Tag Archives: Boulder Colorado

Neighborhood Spotlight: Frasier Meadows

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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.

 

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

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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.

February Events

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February may be a short month, but is not short on Boulder events.   Valentine’s day is not dominating this month, though any of these events would make a great date night.  Here’s a look at just four events this February has in store for Boulder.

Boulder Bookstore: February 10th, 7:30pm-Laird Hunt and Eleni Sikelianos

Authors Laird Hunt and Eleni Sikelianos will be speaking about, and doing signings, for their new books.  “The Evening Road” by Laird Hunt, is the story of two women on the run through Jim Crow-era Indiana.  The two travel a violence and hate filled America in search of a new life and escape their pasts.  “Make yourself Happy” by Eleni Sikelianos offers an answer for one of the greatest questions: How to live.  This unique book has both text and images sprawled out across the pages in a fresh take on mimicking ideas.  “Humanity, happiness, and the survival of the biosphere spin each section forward, species are wiped out, yet the poem endures.”  Vouchers are $5, and good for $5 off the author’s book or any purchase made that day.

Boulder Public Library: February 12th, 3:15pm- The Boulder Choral

The Boulder Public Library is hosting this all ages event showcasing the Boulder Choral. As part of their concert series, this free event will be an afternoon of live choral music by local performers.  Everyone can come enjoy these beautiful sounds at the Library’s Canyon Theater  with no reservations or tickets required.

Mountain Sun: February 19th, 10pm-1am- Hello, Dollface

If you’re looking for a more instrumental live music experience, Mountain Sun has you covered.  Hello, Dollface, a 2-10 piece band, will be playing live all night.  Their style embraces the energy and soulful nature of music rather than being perfectly precise.  The event is free to enter, but drinks and food are available.  This event is for those 21 and up.

POSHsplt: February 25th, 9-11am- Kid’s Saturday Morning Art Exploration

For those under 21, there’s still plenty of fun to be had.  This event is designed to allow kids a chance to be fully creative.  Participants are encouraged to use all types of materials to create works of art. while working together and independently.  Each group is hosted by an art therapist to make sure everyone is having fun.  Kids will be given as much assistance and support as they need to make something all their own.  With clay, beads, paint, and much more at their fingertips, imaginations can run wild.  At $20 per child, this weekly event is great for inspiring creativity.

Boulder News: Envisioning East Arapahoe

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Envisioning East Arapahoe has found its way back to the city’s agenda after being shelved for two years.  Three main scenarios were created considering different goals and predictions of how the neighborhood will look in the future.

Scenario A is termed “Current Trends.”  This scenario assumes East Arapahoe will continue having small industry, with few opportunities for new office or retail space.  Additional residential buildings would be less likely to be built.  In short, scenario A plans for the least change to our neighborhood.

Scenario B is termed “Districts.”  Walnut East would extend to meet 48th St north Boulder Community Hospital with more medical related offices and possibly retail.  The area below Gerald Stazio ballfields would become “Recycling Row”.  Significant street alterations on Arapahoe including new intersections are planned to increase commuter throughput.  The Arapahoe alterations aim to facilitate transportation modalities.

Scenario C is termed “Housing Choices.”  Affordable housing is planned for between 55th & 63rd on Arapahoe.  New housing would be built within a 15 minute walk from nearby shops and places of work.  The BDT and surrounding grounds would become part of an “Art Center.”  This plan includes the highest level of street alterations.  New parks, community gardens, and public spaces are all planned for scenarios B & C.

The Transportation Plan is another aspect of the Envision East Arapahoe plan. This long term plan aims to increase all types of transportation on Arapahoe.  The plan supports the Boulder’s Transportation Master Plan and the increasing number of commuters from Boulder’s supporting communities.

These plans are likely the most impactful Boulder City intervention in our neighborhood in a long time.  Public meetings for these plans have not been set for the Envinsion East Arapahoe, so stay tuned.   The city has yet to confirm any details on Envision East Arapahoe plan, but there is a public meeting for the Transportation Plan on February 2, 2017.  The previous meeting was on December 5th.  Those who want to have their voices heard on these matters can contact Adam at adam@krollre.com to receive more details as they are available.

 

Second Annual Boulder Green Home Tour

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It’s no secret that Boulder Colorado is home to some of the most environmentally friendly people in the country.  It is because of this high level of awareness and concern for our planet that the Boulder Green Home Tour is able to host their second year of annual self-guided tours of the most innovative green housing currently available.  This tour, hosted on September 24th, gives any ticket holder an opportunity to see many of these new energy efficient homes, ranging from traditional styles to multi-family projects.  All of these homes are selected not only because of their low impact on the environment, but also to demonstrate how homes built with energy efficient materials that utilize renewable energy can still be beautiful places to live.

One of the many allures of the tour is its self guided nature, meaning that attendees are free to choose which order they see the homes in, and how much time they want to spend in each one between the hours of 10am and 4pm.  This is an event you will want to see in person, because no interior photographs are allowed out of respect for the home’s owners.  There are expected to be 10-15 homes available for touring on the 24th.  After which there will not be another opportunity to see them again until next year.

The inspiration for the Boulder Green Home Tour was to bring together members of the community, architects, contractors, and vendors in an open dialog of new ideas and possibilities for future green homes.  To further facilitate these discussions and learning possibilities, the Boulder Green Home Tour also offers an evening of presentations the day before the tour begins as a free bonus to those who purchased tickets for the tour.  This year includes presentations on Green Building 101, Net Zero, and Passive House.  This smaller, more intimate, evening gives the public a rare opportunity to have in depth discussions with architects and contractors.  To not exclude those who are unable to attend this pre-event, there is also an open after party for all ticket holders.  This gives the attendees another chance to speak with members of the industry, as well as vote on which home will receive the People’s Choice Award.

In 2015, the first year the tour was held, over 450 visitors came to tour the 11 environmentally friendly homes on display.  All the work and effort done by Boulder Green Home to create such a successful first event paid off by bringing them more attention from sponsors and the public for the second annual tour.  For 2016 they are expecting anywhere between 200 and 500 attendees.  10% of every $15 dollar ticket sold will be donated to Flatirons Habitat for Humanity to further their projects in the Boulder community.

If you have any questions about Boulder Green Homes or real estate, please contact Adam Kroll.