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.

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.

Vallejo Townhomes Sold Out!

Liz Richards of Kentwood City Properties has announced that Vallejo Street Townhomes in LoHi is now completely sold out prior to completion of the residential development. Richards started marketing Vallejo Street Townhomes in mid-April, an impressive achievement that also illustrates the continuing demand for new construction in several of Denver's most desirable neighborhoods.

"The wants and needs of buyers seeking new construction, coupled with modern design, is at an all time high and through the roof in the Highlands," said Richards. "When driving around Lohi, one would never guess that stringent restrictions currently exist for construction lending when seeing all the new homes being built. Clearly the demand for great rooms, closet space, open floorplans, and clean design is pushing the success of the new-build modern dwelling, even in a challenging market."

Vallejo Street Townhomes consists of 10 townhomes with up to three bedrooms and two baths, with floorplans ranging in size 1,031 to 1,786 finished square feet. Priced from $329,000 to $489,000, the townhomes offer fabulous living spaces, open floorplans, 10-13 foot ceilings, plus European style finishes and oversized windows.

For more information go to http://www.vallejostreettownhomes.com/

4th annual Highlands Modern Home Tour

http://www.moddenhomes.com/ which is devoted to "Everything Modern and Everything Denver" will be hosting the 4th annual Highlands Modern Home Tour. The tour takes place August 20th, 1-4 pm. The tour showcases modern new construction in the highlands. Homes on the tour will range from $499k - $889k, attached and detached dwellings. The wants and needs of buyers for new construction coupled with Modern design is through the roof in the Highlands. The Highland Modern Home tour clearly reflects this demand....even in a down market, new construction in the neighborhood continues to thrive.

Liz Richards and Deviree Vallejo are the masterminds behind, ModDenHomes.com. They literally live, eat and breath Modern AS WELL AS LIVE IN THE HIGHLANDS. They have seen and helped infill projects prosper by working with various developers in the neighborhood and promoting the rising success of the Highlands. Liz Richards has lived in Lohi for over 4 years in a new construction modern single family homes, designed and built by her husband a few blocks from popular Rootdown. Deviree Vallejo also lives in the highlands and has just completed an amazing renovation of her current home-thus also knowing the process of new construction and renovations.

The home tour will be partnering with Modern in Denver Magazine and we will have some cool giveaway items and featured Bobbi Walker from Walker Fine Art is going to be featuring some of her furniture pieces.

For a list of homes go to www.highlandshometour.com

Check out Liz's new listing

3649 Clay Street - $319,000


Charm galore permeates every inch of this home. Top notch remodel which includes stylish kitchen, bath, plantation shutters, and exceedingly open floorplan. Fireplace, custom touches throughout and stylishly appointed. Front porch, backyard, and interior floor plan are an entertainer's dream. Other features include: stainless steel appliances, evaporative cooler, slab countertops, and custom tile.
Call Liz to set up a showing - 303-820-2489