division and the sponsorship of Xcel Energy Foundation and the City of Denver’s Office of Economic Development. The Mile High Million’s Trees for Energy Savings program is made possible with funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.