Model Homes Debut at North End: Louisville’s first new neighborhood in 20 years

By Judy Finman

Louisville is lauded as a first-class place to live and raise kids. It’s got excellent schools, lots of open space, knockout views of the Flatirons, great hiking and biking trails, a vibrant downtown and proximity to Boulder, Denver and the mountains.

In 2007 the city ranked third on Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” list. And, in the May 2008 issue of 5280, it made the list of 14 neighborhoods “Where It’s Safe To Buy (Even Now).” 5280 describes Louisville as a “sleeping giant of real estate,” and praises its quaint downtown, active cultural and civic calendar, eclectic mix of old and new home styles, and family-friendly atmosphere. Upcoming rail access, great schools, and a community-building Main Street were all factors in its selection.

Markel Homes’ North End neighborhood is Louisville’s first new community in 20 years – quite a distinction. It is well sited off South Boulder Road at 95th Street, close to trails, open space and downtown Louisville.

North End introduces fresh Colorado-inspired architecture in ranch and two-story single-family homes with open floor plans, and in town homes. All come with quality interior finishes and amenities that reflect the way people like to live. They’re constructed with the environment in mind – Built Green® and Energy-Star® rated – which means healthier indoor air, lower energy bills, reduced pollution and less water usage.

Meet a North End homeowner

Craig Seidler and his wife, Sonya, 15-year Lafayette residents, are building a single-family home at North End, scheduled to be ready on Nov. 7.

“We chose North End because of its proximity to our kids’ school, its green aspect, and the value we perceive the houses have,” says Seidler. “We looked at houses in Louisville built in the 1980s that need updating – and they cost the same as homes in North End.” Through open enrollment Seidler’s daughter, age 9, and son, 6, have attended a Louisville elementary school. “Our upcoming move to Louisville guarantees they’ll move along with their classmates in Louisville.”

The Seidlers especially like the open floor plan and main-floor master suite in the Sanitas design, along with sliders on the main floor that invite in “a ton of light. It’s also a good layout for entertaining,” Seidler says. “Working with Markel, we re-jiggered the back entry with a mud room and closet for the kids’ backpacks and stuff.” They like having the kids’ bedrooms upstairs with a loft area.

“This is a good neighborhood for families,” Seidler says. “The open space and pocket parks invite kids to head outside and toss a ball around.”

“We felt really good about buying a green home and hope to see good savings. We won’t use a lot of water to do the lawn and feel good about conserving energy. Thanks to the proximity to stores on South Boulder Road, there’s no need to drive to the market. We can bike to the grocery store. We’ll get an extend-a-bike and put saddlebags on it.”

Seidler bikes to work in Boulder from Lafayette. His commute will be even shorter after the move to North End. “I’ll just hop onto Baseline Road.” He is looking forward to light rail in a few years; the station location is projected for Route 42 in the heart of Louisville’s downtown. “We’ll be able to bike to the station and take the light rail to Denver.”

Visit the five newly decorated model homes

North End has just opened its models. Three are single-family homes; two are town homes.

Three single-family models:

The Sanitas is a roomy contemporary two-story home featuring a main-floor master suite with private patio. The fluid design moves family and guests easily from kitchen to dining area to patio or great room. An optional outdoor-living package converts a patio into a second living room.

The Eldorado boasts a fresh architectural style and open floor plan with 10-foot ceilings on the first floor and a main-floor master suite. Note the well-designed kitchen and second-story get-away corner loft, the full bath and two additional bedrooms.

The spacious two-story Caribou comes with a front or rear master suite – your choice. A secluded first-floor study (or private guest quarters with bath) is an ideal hideaway. Metal accents and wood beams add architectural character.

Two town home models:

The Flagstaff invites you to enjoy the outdoors on its front courtyard with optional fireplace, front porch and enclosed container garden area and patio. Ten-foot ceilings soar in the large main-level living area, with a cozy fireplace and plenty of natural light. The upper level contains a master suite, two other second-floor bedrooms, full bath and laundry room.

An open floor plan, with 10-foot first-floor ceilings and an 8-foot entry door give the Sugarloaf a spacious look and feel. Besides the first-floor master suite, there are two second-floor bedrooms and bath. The front porch and side patio promise hours of relaxation and enjoyment.

Sales Associate Michele Steward says, “We have homes that are ready to move into, and already have homeowners living in the neighborhood. Pricing is sensible: Single-family homes are in the $400,000s, and town homes in the $300,000s. In the future we’ll offer condo lofts and custom singles, too. It’s an opportunity to buy a brand-new home in Louisville, which is otherwise almost impossible.”

Visit North End

The sales office is open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., at 2411 Rose Court, Louisville, CO 80027. Michele Steward can answer all your questions and show you around. Contact her at 303.604.9196 or Michele@MarkelHomes.com. Read Markel’s blog at www.MarkelHomes.com/news.