Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Gunbarrel

September 29, 2013 by

 

Boulder Neighborhood Guide: Gunbarrel

gunbarrel

Gunbarrel, named after a historic local stagecoach route, is a neighborhood located northeast of Boulder proper and one of the fastest growing parts of the region. With expanding bike paths, rolling hills and affordable housing, Gunbarrel is beginning to look a lot like home for many people.

History: Gunbarrel came about mainly due to IBM. Before that time, Gunbarrel consisted of farmland. But when IBM’s plant was built in Boulder County in 1965, they needed housing for the many executives and employees that they brought in to work at the new facility. What better place to build than right across the road from the company headquarters? With the new development of houses, it was also decided to move the Boulder Country Club to it’s current location in the heart of Gunbarrel. This area is also home to one of the top advertising agencies in the nation, Crispin Porter + Bogusky, which adds to the area’s population.

Housing: There are two different advanced degree programs located in Gunbarrel, the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and the Southwest Acupuncture College. This means that there is no shortage of rental properties, both condos and townhomes, to be found. And because Gunbarrel is a little further from downtown, many of the rental prices you find here will be cheaper than counterparts in Boulder proper. The same holds true for housing sales. The average price for a single-family home in Gunbarrel is mid-$300′s, significantly lower than Boulder proper, and most homes were built in the 1970′s.

Restaurants and Shopping: Gunbarrel is starting to blossom with a variety of retail options. The many non-retail companies that have been relocating there are to thank for this.  In addition to a major grocery store, there’s a sushi place, a deli, and a couple of coffee shops.  And let’s not forget there is a major hotel currently under construction and set to open in early 2014. With the growth of the area, Gunbarrel will be unrecognizable in five years’ time.

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Family & Fitness: Surrounded by Open Spaces, Gunbarrel boasts many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. There is the Boulder Reservoir, right across Diagonal Highway, and home to many events including races, festivals, and leisurely summertime picnics. Hop on a bicycle to hit the trails that head west into Boulder or go to the east, making a path out to Longmont. If that’s not enough activity for you, there’s the golf course or Twin Lakes Open Space to quench your thirst for fitness.

Schools: Heatherwood Elementary, Platt Junior High, Boulder High

Quirks: With a massage school and an acupuncture school located in Gunbarrel, you have all your alternative healing practitioners within walking distance. Additionally, Celestial Seasonings has their tea operations based in Gunbarrel. So if you have a thing for their peppermint room or just can’t get enough of the Zinger blend, then this neighborhood might be your cup of tea.

Major Street Boundaries: Hwy 119 (the Diagonal) on the west, Jay Rd on the south and 75th on the east

Gunbarrel provides the best of both worlds…living close to Boulder without any of the traffic, parking or real estate prices. You get a Boulder zip code without any of the pretense. Some may scoff at the neighborhood but with more and more happening in Gunbarrel, they won’t be laughing for long.

www.YourBoulder.com

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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House Concert this Friday to Benefit Flood Relief

September 19, 2013 by

House Concert this Friday to Benefit Flood Relief

eric schwartz lyons flood relief concert

So, a little bird told me about this super cool house concert going on this Friday in Lafayette to benefit flood relief for the folks of Lyons. The concert is put on by Little Tree Acoustic House Concerts and features the music of Eric Schwartz.

I need to mention that Eric’s concert is for 18+ ONLY (no children, please). Much of his material is edgy and not suitable for younger ears. Want to learn more about Eric? Well, here’s a scoop directly from the event page:

There are perils and perks to growing up listening to Dr. Demento and Dr. Ruth every Sunday night in high school. Eric Schwartz’s razor sharp, adults-mostly, on-the-spot wit combined with his exceptional musicality have made him a stand-out performer when appearing on the Comedy Central Stage (in Sit’n Spin); with comedy masters like Jim Norton, Rich Vos, Bobby Slayton and Jim Florentine on “The Bad Boys of Comedy;” at clubs (The Improv, The Comedy Store, The Ice House), on the radio (Howard Stern 100, NPR’s All Things Considered, Doctor Demento, and Air America), and on the web, where his edgy, political YouTube videos chalk up millions of hits and garner him illicit proposals from all corners of the globe.

Since arriving recently in Los Angeles from NYC, Eric’s talents as a first-rate composer / lyricist have quickly been noticed and employed. He composed the theme song for Harrison On The Edge, a liberal radio talk showin Los Angeles, wrote and performed the theme song, “Alcohol,” for the inaugural episode of “A Pretty Good Show” at the Vanguard in Los Angeles, hosted by Mitch Hurwitz (Arrested Development, Golden Girls), and wrote for Eliza Jane Schneider (South Park, Beakman’s World). Eric’s song “Clinton Got A Blowjob” recently won first prize in the Comedy / Novelty Category in the 2009 International Songwriting Competition.

Event details:

Concert at 7:30PM

Please RSVP for exact address (hey — it’s a house concert)

Want to attend? RSVP to the Facebook event and score your tickets online HERE.

Now, if you can’t make the concert, you can make a donation toflood relief as well. Simply visit this link and from the drop down menu, select one of the options for a “donation to Lyons flood victims.”

 

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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98 Anemone Dr • Boulder, 80302

September 4, 2013 by

98 Anemone Dr • Boulder, 80302

Beautiful new listing!

98 Anemone Dr., Boulder

3 beds, 4 baths, 2628 square feet

Best lot in Seven Hills subdivision. It’s rare to find such an idyllic mountain retreat with its privacy & natural beauty just five minutes to the Pearl Street Mall! Set on a lot with fenced yard area and good usable land, you’ll enjoy the abundant outdoor spaces & marvel at the foothills and city views. Kitchen has granite counters & radiant heated stone floors, all bathed in southern sunlight. Hot water radiant floor heat, over-sized 2 car garage. A unique property in an incredible setting!

Boulder homes for sale

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Brookfield completes state’s 1st Passive House.

August 26, 2013 by

Brookfield completes state’s 1st Passive House.

 

Peter Rusin of the Colorado Energy Office stands in front of the state's first certified Passive House.

Peter Rusin of the Colorado Energy Office stands in front of the state’s first certified Passive House.

The first “Passive House” in Colorado has been officially certified in the Midtown at Clear Creek community in Adams County, a few minutes drive north and northeast of trendy Denver neighborhoods.

The home, constructed by Brookfield Residential, is also believed to the the first in the nation constructed by a production homebuilder.

The super energy-efficient home was built at Brookfield’s Midtown development near West 68th Avenue and Pecos Street. The home, with 2,421 square feet of finished space and an unfinished basement, is priced at $569,990.

The Passive Home is projected to its owner thousands of dollars every year in utility costs, with expenditures of less than $80 per month.

Fewer than 60 homes in the U.S. have received official ‘Passive House’ certification by the Passive House InstituteU.S. .

“It has taken Colorado a long time to reach this milestone, because constructing a building that can actually meet the strict requirements of the Passive House standard and pass the rigorous review of PHIUS is a difficult task, ” said Lance Wright, president of the Colorado chapter of the Passive House Alliance U.S., a  public outreach arm of PHIUS.

“Just consider that our Colorado chapter of PHAUS is over two years old and, while we have several custom home projects under construction, Brookfield managed to complete its project first, ” he said.

A Certified Passive House must meet three strict standards of performance in terms of:

  • Air-exchange (two-way, inside-to-outside), which cannot exceed 0.6 of every room, per hour.
  • Energy usage (basic electricity), which cannot exceed 11.1 kilowatts per square foot annually.
  • And BTU consumption (typically applying to heating and cooling), which cannot exceed 4,750 per square foot annually.

“When we embarked upon this project, we saw it as an opportunity to experiment in technologies that will improve production homes’ comfort, efficiency and durability,” said Brookfield Residential General Manager Perry Cadman.

“We’re committed to a vision that we call ‘Home Evolved,’ which includes an evolution ofresidential housing, with an unwavering search for changes that will result in improvements and, ultimately, perfection in residential building,” Cadman said. “The Passive House is the best example of this commitment and vision.”

The Brookfield Residential Passive House at 1787 W. 67th Ave., achieved its energy efficiency through a creative design of its outer walls, a tight thermal envelope that employs the latest scientific insulation techniques, the highest-performing windows, and the most modern HVAC system.

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Community Cycles: A Boulder Bike Shop with Heart

August 4, 2013 by

Community Cycles: A Boulder Bike Shop with Heart

By  of YOURboulder.com

your boulder community cycles Tucked into a quiet industrial park behind Boulder Beer sits an unassuming little bike shop.

But this little bike shop is unlike the others you find around town. Community Cycles is a non profit bike collective that has been doing good things for the Boulder biking community since 2006.

Not only do they accept donations of old used bikes, but they also use those very bikes to teach the basics of bicycle maintenance. Brilliant, right?

The combination of education, advocacy and community involvement has proved to be a smart one indeed for Community Cycles. They work on a membership and donation system. Once you become a member, you get all the benefits of having your very own bike shop.

In addition to being able to find just the right part, you can use the service bays to fix your bike and rent trailers at no extra charge. And since Community Cycles is located right off the bike path, they often receive “roll-up” donations from riders who have found bicycles abandoned along the path. The bikes that are for sale in the retail area of the shop have all been completely refurbished and perform like new.

With the wide array of workshops, classes and rolling bike clinics, there’s no reason not to jump in and get involved. Learning the fundamentals of fixing your own bike is highly recommended, especially if you’re riding it regularly and don’t want to spend a ton of money on service work.

From the beginner to the more advanced rider, Community Cycles offers education for all levels. On August 3rd, Community Cycles is offering a Saturday workshop introducing women to the basics of bike commuting. And if you’re just interested in meeting other riders, there are social rides and film nights on the schedule.

According to Dax, the sales & service manager at the shop, the only challenge that Community Cycles has encountered recently is that of a rainy nature. “We have strong community support and people know who we are. Even with the slow start to the cycling season, it’s been a pretty successful year so far. Honestly, the weather has been our biggest adversary.”

Community Cycles is always on the lookout for new members and volunteers. They’re also currently hiring for a few part-time bike mechanics. If you ride a bicycle and you care about supporting others doing the same locally, then be sure to take a closer look at Community Cycles.

 

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Will good news in Case Shiller continue?

July 24, 2013 by

Will good news in Case Shiller continue?

The S&P/Case Shiller numbers came out on June 25 and it’s no surprise that it shows the real estate marketrecovering nicely around Denver and the nation.

The Case Shiller Index is a leading indicator used to measure the value of residential real estate on a monthly or quarterly basis using a specific methodology of “repeat sales comparables.”

The data shows that home prices across the nation rose by 12 percent from April of last year to April of this year.

In Denver, prices rose by 9.91 percent from last year.

Most experts predicted that the nation would see a 10.6 percent increase, so the actual numbers beat the estimates.

For those of us with boots on the ground, again, this is no surprise.

The question on everyone’s mind is — will this last?

Buyers enjoyed all the leverage in the market from 2008 to March 2011.

It started swinging in favor of sellers in April of 2011 and so for the past 27 months, sellers have had the upper hand.

I think that sellers could be in the driver’s seats for another 18 to 24 months unless interest rates continue to climb.

In case you haven’t noticed over the last 60 to 90 days, interest rates have gone from 3.5 percent to 4.3 percent on a 30-year fixed. For a buyer purchasing a $300,000 dollar home, that monthly mortgage just went up by about $140 per month,

I know that everyone pays a lot of attention to rising home prices, but rising interests rates will cost you more in the long run every time.

If you are a buyer and have been hesitant on when to buy, don’t wait any longer.

Rising interest rates and rising home prices are a double whammy. That $300,000 dollar home will be $325,000 before you know it, and the interest rate may even be 5 percent.

 

By Dan Polimino

Special to InsideRealEstateNews.com

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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Boulder Arts & Culture

July 12, 2013 by

Boulder Arts & Culture

To receive an accolade for the 6th Best Art Town in the Country you must have an extensive and developed art scene, and that’s just what Boulder has to offer.  Recognized for its dedication to the Arts, Boulder gives its citizens and visitors plenty to stimulate their minds.

A great way to start your day off is to grab a coffee at the Laughing Goat Coffee House (1709 Pearl St. 303.440.4628).  Since it’s still early, relax with your cup of coffee while you take a peek at the local art work.  This artisan coffeehouse and gallery also features community performances in the evening hours, so if you can, stop back for poetry readings and acoustic music.

After you catch your morning buzz, head south to the campus of Naropa Institute (2130 Arapahoe Ave. 303.444.0202).  This liberal arts university is one of the few major accredited Buddhist-inspired universities in North America.  Sit on the campus lawn where once Beat Generation poets Allen Ginsberg and Anne Waldman discussed ideas on finding Naropa’s Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics.

Head west from Naropa University to the Dushanbe Teahouse (1770 13th St. 303.442.4993) which is another example of Asian influence in Boulder.  This beautiful Central Asian teahouse was given to the city of Boulder by their sister city Dushanbe, Tajikistan.  Be sure to notice the intricately carved cedar columns and colorfully painted ceiling while you sip a spicy chai.

When you have finished admiring the art and enjoying your cup of tea, wander next door to the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (1750 13th St. 303.443.2122).  BMoCA is dedicated to the presentation of dynamic art of our time through the means of local and regional talents.  Beyond the museum’s exhibits, BMoCA also holds educational classes and monthly evening events.

An active morning of touring probably has given you a fierce appetite.  A great way to satisfy an afternoon hunger is to grab a French-inspired lunch at Brasserie Ten Ten (1011 Walnut St. 303.998.1010).  The restaurant’s menu offers up a variety of specialty dishes such as their duck confit and Edward Island mussels.  There’s not a better way to add to your fantastic meal than by choosing a glass of wine from their extensive wine list (catch happy hour between 3 and 6).

After you wrap up your lunch, it’s time to visit a few galleries.  Boulder is home to hundreds of artists and finding their work in this town is not difficult.  You can spend all day perusing galleries so get going!  A great way to visit a lot of Boulder’s galleries is to start at 11th and Pearl St. and head east.  Look out for Smith Klein(1116 Pearl St. 303.444.7200), Art Mart (1222 Pearl St. 303.443.7407), Boulder Arts & Crafts (1421 Pearl St. 303.443.3683), Middle Fish (1500 Pearl St. 303.443.0835),Art & Soul (1615 Pearl St. 303.544.5803), and Mary Williams Fine Art (2116 Pearl St. 303.938.1588).

When your gallery tour is complete, it’s time to reenergize before you hit the town. So why not receive a relaxing Aromatherapy Massage or a soothing seaweed body wrap at Essentials Spa (2660 Canyon Blvd. 303.440.0711).   This full service spa can remedy your aches and blemishes from head to toe.

After you’ve spruced up for the evening hours make your way to the 29th Street Mallto Laudisio (1710 29th St. 303.442.1300).  At Laudisio’s you will enjoy an authentic Italian meal in an airy contemporary dining room.   If you have a large party, be sure to reserve the private dining room which offers fabulous views of CU’s flagstone campus and the flatiron mountains.

If you would like to finish off the night with a little live entertainment, check the schedule for The Dairy Center for the Arts (2590 Walnut St. 303.440.7826).  This venue holds a wide variety of programming covering many genres in music, dance, theater, and workshops.

When the doors let out it’s time to finish off the evening with a night cap at The Kitchen Upstairs (1039 Pearl St. 303.544.5973).  This casual urban wine lounge has a great ambiance for you to enjoy a cocktail and chat about your artsy day spent in Boulder.

READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE HERE

 

 

 

John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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July Economic Snapshot

July 10, 2013 by

July Economic Snapshot

A look at the current real estate market; provided by RE/ MAX ALLIANCE

July/2013

snapshot-camera

 

Over the course of the past eighteen months the Boulder Valley real estate market can be characterized as one of demand exceeding supply. Spawned by low mortgage interest rates and improved economic conditions, the Boulder Valley real estate market has flourished. The direct result of that is an increase in home values. All geographic segments of the marketplace have benefitted, with the core area of Boulder and those outlying areas closest to Boulder showing the most improvement.

Below is a brief overview of the housing market in our area by locale for single family homes from IRES (the Northern Colorado MLS).

2012 (Thru June)          2013 (Thru June)      

                Area                 Average Sales Price      Average Sales Price     % Change

Boulder                        $666,232                     $749,116                     +12.44%

Superior                       $410,166                     $469,584                     +14.48%

Louisville                     $421,352                     $504,165                     +19.65%

Lafayette                      $399,302                     $423,943                     +6.17%

Longmont                     $255,818                     $280,923                     +9.81%

Suburban Plains           $546,327                     $571,726                     +4.64%

Suburban Mountains    $394,289                     $427,505                     +8.42%

Broomfield                   $357,499                     $391,432                     +9.49%

=======                     =======                     =======

 Average …               $442,418                     $476,568                     +7.71%             

 

As the economy has shown signs of stabilization, home mortgage interest rates have trended up slightly over the past sixty days. The traditional thirty-year fixed rate loan that could be had for under 4%, now resides closer to 4.5%. All indications are that mortgage rates will continue to hover around that mark for the foreseeable future.

Sales activity for single family homes and attached units across Boulder County continues to outpace 2012 numbers through June of each year. Single family home sales are up 6.43%; attached unit sales are up 15.23%; and the cumulative market is up 8.71%. The Absorption Rate for single family homes across Boulder County is at 144 days through June/2013. That number was 182 days in June/2012. The inventory level of available single family homes in Boulder County crept up 5.20% in June/2013 vs. May/2013 (1,355 vs. 1,288).

Faced with the dog days of summer, the Boulder Valley real estate market is experiencing continued improvement in sales activity over 2012, an increase in home values, an upturn in home mortgage interest rates, and fewer days on the market. With the possible exception of the somewhat higher mortgage interest rates, the Boulder Valley real estate market is healthy. Look for another upward push in sales activity before we drift into fall, when buyers and sellers typically begin the process of settling in for the start of the school year and the holiday season. This year may be a little different with continued pent up demand potentially fostering a more dynamic fall selling season.

 

John Marcotte

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NW Denver apartment tower bought

June 30, 2013 by

NW Denver apartment tower bought

A private developer has purchased the Eden Manor Senior Living high-rise apartment building in northwest Denver, which has served as affordable housing in a “Christian” atmosphere for more than 50 years.

Eden Manor has a new owner and a new name.

Eden Manor has a new owner and a new name.

Records show that 1620 Grant St. LLC paid $9.313 million to Eden Manor Management Corp. for the 13-story, 117-unit building at 3405 W. 32nd Ave. in West Highland. The building opened in 1962, according to records. It has been renamed as Julian32 at Highland Square.

Mark Nealon, principal of the group that purchased it, on Friday afternoon said that it is his goal to transition it to a market-rate building, while still providing housing to the existing residents.

“Basically, the Beth Eden (Baptist) church provided housing for congregation and friends and family members and we will continue to provide housing for existing residents during a transition period,” Nealon said.

“We actually worked out an agreement accommodating the current residents living in the building. That was very important to the church and very important to our investors,” he said.

“As they become available, the units will be converted into market rate units.”

The majority of the units are occupied by seniors 55 years or older who have ties to the church.

Cornerstone Apartment Services, which is managing the building, lists only nine units available on its website. Monthly rents start at $875 for a 540-square-foot unit to $1,800 for one 1,032-square-foot units.

“I think most of the units are in the $1,000 to $1,200 range, with an outlier here and there above that,” Nealon said.

Current below-market rents range from $426 to $648 a month, according to Eden Manor’s webpage.

Nealon said he doesn’t know how long it will take for most of the units to be converted into market-rate units.

“It is kind of hard to know that,” he said. “We consider this a long-term investment. We have this long-term investment horizon, so we aren’t giving a lot of thought when it will be completely changing over to market-rate units.”

The building has played a role in the context of the zoning dispute in Denver District Court regarding the nearby properties where RedPeak Properties wants to build three, luxury housing communities, two of which would have five stories and one four-story building.

 

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John Marcotte

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Beer and Beatles on June 29 at Boulder Beer Company

June 28, 2013 by

Beer and Beatles on June 29 at Boulder Beer Company

boulder live music doctor roberts boulder beer

Photo Credit: Xavier Fane Photography

On Saturday, June 29, you’ll want to hop on your bike and roll yourself over toBoulder Beer Company. Why? Well, Doctor Roberts, The Beatles Tribute will be on their patio (and for free!) from 5 to 9PM.

Boulder Beer is home to great brew and burgers, but whodathunk that you could add another B to that already delicious mix? Doctor Roberts hails from Crested Butte and brings the music of The Beatles with them. If you want to sample the tunes before you head over to sample the brew on the 29th, stop by their website.

There’s an extensive library of streaming tunes — you can get your Beatles on at the office or over a pre-concert cocktail. And — if you’re a Beatles purist like me, you’re in for a treat. You’re not going to find any bastardized and nearly unrecognizable renditions of classic Beatles tunes — this is one tribute band that sticks to the letter of The Beatles law while keeping it lively.

Saturday, June 29
5 to 7PM
Boulder Beer Company
2880 Wilderness Pl, Boulder, CO ‎

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John Marcotte

720-771-9401

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