Three New B-Cycle Stations in Northwest Denver

If you have ever tried to get to or from the Highlands neighborhood by Denver B-Cycle, you probably discovered how difficult that is. Of the roughly 80 Denver bike rental stations throughout the city, there is only one located west of I-25, at the corner of 16th and Boulder in LoHi. And with this fast expanding and popular neighborhood, many people have called for more stations and easier access to bike rentals. Well, the wait is over. According to the North Denver Tribune, Denver B-Cycle has announced plans to build three more stations in Northwest Denver.

The eagerly awaited bike stations will be installed around early summer 2013: one in Jefferson Park at 23rd and Clay, one in Highlands at 32nd and Clay, and another one in West Highlands at 32nd and Julian. The addition of these three stations will open up the neighborhood and allow easier access to downtown. Students living in Highlands can enjoy these new stations and the addition of another station on the Auraria campus at 9th and Curtis.

The season for Denver B-Cycle officially kicked off on March 18th, but will not hit its stride until late spring, early summer when the little red bicycles will flood the streets of Denver. The growing popularity of this system has made Denver’s bike rentals the largest in the country and has even prompted city officials to start planning for a permanent bike lane on 15th Street. The benefits of becoming a B-Cycle member are numerous, from their easy, annual passes to avoiding the hassle of parking a car downtown, from their growing number of stations to their user-friendly smart phone app. The addition of stations in northwest Denver is a strong sign that those red bikes are here to stay!

Interested? Check out the Denver B-Cycle website for more information.

New Listing in LoHi!

It is no secret that LoHi is Denver’s upcoming neighborhood. With dozens of bars, restaurants, shops, and new, modern homes, people are flocking to this area for a trendy lifestyle. Our newest listing takes advantage of everything great LoHi has to offer, including the spectacular views of Downtown Denver and modern living.

Located on the quiet Quivas Street, this modern and chic town home is part of the Rue Q town home project, built by the renowned Sprocket Design/Build. Completed in 2008, these homes offer modern amenities and stylish finishes that are fitting to LoHi’s trendy vibe. Our unit, number 3244, is on the end of the row, allowing unblocked views of the Denver skyline and the unrestrained privacy an end unit has to offer.

Unlike the other town homes in this project, one enters 3244 via a private gate and yard, secluded from its neighbors. This front yard area is ideal for those looking for a bit more space in this urban setting. The interior showcases gorgeous hardwoods throughout the main living area, with new carpeting in the bedrooms and travertine tile in the study and entryway. The 1,710 square feet houses three separate bedrooms, a study, a spacious living area, a modern kitchen, two private balconies, and a breathtaking, private rooftop deck.

If the above isn’t enough to sell you on this listing, the unit offers even more convenience. There is an attached, two-car garage, a gas hookup on the private, kitchen balcony, and a water hookup on the rooftop deck, the kitchen balcony, and the private yard. It is also just minutes away from some of LoHi’s highlights, including Linger, Little Man Ice Cream, LoHi Steakbar, and hundreds of others. But with the market as strong as it currently is and a property this unbelievable, this unit will not be on the marketing for long! Hurry and call us for a showing today!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

Competing Union Station Plans Bring Different Benefits to Denver

According to an article by Margaret Jackson in the Denver Post, dated 11/13/2011 the benefits are looked at over a 60 year lease term for both proposals for Union Station.

One proposal by the Union Station Alliance is for a boutique hotel to be built. They would like to transform the station into a 130 room boutique hotel, transforming the historic building into a hotel with the train room serving as the lobby, have local and national tenants, everything from quick serve to gourmet grab and go and a 24 hour diner. They are saying it would be “Denver’s living room”. This team estimates it will pay RTD $65 million over the term, generate $130 million in taxes, and create hundreds of jobs. This project would be financed with 11.5 million in equity, 7.5 million from the sale of tax credits, 50 percent debt, and 17 million from RTD. In the article Mark Falcone, whose company Continuum Partners makes up half the Union Station Neighborhood Team, says “ To risk that community asset by putting debt on it doesn’t make sense.” Falcone, goes on to say, “that a hotel lobby would not be able to handle the volume of expected passengers to move through the station which will serve as the model transit hub.” RTD anticipates 100,000 passengers a day which is only 40,000 less than what DIA handles a day on average.

Union Station Neighborhood Co. estimates its plan to generate $42.5 million over the same 60 year term. Their proposal features a Terminal Bar at the current Amtrak ticket window, and cafés, and office space on the second and third floors. This team has identified 22 million in available sourcing including 17 million from RTD, 2 million equity investment from the developer, and 3 million in tax credits that would enable the work on the project to start immediately. One of the benefits of this plan is it does not use debt to leverage the project so there is no risk of losing this public asset to any lenders. This proposal generates enough revenue to RTD to cover operating costs to the building and gives them a long term capital repair and maintenance fund,” says Frank Cannon, development director for the project.

This Denver Post article ends mentioning a quote from Bill Mosher, senior managing director and principal of Trammell Crow who is representing the Denver Union Station Project Authority. “This building is the gateway and iconic representation of the (Fas Tracks) project and it needs to be active and it needs to be fun. Having the public place being primarily the train hall and having active uses in the wing buildings on the main floor is critical. I think both proposals do that in different ways.”