Denver Colorado LUXURY Real Estate

West Denver is home to several communities, one of which is Sun Valley. The Sun Valley neighborhood is not large, with approximately only 1,500 residents. The area contains single family homes, apartment buildings, parks, and industrial buildings. With its recreation center, bike paths, and baseball field, Sun Valley sounds like an all-American place to live. But in reality, it’s Denver’s poorest neighborhood. Almost all of the neighborhood’s residents live in subsidized housing, and more than 70 percent of its residents live in poverty, with a median household income of approximately $8,000 per year.

For many years, the outlook for the Sun Valley neighborhood was consistently negative. Being labeled as Colorado’s poorest neighborhood has not been helpful as far as attracting local small businesses to the area or encouraging the City of Denver to spend money on improved infrastructure. But things are changing. Recently, it was announced in a Denver Post article that the Denver City Council is expected to approve a new land use plan for the Sun Valley area in hopes of revitalizing the vicinity. This announcement coincided with the debut of the West Light Rail (dubbed the “W” line), which provides easy access to Light Rail for Sun Valley residents.

The opening of the Decatur/Federal station on the W lightrail line will make it possible for Sun Valley residents to travel easily to surrounding Denver Metro areas. There is hope that this new access to other Denver areas that are served by the Light Rail system will result in greater employment opportunities for Sun Valley residents.

Denver City Council members see a large potential for the Sun Valley area. Words that have been used to describe the revitalization plan include “metamorphosis” and “transformational.” The development plan is referred to as “The Decatur-Federal Station Area Plan” and it is described as follows: “A high-level vision for how the area a half-mile around the light rail station should develop in the years to come. It foresees high-quality housing for the poor class and the middle class, a riverfront park, streets that connect to downtown and a new entertainment and cultural area around the Broncos stadium.”

The development plan for Sun Valley is exciting and encouraging. The plan is expected to increase the desirability of the area and also to be a stepping stone for a continued increase in economic development for the area’s residents. The hope is that Sun Valley will eventually become known as an area with mixed-income residents instead of an area limited to those with low incomes. What do you think these changes are going to do to the area?  Revitalization for current and new residents, or total Gentrification?

In addition to the development plans for Sun Valley, other exciting things are happening for the neighborhood’s residents. An organization called Fresh Start, Inc. is working with the Sun Valley Local Residents Council to provide assistance and support for deprived families and youth in need. The organization works with area children to make available the resources that are necessary to meet their basic needs and to offer programs that will help them pursue their life ambitions. For more information about how you can help Fresh Start, Inc. or the young residents of Sun Valley, check out their website to find the ways in which you can get involved!

Photo Credit: Proposed Changes To Sun Valley provided by The City and County of Denver

Many years ago, Denver’s “Mousetrap” was notoriously known by most Colorado residents as the vicinity where I-25 and I-70 converge – an area stricken with horrendous traffic jams during morning and afternoon rush hours. This location was definitely not seen as a highly desirable place to live or work, but its time has come.

You will likely see Denver homes for sale and other real estate investments around the new development, begin to increase in value.  If you are considering buying a home in the area, now is the time to buy to get your best deal.  Once construction is complete, property values are anticipated to increase exponentially.  While this northwest Denver neighborhood does not yet have the cache of The Highlands or Lohi, it will be a more affordable opportunity for home Buyers, and will offer even more shopping & dining options.  I predict a big jump in Sunnyside home values as a result of its close proximity.  And I’m not alone in this prediction. =) Talk about a walkable lifestyle, 25/70 is it!  Stay updated on all Northwest Denver happenings by following this Facebook page.

The revitalization of the Mouse Trap area is supported by major three factors:

• First, the reconfiguration of I-25 and I-70 over the course of many years, which has alleviated many traffic jam problems.

• Second, Denver’s extensive Light Rail expansion plan. The design is a 12-year, $6.5 billion dollar project that is currently under construction, and will expand on previous public transportation projects in the area both in and around the Mouse Trap.

• Third, a $100 million project proposal submitted by real estate development company Ascendant Development that will create and build a mixed-use campus area consisting of a combination of multi-family housing, professional office space, design studios, restaurants, conference and event venues, and retail stores on the site of the old Denver Post printing plant (northwest of 25/70 interchange).

Ascendant Development purchased the parcel of land in 2008 for $17 million from the Denver Newspaper Agency, and plans to complete the entire development project in three phases. The first phase should be finished in late 2014.  This development is just one more example of Denver’s continued growth, expansion, and desirability.  The phased, mixed-use development is planned to include residential living, terrific designer shopping options, other retail, and office space.  There are plans for a dynamic live/work type of atmosphere.

The old printing plant area consists of a 41 acre parcel that is slated to be designed by a distinguished architect by the name of Brad Cloepfil, who is best known in the Colorado region for drawing the architectural plans for Denver’s Clyfford Still Museum.  Mr. Cloepfil’s architectural firm is also responsible for designing many prestigious projects such as the expansion for the Seattle Art Museum in 2007 and the renovation of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City in 2008.

Interested in buying a home for sale around the future Denver 25/70 Development?  Start searching for homes now, and call me for an appointment: Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-534-5000.  Visit the 25/70 official website.

6,000 Residential Units Added or Under Construction in Downtown Denver Over Course of Past 5 Years

The Denver residential Real Estate Market is undergoing an incredible transition.  Denver is rapidly becoming known across the globe as a World Class City, and it continues to grow exponentially with more than 6,000 residential units either added or under construction in the Downtown Denver area alone over the past five years. But not only is the residential sector growing, the commercial, hotel, and entertainment realms have also seen extensive progression. Since 2007, there have been more than 2 million square feet of office space added or currently under construction and more than 2,000 hotel rooms added or currently under construction in Downtown Denver. Essentially, private and public real estate investments in Denver’s urban core have been vigorous and currently, they show no signs of slowing down!

Perform a map search of all residential new construction homes now.

Another terrific article was done by Denver Infill about the Downtown Denver Residential Boom.  Be sure to read it too.

According to the Downtown Denver Partnership, an organization dedicated to enhancing Downtown Denver by focusing on Leadership, Environment, Experience, Jobs, Connections and Housing, there is much evidence that the area is currently in great economic shape in terms of real estate. Following are some of the statistics published in their second annual State of Downtown Denver Report:

• Downtown Denver is the hub of the region.
• There are approximately 112,000 individuals employed in Downtown Denver.
• Approximately 17,000 people live in Denver’s urban core and 65,000 people live in the neighborhoods surrounding the city’s center. Also, 44,000 students are currently enrolled in Downtown Denver’s institutions of higher learning.
• Aside from residential growth and development, there have been $3.6 billion in non-residential public and private real estate investments in the past 10 years, and more than $1 billion more are slated for 2013-2014.

The Map
The Denver Downtown Partnership recently published a “Downtown Denver Developments 2007-2013” map that illustrates private and public investments in Denver’s urban core over the past five years. The purpose of the map is not only to allow current and potential residents and business owners to have an easy-to-navigate record of the real estate projects in the area, but it also provides information to future potential real estate investors. The map assists individuals and investors in identifying development trends. It also serves as a guide to anyone simply wanting to know more about Denver’s real estate development progression.

The development categories on the map include:

• Entertainment & Culture
• Government & Academic Institutions
• Hotel
• Hotel + Residential
• Office
• Office + Residential
• Residential
• Transportation & Public Realm

Following are the number of projects indicated on the map by year: 

• 2007: 10
• 2008: 12
• 2009:  5
• 2010:  9
• 2011:  6
• 2012: 10
• Currently Under Construction: 20

The mere fact that more than 6,000 residential units have been added or are currently under construction in the Downtown Denver area is impressive. A few of the most significant projects include One Lincoln Park, One Riverfront and Glass House Denver. If you are interested in learning more about living in one of Downtown Denver’s newest and most desirable real estate locations, or if you want more information about exciting projections related to future real estate development and advancement in the Downtown Denver area, contact me today! I have extensive knowledge regarding all Downtown Denver neighborhoods – both new and old!  Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-534-5000

From the very beginning, everyone agreed that Saint John’s Gardens was a special residential Luxury project like nothing Cherry Creek North had seen.  The vision for this incredible place was one of honoring the historic nature of the award-winning Sanctuary Residence (1903) and Rectory (1905) buildings, while creating an incredible outdoor living space for all of the residents.  The vision was a serene and welcoming Sanctuary within the city – an attempt to merge Denver, Colorado city life with the essence of European countryside gardens.   While most other developers and builders in Cherry Creek North were working to maximize square footage, by building as large as possible, with as little outdoor space as possible, Saint John’s Gardens was designed to allow for a unique balance between grand, open floor plans, and stunning courtyards.

I’m proud to announce that Saint John’s Gardens is the only Luxury new construction residential project that has been completely SOLD OUT prior to completion of construction.  This project has been a labor of love for years for the entire team.  If you have real estate and construction needs, I hope you will consider supporting some of the amazing business that have been involved with this project:

Saint John’s Gardens LLC (David Veldman, Developer)

DHR Architecture (Formerly DH Ruggles, Architects)

Hyatt Studios (Landscape Architecture/Design)

Interior Intuitions (Custom Cabinet Design & Suppliers)

Arrowhead Floors & Interiors (Stone, Tile, Wood, and Finish Suppliers)

Kobey Development (Interior Finish Construction of THE FLATS building)

RLM Building Company (Bob Murdock – Historic Renovation of The Sanctuary Residence)

And of Course… Rachel Betz Real Estate (Real Estate Sales & Project Management)

More details on THE FLATS at Saint John’s Gardens

What’s next for Rachel Betz Real Estate you ask?  A new project, of course!  Stay tuned for happenings at Blackstone Rivers Ranch an amazing new mountain property in Idaho Springs, Colorado…an incredible new event venue is coming summer of 2013.  It will host weddings, reunions, business retreats, leadership camps for kids, and private wine, dining and music series events.

THE FLATS at Saint John’s Gardens are almost SOLD OUT!

With only 2 months remaining until construction of THE FLATS at Saint John’s Gardens is complete, only 2 FLATS remain available for purchase. THE FLATS are the fastest-selling luxury, new construction project in the Denver Metro Area. They boast the highest level of standard finishes, expansive & open floor plans, and a standard quality of construction not found at this price point, in today’s market.

If you plan to wait until THE FLATS are finished before purchasing, it will be too late. If you are in the market for an elegant new living space in Cherry Creek North, Denver, Colorado, and want complete luxury under $500 per square foot, call me today! The final 2 residences won’t last much longer! Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-534-5000

THE FLATS officially hit the market this week, and are anticipated to be the hottest selling project in the Cherry Creek North area.  Two contracts are already pending, leaving only 4 remaining residences out of a total of 6 available to buy.  Why are THE FLATS at Saint John’s Gardens selling so quickly?:

1. There are very few projects north of the Cherry Creek Mall that offer 1 level living, and none designed this well, offered at these prices.
2. Of the 1 level living projects in Cherry Creek North, there are only a couple which offer new construction residences.
3. Of the new construction projects, THE FLATS at Saint John’s Gardens offer the highest level of standard luxury finishes at the most competative, Buyer-concious prices.
4. The location is prime – only a few quick blocks to Whole Foods Market, Ink! Coffee, Earls, Mad Greens, Houstons, Elways, The Cherry Creek Mall, miniBar, Sweet Ginger, & more!  THE FLATS offer a prime location for an active, walkable lifestyle, boasting a Walk Score of 86!
5. THE FLATS is the perfect project for luxury buyers looking to downsize.  With all of the floorplans offering between 2,000-3,200 square feet of perfectly planned living space, luxury homeowners can downsize without feeling squeezed.  Each unit also comes standard with a private storage room in the underground parking structure.
6. Buyers who contract now not only get to choose all of their interior finishes, but can participate in the custom design of their gourmet kitchens, which come complete with a gourmet appliance package (Sub Zero & Wolf)!  This offer is only good for a limited time.
6. One remaing PENTHOUSE offered at under $1.2 million!  Where in Cherry Creek North can you buy a fabulous Penthouse at this price?  The remaining Penthouse offers over 2,000 sublimely finished square feet, and an almost 1,000 square foot rooftop deck with both mountain and city views!
7. LOW HOAs!  One of the most common concerns among condominum Buyers are the ever-increasing cost of HOA fees.  THE FLATS at Saint John’s Gardens offer some of the lowest HOA fees in the area.  Please call me if you would like to review the HOA.
8. Quality.  Paul Kobey of Kobey Development (Cherry Creek North), who is known for his very high quality construction, and gorgeous luxury residences will be finishing out the interiors of these fine semi-custom luxury residences.
9. Saint John’s Gardens offers beautiful gardens and courtyards, and unlike most condo projects, the balconies overlook the gardens and treetops – not alleyways and other buildings.  This boutique condo community perfectly captures the essence of urban city living, while not sacrificing the lush landscaping that single family homeowners love and desire.

What does all of this mean for Buyers?  THE FLATS condos at Saint John’s Gardens in Cherry Creek North are the most BRILLIANT buy in the market right now.  Call me today for your personal tour of the project.  Don’t wait until it’s too late!  Rachel Betz Real Estate 303-907-2613.

Rachel Betz has been chosen to be Project Manager for the development of the remaining residences at Saint John’s Gardens.  THE FLATS constitute the remaining 6 units available for purchase at Cherry Creek North’s gorgeous boutique-style small luxury condominium complex on the corner of 5th & Josephine in Denver, Colorado.  Rachel Betz will also list these 6 fine semi-custom residences, which will hit the market at the beginning of August 2011.  Call Rachel Betz now to schedule your tour of THE FLATS at Saint John’s Gardens.  The townhomes are completely sold out, and the demand for THE FLATS is even stronger.