News and Insights

Events to Look Forward to in May

While the majority of people probably know him as an actor, Kiefer Sutherland has taken on many other careers in his life.  In 1992 he started working as a cattle rancher as well as a competitive cowboy.  In 2002 he started his own record label called Ironworks.  It wasn’t until 2015 that Sutherland recorded two songs of his own, initially meant as demos for other artists. Those songs were eventually expanded into his own 11 song album ‘Down in a Hole’.  To hear what Sutherland describes as “the closest thing I’ve ever had to a journal or diary”, his performance at the Fox Theater on May 10th is the one to see.

The 13th of May is a lucky day for any mountain bikers out there.  The 10th annual MTB demo day is back at Valmont bike park once again.  Starting with just a few small manufacturers in a small space in North Boulder, MTB now hosts top of the line vendors at the 62 acre Valmont bike park where anyone can come and try out these brand new bikes.  Attendees will be able to test ride bikes from Yeti, Pivot, Santa Cruz, Rocky Mountain, and many more.  Plus, the event is free for the first 400 people to register.  This is an all ages event, but those who want to test out a bike for themselves should bring an ID to checkout with the vendors.

Why not treat the kids to a fun event of their own on May 18th with the weekly storytime hosted by Clothes Pony & Dandelion Toys.  This children’s store is locally owned by two sisters who opened up shop from Fort Collins.  Aside from having everything a child could need from newborn to tween, they also have bring in a local retired teacher to read stories to children every week.  It is intended for kids aged 2-6, and parents are encouraged to sit in as well.

The 19th of this month brings another annual event, this time the 3rd 15th street design district, or 15SDD, block party.  All along 15th street, between grove and canyon, will be blocked off to traffic for this pedestrian event.  Admission is free for everyone, and will host many food and dessert trucks to peruse while learning about Design Studio.  This event is completely family friendly, zero waste, and will have plenty of live music, performances, and giveaways.

Rounding out the events for this month is James Kakalios and his book signing at the Boulder Book store on the 23rd.  His book ‘The Physics of Everyday Things’ examines the amazing things we encounter on a daily basis, yet almost always overlook.  Kakalios gets into the fine details of things like how refrigerators keep food cool, planes stay in the air, and our wrist pedometers count our steps.  Each example is accompanied by a narrative explaining all the forces at work that are invisible to the human eye in a captivating way.  As always, vouchers for the event cost $5, but are good for that same dollar amount off either his book or any other product purchased that day.

Boulder News: Boulder Country Awards $126k in Local Grants

Boulder County has given a sum total of $126k for the cities and towns  for new projects.  Specifically, projects and services aimed toward environmental sustainability.  There are a great number of sustainability projects that can be pursued thanks to these grants.  For example, Longmont intends to develop new ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  And, Nederland plans to build a greenhouse to increase food production.

The sustainability coordinator for Boulder, Susie Strife, commented on the grants.  “We are grateful for the leadership of municipalities to advance sustainability in our region.  We value the partnerships we have built to meet our shared vision of more sustainable communities.”

In addition to the grant money, municipalities will also match at least 25% of the funds awarded.  However, Jamestown, Nederland, and Ward will provide local services equivalent to that amount in place of raw funds.

The city of Boulder’s grant of $15,000 will be used to create a strategy for increasing electric vehicle adoption rates.  The overall goal is to reach a level that meets the city’s climate commitment target.  Lafayette has a similar goal with their $15,000 involving solar power.  They intend to make the process of planning and permitting panels much easier.  Additionally, solar workshops and resources for the community will be made available.

Louisville, also receiving $15,000, will hire a sustainability consultant.  They will carry out the city’s short and long term objectives in their Sustainability Action Plan.  Superior will use their $15,000 to improve their waste drop off site.  This will increase waste diversion from the landfill, while also making the facility more user friendly and safer.  Superior’s goal is to reach 50% waste diversion with this grant.

Jamestown, receiving the smallest grant of $6,785, also looks to use the funds for waste diversion.  Their approach will be through community education on zero waste and recycling collection.  Ward intends to continue efforts in food security.  Also, they will be able to hire a consultant to look into septic system solutions.

All projects were reviewed and approved by the County.  They were detailed in full in the country news release.

 

Denver News: New Aurora Community Could House 60,000 People

Steamboat’s ski resort has enjoyed a rising level of commercial success ever since 2007 when Intrawest first arrived and made the $265 million purchase of the ski area.  This was nearly triple what the asking price was 6 years previously, and was a strong hint at what plans were in store for the resort.  The market noticed, and the real estate market erupted for both buyers and developers with sales hitting a record level of $1.5 billion.

When looking back on whether or not Intrawest was actually the cause for this boom, David Baldinger, owner of Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty, had this to say.  “We can’t figure out if it was just the tail end of the real estate boom or if it was Intrawest.  We think it was Intrawest, because the financial crisis was underway but Steamboat had strong volume for another year. We think it was enthusiasm for a new owner.”

The trend of a resort getting a new owner stimulating the real estate market is one the high country is very familiar with.  The same thing occurred in 2002, also involving Intrawest, and Winter Park.  Then again in 2003 with the purchase of Crested Butte.

This year Aspen Skiing Co. and KSL Capital Partners have partnered to purchase six of Intrawest’s resorts including Winter Park and Steamboat.  It is expected that this purchase won’t make the same waves as earlier ones, however, largely due to the recession.  “We had locals buying condos in luxury developments purely as an investment, but it didn’t make sense given their capability if anything changed.  Then everything changed,” said Jon Wade, the owner of the Steamboat Group real estate firm.

Intrawest’s great success came to a screeching halt with the recession in 2008 and 2009.  They were forced to sell off some of their 11 resorts just to cover the debts they accrued.  Aspen Skiing and KSL intends to learn from this and use third parties for developing real estate on their 1,100 acres of slope-side land.

“We would love to see those areas developed in a responsible manner,” KSL Capital Partners chief Eric Resnick said. “But developing that real estate is not our main driver.”  Winter park has already been enjoying a growth period, with $30.1 million in sales in February alone, and the ski resort going to new owners is expected to bolster that growth according to local real estate owners.

“These guys, Aspen and KSL, they live in a world of responding to what resort and travel customers are looking for. I think they will add new fresh thoughts to the mountain and the village,” said Walter Koezbel, owner of a 1,100 acres of residential project.  “Activity begets activity, and they will take experience they have learned from their multitude of properties and they will bring new ideas to Winter Park and Grand County. It will shine a light on what we have up here.”

Baldinger summed up the mood with his statement that “I like the idea that the people in the ski business will be focusing on the ski business and the talent in the development community can focus on the development pieces.”

Neighborhood Spotlight: Martin Acres

Situated in the Southern end of East Boulder, Martin Acres has become a highly sought after neighborhood.  With homes catering to families of all sizes, this wide open area is the perfect place to settle down or start raising a family.  These houses were mostly built in the early to mid-60’s and have proven to stand the test of time in both functionality and appearance.  Plus, the location couldn’t be better.  Whether it’s recreation, errands, or work, Martin Acres makes it easy and convenient.

 

Getting Around

Transportation

Martin Acres is one of the most commuter friendly neighborhoods in Boulder.  Table Mesa runs right through the neighborhood and links it to all the main roads one could want.  For example, taking to the north can lead right into highway 36.  Or, by taking a different turn, right onto Foothills parkway.  And, if that was isn’t enough, it also goes straight into the beginning of South Boulder road.  There’s nowhere in or out of town these roads couldn’t help you reach.  Then, to the West, Table Mesa links up with South Broadway.  With so many great roads and alternate paths, commuting by car will never be a worry.  But that’s not even mentioning public transportation.  The RTD park and ride is right down the road for a stress-free trip out of town.  If going into town is the destination, then there’s no better street than Broadway to catch a bus.

Biking

Martin Acres’ neighborhood design was designed with bikes in mind.  All the side streets are bike friendly, with plenty of dedicated paths linking to roads and trails.  And with all the buses being bike friendly, it is a breeze to bike to a stop and take it with you to your destination.  With so many places nearby, or in the neighborhood itself, to shop and eat, biking is often the faster way to get around.

Neighborhood Amenities

This neighborhood is a real gem.  Not only does it have two parks and a lake in its own backyard, but also a ton of great choices for shopping and eating.  Tantra Park to the East is a beautiful space for families and pets.  It’s the perfect place to take the dog for a walk, or bring the kids to the playground.  This park also right beside Tantra Lake, another perfect place for a casual walk.  The tables overlooking the lake also make it perfect for a family picnic.

In terms of restaurant and shopping options, Martin Acres is brimming with them.  Right in the neighborhood is a little center that’s great spot to stop at.  Que’s Espresso is perfect for the morning coffee, and Napal Cuisine offers a great local dinner option.  Traveling just across Broadway is both a King Soopers and Lucky’s Market to cover any grocery needs.  In addition, there’s the south Walnut Cafe and Southern Sun, among much more, for even more variety in places to eat.

Martin Acres in a Nutshell

For those with a family, or those who are thinking about starting one, this neighborhood is a perfect fit.  The homes are built to last on the safe and quiet streets.  Parks and lakes mean nature is never more than a short walk or bike away, and getting errands done couldn’t be more convenient.  Even a night out doesn’t require fighting traffic downtown when living here.  Martin Acres really does have it all.

 

Events to Kick off Spring

April is a great transitional month.  Not only does it usher in the change from winter to spring, but with it a great variety of new events to look forward to.  Here are 5 events to shake up your schedule and welcome in the new season.

Starting off on April 17th, the SmithKlein Gallery is presenting Peter Burega’s artwork.  The gallery, open from 2-6pm, showcases a new series of oil paintings by the talented artist.  His work draws from nature and the appearance of light on different surfaces.  However, unlike more traditional artists, Burega only works with trowels, scrapers, and knives.  These tools create a vastly unique texture on the board.  And everyone’s individual interpretation is a key motivator for the artist.  With no fee, it’s a perfect way to spend an afternoon on Pearl Street.

 

Just two days later, on April 19th, the Boulder Bookstore is hosting another author to speak about her book.  This month will feature Jessamyn Stanley and her book “Every Body Yoga.”  Her book focuses on inspiring all people to discover yoga.  She takes a very uplifting and body-positive approach to help people of all shapes and sizes.  But, her book isn’t just for people just beginning on their path to yoga.  People already well versed will find her book to offer great new motivations.  Ultimately, the book aims to showcase yoga’s mental benefits over the physical.  A $5 voucher is required to attend, but is also good for $5 off the author’s book.

Switching gears on April 21st is September School’s Battle of the Corporate Band at the Boulder Theater.  September School is Boulder’s longest running independent high school, starting back in 1973.  At that time 5,000 independent high schools opened their doors, but as of 2001 only 2% remained.  They have remained active thanks to their strong relationships they have built with the local community.  This event is just one of their efforts to partner with the people of Boulder to raise money for their scholarship fund.  Tickets are $25 and all proceeds will go toward aiding local students.

If you’re looking for an event that really says Spring, keep April 22nd open.  The Butterfly Pavilion is having one of their $5 days from 9-5pm.  The entire pavilion is open for explorations, including the new and improved crawl-a-see-em.  Those brave enough can hold Rosie, the famous tarantula.  Or, perhaps a starfish is more comfortable.  Whatever the case, 1,600 butterflies await in their little Tropical Rain forest.

Finally, on April 23rd, is the Taste of Pearl.  This event, running from 2-6, is a full on celebration of Boulder’s culinary arts.  Not only will there be plenty of food on offer, but local wines and distilleries are also showcased.  Plus, even more local boutiques and galleries will be open to explore while enjoying the local flavors.  Ticket prices are $65, but include samples from all vendors, food, wine, and spirits and a few other goodies.  This event is for 21 and up, and tickets are likely to sell out so make sure to grab some fast.

 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Frasier Meadows

The East Boulder neighborhood of Frasier Meadows is one certainly worth looking into.  The homes were built in the mid to late 60’s and are full of personality.  In addition, there are plenty of condos and apartments for families of all sizes.  The safe and beautiful winding streets and paths all weave this neighborhood together.  For those looking for a quiet place to call home, Frasier Meadows is just the place.

 

Getting Around

Transportation

Frasier Meadows has two excellent choices for driving in or out of town.  The first is Baseline, perhaps the best route to get downtown.  The second is the unique outlet right onto the Denver Boulder Turnpike.  No other neighborhood in Boulder has access to both of these roads right out of the community.  If public transportation is preferable, then the Meadows delivers yet again.  The RTD has multiple stops along Baseline right in front of the neighborhood.  And, to the south, the Park ‘n’ Ride is just across the street.

 

Biking

Bike riders should prepare themselves for an abundance of choice in Frasier Meadows.  First there is the Meadow’s shopping center, which is bike accessible without touching a main road.  Then there’s all the bike paths right along Baseline, such as the Boulder Creek path.  From there, an entire network of options opens up.  Whether it’s for work or play, biking from this neighborhood may be more convenient than driving.

 

Neighborhood Amenities

As the similar names imply, Frasier Meadows touches right up to the Meadows shopping center.  This little shopping plaza turns an afternoon of errands into a one trip affair.  The Safeway carries all the family’s favorites, plus a Rite Aid on the corner for extra odds and ends.  Or, why not make a day of it and get some ice cream at the locally owned Glacier Ice Cream.  Plus there’s the Meadow’s branch of the public library right around back.  What better way to spend a day than picking up a book and heading over to Burke Park to read by the water?  This quiet little park offers one of a kind views of the majestic flatirons in the heart of the neighborhood.

For families with, or who plan to have, children, this neighborhood is ready with two nearby schools.  Horizons is a K-8 located right next to Burke Park, which is perfect for older kids to walk or bike to.  A little further across the street is Manhattan Middle school.  While it is across Foothills Parkway, there is a convenient pedestrian path that connects these two neighborhoods safely.  Parents can rest assured their kids will arrive safe thanks to this overpass.

 

Frasier Meadows in a Nutshell

Small, beautiful, and convenient.  Frasier Meadows is all of these things and more.  Built for families of all types and sizes, there’s a place for everyone.  Commuters have the best roads in Boulder at their fingertips, and bikers have a huge web of paths to explore.  Shopping and recreation are joined into one thanks to the Meadows shopping center and park.  There just really isn’t anything bad to say about this fantastic neighborhood.

 

Denver news: Rooney Valley Development Plans

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Development plans for Rooney Valley were approved by Lakewood City Council and the Morrison Town Board early in February.  The approval set the plans for one of the last large open sections of land running along C-470.  While no public disapproval was expressed in Morrison, Lakewood residents brought up concerns to the council.

Many Lakewood residents were concerned about what impact the development would have on the environment.  Also, view sheds were a point of concern for many.  While amendments were made to address these concerns, councilmen Charley Able still opposed it.  “Different doesn’t necessarily mean better,” Mr. Able said.  “Because this is not as bad as the previous plan is not a reason to vote for it.”

The updates to the plan that were amended included preserving views.  The minimum space allotted for wildlife was expanded from Dakota Hogback to Pikes Peak, as well as a limitation on how many dwellings per acre could be built.  But, according to Morrison’s town planner Carrie McCool, that wasn’t the largest change.  That was what is being called the neighborhood node.

“It basically sets forth at key intersections and areas of the valley that are for more mixed  uses  located within walking distance from maybe lower-density residential areas  including  ground floor commercial with maybe residential on top,” McCool said.

The plan, known as Plan Rooney Valley, outlines the standards for commercial and residential development.  However, this doesn’t just apply to the two counties.  Developers will also have to conform to these standards in order for their plans to be approved.  This is one reason why councilwoman Dana Gutwein voted to approve the plan.  “The sign that you drive in and see is ‘Building an inclusive community,’ and I believe this plan is not a less-bad plan or whatever, I think it’s a good plan.”  Morrison’s mayor Sean Forey shared a similar position.  He found the new plan to be a replacement of “a very bad plan.”

Morrison’s position has been focused on commercial development in their section of the valley.  So, with the amendments and updates, town board member Brewster Caesar began to feel their position was starting to shift.  “If it’s going to be developed I would like to see Lakewood be the one to get the homes, I want the residences in Lakewood,” Caesar said.

A full draft of Plan Rooney Valley can be viewed by anyone looking for more details on Lakewood’s official website.

 

Boulder News: East Edge

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In December of 2016 a team of designers and developers volunteered their time for a technical advisory panel.  The goal of this panel, the Urban Land Institute Colorado (ULI Colorado) was to design a redevelopment plan for the area of East Boulder north of Arapahoe and west of 55th.  This 325 acre space is primarily used as an office park with some small industrial sites as well.  The panel was tasked by the Boulder Chamber and Boulder Area Realtor Association with seeing how this space could be used for more workforce housing. The panel took this request a step further.   They addressed a complete overhaul of the area, rather than just focusing on housing.    Their vision of this new hub of creativity would be called East Edge.  Linked with new transportation options, East Edge would be broken into three districts that mix residential and commercial use.  Existing business would continue being supported and add new ones as well.  The idea being that each of the businesses within each district would be within walking distance.  This more ambitious and extreme plan is not what many current residents had in mind.  A large scale expansion is seen by many as inconsistent their own vision for their neighborhood.  However, there are some potential benefits in this plan worth considering which may influence public opinion.

This panel envisions East Edge as a “creativity hub”.  ULI Colorado hopes to encourage the growth of new jobs here as well as housing, services, and transportation growth. .  They envision transition from an office park to a more multi-use neighborhood.

One challenge to East Edge’s redevelopment plan is in zoning.  The panel suggests that the city allow them to go beyond the current 55ft height limit in place (up to 90ft in some areas).  This would allow for residential and retail services in the same space.  Additionally, office buildings could have shops on the ground level.  Because of the area’s low ground level relative to the rest of Boulder the panel believes the view shed would not be harmed.

Another concern ULI Colorado has for East Edge, and all potential development plans, is flooding.  The entire area is located within a floodplain, and said to be in need of mitigation.  The panel suggests that the Flatiron Golf course be used for mitigation before moving forward.

The top priority of the East Edge plan is to begin by redeveloping the land between Arapahoe and the BNSF rail corridor.  This land would become one of the mixed-use neighborhoods for residential and commercial space with an interior main street.  This would have the advantage of much safer pedestrian and bike traffic.  But this is just one of many steps and details outlined for East Edge.  The entire plan is available for all citizens to see on the better boulder website, and are encouraged to do so.

5 Great March Events in Boulder

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It might be hard to believe March is already here, but with so many events coming up there’s no time to look back.  This month is packed with events for the entire family to enjoy.  Or, if it’s a more mature crowd looking for entertainment, there’s still plenty of choices.  Here’s a breakdown of 5 events that should have something for all audiences.

On March 14th at 7:30pm, the Boulder Bookstore is hosting author Daniel Pinchbeck to speak about his book.  Titled “How Soon is Now?” his book looks at what he calls an ecological mega-crises on Earth.  Actions taken now may determine what kind of world and lives future generations have.  Pinchbeck, a futurist and philosopher, wrote his book as a social guide to avoid this crises.  It covers subjects ranging from agriculture, energy, and ideology.  Vouchers cost just $5, but are also good for $5 off the author’s book or other item bought that day.

The people of Boulder are known for, among many things, their love of supporting fellow locals.  In celebration of that, the Seeds Library Cafe is hosting an event called Dinner On the Bridge.  Providing food from local farmers and artisans, a five course meal is created by some of Boulder’s top chefs.  And, if that wasn’t enough, live music and a complementary cocktail are provided to attendees.  At just $50 per ticket, it’s a steal for the quality of food on offer.

The Five “Mother Sauces” Cooking Class on March 28th will teach what the basis is for all great sauces.  Hosted at the Food Lab from 6-9pm for $79 per person, this class is the perfect first step for learning how to make any classic sauce on your own.  The five mother sauces being taught are Bechamel, Espagnole, Hollandaise, Tomato and Veloute.  Because this class is sauce focused, a proper meal isn’t going to be made.  However, the amount of tasting and snacking is sure to be enough to fill anyone up.

 

Matisyahu’s “Release the Bound Freedom Tour” continues at Boulder Theater March 19th.  The show will feature music from his newly released album, “Release The Bound via Thirty Tigers”.  This long awaited collaboration with The Polish Ambassador and Salt Cathedral, hasn’t been performed live until this month.  His previous songs, such as “King Without A Crown”, have reached the number 1 spot on alternative rock charts.  And, his follow up album was even nominated for a Grammy.  At just $25 a ticket, this all ages show is certain to be the most unique of the month.
The Boulder Dinner Theater Academy is putting on another musical aimed at kids and their families.  This comedic take on Jack and the Beanstalk will be performed from March 16 through the 27th for just $8 a ticket.  The story focuses on a forgetful boy named Jack who sells his family’s cow for beans instead of food.  This drives his mother mad, but all is well when Jack makes friends with a giant.  Teaching morals about unlikely friends and patience, this play brings the audience in to participate in the performance throughout.

 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Ridglea Hills

The scenic and beautiful neighborhood of Ridglea Hills lies up in the hills of East Boulder. The view of the neighborhood is second only to the view of the Flatirons Built as it sits on the hills above Baseline Reservoir.  There is no view quite like overlooking the Baseline Reservoir anywhere else in Boulder.  Ridglea Hills is one of the most unique neighborhoods around with a range of homes from modern designs to proven classics built as early as the 60’s.

Getting Around

Transportation

Ridglea Hills sits in a very comfortable place in terms of transportation.  Placed right between Baseline and Arapahoe with a straight shot to South Boulder, no commute will be a chore.  Baseline is right on the RTD’s bus line which goes to multiple schools on its way into downtown, making it perfect for anyone.

Biking

Baseline’s long stretches of uninterrupted road are a big draw for many road bikers for both transportation and recreation.  There are plenty of dedicated bike trails just a short ride away through the quiet neighborhoods.  Bobolink trail and the Dry Creek trail are just two right in the neighborhood.  Also, being right beside a school zone has made it safe for riders of all ages.

Neighborhood Amenities

Ridglea Hills offers the views and feel of a secluded neighborhood without the downside of being far from all the amenities found in town.  There are an abundance of hiking and biking trails right in the neighborhood offering even more breathtaking views.  The East Boulder Rec Center is just around the corner.  The Baseline Reservoir is right across the street to members for water sports.  The Flatiron Golf course also just down a few block on Arapahoe.

The Ridglea Hills neighborhood offers plenty of shopping choices.  The Meadows Shopping center is just down Baseline with a Safeway, Michael’s, and a handful of places to eat.  Arapahoe offers just as much without going much further.  A few shopping centers just West of 55th offer a handful of good restaurants, bike shop, thrift store, record store, and BDT (formerly Boulder Dinner Theater). But in either case, there’s nothing out of reach of this neighborhood.

 

Ridglea Hills in a Nutshell

Equal parts breathtaking views and great location, Ridglea Hills has it all.  Active individuals will love the proximity to local trails and the Rec Center.  Students will love the bus routes that make trips to school a breeze.  And adults will love how easy it is to get in and out of town for work and play.  Ridglea Hills has all the benefits of living away from a busy city center and none of the downsides.  At its heart, Ridglea Hills a tight community that represents the best of what Boulder has to offer.