The Arête. The Location. The View. The Quality.

 

         Imagine a leisurely stroll on the Pearl Street Mall, heading home after enjoying dinner at a popular restaurant or a concert at the Boulder Theater. Arriving home, a private elevator whisks you to your floor and you enter the “Keyhole” Foyer that’s elegantly appointed and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling glass. Your corridor walls are lined with custom Venetian plaster and crowned with a series of elegant domes and accent lighting.

A sculptural, hand-built Walnut entryway frames the dramatic entrance to your luxurious residence. Inside, you kick off your shoes and settle back in front of the fireplace and take in panoramic Flatirons views. In the morning you will enjoy an al fresco breakfast on your private balcony or an early jog along Boulder Creek.

This idyllic lifestyle is a reality for residents of The Arête, an unsurpassed collection of 22 stunning residences, created on a scale of luxury never seen before in downtown Boulder. “These residences are in the best location and the finest building that will ever be built in downtown Boulder,” says Stephen Tebo, developer of The Arête.

Conveniently located at 11th and Canyon, The Arête’s architecture is centered around a dramatic “keyhole” through the entire building, with luxurious exterior finishes in Kansas limestone, Colorado flagstone, copper and soaring glass walls. Located in the heart of urban Boulder, The Arête is just steps away from biking and hiking trails, shopping and the St. Julien Hotel. Boulder’s world-class public transportation system is available for easy trips farther afield.

Inspired by Greek philosophy, The Arête reaches for the highest standard

The Arête (pronounced “uh-Rett”) takes its name from a Greek philosophy concept of living up to one’s highest potential, and this ideal is integrated in every detail. Nineteen exclusive residences are being created on the second and third levels, with an additional three very special penthouse suites planned for the fourth level. 

Residences at The Arête are available with one to three bedrooms, ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 square feet, priced from $685,000 to $5 million. The three penthouse residences are being offered as “core-and-shell” units. Owners will then have the freedom to work with their own architect and contractor to complete their home.

Three interior finishes (Urban, Oasis or Zen) have been created by Boulder interior design firm The Ranch House to complement a wide range of owners’ design preferences. Each home is offered with an exciting package of top-of-the-line appliances and fixtures. 

Kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, with an industrial-quality Wolf dual-fuel range, Sub-Zero refrigeration and Kitchenaid Convection Oven/Microwave. Hand-crafted and spacious custom cabinets feature elegant hardware, soft-close drawers and Euro-style hinges. No detail is spared in the pursuit of unsurpassed quality and design.

The en-suite master bedroom features a five-piece bath set with Hansgrohe and Toto fixtures, fully tiled shower with frameless European enclosure, marble or granite countertops and tub deck, custom cabinetry and spacious walk-in closets. Secondary baths receive similar top-shelf appointments.

Zoned radiant floor heating keeps each home comfortable, from the moment you put your foot down in the morning until you retire at night. Sustainable woods and high-efficiency mechanical systems are used throughout.

Residents at The Arête enjoy secure underground parking with dedicated storage areas, and additional parking spaces can be purchased with each residence. Owners also enjoy membership to One Boulder Fitness health club.

 

Find out more about The Arête

Visit The Arête sales center at 949 Walnut St. to see the model kitchen and available choices of finish, or call 303.444.8326. Showroom hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tour the recently completed model residences to learn more about this unique opportunity to own a residence with a distinguished address in the heart of Boulder. Details and floor plans can be viewed at www.TheArete.com.

Onyx Boulder: Luxury, Convenience, Sublime Views

Onyx is a gem of a building, a small enclave of just six new, luxurious residences with unparalleled views of the nearby Flatirons – and easy access to the city’s delights.

The homes occupy the top two floors of this mixed-use, New Urban-style, modern structure located on the edge of Boulder’s downtown design district at 1701 15th Street, at the corner of Arapahoe. The building’s first floor houses commercial and professional offices.

Each residential unit faces south, basking in sun exposure and mountain vistas. Each enjoys an abundance of open space, including a private “Zen garden” penetrating two floors to allow light and fresh air into the interior units and residential corridors. 

“The goal was to create unique units, capitalize on the unrestricted views of the mountains, capture as much natural light as possible, and to create livable outdoor – as well as interior – space for each unit,” says Harvey H. Hine, AIA, the building’s architect and co-developer. 

Onyx is already the recipient of an award. The project won an AIA Colorado North 2009 Merit Award in the category of Interiors.

Special Features

With views of the Flatirons to the south, the south façade of the building steps back from the street on the second and third floors to capture views and to create large patio/decks for each home. The patios range from 300 to 1,500 square feet and are equivalent in size to many single-family residential yards.

“No other homes we know of have such big decks,” says Kevin M. Hart, co-developer and sales manager of Onyx. “These are real outdoor living spaces – perfect settings for outdoor kitchens and hot tubs. In one of the units that’s now occupied, the deck is filled with huge pots of junipers and maples, and there’s a garden, reminiscent of a single-family home.”

Hart notes several ways that Onyx differs from other Boulder luxury buildings. “Onyx has only six units. The heated and secured indoor parking garage is at grade level, just under the building – not underground. All the units have 300-square-foot – or larger – patio/decks. The design is an original modern design by an award-winning Boulder architect.”

Onyx is designed and built with sustainability, energy and water conservation in mind. Passive solar energy is employed – solar shading awnings let the sun in during winter and keep it out in summer. The developers used materials that do not emit gases or other indoor pollutants. Energy Star® appliances, induction stoves, eco-friendly high-end cabinets with low VOC levels that are more durable and easier to clean, and a white roof to reflect the sun are other “green” attributes of the building.

The electrical system allows for photovoltaic solar cells to be mounted on the roof. “We ran conduits to individual units and to the garage. You can plug your hybrid car into an outlet when it’s in the garage and tap into the solar cells on the roof,” Hart explains. The homeowners can buy as much of the solar-generated energy as they want.

Interiors

All six units are unique, with different footprints and different design criteria.

The finishes were designed to be clean and modern with bold contrast. Natural materials include bamboo and reclaimed oak wood floors, solid surface material, ceramic and glass tile, and warm tonal paint colors with punches of color.

Open floor plans with glass sliding doors are used throughout. Even the kitchens face to the view. There is private storage at garage level, and huge closets in every unit.

Special sound barriers used in the building mean that each unit is completely free of noise from the other homes.

Convenient Location

At 15th and Arapahoe, Onyx is one block from the farmers’ market, two blocks from Whole Foods, three blocks from the Pearl Street Mall, and across the street from the Boulder Creek path. There are two coffee shops on Onyx’s block and lots of restaurants nearby.

And, Hart points out: “It’s quieter than if it were north of Canyon Boulevard. There’s no noise in the immediate area – an ideal location for walking.”

Currently Available

Three of the six residential units are available for purchase. Each comes with two dedicated parking spaces in the garage:

• Suite 201, with 2,092 square feet, has two bedrooms and two baths, and is priced at $1,000,000. It boasts a 312-square-foot covered deck and an art gallery with track halogen lighting.

The third-story penthouse units – Suites 301 and 302 – have the best views and the largest floor plans. Each has three bedrooms and three baths and a media room.

• Suite 301 has 3,006 interior square feet with deck space of close to 1,500 square feet, and sells for $2,000,000. It features a second master suite.

• Suite 302, with 2,632 square feet and deck space totaling 950 square feet, is priced at $2,225,000. From the kitchen sink, a punched opening through the wall provides a picture view of the nearby University of Colorado.

Contact Information

Visit Onyx to see its unique style of living. The Sales Office is open Tuesdays and Fridays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and every other weekend; see ads in the newspaper for exact dates. For a walk-through or private tour, call Kevin M. Hart at 303.588.0034 or 303.541.2235, or e-mail kevin@hart-team.com. 

The Onyx Developers

Kevin M. Hart has 33 years in the real estate business, including sales and leasing, property management, consulting and development. He has lived in Colorado since 1972.

Harvey M. Hine Architects is a full-service architectural design office specializing in modern design. The firm has been practicing in Boulder for 20 years. Its commitment, training and experience in designing quality architecture is uncompromised. Its philosophy focuses on the belief that each project should reflect the individual nature of the client, program and environment.

The Cottages at Erie Village by Boulder Creek Life & Home

The Cottages at Erie Village is the kind of neighbor-hood that is a timeless classic for the Town of Erie.

Rows of colorful Victorian and Craftsman homes line quiet streets bordered with mature trees and white-picket fences. A mother watches her two children at play in the community park. An actively retired couple rolls by on cruiser bikes, headed up the greenbelt path to the Erie recreation center. One homeowner tells me, “It’s so quiet, we can hear coyotes at night from our porch.” 

It’s classic Americana, updated for the way we live today. You won’t find any home owners out raking leaves. No climbing ladders to clean gutters, or touching up the paint. Boulder Creek Life and Home’s Cottages at Erie Village gives owners the freedom of a lock-and-leave lifestyle, with all maintenance managed by the homeowners’ association.

But the Cottages at Erie Village are anything but sleepy. Beneath the neighborhood’s timeless architecture and undeniable street appeal beats a sense of optimism and excitement fueled by strong home sales as the Boulder Creek Life and Home community approaches its final phases. “With 10 homes sold this summer alone and some of our best homesites opening up for sale, it’s an exciting time at Erie Village,” says Bill Besher, Erie Village Community sales manager. But market recovery isn’t the best part of Besher’s job: “I can’t tell you how good it feels to help people into homes they could only dream about a few short months ago.” 

What’s the secret behind Erie Village’s appeal? “People really like the efficient use of space in these homes,” says Karen Sanders, sales associate at The Cottages at Erie Village. “From the ranch-style New Haven to the two-story Camden, our largest home, they are looking for quality construction that isn’t compromised, no matter what size the home is.” 

An environmentally friendly neighborhood is important to owners at The Cottages, and all homes are constructed to Built Green standards. “I drive a hybrid car,” says one resident, “and the Built Green designation was a very big part of our home choice. There’s a really broad selection of options and finishes to choose from nowadays. We all have to look at ways to live well while managing our impact on the environment. We have an efficient house that’s easy to heat and cool. We have great windows, so we get a lot of light, too.” 

“It’s a desirable location, great neighborhood and the prices are very attractive,” says Sanders. “And we’re seeing this kind of response from all kinds of families: working professionals, downsizers, retired couples … we have two families with small children. They all love the low- maintenance living here.” 

Tour Today, Move in This Week 

Several homes are available at The Cottages at Erie Village for immediate move-in. 

A three-bedroom, three-bath, Newport Ranch plan includes a finished lower level and many upgrades, priced at $254,900. A three-bedroom, three-bath Nantucket Ranch, also with upgrades and finished lower level, backs to the community park and is priced at $259,700. A two-story Camden offers three bedrooms, three baths, a three-car garage, main-floor study, corner fireplace and granite tile in the kitchen, priced at $299,900.

You Need to See This for Yourself

Find out for yourself why The Cottages at Erie Village community is such a special place. From Boulder: Arapahoe east to 287. Left (north) on 287 to Isabelle Road. Turn right (east) on Isabelle Road to County Line Road. Turn left (North) and drive through Erie to Bixler Road. Turn left on Bixler and look for the flag pole. From Denver: I-25 to Exit 229, drive three miles west on Highway 7 to County Line Road, north through the Town of Erie to Bixler Blvd., look for the flagpole on the left. The sales office (303.772.3063), located at 1111 Village Circle, is open Monday noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For information on other innovative communities by Boulder Creek Life and Home, visit www.LiveBoulderCreek.com.

WoodWise setting the new standard for hard wood flooring in Boulder County

Lighting, furniture and window treatments are all important parts of a room’s décor. But by its very nature, the floor is the foundation of every room, and no style is more warm and inviting than a wood floor.

A quality wood floor makes a room glow, from the bottom up. The space is welcoming, the tone is upscale.

The best wood floors are designed and installed by a professional craftsman, who can advise you on the best materials, finishes and methods to create a masterpiece floor that will last for decades. But how can you find the right flooring contractor?

“Look for a company that has the expertise that comes from experience,” says Clarence Harrison, owner of WoodWise Hardwood Floors in Boulder, who has been installing and refinishing Front Range floors for more than 20 years. “It’s the best way to ensure that your floor will be created to complement your home’s existing materials and site requirements.” Harrison’s expertise is also appreciated by local custom home builders, who often bring him in to install artisan floors in their distinctive homes.

No two floors are exactly alike, says Harrison, who has even installed the wood floor of a 60,000-square-foot gymnasium. “This makes attention to the details very important. I pay meticulous attention to each step of every project,” he says. “I am personally on each job, every day, to make sure everything is being done correctly and to our standards. A WoodWise floor is second to none.” The company also provides refinishing, floor restoration and repairs on water- or sun-damaged areas.

Since Harrison’s early years in the business, the concern for sustainability and eco-safe homes has become very important to homeowners. “We use wood that has been raised and harvested in stewardship with the land. Selective cutting helps improve forests. We also use woods gleaned locally. Trees have a history behind them, and home owners like knowing when and where the wood was harvested.”

Your home’s interior environment benefits in two important ways when WoodWise is your floor contractor. Adding a wood floor creates a lot of dust and sawdust, and most contractors charge hundreds more for a “dustless” installation. “Every one of our projects are dust-free, and at no extra charge,” Harrison says. “You don’t want all the dust in your air, or gathering in the nooks and crannies, or even in the duct work. I’m a runner, and I don’t want that stuff in my lungs – or yours!”

Finishing the wood is another area where WoodWise works to reduce the environmental impact. Few wood finishes are truly environmentally friendly, and the solvents used in most products can give off toxic fumes for months after application. “Natural oils look great, but they don’t hold up,” Harrison explains. “For most applications, water-based finishes are the best way to go. These products have really improved in terms of ease of application and durability, and there is no off-gassing of any toxic ingredients.”

WoodWise customers appreciate the follow-up they receive, too. “We always do a walk-through with the homeowner, to see if they have any questions, discuss upkeep and maintenance, and ensure that their new floor matches their desire and expectation.”

“We are happy to visit your home, consult with you on your project and provide a free, no-obligation estimate. We’ll bring our showroom to you, with hundreds of samples to choose from. Just give us a call – we’d love to work with you in creating the floor of your dreams,” Harrison says.

WoodWise Hardwood Floors – Call 303.442.7777 or visit woodwiseboulder.com.

Goldbranch Properties Announces Exemptions from Boulder County's Land Use and Building Codes

Goldbranch Properties (Goldbranch), the developer of Goldbranch Estates, Homes of Distinction, in Niwot, announced that it reached an agreement with Boulder County regarding exemptions that properties in Goldbranch Estates will enjoy from certain County Land Use and Building Codes that pertain to house size limits and the County’s BuildSmart program.

Specifically, Goldbranch has obtained exemptions from the County’s Site Plan Review (SPR), the County Transfer of Development Credit (TDC), and the County’s BuildSmart programs.   Goldbranch previously objected to the adoption and implementation of these County programs, particularly as they would have applied to Goldbranch.  Goldbranch contended that the timing of the formulation and enactment were in conflict with the County’s review and approval of the Goldbranch PUD.  After many months of negotiation, an amicable solution was reached.

To summarize, Goldbranch, as a P.U.D., is exempt from the SPR process in its entirety.  Additionally, Goldbranch is exempt through August 24, 2015 from the County’s TDC program, which requires homes exceeding 6,000 square feet in size to purchase TDC credits.  Goldbranch is also exempt from strict compliance with the BuildSmart Regulations.   Homes in Goldbranch are not subject to the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index that otherwise apply to all new residential construction in the County.  Rather, due to the nature of the Goldbranch PUD and the planned development in Goldbranch Estates, the County and Goldbranch agreed upon specific cost effective energy-saving solutions that will be used in Goldbranch Estates.  This assures that new construction in Goldbranch Estates will enact financially feasible enhancements as future green building technologies become commercially viable over a 10 to 20 year period, depending on construction of an Estate or Village home, respectively.

Goldbranch Estates was designed for Homes of Distinction.  Securing exemptions from the strict enforcement of the County’s SPR, TDC and BuildSmart programs reinforces the distinct, unique and special nature of development in Goldbranch Estates.  Ron Budacz, CEO of Goldbranch Properties, stated, “At the time the County approved the Goldbranch development, we knew the community would be special.  Through legal counsel, we fought long and hard to assert our rights as property owners in order to preserve the distinct character of Goldbranch Estates.   Goldbranch is pleased to have safeguarded its prospective customers’ right to choose to build a home that conforms to owner’s individual tastes, while providing cost effective energy-saving alternatives both today and in the future.  Currently, a custom home is under construction in Goldbranch, and it nearly generates the amount of power it will consume.  Hopefully with these exemptions announced today we will see an uptick in the building trades’ activity, thus creating jobs in Boulder County.  This opportunity is unique to our residential community in Niwot.”

“As a direct result of these exemptions, Goldbranch has seen increased interest and activity in recent weeks,” Ron Ibsen, Vice President of operations, stated.

Located in Boulder County, in the Town of Niwot, Goldbranch Estates is a luxury residential development.   Boasting artistic infrastructure, European-inspired architecture, cutting edge electronics security, and magnificent views of the Rocky Mountains, Goldbranch Estates offers a limited number of home sites available in an enclave-like setting.  The project, which consists of Village lots (ten stunning, top-of-the-line homes) and Estate lots (seven oversized, spectacular parcels), is unlike anything found in the Boulder area as it uniquely combines all elements of fine living into one complete package.

For more information contact Deb Dribnak at 303-652-0510 or visit www.goldbranchestates.com.

Northfield Commons in Boulder

An eclectic neighborhood in northeast Boulder, offering incredible views, great trail access and a wide assortment of single-family homes, duplexes, town homes, row houses and condo lofts. Located on peaceful Kalmia near coffee shops and restaurants. Built green® and energy-star rated®.