Art Cleaners: Dry Cleaning that is good for your family, your clothes and our environment.
Art Cleaners owner Brian Hansen at the company’s state-of-the-art cleaning facility in north Boulder.
Article and Photos by Darren Thornberry for At Home -
Need dry cleaning? Consider this: A shot glass full of the solvent used in a standard dry cleaning shop, perchloroethylene (perc for short), would kill fish in an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Basic hydrocarbon solvents (like perc) are VOCs – volatile air contaminants – that vaporize into the atmosphere and build up the dreaded brown cloud.
“There’s now competition to be ‘green’ in our industry,” says Art Cleaners owner Brian Hansen. “Everybody says they’re green, but there’s a big difference between the ones who simply incinerate perc at the end of the day and those who are committed to environmentally sound, earth-loving practices.”
Hansen should know. Owner for the past 16 years of Art Cleaners, a Boulder business since 1921, Hansen sees to the exclusive use of GreenEarth® cleaning solution (we’ll get to that), energy-efficient lighting, and the recycling of solvents, plastic, cardboard, hangers and, yes, clothes at his seven area locations. Art Cleaners even uses bar coding on clothes, which eliminates needless heaps of paper.
GreenEarth® is liquid silicone – essentially the same liquefied sand the earth has been creating for eons. It safely breaks down into sand and trace amounts of water and carbon dioxide – safe for air, water and soil. You could even rub the solution right on your skin. It’s inert so it doesn’t chemically react with fabric fibers. Rather, it gently attacks dirt and oil. Perfect for a dress they cleaned that was worn to the Oscars! That doesn’t mean, however, that Art Cleaners is all touchy feely. No, they’ll use GreenEarth® to get out the toughest of stains including pet stains, wine stains, blood stains, grease stains and more without leaving an odor.
Art Cleaners, winner of Boulder County Gold for six straight years, employs 45 people in our area, passionately adheres to environmentally sound business, and also helps keep kids warm, cleaning 4,000 coats in collaboration with the Rotary Club. Art Cleaners has three delivery routes in Boulder and cleans about 1,500 articles of clothes each day. “It’s all about making clothes look good and putting a smile on your face,” says Hansen. “It’s a service industry and repeat business is the highest compliment.”
Call 303.447.8700 or check out artcleaners.com for locations (including Longmont and Lafayette) and a more in-depth explanation of GreenEarth®, which is so safe that the EPA doesn’t regulate it.
Boulder Area Realtor® Association Installs New Officers, Directors
By Veronica Precella, Boulder Area Realtor® Association, Photos by Kira Horvath -
The Boulder Area Realtor® Association installed its 2011-2012 officers and directors at a dinner held at the Steinbaugh Pavilion in Louisville last Thursday evening, September 22. Dave Sutton, Staufer Team Real Estate, presided over the festivities.
D.B. Wilson, RE/MAX of Boulder, passed the presidential gavel to Rise’ Staufer, Staufer Team Real Estate.
The Association also installed Mike Bader, RE/MAX of Boulder, President-elect; D.B. Wilson, RE/MAX of Boulder, as Immediate Past President, Rich Dana, Four Star Realty and Stephanie Iannone, Housing Helpers of Boulder, as 3 year term Directors. Vann Hilty will serve a one year term as a Director for the Colorado Association of REALTORS®.
Special Presidential awards were presented to: Rise’ Staufer, Rich Dana, Mike Bader, Stephanie Iannone, Mike Moger, John Asumussen, Michelle Bodin, AJ Chamberlin, Suzy Curtin, Liz Friedlander, Jeanne Hamilton, Tony Martinez, Angela McCormick, Kelly Moye, Eric Rutherford, Duane Duggan, Susan Plage, Ken Hotard and Veronica Precella.
Sixteen members were given special recognition for 25 years continuous Association membership: Deborah Caulfield, Elizabeth Snyder, Brian Goodheim, Peggy Reed, Gary Savarese, John Hoeffler, Holly Cerratani, Nicholas Didomenico, Kenneth Berg, Rusty Howard, J Douglas Haffnieter, Carl Oldham, Kathy Auger, TK Bowerman and Peter Trost.
Representing 40 years of continuous membership in the Boulder Area Realtor® Association, the Realtor® Emeritus Award was presented to Bruce Beresford, Thomas Kalinski and David Larson.
The Affiliate Member of the Year honors this year went to Terry Vratny, Fidelity National Title, for outstanding service to the Association.
The 2011 prestigious Realtor®-of-the-Year Award was presented to Mike Moger, the 2010 Association President, for his many achievements in the local Realtor® Association, the Colorado Association of Realtors® and community activities that have a direct bearing on making the Boulder area a better place in which to live.
Scridb filterMarkel Homes: Irresistibly Green.
By Judy Finman for At Home -
Markel Homes started incorporating aspects of green technology in their building practices long before the term acquired the status that it enjoys today. Through the years the company has steadily strengthened its commitment to the environment, to sustainability and to homebuyers opting to live as conscious stewards of the planet. Green thinking influences the full spectrum of decisions at Markel Homes, from neighborhood location to specific features of the home, encompassing not just building technology but the entire lifestyle experience.
The green mindset at Markel Homes begins with nature. The company develops properties close to open space, creating easy access to walking paths and bike trails. They prefer in-city locations near shops, restaurants and public transportation, giving homeowners the option to walk and bike rather than drive. They value mountain and open space views for the sense of expansiveness, natural beauty and perspective they offer. And they’re committed to building homes that retain their value as sound investments, with durable green, high-quality construction that lasts for decades.
Long renowned for great architecture and design, Markel Homes integrates green into every aspect of development. Exterior materials for single-family homes, duplexes, row houses, town homes and condo lofts are frequently made from recycled products. The exterior color palette is professionally chosen to reflect the beauty of Colorado and complement the neighborhood’s natural surroundings.
Overall, the company is building smaller homes with well-organized interior designs, thereby consuming fewer resources and less energy both upfront and down the road. Floor plans are open and efficient, with expert space planning to enhance a wide range of beautiful interiors and quality finishes. Plentiful, oversized, energy-efficient windows are one of Markel’s design signatures—and utilize low-E glazing technology, with insulated double-pane glass, to allow great natural light while also maximizing solar heat gain (in cooler weather) and limiting radiant heat flow (during the summer). Outdoor living decks and patios on multiple levels create a “green” living experience in tune with nature. Oversized garages with bike and scooter storage and main-floor home- office space support the homeowner who chooses to drive less or work from home.
Why all the impetus behind green? The benefits are obvious. Energy bills plummet in an energy-efficient home. Less water is consumed. The home lasts longer due to high-quality, more durable green building materials. Indoor air quality is improved, ensuring healthier, more breathable air for your family. The overall comfort level increases, thanks to even cooling and heating, high-performance windows and an efficient furnace. And when a homeowner chooses a home from green-inspired Markel Homes, odds are they’ll be enjoying picturesque views and living near open space and trails, yet be within walking or biking distance from shops, restaurants and other conveniences.
Markel Homes has been an Energy Star® partner for years, building high-performance homes filled with green features that are independently verified as meeting the strict set of standards required for certification. To date, the company has built more Energy Star homes in Boulder than any other builder, and they’re gearing up to raise the bar yet again. Markel Homes is poised to go another notch greener in the near future with the adoption of a set of upgraded energy and building standards – Energy Star’s version 3.0.
Sampling of Green Building Practices From Markel Homes:
• Advanced insulation systems to reduce air and moisture infiltration
• Energy modeling to calculate for the home’s energy requirements
• Recycled-content building materials such as blown cellulose insulation, recycled rubber pavers, recycled-composite decking, eco-friendly engineered wood and stone products and durable cement board siding
• Low VOC paints and cabinetry for a healthier indoor environment
• Tightly sealed windows and gaps to help protect the home from harmful pollutants
• Landscaping with low-water use zone and drip irrigation systems
• Advanced framing and sheathing techniques for greater insulation
• Low-flow toilets, shower heads and WaterSense® certified bathroom faucets
• 92%+ high efficiency furnaces and automatic setback thermostats
• Ceiling fan prewires and optional high-efficiency air conditioning systems
• Double-paned, insulated, argon-filled and low-E glazed high-efficiency windows
• ENERGY STAR®-rated appliances, Options such as solar PV panels and solar hot water heaters, Third-party tested and HERS-rated
Just Released!
North End in Louisville has just released a new phase of town homes and duplex homes starting in the mid $300s. Models are under construction now and a variety of homes will be available for move-in Spring 2012.
Markel Homes’ Newest Neighborhood, Willow Creek in Lafayette is an enclave of just 11 new home sites surrounded by Louisville and Lafayette open space, trails and beautiful Hecla Lake. Nestled in a leafy cul-de-sac, Willow Creek enjoys an intimate neighborhood feel with generous lots to accommodate large ranch or two-story single-family homes. A new custom ranch home with Markel’s stunning architecture, impeccable design and green technology is priced in the mid-$600s and will be ready for move-in Spring 2012.
Markel Homes Communities
Markel Homes offers green-built homes in some of Boulder County’s most desirable locations. Choose from a variety of neighborhoods, home types, styles and price-points. Move-in ready homes or build-to suit options available.
• North End, Louisville
• Willow Creek in Lafayette
• Lyons Valley Park, Lyons
• Dakota Ridge Village, Boulder
• Northfield Commons, Boulder
• Northfield Village, Boulder
• Yeager Farm, Longmont
• Niwot Hills, Niwot
• Niwot Meadow Farm, Niwot
• Spring Creek, Lafayette
• White Hawk Ranch, Boulder
For more information about Markel Homes, visit the website at www.MarkelHomes.com, stop in to one of the sales centers, or call 303.449.8689.
Scridb filterNorth End in Louisville: The Best Place to Live in America. Literally.
By Julie Kailus -
It’s no secret that Louisville is one of Boulder County’s most coveted communities. CNN Money Magazine reiterated that fact once again, this year naming Louisville the No. 1 small town in America. Positioned a short walk to the historic yet seriously hopping Old Town Louisville, the new North End neighborhood may be just the spot for homebuyers to get a foot in the door here.
Easy Commute, Established Community
Offering both an easy commute to Denver, Boulder or the mountains and a comfortably pedestrian-friendly layout, North End features Colorado-inspired architecture, high-style homes, mountain views, durable green construction and instant access to trails, parks, open space, shops, restaurants, top-notch schools and public transportation.
The sustainable community, developed by longtime local builder Markel Homes, boasts easy, open floor plans with high ceilings, dramatic kitchens with hardwood floors and warm maple cabinetry, master suites with deluxe five-piece baths, contemporary and tasteful interior finishes, and large and unique windows that allow for abundant natural light. Another attractive quality is that most first-phase homes at North End are occupied by residents who have already settled in, giving the neighborhood an established feel.
A Different Kind of Quality
North End homes are known for eye-catching architecture, attractive design and a number striking interior finishes. But, it’s the long list of standard items that keeps buyers coming back. These turn-key properties come complete with all professional landscaping, sprinklers, drip irrigation and fencing. It’s easy to add square footage with fully excavated unfinished basements equipped with rough-in plumbing for a future full bath, nine-foot ceilings, extra large egress windows to maximize natural light and plenty of room to retain that always-handy additional storage space. Features like built-in bench seats in mud rooms, gas ranges in kitchens, automatic garage door openers and patios with gas stubs for backyard BBQs are extra perks too.
“At North End, it’s not necessary to spend tens of thousands in additional options to get the home you want. We include many standard features that can cost a fortune with other builders,” says North End sales manager Michele Steward. “Plus, our home buyers really enjoy the ability to adjust a floor plan, move a window, or finish their home with more unique selections.” says Steward. “Our design center allowances are generous, so it’s easy to choose attractive finishes that would be upgrades elsewhere.”
Always Green Built
In Louisville responsible, green living is a priority. In addition to standardizing quality features, each North End house is green-built for a healthier home and planet. Markel Homes utilizes sustainable construction practices, resource conservation and renewable energy efforts, combined with high-performance home features, to help create a smaller carbon footprint. The advantages are obvious: Reducing exposure to chemicals, allergens, mold and pests help families breathe cleaner indoor air and enjoy a more comfortable indoor environment. Plus, a longer-lasting and better functioning home requires less maintenance, while less energy and water use mean lower utility bills.
To date, Markel Homes has built more Energy Star® homes in Boulder than any other builder, and plans to raise the bar again by adopting Energy Star®’s version 3.0, a set of upgraded energy and building standards. Attractive green features at North End include low-VOC cabinetry and paints, eco-friendly and durable recycled-content and engineered building materials, advanced insulation systems, 92%+ high-efficiency furnaces, programmable set-back thermostats, ceiling fan prewires, Energy Star®-rated appliances, high-performance windows, and water-saving features like low-flow toilets and showerheads, WaterSense®-certified bathroom faucets, and low-water use zone and drip irrigation systems for landscaping.
Just Released – Town homes and duplexes: Homebuyers interested in a super low-maintenance home without sacrificing bedroom count, square footage and that single-family home feel should consider a series of new town home and duplex options priced in the high $300s and low $400s. “Get in early” builder incentives include solid-surface countertops, hardwood floors throughout the main level, stainless appliance packages and contemporary interior finishes. Choose from great locations and customizable interior options. Now under construction, models and the first few available homes are estimated to be completed this spring.
Closeout Phase I – Single-Family Homes: Choose from the last available lots, including cul-de-sac locations, some situated on protected open space, and a handful of south-facing and corner lots locations. Ranch and two-story styles are available from the $400s. Additionally, a series of popular semi-custom, single-family homes are situated on larger, premium lots and feature spacious floor plans, three-car garages, gourmet kitchens and large back yards. Two-story and ranch plans, priced in the $600s.
For more information, visit North End at South Boulder Road and 95th Street in Louisville or visit the sales center at 2411 Rose Court, open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Michele Steward, 303.604.9196 or Michele@MarkelHomes.com
For more information on Markel Homes visit www.MarkelHomes.com, www.Facebook.com/MarkelHomes, or call 303.449.8689.
Northfield Village: Best of Both Worlds in Boulder
By Julie Kailus -
Energetic, comfortable and inviting: That’s how onsite sales manager Roz Giannasi describes the vibe at Boulder’s new Northfield Village. Located at Jay Road and 47th Street in north Boulder, this sister community to semi-rural Northfield Commons is both charming and convenient—not to mention extremely green.
If you want it all—a stone’s throw to open space yet still close to major roads for easy commuting and convenient shopping and dining—Northfield Village is your kind of place. The Boulder Reservoir, hiking trails and public transportation are all nearby.
Developed by a four longtime local builders known for their high-quality environmental designs, Northfield Village also features a range of architecture, home styles and prices as diverse as Boulder itself.
Variety in the Village
The variety of home styles and price points at Northfield Village have quickly made it one of Boulder’s hottest new neighborhoods. Home buyers are attracted to an array of fine features: tasteful designs, easy layouts, distinctive architecture, quality construction, energy-efficient building technology, plus outstanding views, top-notch schools and neighborhood parks. “The architecture and colors of the homes are very inviting,” says Giannasi. “Buyers also appreciate the open floor plans, high-end finishes, large windows and green features.”
Single-family Homes
These main-level master or two-story detached home styles are spacious and comfortable with plenty of bedrooms, bathrooms, main-level private home offices, loft spaces, room for future basement expansion and oversized garages. Expect attractive floor plans (some with third-level roof-top decks), high-end finishes and a variety of architectural styles. And outdoor living is built right in with large patios, covered front porches, master balconies and yards featuring complete landscaping, irrigation and fencing. Prices start in the high $500s.
Row Houses
Two-story attached row houses offer low-maintenance living with many utilities and all exterior maintenance included. They feature an open main level with large windows, 10-foot ceilings, hardwood floors and a spacious kitchen with granite countertops, stainless appliances and warm maple cabinetry. Other highlights include a luxurious master suite, front courtyard patio and an attached two-car garage. Priced in the high $300s. Model home available for tour.
Condominiums and Town Homes
Beautiful, comfortable and delightfully affordable town homes and condos are available to buyers who qualify for the City of Boulder Homeownership Program. With open floor plans, private outdoor spaces and cutting-edge green-building technology included in these below-market-price units, it’s easy to say goodbye to renting and enjoy the benefits of homeownership. Single-level first and second floor condos are priced in the $150s and $160s. Two-story town homes are priced in the $230s.
Building a Greener Future
Green building translates to huge homeowner benefits: greener everyday living, lowered energy costs, improved overall comfort and a healthier indoor environment. Northfield Village homes are Energy Star® rated and EPA Indoor airPLUS® certified to help reduce pollution and conserve natural resources. “Residents are thrilled that the improved air quality helps create a much healthier indoor environment,” says Giannasi.
Other eco amenities at Northfield Village homes include high-efficiency furnaces, high-performance windows, recycled blown cellulose insulation, whole house fans, sustainable and eco-friendly building products like rubber pavers, Trex decking and manufactured wood and stone products, low-VOC paints and cabinetry, compact fluorescent light bulbs and low-water-use toilets and fixtures, just to name a few.
Nearby Northfield Commons
Northfield Village is also close to Northfield Commons, conveniently located between Kalmia Avenue and Palo Parkway. Backing to Pleasant View Soccer Fields, this sister community has a semi-rural charm with quiet, tree-lined streets and features low-maintenance duplex homes that offer the look and feel of a single-family home without the yard work and upkeep. Now in its final building phase, Northfield Commons duplex homes and a handful of single-family homes are available and priced in the $600s.
Contact Information
Sales centers and model homes at both Northfield Village and Northfield Commons are open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Northfield Village sales center is located at 4654 Sprucedale Place. Contact Sales Manager Roz Giannasi at 303.974.5529 or visit www.NorthfieldVillageBoulder.com. The Northfield Commons sales office is located at 3637 Silverton Street. Contact Sales Manager Scott Steward at 303.442.0309 or visit www.NorthfieldCommonsBoulder.com.
Green-Age Wasteland
Consider Eco-Friendly Alternatives for Your Labor Day Festivities
By Jeff Schnaufer, CTW Features -
If a neighborhood block party or backyard picnic for friends and family is on the books for Labor Day weekend, don’t let your good times go to waste.
“When groups of people come together for events, they can generate a tremendous amount of waste, mainly from disposable utensils and plates, food waste and beverage containers,” says Caroline Mitchell, the community outreach coordinator at Boulder-based Eco-Cycle.” In 2005, 1.9 million tons of paper and plastic cups, plates and food-service products were thrown away in the U.S. That’s 3.8 billion pounds of disposable food-service products and packaging filling our landfills, much of it from special events.”
That kind of statistic can ruin a party mood. But doing dishes for dozens of guests is no fun, either. So what’s the solution?
Consider throwing a Zero Waste party, which literally means exactly what it says. A variety of earth-friendly utensils, plates, cups, napkins and even trash bags are flooding the market faster than your grandmother can make her special potato salad.
Many of these items can be found at supermarkets, including Seventh Generation’s recycled line of paper towels, paper napkins and trash bags. Preserve also features a line of plates, tumblers and cutlery in a variety of festive colors that are made from 100-percent recycled plastic and can be washed and reused or recycled in communities that recycle No. 5 plastic.
For a more serious benefit to the environment, consider using cold drink cups made from corn, which, unlike petroleum-based products, will compost. So will plates and bowls made of 100-percent renewable sugar cane fibers, as well as corn-and-sugarcane based containers and utensils made from vegetable starch. Another alternative is bamboo veneerware, utensils and even sporks.
If you want your purchase to go toward a good cause, consider ordering your compostable cutlery, plates, cups and bags from Eco-Cycle, one of the nation’s oldest and largest non-profit recyclers. But more importantly, Mitchell says, plan ahead after the party.
“A key factor to hosting a Zero Waste event is composting the food waste and compostable products after the event,” Mitchell says.
Look for a commercial composting facility in your city or consider a backyard compost pile of your own. Of course, going green doesn’t mean going overboard in buying new partyware – compostable or not.
“I’m a firm believer that the greenest product is frequently the one you don’t buy,” says Leslie Garrett, an Ontario, Canada-based author of “The Virtuous Consumer” (New World Library, 2007).
Compostable products, Garrett also points out, sometimes require a higher temperature to compost properly. And, depending upon the cost, there’s always the eco-friendly option of renting partyware or using your existing plates, utensils, etc., and washing them afterward.
“However,” Garrett adds, “I’m also a firm believer that there are ‘shades of green’ and I’d rather see people turn to compostable party wares than the usual petroleum-based plastic or polystyrene.”
My Home Makeover: It May Not Be Sexy But It Is Successful!
By Meagan Forney, Boulder Green Building Guild Membership & Outreach Manager -
In honor of the beginning of the school year I want to share what I did for my summer fun – I gave my home an insulation makeover. It may not sound glamorous, but as I’ve learned, it’s the most cost-effective step to increase comfort and reduce my energy bill.
My home always felt drafty and there were large temperature changes between the upstairs and downstairs. This summer Boulder County and its partners, the cities of Boulder and Longmont with Xcel Energy, offered me incentives that finally inspired me to take action through the EnergySmart Program. This program, designed to support homeowners through the process of identifying and implementing strategies to make homes more energy efficient and comfortable, also includes loads of rebates and incentives to help make improvements affordable.
Most homes in the U.S. are poorly insulated by today’s standards, so there is a good chance yours could use a makeover too. Low levels of insulation, plus gaps and voids in the insulation materials, can provide pathways for heat and air to easily flow into or out of a home. With the rebates available through the EnergySmart Program in Boulder County, as well as incentives from utility companies, there is no better time to improve the comfort of your own home.
As a participant in the EnergySmart Program, I received an energy audit and a personal energy advisor to help me evaluate the results and recommend options for the best return on my investment.
Typically, air sealing around leaky areas like windows, attic hatches and light fixtures is one of the first steps all homeowners should take, and sure enough, these were recommended for my home. The next most cost-effective strategy to make a home energy efficient is usually air sealing (caulking around leaks) and adding insulation to attics and crawl spaces. These too were high on the list of recommendations for my home and proved to be my biggest financial investment. As part of the audit my energy advisor insulated water heater pipes and installed CFL lightbulbs for free!!
Over the next few months, my advisor also helped me to find contractors that were approved for the recommended work as well complete the paperwork needed to participate in the Microloan program (a low interest loan just for this type of work) and receive the rebates through EnergySmart, the City, State and Xcel. After I receive these rebates and incentives, my return on my investment will be less than 6 months! Best of all, my house is already more comfortable.
Though I often pictured solar panels on my roof or beautiful organic linens on all the beds, investing in the less sexy stuff like sealing and insulating my home was truly the wisest and most important step for me to take.
So, if you want to finish your summer with a worthwhile project, there is no better time! Act now because the rebates and tax credits will likely end soon. Sign up for EnergySmart to get an energy audit done on your home to make it more comfortable while saving money on your monthly utility bill. I bet you will want to share your experience too.
To find your green building professional visit the Boulder Green Building Guild’s website, www.bgbg.org. For more information or to sign up for EnergySmart call 303.544.1000 or visit energysmartyes.com and pacenow.org.
About the Author: Meagan graduated from Oberlin College with a degree in Environmental Studies in 2002. As an undergrad, she studied environmental policy and green buildings under the guidance of Professor David Orr. She has the experience of being a student “commissioning agent” of the Adam Joseph Lewis Center, (One of the Top 10 Green Projects in 2002, American Institute of Architects). She works for the Boulder Green Building Guild as conduit of education and information so local contractors to excel in building healthy, energy efficient, green buildings.
Scridb filterDiscover Colorado Living at its Best From Longtime Local Builder Markel Homes
By Julie Kailus -
Boulder’s very own Markel Homes brings Colorado’s greatest assets – stunning views and wide-open spaces – to every doorstep. Founder and president Michael Markel scouts the perfect location for each development, where the outdoors become a vital element of daily life.
Active and Accessible
Family-owned and operated in Boulder since 1973, Markel Homes plans, develops and builds some of Boulder County’s most livable neighborhoods by combining natural landscapes and the comfortable lifestyle of the West. Starting with top-notch locations, the company turns each canvas of land into walkable, green-living neighborhoods with picturesque views and easy access to open space, parks, paths and trails.
With floor plans that appeal to a wide variety of homeowners, homes are designed in balance with natural surroundings, featuring multiple outdoor living areas and expansive windows. Most neighborhoods are conveniently situated near shops, restaurants and public transportation. Innovative design, superb craftsmanship and distinctive architecture also characterize Markel Homes communities, along with quality construction and cutting-edge green building technology.
Building Responsibly
Markel Homes include a long list of standard green features to maximize energy efficiency and promote sustainability. Each home is built to Energy Star® standards, which can improve energy efficiency by up to 50 percent. With features like high-efficiency furnaces, advanced framing techniques and insulation systems, high-performance windows, more efficient lighting and low water-use toilets, faucets and fixtures, cutting-edge green building technology can save money in utility costs. But they also help to create a more comfortable and healthier home by helping to protect indoor air quality and reduce potential exposure to contaminants and allergens.
“It’s important to build responsibly, help support renewable energy practices and conserve natural resources,” says Markel. “We deliver the value that today’s home buyers are looking for through smart neighborhood planning, interesting designs, stylish and efficient homes full of green building features with long-lasting benefits, and premium Boulder County locations.”
Meet the Neighborhoods
Markel Homes is actively building condominiums, town homes, row houses, duplexes, single-family and high-end custom homes in a variety of locations all over Boulder County.
North End is a dynamic neighborhood centrally located in top-rated Louisville, near Old Town’s shops and restaurants, and a quick commute to Boulder, Denver or the Rockies. It features quick access to open space, trails and a walking path to Waneka Lake Park. Newly released town homes and duplex homes offer an easy, low-maintenance lifestyle and feature attractive introductory incentives. Markel is closing out the first phase of single-family homes, including ranch, two-story and semi-custom styles, and will soon finalize plans for Phase II of North End – an almost 30-acre parcel in Louisville. Prices start in the high $300s for town homes, low $400s for duplexes and single-family homes and $600s for the semi-custom series. Model and sales center open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Directly east of North End in Louisville, is a brand-new Markel Homes community in Lafayette. This small enclave, called Willow Creek, is nestled in a charming and peaceful cul-de-sac setting, with lush-growth landscape, the character of full-grown trees, and an established neighborhood feel. Lot sizes can accommodate generous back yards and larger homes such as ranch styles with walk-out basements. Markel is beginning construction on a custom ranch home this month, priced in the mid $600s. Visit the website or call for more information.
Lyons Valley Park is a friendly neighborhood featuring single-family homes bordered by red sandstone cliffs and the St. Vrain River in historic and picturesque Lyons. Located about 20 miles east of Rocky Mountain National Park, Lyons features a first-rate school system, a thriving community and plenty of recreational opportunities. With just a handful of lots left in Phase I, ranch and two-story homes start in the $300s, and a few premium river-front lots are available, starting in the high $400s. Open weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Yeager Farm is a quiet and established community, centrally located in the heart of Longmont. It sits between historic Main Street and convenient Hover Road, and just blocks from schools, restaurants and shops. An incredible value, Yeager Farm offers a variety of floor plans with excellent pricing, tasteful interior finishes, durable green construction and timeless architectural designs, starting in the mid $200s. Open weekends from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Stunning Dakota Ridge Village is situated at the base of the foothills in northwest Boulder. Full of unique single-family homes from Markel’s newest collection, the neighborhood is surrounded by vast City of Boulder Open Space and spectacular panoramic mountain views. Residents enjoy access to trails and bike paths as well as city amenities, such as the new three-acre park, and north Boulder’s shops, restaurants and coffee houses. Contemporary two-story homes on premium lots across from open space start in the $800s, and Markel is gearing up to release the final phase of row houses in 2012. Open Friday-Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Northfield Commons is a walkable, well-balanced neighborhood in north Boulder, located near Kalmia Avenue, and backs up to Pleasant View soccer fields. Now in its final building phase, Northfield Commons showcases easy-living, low-maintenance duplex homes where residents can enjoy the look and feel of a single-family home without the yard work and upkeep. Prices start in the $600s. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Northfield Village is a new neighborhood located in northeast Boulder, near 47th Street and Jay Road. Nearby amenities and diverse architectural styles have made this neighborhood an instant hit. Offering an appealing mix of housing types and price ranges, there is truly something for everyone: condominiums, town homes, row houses and single-family homes. Contact the sales center for pricing information. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
For more information about Markel Homes and its neighborhoods, visit www.MarkelHomes.com or call 303.449.8689.
Scridb filterInnovative and Forward Thinking on Tour this September
The 2011 Flatirons Tour of Homes is a great time for those looking for a new home, great ideas on remodeling, interior design and the use of the latest green technologies.
By L.L. Charles, Edited by Greg Stone -
Call it Home Envy. Or let’s say you’re just looking for great décor ideas. Whatever your passion, there are plenty of reasons to attend the annual Flatirons Tour of Homes, presented each year by the Flatirons Council of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver. This year’s tour, which will take place September 17-18 and September 24-25, will include homes in Boulder and Broomfield Counties chosen by their builders as exemplary expressions of their vision and skills.
Thousands of home aficionados check out the event each year to see the innovative architecture, forward thinking construction and materials and dazzling décor that have us saying “Wow!” and jotting down design notes. The tour will also showcase many of the latest green technologies that are helping to reduce both the carbon footprint and cost of ownership of today’s modern home.
During the event, each home on the tour will be visited by a team of judges from the home industry, including architects, builders and sales professionals. Homes will be assessed on a standard set of criteria ranging from street appeal to design principles and the best use of materials.
The 2010 tour’s winning home, The Springleaf, was designed to perform as a net-zero home (producing more energy than it consumed over the course of one year) taking advantage of advanced framing techniques, sustainably-sourced materials, water-efficient fixtures and cutting edge heating and cooling systems. The home uses 100-percent LED and compact fluorescent lighting, and zoned heat allows the homeowner to adjust the temperature based on the changing pattern of use throughout the day.
Deanna Franco, presenting Realtor for the home said, “The Springleaf is not just a wonderful example of contemporary architecture and style. It takes full advantage of the latest and greatest energy saving and environmental awareness, pairing sustainability with an incredible urban location in one of Boulder’s most desirable locations. Through the collaboration of Silverline Builders, Cunningham Farms developers Ron Monahan and Terry Britton and George Watt Architecture, the completed home illustrates that you can build to the highest standard of green and still be aesthetically pleasing and functional.”
Don’t miss this year’s selection of homes.
For more information on the Flatirons Tour of Homes, go to www.FlatironsTourOfHomes.com or call Mary Romano at 303.473.1450.
Scridb filterRetroFoam of the Rockies: Effective Green Insulation
By Judy Finman for At Home –
Steve Smith has been in the construction industry here for 30 years. His business, SRS Construction, is well known in Boulder and Broomfield counties. Recently, Smith became interested in expanding his work in the environmental field.
“I’ve been looking for green products to get into, and I found RetroFoam,” he says. “I went to Knoxville, Tennessee, went through their training, and decided to become a dealer.”
RetroFoam is an insulation system of non-expansive foam that can be put in existing structures – residential and commercial. It can be applied from the outside, so there is no tearing out walls, moving furniture or interior cleanup. It’s usually completed in one or two days. The foam is non-toxic, non-flammable, hypo-allergenic and odor-free.
“A lot of structures – those built mainly before 1990 – have no insulation or minimal and ineffective insulation,” says Smith. “Or they have a very low R rating. Our product is very green, with high R values. We’re Energy Star certified.”
RetroFoam has a Class 1 fire rating, meaning it doesn’t create a fire hazard. Unlike blown-in, loose-fill insulation, it doesn’t slump or fall down over time. It offers sound protection from noise outside and through interior walls. Smith can add mold-proofing to the foam to mitigate mold already in the structure.
“Once installed, it usually knocks down 25 to 30 percent of your heating and cooling bills, which means we are saving you money and you are consuming less energy, whether natural gas or other fossil fuel. This is good for the environment. And, in the installation, we create almost a negative carbon footprint. It’s the most energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, cost-effective product on the market today.”
Smith adds: “We’re creating jobs, too. In a year’s time hopefully we’ll have 12 to 18 employees. We’re local and we hire local people.”
In the North and Northeast United States there are more than 190 RetroFoam dealers. The product is new to this area. Smith installs from the Douglas County line to the Wyoming line. Like Smith, all RetroFoam dealers are trained and certified by the manufacturer. This helps assure high quality and adherence to applicable codes and regulations.
What do customers say about RetroFoam? “They notice the deadening of the sound; we eliminate almost 75 percent of the noise. The house is much easier to heat; they don’t have the drafts they had before. And because we close the air gaps, mice and termites don’t like to go through it. It’s solid.”
Smith wisely notes, “We all know energy bills will continue to go up. But with this product, you can save up to 25 or 30% on your bill. It adds safety and value to your home or business.”
For more information on RetroFoam insulation, contact RetroFoam of the Rockies, .410.0521, RetroFoamoftheRockies.com.
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