The Sanctuary at Huntington TrailsImagine a new home designed for the way you really live. Functional, it has a place for everything your family needs. Packed with amenities, it feels like a custom home. Built so well it qualifies as an Energy Star® Home. That’s what you can count on in a Sopris Home. From the moment you step inside Sopris Homes’ award-winning model home at The Sanctuary at Huntington Trails, you see why it won the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA) Flatirons Tour of Homes 2009 Award of Excellence and the 2007 HBA Raising the Bar Award for Home of the Year. The Sanctuary at Huntington Trails is a new community in Westminster at McKay Lake. It offers easy access to the Westminster trail system and open space, plus a private community pool, clubhouse and children’s playground. All Sopris Homes come with an Owner’s Entry complete with coat closet and a bead board-backed bench with plenty of hooks and cubbies, as well as the unique and functional Home Center designed to provide a place for briefcases, mail, backpacks and more – keeping the kitchen and family room clutter-free. Spaces like this and numerous closets throughout the home make living – and entertaining – easy. Great Rooms, extended studies and libraries, hardwood floors, architectural detailing, superior HVAC systems with multi-zone engineering, and casement (crank-out) low-E windows are all Sopris features usually found only in homes well over a million dollars. 
Available homes at The Sanctuary at Huntington TrailsIn addition to the award-winning Carbondale model home, two ranch homes – The Fairplay and Vista Ranch – are at frame stage and ready for homebuyers to tour. They range from 2,142 to 2,877 square feet plus a full basement, and are priced from $560,000 to $673,900.Carbondale boasts 6,126 square feet (4,129 to 4,285 finished plus 1,997 full basement), with prices starting at $774,900.To visit these homes, please call sales manager Jen Schell at 720.224.2044, or visit the model home, open daily noon to 5 p.m.
Green mission and energy efficiencyBuilding green and building smart just make good sense, but what does this mean to your new custom home or remodel project? Boulder-based Sopris Homes has a long history of building energy-efficient and sustainable homes. It was the first builder in Colorado to include the Environments for Living comfort and energy-use guarantee in its homes; it can guarantee the maximum amount of energy it will use to keep the homes at 72 degrees year round – and the temperature won’t vary more than three degrees from room to room. Sopris Homes is one of the very first of U.S. EPA’s exclusive Energy Star® builders in the state. Sopris Homes constructs all of its homes to exceed the latest International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Manager John Stevens is one of the few National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Certified Green Builders and NAHB Certified Graduate Builders in the Metro area.

Net Zero and Near Zero Energy: A homeowner’s experience“Sopris Homes can help guide you through the “Green Revolution” and assist you in making smart decisions with your next project,” says sales manager Jen Schell.  Sopris Homes built a Near Zero-energy home in Boulder, and the new homeowner, who has occupied the house only since January 2010, is delighted.“The PV (photovoltaics) array is online,” he wrote to builder John Stevens. “Yesterday it produced 67 kWh (kilowatt-hours), which is enough for two homes. The WEL server monitors energy usage and the geothermal system; that will be online, and I think the combination would be a useful advertisement for the quality and energy efficiency of Sopris Homes construction. You designed and built our dream home on budget and ahead of schedule and we love it. While I am biased, I find it hard to believe that there are many homes out there that are more beautiful yet as energy efficient as our home.” As of March 8, 2010, the energy produced by this homeowner’s system could power for one day: 82 homes, 2,677 computers, and 8,112 light bulbs. As to carbon offset: The system offsets the equivalent of planting 54 trees, not driving 139 cars for a day, and not consuming 236 gallons of gas. Choose Sopris for custom homes, remodeling and much moreSopris Homes also offers build-on-your-lot custom homes throughout the greater Denver-Boulder area, architectural design services, interior and exterior remodeling services, home additions, kitchen and bath remodeling, basement finishes, outdoor living spaces, flooring, custom cabinetry, and even home repair.It’s nice to know you have a reputable builder to go to for all your housing and home ownership needs. One phone call and one person, with established relationships, will manage and coordinate multiple trades and hold them accountable to an already established higher standard of building.  Sopris Homes recently won two 2009 Metro Denver Home Builders Association Raising the Bar Awards for Best Architectural Design for a Custom Home 4,000 to 5,500 square feet, and the Urban Infill Home of the Year.Everybody talks about quality. The Sopris professionals go beyond quality and focus on excellence. You get a team of perfectionists passionately committed to designing and building your dream home – with their unique, customer-focused perspective.

But not the residents at The Heritage at Vista Ridge, who enjoy year-round, low-maintenance living in a welcoming community with ample amenities.“We sold our mower and leaf blower,” says Tom Kummer, who has lived at The Heritage with his wife Mary since last fall. “It’s been great having someone else do the snow shoveling this winter.” Kummer, whose previous two-story home had large decks and flowerbeds, is glad that all that maintenance is in the past.The Kummers say that The Heritage’s lock-and-leave lifestyle, location and floorplan choices were among the top reasons they chose their new home at Vista Ridge.“We are both high school teachers,” Tom says, “but one of us teaches in Boulder and the other in Thornton. This is a perfect location for us.” “We have kids in Denver,” Mary says, “and it’s very easy to get on I-25 to go visit.”The Kummers chose the Somerset floorplan for its open layout, with the master suite, kitchen, great room, home office and laundry room all well located on the main level.“The kitchen is roomy and open,” Mary says. “It has a nice, angled counter with a lot of space. We had about a dozen people in there once when we were hosting a party.” Tom appreciates having easy access to a home office on the main floor, he says. A family room, home theater and two guest bedrooms are located in the spacious lower level.“It’s great having all new construction, too,” Mary says.New construction was also high on the list for Rich and Becca Walk, who moved into their new Cedaredge home at the end of last summer. “We wanted an all-new home,” Becca says, “and we were looking for an open-concept living space, with all the main features on the main floor. The lower level has tall ceilings, huge walk-in closets, and an additional bathroom. You don’t feel like you’re in a basement, at all.”All homes at The Heritage at Vista Ridge are constructed to “Built Green” standards and qualify as Energy Star homes. Low-E glazed windows and blown-in loose-fill insulation make your home easy to heat and a breeze to cool. Two-by-six framing is standard instead of the two-by-fours you’ll find elsewhere, creating sturdier, deeper walls that hold more insulation and are more soundproof.The Walks, who moved from New England, got their first look at The Heritage at Vista Ridge online. “We started talking about moving back to Colorado about a year-and-a-half ago. I found The Heritage Web site, and I thought that’s exactly what we’re looking for. It’s a great location. I travel 50 percent of the time, and it’s easy to get to DIA. We have family in Cheyenne, and that’s an easy trip, too.“We’ve done the yardwork thing,” Becca says. “We didn’t want any more yardwork!”The Walks appreciate the many bike paths and community center with its large pool. Rich is also an avid golfer and expects to be enjoying some spring golf soon at the adjoining Colorado National Golf Club.“We looked at several areas,” Becca says. “But we knew, this was the one.”You’ve heard what the homeowners say. Now experience The Heritage for yourself.Just a few select homes and sites remain for those who are looking for a unique combination of lifestyle, amenities and location. 

For more information and directions to The Heritage at Vista Ridge, call Karen Sanders or Bill Besher at 303.926.1615. Model home hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday noon to 5 p.m.The Heritage at Vista Ridge is being developed by Boulder Creek Life and Home. To see other innovative communities by Boulder Creek Life and Home, visit www.LiveBoulderCreek.com.

 “A long time ago, we made a commitment to build all of our homes to Built Green standards,” recalls company principal David Gregg, who guides the architecture, project development and community planning. “As we analyzed the requirements, we discovered that in many instances, we were already building to those standards. We tweaked some of our construction specifications, and created some new efficiencies in our methods. Overall, going green was a pretty easy transition for us.”

To understand the full impact of Boulder Creek’s commitment to green building, consider this: every home it builds meets or exceeds Built Green standards. And Boulder Creek is doing this in six different Front Range communities, every day, across every price point.

“What we do is utilize proven and practical green building techniques and materials, bringing them into the mainstream to create homes that deliver high value and lower energy costs,” explains David Sinkey, vice president and co-owner. “This allows us to do more with each home, and to do more of them.”

Gregg says it all comes down to the details. “The insulation we use, the type of windows, the framing techniques and the way we seal the homes to prevent air leakage, it all requires strong field coordination and the willingness to follow through, to make sure that all the steps are done right.”

Low-E glazed windows and blown-in cellulose insulation make your home easy to heat and a breeze to cool, lowering your annual cost for heating and cooling your home year in and year out. Two-by-six framing is standard instead of the two-by-fours you’ll find elsewhere, creating sturdier, deeper walls that hold more insulation and are more soundproof.

At two points during each home’s construction, an independent third-party construction observation company inspects each home to ensure it is being built to code and to Boulder Creek standards, Gregg says. “They conduct a pre-drywall inspection, checking the ducts, caulking and sealing.”

This dedication to quality construction and design earned Boulder Creek Life and Home nationwide recognition in 2008 when the National Association of Home Builders recognized the Blue Vista community in Longmont with a Development of the Year Award for “excellence in green residential design and construction practices, and outstanding green advocacy efforts.”

Me? Buy a home? Don’t miss the “My First Home Expo” on Saturday, Feb. 27

Are you considering your first home purchase? Boulder Creek invites you to an exciting and informative event, designed to help you get the information you need to make an informed home buying decision. Attend free seminars on financial planning, lending practices, tax credits  and organizing your first home – each presented by professionals who are recognized experts in their field. 

Enjoy a free barbecue lunch and refreshments, and watch the home energy efficiency demonstrations by Home Performance Solutions (complete with a blower door test and thermal imaging). Register to win one of several iPod Nanos. And you’ll be helping a good cause just by attending, since the event sponsors will donate $20 to the Emergency Family Assistance Association for every registered attendee.

Expo sponsors include Boulder Creek Life and Home, Taylor Moving Company, County Line Lumber Company and Advantage Bank.

My First Home Expo will be held at Kingsbridge Townhomes, 1656 Venice Lane, Longmont. For more information and directions, call 303.502.5338 or e-mail info@LiveKingsbridge.com.

“A long time ago, we made a commitment to build all of our homes to Built Green standards,” recalls company principal David Gregg, who guides the architecture, project development and community planning. “As we analyzed the requirements, we discovered that in many instances, we were already building to those standards. We tweaked some of our construction specifications, and created some new efficiencies in our methods. Overall, going green was a pretty easy transition for us.”

To understand the full impact of Boulder Creek Life and Home’s commitment to green building, consider this: every home it builds meets or exceeds Built Green standards. And the builder is doing this in six different Front Range communities, every day, across every price point.

“What we do is utilize proven and practical green building techniques and materials, bringing them into the mainstream to create homes that deliver high value and lower energy costs,” explains David Sinkey, vice president and co-owner. “This allows us to do more with each home, and to do more of them.”

Gregg says it all comes down to the details. “The insulation we use, the type of windows, the framing techniques and the way we seal the homes to prevent air leakage, it all requires strong field coordination and the willingness to follow through, to make sure that all the steps are done right.”

Low-E glazed windows and blown-in cellulose insulation make your home easy to heat and a breeze to cool, lowering your annual cost for heating and cooling your home year in and year out. Two-by-six framing is standard instead of the two-by-fours you’ll find elsewhere, creating sturdier, deeper walls that hold more insulation and are more soundproof.

At two points during each home’s construction, an independent third-party construction observation company inspects each home to ensure it is being built to code and to Boulder Creek Life and Home standards, Gregg says. “They conduct a pre-drywall inspection, checking the ducts, caulking and sealing.”

This dedication to quality construction and design earned Boulder Creek Life and Home nationwide recognition in 2008 when the National Association of Home Builders recognized the Blue Vista community in Longmont with a Development of the Year Award for “excellence in green residential design and construction practices, and outstanding green advocacy efforts.”

Me? Buy a home? Don’t miss the My First Home Expo on Saturday, Feb. 27

Are you considering your first home purchase? Boulder Creek Life and Home invites you to an exciting and informative event, designed to help you get the information you need to make an informed home buying decision. Attend free seminars on financial planning, lending practices, tax credits  and organizing your first home – each presented by professionals who are recognized experts in their field.

Enjoy a free barbecue lunch and refreshments, and watch the home energy efficiency demonstrations by Home Performance Solutions (complete with a blower door test and thermal imaging). Register to win one of several iPod Nanos. And you’ll be helping a good cause just by attending, since the event sponsors will donate $20 to the Emergency Family Assistance Association for every registered attendee.

Expo sponsors include Boulder Creek Life and Home, Taylor Moving Company, County Line Lumber Company and Advantage Bank.

My First Home Expo will be held at Kingsbridge Townhomes, 1656 Venice Lane, Longmont. For more information and directions, call 303.502.5338 or e-mail info@LiveKingsbridge.com.

Brand-name companies have gone through cycles of downsizing or simply ceased to exist. The housing industry has been no exception, as major homebuilders have scaled back developments or left the marketplace entirely.

Amidst the turmoil, however, local homebuilder and community developer Boulder Creek Life and Home has stayed the course, focused on creating vibrant neighborhoods with innovative, Built Green® homes and low-maintenance living. And more than merely surviving, the builder has actually found this to be a time of growth and innovation.
“I actually like how this market has challenged the traditional ways we manage our business,” says sales and marketing manager Paul Gortzig. “We have remained focused on our core principles, and more so, we have stayed focused on our homebuyers. The challenges we experienced led us to innovative solutions to not only manage our business, but also to find ways to grow our business. In a time when other companies have been downsizing their staff, we have steadily grown our team with talented professionals.” The National Homebuilding industry has taken notice as well, bestowing the company with a Development of the Year Award from the National Association of Home Builders.  
Gortzig reports that the local home market is turning around, evidenced by sustained interest and sales at each of the homebuilder’s neighborhoods. “People are acting with confidence on plans that they had put aside for a while,” says Gortzig. “The activity Boulder Creek has experienced in the fourth quarter of last year supports the confidence and optimism we have moving into 2010. It’s an exciting time.”

Founded more than three decades ago, Boulder Creek Life and Home’s active lifestyle communities now include The Heritage at Vista Ridge in Erie, Erie Village, Blue Vista and Shadow Grass Park in Longmont, and Calmante in Superior.

Announcing a New Active Lifestyle Community in Longmont

Adding to its already impressive portfolio, Boulder Creek Life and Home now announces Kingsbridge, a community in the Renaissance neighborhood in Longmont, which will include 134 townhomes at build-out. Four floor plans offer two or three bedrooms with 1,400 to nearly 1,800 finished square feet. Each residence also includes a private two-car attached garage. Unlike condominiums, homeowners own both the townhome and the land it sits on.

“This location in southwest Longmont is ideal for people working in Boulder, at IBM or other tech jobs along the Diagonal Highway corridor,” says Brent Patterson, sales manager for Kingsbridge. “And it’s just minutes from retail centers and community amenities.
“We are offering these homes at very attractive introductory prices to the first 10 homebuyers. We have created undeniable value with the intention of making a big splash in the market. When people see this incredible value at Kingsbridge, we are very confident they will respond.”   

Like every home Boulder Creek Life and Home builds, each will be constructed to Built Green standards, with 2×6 framing, low-e windows, composite sidings and decks, Energy Star® appliances, centrally located, high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, and air-sealed building envelopes to ensure maximum insulation value.

The company has taken the standard of green building far beyond “concept” and “experimental” homes. “We can build a well-designed, energy-efficient home without having to add 15 or 20 percent to the cost,” says company co-owner David Sinkey. “We know it’s not about living with less – it’s about living better.”

Visit the models at Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is located in West Longmont just off Airport Road in Boulder County. Three models are now open for your visit.

From Boulder: Head northeast on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). Turn left (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane. Look for the blue flags. The Sales Center is on the north side of Venice Lane.

From Longmont: Head southwest on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). Turn right (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane.

From Denver: Head north on I-25 to Exit 240. Turn left (west) on CO-119. Head west through Longmont for 10 miles. Turn right (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane.

The Sales Center is open Monday noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment.

For more information, call 303.502.5338 or visit www.LiveBoulderCreek.com.

Amidst the turmoil, however, local homebuilder and community developer Boulder Creek Life and Home has stayed the course, focused on creating vibrant neighborhoods with innovative, Built Green® homes and low-maintenance living. And more than merely surviving, the builder has actually found this to be a time of growth and innovation.
“I actually like how this market has challenged the traditional ways we manage our business,” says sales and marketing manager Paul Gortzig. “We have remained focused on our core principles, and more so, we have stayed focused on our homebuyers. The challenges we experienced led us to innovative solutions to not only manage our business, but also to find ways to grow our business. In a time when other companies have been downsizing their staff, we have steadily grown our team with talented professionals.” The National Homebuilding industry has taken notice as well, bestowing the company with a Development of the Year Award from the National Association of Home Builders. 

Gortzig reports that the local home market is turning around, evidenced by sustained interest and sales at each of the homebuilder’s neighborhoods. “People are acting with confidence on plans that they had put aside for a while,” says Gortzig. “The activity Boulder Creek has experienced in the fourth quarter of last year supports the confidence and optimism we have moving into 2010. It’s an exciting time.”

Founded more than three decades ago, Boulder Creek Life and Home’s active lifestyle communities now include The Heritage at Vista Ridge in Erie, Erie Village, Blue Vista and Shadow Grass Park in Longmont, and Calmante in Superior.

Announcing a New Active Lifestyle Community in Longmont
Adding to its already impressive portfolio, Boulder Creek Life and Home now announces Kingsbridge, a community in the Renaissance neighborhood in Longmont, which will include 134 townhomes at build-out. Four floor plans offer two or three bedrooms with 1,400 to nearly 1,800 finished square feet. Each residence also includes a private two-car attached garage. Unlike condominiums, homeowners own both the townhome and the land it sits on.

“This location in southwest Longmont is ideal for people working in Boulder, at IBM or other tech jobs along the Diagonal Highway corridor,” says Brent Patterson, sales manager for Kingsbridge. “And it’s just minutes from retail centers and community amenities.
“We are offering these homes at very attractive introductory prices to the first 10 homebuyers. We have created undeniable value with the intention of making a big splash in the market. When people see this incredible value at Kingsbridge, we are very confident they will respond.”   

Like every home Boulder Creek Life and Home builds, each will be constructed to Built Green standards, with 2×6 framing, low-e windows, composite sidings and decks, Energy Star® appliances, centrally located, high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, and air-sealed building envelopes to ensure maximum insulation value.

The company has taken the standard of green building far beyond “concept” and “experimental” homes. “We can build a well-designed, energy-efficient home without having to add 15 or 20 percent to the cost,” says company co-owner David Sinkey. “We know it’s not about living with less – it’s about living better.”

Visit the models at Kingsbridge
Kingsbridge is located in West Longmont just off Airport Road in Boulder County. Three models are now open for your visit.

From Boulder: Head northeast on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). Turn left (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane. Look for the blue flags. The Sales Center is on the north side of Venice Lane.
From Longmont: Head southwest on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). Turn right (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane.
From Denver: Head north on I-25 to Exit 240. Turn left (west) on CO-119. Head west through Longmont for 10 miles. Turn right (north) on Airport Road. After 1 mile turn left (west) onto Venice Lane.

The Sales Center is open Monday noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment.

For more information, call 303.502.5338 or visit www.LiveBoulderCreek.com.

“We love the Louisville location, and especially because North End is new,” says Richard Masek. “We chose North End because of the high quality of the construction. And also the integrity of the Markel company – what they said and what they built.”

The Maseks chose a ranch style, in case mobility becomes an issue some day. The floor plan provides a main-floor master-bedroom suite, plus TV room or study, and living room and dining room – and there is plenty of space for the Masek’s large Vermont Castings stove. They have a full, finished basement. Views of the mountains are from several vantage points.

“We have a covered patio, and also a front porch that looks out to the mountains,” says Masek. “We have visualization, and we have comfort. There’s a homey feeling here, and terrific attention to detail.

“When we saw this house, we felt it was perfect for empty nesters. We like Louisville a lot – its unique western flavor. It has a variety of restaurants, and we can walk to shopping. It looked like the optimum place for us. And I just picked up bicycling; the bike trails are fabulous.”

The Maseks also like “the convenience of jumping on Route 36 to go where we want. And we have medical facilities nearby. We love it here – its culture and restaurants. It’s dynamic. We feel really fortunate.”

What North End offers
Markel Homes’ North End neighborhood is Louisville’s first new community in 20 years – a remarkable milestone. Louisville has been achieving milestones, too. In 2009 the city ranked No. 1 on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” list.
Well sited off South Boulder Road at 95th Street, the North End community is close to hiking and biking trails, open space and downtown Louisville, with knockout views of the mountains.

“This is an excellent location – with the convenience of shops and services nearby,” says sales manager Michele Steward. “It’s easy to get to Denver, Boulder and the mountains. And it’s a great place to raise kids – the schools are part of the Boulder Valley School District.”

At North End you’ll see fresh Colorado-inspired architecture, in single-family homes and town homes. All come with quality interior finishes and amenities. They are constructed with the environment in mind – green built and Energy-Star® rated, which means healthier indoor air, lower energy bills, reduced pollution and less water usage.

Single-family homes with alley-loaded garages are offered in ranch, main-floor master and two-story designs, ranging from 1,698 to 2,557 finished square feet. Optional basement finish can add bedrooms, a recreation area/media room and storage. Or, Markel Homes can help buyers design and build their own custom home.

Town homes feature an attached two-car garage, unfinished basement and generous outdoor spaces, 10-foot ceilings, front porch and patio, and range from 1,718 to 1,799 finished square feet. Landscaping, snow removal and building maintenance are handled by the Home Owners Association, not the owners themselves. “If you’re downsizing, you don’t have to feel that you’re giving up space and amenities,” says Steward.

Pricing is sensible at North End. Town homes and duplexes start in the low $300,000s, single-family residences in the low $400,000s. It’s an opportunity to buy a brand-new home in Louisville, which is otherwise almost impossible.

A special incentive
Here’s an important incentive for homebuyers: North End has a variety of homes that will be ready to close by July 1, so that buyers may qualify for the available federal tax credit. That means $8,000 for a first-time buyer, and $6,500 for an existing homeowner who is purchasing their primary residence.

Steward says, “I’m quite busy. People feel that it’s a good time to buy – whether they’re upsizing or downsizing. We are seeing educated buyers. They have done their research and want good value. They are coming here for a more quality-built home, to save money in the long term.

“We offer a variety of homes and floor plans, so there’s plenty to choose from. And living is easy here – the homes are all low maintenance, and the location is convenient to just about everything.”

Markel Homes
Markel Homes, one of Colorado’s premier homebuilders, plans, develops and builds Colorado neighborhoods that integrate the natural landscape and comfortable lifestyle of the West. Innovative design and distinctive architecture are characteristics of a Markel Homes community, along with quality construction and green-built practices. Markel Homes is a homegrown Boulder company that has built homes in various locations in Boulder County and in Fort Collins.

Visit North End
The sales office is open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 2 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, at 2411 Rose Court, Louisville. Michele Steward can answer all your questions and show you around. Contact her at 303.604.9196 or Michele@MarkelHomes.com. And be sure to visit www.MarkelHomes.com.

Matt Cheek - Walnut Realty, Boulder

Cell: 303-506-4359
Fax: 303-442-6765
BoulderRealEstateLife.com
matt@mattcheek.com