Tag Archives: Boulder

January Events

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new-year

Why not make your 2017 resolution to enjoy more of the events Boulder has to offer.  January is shaping up to be a great month to make your resolution a reality. Let’s take a look at some events kicking off 2017.

Boulder Theater: Jan 26th Chevelle

The alternative rock group Chevelle will be performing at the Boulder Theater.  Chavelle has nearly 2 decades of experience and a newly released album.  Opening for the band is Black Map and Dinosaur Pile Up.  The event is for all ages, but kids 15 and under will need a parent with them.  The tickets are tightly priced at $27.50-$30 and are sure to sell out fast.

Boulder Bookstore: January 12, 7:30PM – Adrienne Russell

Adrienne Russell will appear at the Boulder Bookstore on January 12th to speak about her new book, titled “Journalism as Activism.”  The book explores the important aspects of journalism and how it is changing in the modern age.  “Journalism as Activism” delves into the effects of digital journalism as a means to cover issues.  Adrienne Russel will sign books after the appearance.  The voucher to attend is $5 and good for $5 off the book price or any other item the day of the event.

Puzzah! at the Flatiron Mall: All January Long – Escape Room

Escape rooms have been growing in popularity for the past few years all across the country.  A unique puzzle experience where groups of 2-6 must solve puzzles as a team in 60 minutes.  Puzzah! Is a Colorado based company creating unique puzzle rooms for teams to solve.  All through January they are running the Specimen rooms, based on escaping an alien ship.  At $25 per person, it is a great afternoon with friends and family for a fun team building experience like no other.  In addition, there are 2 escape rooms in Boulder if you’d prefer to stay in Boulder.

Jester Dinner Theature: Every Thursday, Friday, & Sunday in January – Seussical

A collection of Dr. Seuss’s most loved characters come together in this original musical.  A young child, Jojo, brings all these characters together in a lighthearted musical.  Familiar characters such as The Cat in the Hat, Horton, and the Whos are just a few of Seuss’ creations to appear.  The music spans a wide range of genres, from Pop, to Latin and Funk.  All the charm of the original stories make this a great show for all ages.  The show will play at the Jester Theatre every Thursday, Friday, and Sunday in January.  Tickets range from just $7.50-$15 so there’s no reason to miss this great family outing.

 

Boulder News: Redevelopment at Eastpointe Apartments

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apartment

Early in November, Boulder City Council encouraged developers to offer diverse housing at Eastpointe.  The aging apartment complex in East Boulder was owned by an ambivalent landlord who kept rental rates reasonable.  In December 2014, the property was purchased by Aimco, a Denver based company that is one of the largest owners and operators of apartment communities in the US.  Aimco wishes to redevelop the site, but must abide by the City Council’s goals for affordable housing.

In early September the City Council called for the plans to be reviewed during concept phase even though they could not deny the project during this phase.  They are only able to offer suggestions consistent with their goals.  “We can’t prevent property owners from redeveloping,” Mayor Suzanne Jones said, “but I do think we can try to have it done as sensitively as possible.”

The Eastpointe proposal seems to meet City Council’s affordable housing and increased dwelling density goals.  Cash in lieu for affordable housing and an increase in dwelling count from 140 units to 233 help further the Council’s goals.  The current parking would be moved underground to leave room for additional green space in the complex.

All these changes will have an impact on those living in Eastpointe as rents are expected to dramatically increase.  Residents have spoken out about this increase, concerned about their ability to afford continuing to live there.  Another concern is the focus on smaller units which will exclude many families.

“I’m very concerned about the loss of two-bedroom units and the lack of much idea of where those people who right now are occupying those two-bedroom units are supposed to go,” Councilwoman Lisa Morzel said to Aimco representatives. “I would ask that you consider the current residents and really look for what we’re looking for, which is housing that meets more than one person’s needs.”

Aimco Senior Vice President Patti Shwayder stated that it was not likely they would be able to provide low-income housing on the new site.  Aimco claims to offer help relocating any residents to the best of their ability.  “We’re not a fix-and-flipper,” she said. “We like to be a part of the community.   This is great housing where it should be.  We’re replacing aging and really inefficient buildings that will come down at some point … with a brand new community that will be sustainable and last for a long time.”

 

 

Boulder Community Hospital Expansion

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crane

The Boulder Community Hospital (BCH) at Foothills will be getting a major expansion very soon. Early in October the City Planning Board approved Boulder Community Health’s plan. This expansion will add new facilities just east of the current campus in the Riverbend office park.

The plans are for two major structures to be constructed during the expansion. The first will be a 76,000 square foot medical building. This building will be used for services such as inpatient and outpatient behavioral health, as well as inpatient rehabilitation. Once the expansion is complete, they will begin providing inpatient care first. Only when that is complete will outpatient care will be provided. At the current time, both of these services are done out of the hospital’s Broadway campus. With this transfer of service location, the city will assume ownership of the Broadway campus by the end of 2017. The second major expansion will be a new parking structure according to the plan. The five story parking garage, able to hold close to 500 vehicles, is a direct response to a shortcoming reported by current hospital officials. The garage is designed for possible future.

This expansion is just one part of a 10 year improvement plan BCH. David Ghent, the CEO of BCH, stated that they “ developed a 10-year action plan of operational improvements and changes that are designed to keep BCH the premier provider of health care services in Boulder County.” The expansion project will help accomplish this by consolidating medical services and create newer facilities.

Commenting on the expansion in its entirety, the board chairman John Gerstle and his colleagues said it is a project they are “very supportive” of. “I think for (BCH), it’s quite clear there’s insufficient parking presently available in the new hospital area there, and this will deal with that issue,” Gerstle said, “and the building which will contain…the facilities presently in the old  hospital on Broadway — they need a place to move to once the city takes over. This will be where they wind up, which is an efficiency location, given the nearness to the other hospital facilities and emergency room. So I think people recognize that this makes sense.”

Being a non-profit facility, BCH plans to pay for this expansion in a few ways. The first will be through existing savings, and fundraising. Another source of funding is through issuing bonds. Its A-ranking as a non-profit makes these bonds very appealing to investors.

November Events

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parade

Boulder’s events this coming November are sure have something to please everyone.  From music, sports gatherings, book talks, and family painting, there’s no reason not to go out and enjoy Boulder.

Pearl Street Stampede- November 18th

Every Friday night before a CU Buff Football home game is kicked off by the Pearl Street Stampede. Over the last 10 years Pearl Street has been filled with fans decorated in Buffs gear to watch the Golden Buffalo Marching Band perform across the mall. Members of the football team, and the coaching staff, also appear at the event to cheer and celebrate with all the fans.  The Stampede is a culmination of the University, Downtown Boulder, local businesses, and fans coming together to celebrate the team.

Family Day Paint “Campfire”- November 20th and 27th

If you’re looking for an activity the entire family can enjoy together, why not give the Family Day Paint a try.  Hosted at Poshsplat on the 20th and 27th from 2-4pm, families are given instruction by a local artist on how to create your own works of art.  The cost is $30 per adult and $10 per child and here’s no experience, materials, or cleanup required.

Warren Miller Film- November 10-13th

The Boulder Theater is giving local winter sport fans 4 chances to see Warren Miller’s newest film “Here There & Everywhere”.  Miller captures many professional skiers hitting breathtaking slopes across Alaska, Montana, Greenland, Switzerland, and more.  This is an event for all ages, with tickets going for $22.50 on the day, but cheaper if bought in advance or for groups.  Ticket holders will also receive a coupon for the skiing that the film is sure to inspire. This includes a 2-1 lift ticket to Crested Butte, Monarch, and Loveland.

The Fray and American Authors- November 25th

Double platinum local rock artist The Fray is having a homecoming at The Fox on November 25th. Sharing the stage with American Authors, this is set to be one of the biggest events of the month.  Tickets start at $70 for general admission.  They will also be playing in Broomfield the 27th with lower ticker prices available.

Leonard David Book talk- November 16th

Leonard David will be speaking about his book Mars: Our Future on the Red Planet at the Boulder Bookstore this November 16th at 7:30pm.  The book is a companion work to an upcoming National Geographic series.   That series will examine the possibilities of what it will be like sending the first humans to mars.  Leonard’s book discusses the science of the mission and all the difficulties standing between us and the red planet.  Vouchers for the event cost $5 andare good for either $5 off the featured book or a the day of the event.

How a shortage of appraisers is effecting the Denver home market

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sale-pending

Those looking to buy or sell a home soon should be aware of the trends in the Denver and Boulder markets.  Homes are being bought and sold, but completing a sale is taking longer.   The reason for this change, according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors (DMAR), is a widespread shortage of appraisers.  The chairman of DMAR, Anthony Rael explained these delays “as a direct result of an appraiser shortage we’ve been talking about the past several months.”

One major concern of the appraiser shortage is the exorbitant costs  the limited pool of appraisers are charging buyers.  In many cases buyers were required to pay over $1,000 to get appraised.  In Anthony Rael’s report he cited an instance where one buyer had to pay $3,000 because appraisers were so overbooked. This was a rare case in which the seller was in a pinch to get appraised before deadlines.  It is a good example of how costly the shortage can be.  The other concern is the risk to the contract as buyers usually incur transaction costs in advance of the appraisal.  Failure to perform appraisal by the deadline is one of the few ways sellers can terminate a contract to buy/sell real estate.

The effects go even further than just monetary costs.  The time it took for homes to be purchased with a conventional loan increased over 10% to 43 days.  The time it takes to purchase with a Veteran Administration (VA) loans, which went up over 25% to 49 days.  Cash transactions saw almost no change at all from the previous year.

Whether looking to buy or sell, the lack of available appraisers is likely to draw out the time it will take to close a sale.

 

Neighborhood Spotlight: Keewayden

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Nestled in the Southeast corner of Boulder Colorado is the quaint neighborhood of Keewayden.  Placed between Baseline and South Boulder road, Keewayden has the advantage of easy access to downtown and major highways, but also has so many amenities that are just a quick walk or bike ride away.  The eclectic homes found in Keewayden were built between 1965 and 1978, giving the neighborhood a diverse and appealing image.  Most homes offer personal views of the majestic flatirons to the west that Boulder is known for.

Getting Around
Bike Trails

The South Boulder Creek trail and the trails that branch off offer more than just a view of nature.  Right in Keewayden’s backyard, this trail is perfect for walks and bike rides both long and short.  Along the way, trails conveniently pass the East Boulder Rec Center (EBRC) which offers a wide range of amenities.  Trails within Keewayden also connect to Keewayden Meadows Park, the EBRC off-leash dog park, Manhattan Middle School, and open space.

Transportation

RTD offers a bus to Fairview and down Baseline and Broadway into downtown Boulder in quick reliable fashion.  For trips that require a car, Baseline, South Boulder Road/Table Mesa, Foothills Parkway, & US-36 are in the neighborhood.  Between these major roads & highways, Boulder and surrounding areas are conveniently accessible.

Neighborhood Amenities

The EBRC offers an indoor pool, full gym, climbing wall, tennis courts, fitness classes, and much more.  The EBRC is a great asset for the many neighborhood families during summer including many school age camps.  Manhattan Middle School is in the heart of Keewayden and Fairview High School is nearby.

It isn’t just schools and the EBRC that living in Keewayden grants easy access too.  The Meadows shopping area is walking distance over the Foothills Parkway pedestrian overpass.  Here you will find just about everything you need from Safeway, salons, Michaels, Rite Aide, the locally owned Art Cleaners, and much more.  The Meadows branch of the Boulder Public Library also finds its home within this cozy shopping center for readers of all ages.  Getting the morning coffee and breakfast is also just a quick walk away at Colorado’s own Big Daddy Bagels, and for an afternoon treat there’s Glacier Ice cream, also locally owned and operated, just across the parking lot.

Keewayden in a Nutshell

Keewayden is a longstanding neighborhood in Boulder that has been home to many families for years.  It has all the necessities one could need within arm’s reach, but without the crowded nature of living downtown.  Outdoor enthusiasts love the trails and rec center, yet getting downtown is easy by bike, bus, or car.  Keewayden is one of the best examples of how living in East Boulder can cater to people of all lifestyles.

Boulder Events in October 2016

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art

October is always a moth filled with unique events in and around Boulder, and this year is no exception.  Here are just a few ideas for those looking to get out and do something unique this month.

City Events: A visual trip through Boulder’s history

For hundreds of years Boulder has been the inspiration to countless artists.  These visual artists have left a history of work that inspired the History of Visual Arts event to begin featuring these works as a means of storytelling and history.  Over 300 local artists’ work spanning the past 121 years will be on display all the way through January 15th, with work on display ranging from famous artists to unknown and even children.  The event is split into 50 smaller features, including 18 galleries, film screenings, and panels throughout Boulder and Longmont.  Every event is free and open to the public, so there’s no reason to miss any of the events that peak your interest.

 

Music: Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra: Opening Night, Cold War Kids, Cake

October is shaping up to be a great month for anyone looking to go out for night of live music.  For the orchestra fans out there, the Boulder Philharmonic Orchestra’s opening night is happening on October 8th at 7:30 pm in Macky Auditorium on CU campus.  Tickets for the event range from $13-$35, and promises to bring classical music back into relevancy.  For those who are looking for a more modern show, the Cold War Kids playing at the Boulder Theater on October 10th is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for all fans of indie rock.  Tickets are still available for $25 if you purchase in advance, or $27 on the day of the event.  Cold War Kids are just a few days behind CAKE, also at the Boulder Theater, on the 14th and 15th.  (SOLD OUT)

Talks: The Nobel Lecture Series Fall 2016

Once again the Boulder Bookstore and University of Colorado at Boulder are hosting their annual Nobel Lecture Series.  The first event of the season is set to focus on the 1994 Nobel Prize for literature winner Kenzaburō Ōe.  Ōe’s short stories, novels, and essays have made him a very important figure in the contemporary literary scene in Japan.  His works often examine philosophical, social, and political issues through the unique lens of his culture.  His ideas on nuclear power and social non-conformism are particularly applicable to current issues in the world.  The event will be hosted by Assistant Professor David Atherton from the department of Asian languages and civilizations at CU Boulder on October 10th at 7pm in the Boulder Bookstore.  The event is free and open for everyone.

 

Film: Halloween screening of Rocky Horror Picture Show

What better way to celebrate Halloween night than with a live performance of the now not so cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Boulder theater.  The event is being put on by Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient, or CEI for short, who are the premier shadow cast of the Rocky Horror Picture show.  Starting their performances in 2000, CEI is a group recognized on a national scale and even hold the world record for the largest live Rocky showing at over 8,000 people.  The show is open for all ages at a $5 ticket price with doors opening at 7pm and the show starting at 8, so why not get in costume, toast some bread, bring a newspaper, and enjoy the show.

Boulder Farmland Sale to Longmont

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farmland

One of the most important aspects of Boulder Colorado is the greenbelt surrounding it.  This ring of protected nature keeps Boulder from growing too large, and allows easy and convenient access to nature that has enamored residents and visitors alike.  For these reasons it may seem concerning to hear that Boulder County commissioners have already given the go ahead to sell 129 acres of farmland to Longmont for over $2.1 million, but the details should put a lot of those worries to rest.

The 129 acres to be sold is located southwest of Colorado 66 and East County Line Road.  This area is largely comprised of the area known as Montgomery Farm, and a smaller section just north of Jim Hamm Nature area.  Another 72 acre plot of land owned by Trice property is also being considered as a future site Longmont would acquire.

The plans Longmont has set out for this land state that the 80 acres of Montgomery Farm would be used as the future site of a new community park.  The 49 acres north of the Jim Hamm Nature area are to be left undeveloped, and may even continue to be used for agricultural purposes.  Longmont’s development plans already have a plan for the Trice property as well.  Under the city’s comprehensive plan, it will be another possible site for a community park.

This farmland sale to Longmont was reviewed ear in September 2016 during a county commissioners’ meeting.  Janis Whisman, Longmont County’s Parks and Open Space real estate manager, along with commissioners Elise Jones, Deb Gardner, and Cindy Domenico approved Boulder County staff to move forward with the transaction.  However, it is still dependent on whether or not Boulder County receives a federal grant that would cover half the cost of the conservation easement purchase.  “Pending the time it takes to find out whether such a grant has been awarded, Boulder County would have a one-year option for the $2,703,335 conservation-easement purchase,” Janis Whisman said at the conclusion of the meeting.

Should that conservation-easement come through, it would serve to protect a gap in county-owned farmlands or cover private farmlands north of the highway in conservation easements.

According to Whisman, the city of Longmont still needs to accept the proposal to purchase the Montgomery farmland from Boulder.  If they decide to finalize the purchase as it appears now, Longmont would have 5 years to complete the $2,128,901 purchase.  While it looks like it will be some time before any noticeable change occurs, there doesn’t seem to be any reason for citizens of Boulder to fear losing ownership of this farmland.

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.