Today marks the last weekday of the first-ever World Green Building Week, a week celebrating the potential and promise of green building in all its glory. So it was more than appropriate that we got word recently that 84% of all waste generated on a home at Blue Vista was recycled.

Why does this statistic matter? Because the more builders can do to keep the environment in mind, the better.

Traditional buildings consume a whopping 40% of the nation’s energy, create nearly 40% of the country’s carbon emissions, and constitute 40% of the waste stream of the entire United States combined every year. In contrast, green buildings can help reduce that impact while delivering homes that are healthy to live in, valuable to invest in, and great for the Earth at large.

Green homes make dollars and sense, and we’re proud to add “green” to our list of the invaluable features that make Boulder Creek communities the perfect mix of life and home. Happy World Green Building Week!

The Kingsbridge Townhomes in Longmont aren’t just notable for their location and incomparable amenities…the already-strong sales office has recently been enhanced by veteran sales team member Bill Besher.  We asked Bill for more information about his past in sales and what makes Kingsbridge the perfect intersection of life and home:

Boulder Creek Life and Home:  Bill, tell us about your background in sales.

Bill Besher:  I have been doing sales and sales training for years, both in outside and interior sales.  I found this industry about six years ago and have been selling new homes ever since.  When I helped sell out another project at Boulder Creek Life and Home, I was asked to move on to Kingsbridge…and it’s been a really wonderful project so far.

BC:  So what makes Kingsbridge unique?

BB:  First of all, our buyers are extremely diverse.  The property is a great fit for anyone from a first-time buyer to those who are ready to simplify their lives and be near some great amenities.
BC:  What’s most exciting about the Kingsbridge Townhomes to visitors?

BB:  People get really thrilled about the green building techniques Boulder Creek uses to increase efficiency and reduce waste.  They also get excited about the quality of the homes, especially compared to other new construction in the area.  Their choices in West Longmont are often limited to older, less efficient homes with no opportunities for personalization.  We offer a great alternative, with proximity to Boulder and everything Longmont has to offer.

BC:  Speaking of the area, what amenities are available nearby?

BB:  Kingsbridge Townhomes are located in a quiet area that’s still within a mile of shopping and restaurants.  Even better, there are some amazing recreational opportunities right nearby.  Trails, hiking, tourist activities, skiing…it’s all within reach.

BC:  What’s your favorite feature of the Kingsbridge Townhomes?

BB:  I love the garage storage…what can I say, I’m always looking for a place to store my bike.  In addition, I think that the courtyard concept of the Kingsbridge townhomes has incredible curb appeal.  Think downtown Keystone…a sort of resort style feel with really attractive stonework and columns.

BC:  Do you have a favorite floorplan?

BB:  They all are unique, but I’d say that the Milan is a favorite.  It’s perfect for a family looking to simplify….lots of storage, natural light and a great open feel.

BC:  What do you want the world to know about Kingsbridge Townhomes?

BB:  That’s easy…that they’re not your typical townhome.  I’d encourage those who are interested in the homes to come inside and take a look at the single-family living that’s available in these high-efficiency townhomes.  I hear it all time…”Wow, I didn’t expect all this in here.”

BC:  Any final words on Boulder Creek Life and Home or the Kingsbridge Townhomes?

BC:  Sure.  I truly believe that Boulder Creek Life and Home is building in a fashion that most other builders have abandoned.  That’s what separates us and the Kingsbridge Townhomes from the pack.

Want to see Kingsbridge Townhomes for yourself?  Visit Bill at the sales office at Kingsbridge in west Longmont, 1656 Venice Lane, Longmont, CO 80503.  Learn more about Kingsbridge at http://livekingsbridge.com

A Classic Neighborhood Built for the Way You Live Today – Daily Camera – At Home Section – September 17, 2010

Only a few choice homes remain at The Cottages at Erie Village, the classic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and colorful ranch-style homes with welcoming front porches. Residents are attracted to the low-maintenance lifestyle and semirural living, located just minutes from shopping and recreation. Pedestrian trails, dotted with pocket parks, wind through the neighborhood and connect to enticing city amenities.

A balanced mix of retired couples, working professionals and young families has given this community a vibrant, welcoming feel. And for one family, Erie Village is the perfect place to try something new: they’re buying two homes right next to each other. “I’d been looking for a while, but not real deliberately,” says Shirley Henly, a long-time Aspen resident. “But I knew at some time I was going to need to move ‘down the mountain’ to live closer to my family.”

Shirley was passing Erie Village one day and on a whim decided to take a look. “The homes were very attractive and I liked the floor plans. And I discovered that the two lots at the end of the street were available.” She brought her son, Brantley Scott, back for a look and the decision was made to purchase two adjoining homes. “For us, it’s a good alternative to an assisted-living situation. After a lot of family discussion, we realized this could be the perfect solution,” Shirley says.

Scott, who will be moving into his new home with daughter Jadzia and son Jordan, says, “The Nantucket floor plan is going to work very well for us. It’s just the right size. The kids are actually getting larger bedrooms, and everyone will have their own bathroom. The open plan was just what we wanted, with a large space so that the kids can do their homework, I can have a home office, and we still have a separate retreat on the lower level for hanging out and watching movies.”   Read More

Boulder Creek’s The Cottages at Erie Village: “This is a great situation for people who are working all the time or those who are retired.”

Only a few choice homes remain at The Cottages at Erie Village, the classic neighborhood known for its tree-lined streets and colorful ranch-style homes with welcoming front porches. Residents are attracted to the low-maintenance lifestyle and semi- rural living, located just minutes from shopping and recreation. Pedestrian trails, dotted with pocket parks, wind through the neighborhood and connect to enticing city amenities.

A balanced mix of retired couples, working professionals and young families has given this community a vibrant, welcoming feel. And for one family, Erie Village is the perfect place to try something new: they’re buying two homes right next to each other. “I’d been looking for a while, but not real deliberately,” says Shirley Henly, a long-time Aspen resident. “But I knew at some time I was going to need to move ‘down the mountain’ to live closer to my family.”

Shirley was passing Erie Village one day and on a whim decided to take a look. “The homes were very attractive and I liked the floor plans. And I discovered that the two lots at the end of the street were available.” She brought her son, Brantley Scott, back for a look and the decision was made to purchase two adjoining homes. “For us, it’s a good alternative to an assisted-living situation. After a lot of family discussion, we realized this could be the perfect solution,” Shirley says.

Scott, who will be moving into his new home with daughter Jadzia and son Jordan, says, “The Nantucket floor plan is going to work very well for us. It’s just the right size. The kids are actually getting larger bedrooms, and everyone will have their own bathroom. The open plan was just what we wanted, with a large space so that the kids can do their homework, I can have a home office, and we still have a separate retreat on the lower level for hanging out and watching movies.”

Erie Village’s low-maintenance living takes care of all exterior maintenance, snow removal and lawn and landscape care.

“I have been taking care of an acre-size lot, and it’s a lot of work to care for,” Shirley says. “The HOA takes care of all the outside care and keeps the neighborhood looking nice. This is a great situation for people who are working all the time, or those who are retired and can’t manage it anymore.”

The Cottages at Erie Village has been developed by Boulder Creek Life and Home, and like each of their communities, all homes are constructed to Built Green standards, with 2-by-6 wall construction, Low-E Argon-filled windows, advanced insulation package with R-23 walls and R-38 ceilings, Energy Star appliances and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. “These homes are well built,” Shirley says.

Shirley reports that her buying experience has been pleasant and things went smoothly. She was able to personalize her new home with her choices of finishes, paint and flooring. “I like having a view of the mountains and look forward to having my grandchildren near. I think we are going to be very happy here.”

A Limited Opportunity to Choose Your New Home at Erie Village

Find out for yourself why The Cottages at Erie Village community is such a special place. From Boulder, take Arapahoe Road east to US-287. Turn left (north) on US-287 to Isabelle Road. Turn right (east) on Isabelle Road to County Line Road. Turn left (North) and drive through Erie to Bixler Road. Turn left on Bixler and look for the flag pole. From Denver, take I-25 to Exit 229, drive three miles west on Highway 7 to County Line Road, north through the Town of Erie to Bixler Boulevard, look for the flagpole on the left.

The sales office, 303.772.3063, is located at 1111 Village Circle, is open Monday noon to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For information on other innovative communities by Boulder Creek Life and Home, visit www.livebouldercreek.com.

Article courtesy of Boulder Daily Camera – At Home

The Fourmile Fire has left devastation in its wake…and we’re glad to see local businesses and organizations pull together in the spirit of life and home to help victims.  This just came in from the Boulder Area Realtors Association:

BARA Members,

I felt it was important for you to know the actions your association is taking to assist the many families, including fellow REALTORS®, who are victims of the Fourmile Fire.

Today, we requested and have been granted $25,000 from the Colorado Association of REALTORS® Housing Opportunity Foundation (CARHOF).  BARA members have contributed to CARHOF significantly over the last 20 years and we are grateful for the support CARHOF and our state association is lending our community at this most distressing time.

We are partnering with Elevations Credit Union’s Foundation, which will match publically donated funds up to $10,000.  Dennis Paul of Elevations Credit Union is an affiliate member of our association who made this partnership possible.

In addition, BARA has posted ways in which you may further provide relief on our Face Book page and on our web site – www.BARAonLine.com .  Please give as you can.

Mike Moger, President

Boulder Area REALTOR® Association

Kudos to BARA and to everyone who’s been so supportive after the fire.

Here’s a statistic guaranteed to perk your ears up:  green building now constitutes nearly 1/3 of new construction in the United States.*

Take a moment to appreciate what that means…to let it really sink in.  33% of new construction built with sustainability in mind.  33% of new construction built with efficient, money-saving components.

Of course, we could be biased. After all, green building techniques are just part of what Boulder Creek Life and Home does.  They’re as critical to our worldview as quality and access to a better life.

People are shocked that we’re able to use earth-friendly building techniques without sacrificing price, quality, or location…but we’re living proof that green can and does work for residential building. For us, it’s just as much about the results as the techniques…

• lower energy bills
• more efficient heating and cooling systems
• improved indoor air quality
• reduced waste
• contributions to community sustainability and development

It’s great to see green spreading over our industry and others…great to know that it’s possible for your home to not just house your precious family and your hopes and dreams, but to make a difference as well.

Learn more about Boulder Creek Life and Home’s award-winning communities…click here for more information.

*NPR, September 7

Every day we hear it from astonished homebuyers:  can it really be true?  Is it really possible to have a  low-maintenance home?  Since the overrwhelming majority of Boulder Creek communities are classified as low- or no-maintenance, we have to answer a resounding yes!  Here’s why:

• Because you have a life.  When you build your home with Boulder Creek, you build a lifestyle that’s all about access to the best shopping, dining, and recreational activities.  All that hiking, biking, and relaxing isn’t going to leave you for much time for toiling in the garden or throwing your back out with that snow shovel.  That’s why we take care of it for you.
• Because low age equals low maintenance.  We build our houses from the ground up, and our commitment to green efficiency shows.  Even as your home ages, you can rest assured that it was built right the first time:  no shortcuts, no exceptions.  This reduces maintenance over time.
• Because you deserve it.  Whether you’re a young family eager to purchase your first home or a world traveler looking for a place to land, you deserve a life without the cares and stresses of routine maintenance.  So go ahead…take advantage of the unparalleled lifestyle offered by our low-maintenance homes.  Click here to learn more about Boulder Creek’s award-winning communities and to view current listings.