Northfield Commons in Boulder
Colorado’s natural beauty is the backdrop
By Judy Finman
Colorado’s natural beauty – blue sky, sunshine, mountains, wide vistas – is the backdrop for a popular new neighborhood in Boulder called Northfield Commons. Its distinctive features are sublime views, trail connections, a neighborhood park, and a pleasing variety of home styles, from traditional and Colorado craftsman to contemporary loft-style. This appealing mix includes single-family houses, duplexes, row houses, town homes and condominiums.
Every home meets Built Green® and E-Star® standards for eco-friendly and energy-efficient living, which means lower energy costs, healthier indoor air, less water usage and improved overall comfort, while reducing pollution and conserving natural resources.
Northfield Commons occupies a 22-acre site between Kalmia Avenue and Palo Parkway in northeast Boulder. The semi-rural charm of quiet, tree-lined streets is balanced by the convenience of nearby restaurants, bank, shopping and public transportation.
A New Northfield Commons Homeowner
Dee Perry moved to Northfield Commons early this summer. “I love Boulder,” she says. “I was born and grew up here.” In deciding to move she first looked at the fine old Boulder neighborhoods and realized the houses there needed a lot of work. She wanted something newer.
“Northfield Commons was an effective way for me to get into a new – and green – home,” she says. “Northfield Commons is close to anywhere I want to go in Boulder. The bike path comes through here, and I can get on Foothills Parkway. It’s a great place to be. I like the diversity here – people my age who are downsizing, and also families with children, and single people.”
Perry chose a single-family home with a main-floor master suite. “If I’m here 20 years from now, everything I need is on the first floor.” Besides the bedroom suite are a great room, dining room and kitchen in an open floor plan, and a powder room. She is enjoying the whole house. The third floor in her model is a skyloft, with a deck; just inside is a kitchenette, perfect for entertaining. On the second floor are an office, two guest rooms, and a “room with a fireplace and windows, with comfy chairs, my reading area.” The basement, which is partially finished, has potential as a theater. “My house is very contemporary in style; it’s the same floor plan as the one next door that’s a craftsman.”
Available Homes
“Northfield has been selling very well,” says sales manager Kate Lyons. “We had 15 closings in August alone. We see homeowners barbecuing, walking their dogs, riding on the bike paths – and smiles everywhere. Six model homes are open: from condo to row house to duplex to single-family. Buyers have a lot of choices and a variety of architectural styles, too.”
Of the 190 homes planned for Northfield, about half are under contract or sold. More than half of the single-family homes are sold. “Over the next six months we’ll introduce some new floor plans and home designs from each builder,” says Lyons.
“Two single-family homes with main-floor master suites, designed by Markel, are ready,” she says. “And we’re offering two duplexes – one by Coast to Coast with a main-floor master suite – and the other, by Markel, with a third-floor skyloft with indoor/outdoor potential, such as a hot tub. Three loft row homes are also available – in a trendy urban design, with decks and patios and four finished stories.” She encourages homebuyers to check with the sales office for monthly incentives and specials.
Trails, Parks and Recreation
Four Mile Creek Trail and Wonderland Creek Trail are accessible from the Northfield Commons bike path. Both trails lead to open space. The focal point of the community is a beautifully landscaped park, with picnic tables and half basketball court, within walking distance of every resident. Pleasant View Sports Complex borders the eastern edge of Northfield Commons, and North Boulder Recreation Center and Spruce pool are nearby.
Contact Information
Northfield Commons is marketed by Markel Homes and Accent Properties. The sales office is located in the southwest corner of the neighborhood at Kalmia Avenue and Silverton Street. It is open daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call Kate Lyons at 303.442.0309, and visit www.NorthfieldCommonsBoulder.com.
A variety of condominiums at Northfield Commons meet the guidelines for the City of Boulder Homeownership Program. Visit the Northfield Commons Web site for more information.
The Builders of Northfield Commons
Coast To Coast Residential Development, Inc., has more than 20 years of residential and commercial building experience. Its homes incorporate indoor and outdoor living environments in unique ways and feature architectural details often found in custom homes.
Markel Homes Construction Company has been a leader in planning and creating Colorado neighborhoods for more than 30 years. Its trademark is distinctive design, architectural variety and compelling interiors that mirror the natural beauty of Colorado. Markel values parks, trail access and open space in the neighborhoods it develops.
Hendricks Fine Homes is a small Boulder-based builder that focuses on creating quality homes designed for today’s busy lifestyles. Owner Cary Hendricks has worked with many new and renovating homeowners, and brings clarity and experience to any project and the ensuing relationship.
Accent Properties has been a leading participant in the Boulder real estate market since 1976. It specializes in a full range of real estate services, including all aspects of residential realty and custom home building and construction design.
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.
