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

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

Every day, we help homebuyers select, customize, and transition into homes that are perfectly sized, sustainably constructed, and located at the intersection of the best of life and home.  And now it’s our chance…this week we completed our move into our new office building in the heart of downtown Louisville, Colorado.  Though our Boulder digs were perfect for years, we’re thrilled to open a new chapter in a small town that’s on the move.

We’ll have pictures of the new space as we settle in, but for now rest assured that we’re getting back to the business we do best…creating homes to hang a dream on.  Learn more at our website, or get in touch at our new address:

841 Front Street
Louisville, CO 80027
(phone and fax numbers have remained unchanged)

What a great reminder of the hopes and dreams of our customers…and the many cardboard boxes they pack them in!

We’ve said it before…there are many great reasons to buy a new home instead of purchasing a used one.  And we’re glad to note that U.S. News and World Report agrees.  In fact, they point out a reason to buy new that, given our commitment to environmentally friendly building practices and great design, really hits home — buying new means buying greener.

Building codes have mandated increasingly higher energy efficiency standards since they began to address the issue in the late 1970s, says Kevin Morrow, senior program manager for the National Association of Home Builders’ green building programs. “The most recent International Energy Conservation Code came out in 2009 [and] required roughly 17 percent more efficiency than the codes of three years prior,” he says. “So using that as sort of a gauge to how newer homes should perform from an efficiency standpoint compared to older homes, it’s pretty clear that just as homes meet code, they are going to be more efficient.”

Newly constructed homes use energy more efficiently in two ways, Morrow says. First, they tend to have a tighter-sealed building envelope that helps prevent conditioned air—cool air in the summer, warm air in the winter—from escaping. Features that create this envelope include higher-efficiency insulation, doors, and windows. “Gone are the days of the single pane window … now I think you are starting to see triple- and quadruple-paned windows,” Morrow says. “These are windows that are designed to really minimize the transfer of heat either from warm to cold or vice versa, and they of course will help the building envelope.”

In addition, the article notes that newer appliances are more energy-efficient and Earth-friendly.  And luckily, buying green doesn’t mean scrimping on things like storage, custom finishes, stunning design, or the exemplary lifestyle that comes with great location.  Find out more about what we mean…drop by one of our homesites today!  Click here to learn more about Boulder Creek’s communities.

This Boulder Creek Community provides unique homes designed around how people aspire to live.

More and more homebuyers are discovering the value, choice location and exciting home designs in the Kingsbridge townhome community in Longmont. Now the word has spread far beyond the local home market, as out-of-staters are beginning to choose Kingsbridge as their new address.

Jeannette and Charles Burke had visited the Boulder area several times from their home in New Hampshire to visit their son, daughter-in-law and two grandchildren. After several visits, the Burke’s realized it would be a great time to purchase a home in Colorado to be closer to family. The challenge was to find the right situation, in the right community that allowed them the lifestyle of traveling and visiting family they desired.

The Burkes’ search for the right location and lifestyle led them to Boulder Creek Life and Home in their newest community at Kingsbridge, located at the very successful community of Renaissance in southwest Longmont.

“We looked at a lot of homes – single family, townhomes and condos – all over. We looked in Erie, Broomfield and Denver. When we saw Kingsbridge, I thought, ‘This is it; this is just what we wanted,’” says Jeannette Burke.

Kingsbridge residents enjoy maintenance-free living, with all exterior maintenance, lawn services and snow removal provided by the home-owners association. It’s the kind of lifestyle that lets grandparents spend their time with their family instead of maintaining a home. For active couples and singles who travel frequently or who maintain a residence elsewhere, this lock-and-leave freedom provides peace of mind when they are away.

The Burkes chose the Venice floorplan, which Jeannette says is just the right size. “We are downsizing, but this doesn’t feel small. The open design is bright and roomy, with the living room, dining room and kitchen flowing together.” The living room opens to a private deck, with a powder room and half bath completing the main level. The home’s upper level features a master bedroom suite with bath, a second bedroom, another full bath and a loft that is perfect for a library or office. The attached two-car garage and ample storage space are located on the lower level.

Kingsbridge townhomes are Energy Star rated, with low-e windows, a high-efficiency furnace and water heater, and two-by-six framing. Low- VOC paints and finishes help protect the inside environment. The Burkes personalized their home working with the Kingsbridge design team to choose their finishes. “Brett Patterson, the Kingsbridge sales associate, has been great to work with,” Jeannette reports.

Kingsbridge is well located for easy access to the business corridors of Longmont as well as quick access to Boulder via HWY 119. The Kingsbridge Townhomes are distinguished by their engaging architecture, innovative floor plans, Green Building practices and personal choices of finish in homes typically reserved for a much higher priced neighborhood.

Unique home buying opportunity won’t last

“New home buyers are looking at an unprecedented opportunity to take advantage of historically low-interest rates and amazing home values that won’t last forever,” says Paul Gortzig, sales and marketing director for Boulder Creek Life and Home, the award-winning developer of Kingsbridge.

Discover the value, location and maintenance-free living at Kingsbridge

The Kingsbridge information center is located on Venice Ln. in southwest Longmont just west of Airport Road, 1 mile north from CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). 1656 Venice Ln., Longmont, CO 80503. The sales office is open Monday 12 to 6 p.m.; Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

For more information, call 303.502.5338.

Article courtesy of Boulder Daily Camera – At Home

“I got all the features I wanted in a new home, with everything we need on the main level.”

Gay Kuhlmann, a lifelong, born-and-raised Boulder resident, knew it would take a special kind of place to make her move, if ever. The Kuhlmanns found that special kind of place nestled on the east side of Longmont. A place that allows you to connect back with the country, but also has all the conveniences of what Longmont has to offer. Shopping and restaurants are simply a couple blocks away, and just a few more blocks down is the nostalgic downtown Longmont. That special place is called Shadow Grass Park.

“I’ve never had a brand new home,” she says. The Kuhlmanns, who chose a Woody Creek design, liked the open floor plan and the Low-E glazed windows and loose fill fiberglass insulation help efficient use of space. “I could get all the features I wanted in a new home, with everything we need on the main level.” Two bedrooms and a private study are located on the Woody Creek’s main floor, with the kitchen and laundry area located at the rear for convenient and are more soundproof access to the two-car garage.

“We wanted to personalize our new home a bit,” Kuhlmann says. “I wanted a sitting room off of the bedroom, so we eliminated a bedroom and enlarged the master bedroom. We also reconfigured and enlarged the master bathroom. We have a huge rec room and we added a wet bar, as well.” Working with Boulder Creek was “wonderful,” she reports. “They gave us helpful suggestions and helped us through the whole process.”

“We were excited and honored that the Kuhlmann’s chose Boulder Creek to build their home,” says Paul Gortzig, sales and marketing manager for Boulder Creek Life and Home. “We know there are a lot of choices in today’s new-home environment and Kuhlmann’s selection of Boulder Creek reinforces our efforts to create a unique living experience designed around how people aspire to live today, with our emphasis on Green Building techniques and energy efficiency. These are two big components that went into the Kuhlmann’s selection of Boulder Creek.”

“Our involvement with Shadow Grass Park represents how a builder and a developer team up to provide a consistent lifestyle addressing the needs of the community,” Gortzig adds. “We were able to ‘right size’ our designs with helpful feedback from active homebuyers. Right sizing is utilizing and re-appropriating the square footage centered around how we live today.”

A leading home builder in Boulder County since 1975, Boulder Creek is one of a select few Colorado homebuilders that have been chosen to create the new Shadow Grass Park neighborhood. “We believe in Life first,” says David Sinkey, president, “and Home second to none.” Another key characteristic of every home by Boulder Creek is the quality in design and construction. Every home meets or exceeds Built Green standards for healthy indoor living that reduces the cost of home ownership. Low-E glazed windows and loose fill fiberglass insulation help ensure that these homes are easy to heat and a breeze to cool. Two- by-six framing is standard instead of the two-by-fours you’ll find elsewhere, creating sturdier, deeper walls that hold more insulation and are more soundproof. At two points during each home’s construction, an independent construction observation company inspects each home to ensure it is being built to code and to Boulder Creek standards.

This dedication to quality construction and design earned Boulder Creek Life and Home nationwide recognition in 2008 when the National Association of Home Builders recognized their Blue Vista community in Longmont with a Development of the Year Award for “excellence in green residential design and construction practices, and outstanding green advocacy efforts.”

“I am a real big fan of Boulder Creek Life and Home’s construction,” Gay Kuhlmann says, “and I specifically looked for one of their homes. We care about the comfort and the quality of the air in the house – and we look forward to the savings on the utility bills, of course.”

Shadow Grass Park is located in Boulder County on the eastern edge of Longmont, with easy access to I-25 (north to Ft. Collins; south to Denver) and the Diagonal Highway (west to Boulder). Wide mountain views to the west are crowned by Longs Peak and Mount Meeker. The Jim Hamm Nature Area is just a short walk away, as is the Ute Creek public golf course and Union Reservoir. Homes at Shadow Grass Park welcome you with generous front porches, tree-lined streets and traditional architecture that recalls “small town America” neighborhoods.

Visit Shadow Grass Park

The Shadow Grass Park sales office is located adjacent to the Jim Hamm Nature Area at 1534 Moonlight Drive in Longmont. The information center is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please contact Jill Laudermilk or Noel Zirbel for more information at 303.776.3331, or visit ShadowGrassPark.com.

Article courtesy of Boulder Daily Camera – At Home

…but only a few sites remain.

As confidence returns to our market, attractive pricing and record low interest rates have created the ultimate time to invest in a new home.

“We had been looking for several months, but we fell in love with the ranch floor plan the first time we stepped into the show home,” says Ken Mason, who together with his wife Jean chose the Nantucket plan at The Cottages at Erie Village. “It has plenty of useable space, and a dormer window that allows plenty of natural light and a spacious feel in the kitchen area. Our home is next to open space and has a nice view of the Front Range. It’s still in Boulder County, but the drive has a nice country feel to it.”

“We couldn’t be happier for the Masons,” says community manager Bill Besher. “They are another fantastic addition to a wonderful community that’s full of friendly neighbors. Ken and Jean have already met a handful of their neighbors and I see them sharing laughs almost every time they stop by to check on the progress of their home.

“The best part of what we do at Boulder Creek isn’t just building great homes,” he adds. “It’s building great communities, and that’s exactly what we have at Erie Village.”

Residents at The Cottages at Erie Village enjoy classic, colorful Craftsman homes, each with a welcoming front porch, set-back garage and private patio space. Mature trees and picket fences line the streets and pedestrian trails wind through the neighborhood. The location provides semi-rural living that is still just minutes from shopping, recreation and enticing city amenities.

Erie Village’s low-maintenance living takes care of all exterior maintenance, snow removal and lawn and landscape care, allowing homeowners to enjoy their free time.

“I’m used to doing all the maintenance, but this ‘lock and leave’ lifestyle is going to be nice,” Mason says.

The Masons needed to sell their current single-family home to make the move. Despite perceptions that it is difficult to sell a home right now, Ken says that their experience was very positive. “We made sure our house showed well. Working with the Realtor recommended by Boulder Creek, we had a solid offer within the first week.”

Like each of the communities that Boulder Creek develops, all homes in Erie Village 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.

One of the benefits of buying a home “from dirt” is the opportunity to choose the features and finishes that turn a new house into a home. “We had a few special requests,” Ken Mason says. “We asked for a wider window on one wall. We needed a wider garage door to accommodate our boat. And we added a pocket door for the bathroom, and every step of the way Boulder Creek has been very accommodating.” Mason says they have been quite satisfied with the cost and very pleased with the craftsmanship.
Choosing their own finishes and fixtures was also a delight. “The design center was a lot of fun to work with, very helpful. We could bounce things like color combinations off them. They helped us narrow down our choices but it didn’t feel overwhelming. We got to pick out our hickory hardwood floors, alder cabinets, and granite countertops. And of course we got to choose all the wall colors.

“We’ve watched other models like ours being built, and now we’re seeing ours, and it’s exciting.”

You Need to See This for Yourself

Find out for yourself why The Cottages at Erie Village community is such a special place. From Boulder: Arapahoe east to 287. Left (north) on 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 flagpole. From Denver: I-25 to Exit 229, drive three miles west on Highway 7 to County Line Road, north through the Town of Erie to Bixler Blvd., look for the flagpole on the left.

The sales office (303.772.3063), 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 Daily Camera – At Home Section.

Here at Boulder Creek Life + Home, we talk a lot about “low-maintenance living.”  But what does that really mean?

• It means no weeding.  Ever. No more stooping down to get that nasty weed that likes to grow…and grow again.  Your landscape is taken care of by our professionals!
• It means no snow shoveling.  Ever. Count on your sidewalks to be well-maintained all the year round.
• It means sturdy, reliable construction…that’s eco-friendly. Forget constant repairs and unsound structures.  Our green building practices build houses to last.
• It means more time to live, work, and play. So get out there and hike, bike, run, and indulge in all the recreation our communities have to offer!  At your Boulder Creek home, you’ll have plenty of time to devote to the things that matter.

Ready to leave your lawnmower, gardening gloves, and snow shovel behind?  Visit our website to find out more about our green, low-maintenance homes.

When Boulder Creek Life and Home brought its high-value homes and low-maintenance lifestyle to Kingsbridge in Longmont, this was a community waiting to happen. Now, after considerable planning and effort, the first townhomes are complete and new homeowners are eager to move in.

Kingsbridge’s first homeowners, Michael and Toni Monticello, are just days away from moving into their new home. “We had been watching this location for a while, and in December we saw the Kingsbridge sign,” Michael Monticello says. “We’ve looked all over at townhomes, but for the money, the value and the floor plan, we fell in love with Kingsbridge.”

But there was just one catch: the Monticellos had to sell their current single-family home first. Working with Charles Souza, broker/owner of Metro Brokers – Team Lassen in Broomfield, the home was under contract in just eight days. “We emphasize three factors when selling in today’s market,” Souza explains. “Price correctly, market aggressively and stage the home to accomplish the ‘wow’ effect. You hear stories about how the market is a scary proposition. You just need to be smart about how to make the transition work for you. Analyzing one’s specific situation is the key to success.”

Souza says that the opportunities for buyers right now are tremendous. “With the current low interest rates and attractive pricing, your buying power is much greater than it will be in a few years or beyond.”
The Monticellos, who are downsizing from a single-family home, chose The Milan floor plan, a two-bedroom-plus-loft or three-bedroom design that includes a main floor laundry, optional family room with fireplace, center kitchen island and generous storage room.

Besides the home’s features, the Built-Green construction was an important factor in the Monticellos’ decision. Their home is framed with 2×6 lumber (instead of the standard 2×4) and equipped with low-e windows, composite sidings and decks, Energy Star® appliances, and a centrally located, high-efficiency furnace and water heater. An air-sealed building envelope helps to ensure maximum insulation value – and keep utilities bills low. “When I saw the home and how it was built, I thought, ‘this thing’s built like a fortress,’” Michael says.

Homeowners enjoy a year-round, “lock and leave” lifestyle, with all exterior maintenance and services taken care of by the HOA. “Having all the snow removal, maintenance and lawn care taken care of, that’s definitely the way to go,” says Monticello.

The Monticellos report that working with Boulder Creek Life and Home made the home buying experience a pleasure. “It was great,” Michael says. “They were extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and they weren’t pushy. They showed us the home, and the product sold itself. We got to pick out all the finishes and trim, working with the design center, and there was a good range of choices. We’re very excited about moving into our new home.”
Located in Longmont’s Renaissance neighborhood, Kingsbridge will include 134 residences at build-out. Four floor plans offer two or three bedrooms with 1,400 to nearly 1,800 finished square feet. Each residence also includes a private two-car attached garage. Unlike condominiums, residents own both the townhome and the land it sits on.

“Our location in southwest Longmont is ideal for people working in Boulder, at IBM or other tech jobs along the Diagonal Highway corridor,” says Brent Patterson, sales manager for Kingsbridge. “And it’s just minutes from retail centers and community amenities.”

Visit the models at Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge is located in West Longmont just off Airport Road in Boulder County. Three models are now open for your visit.

From Boulder: Head Northeast on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). Turn left (North) on Airport Road. After 1 Mile turn Left (West) onto Venice Lane. Look for the blue flags. The Sales Center is on the North side of Venice Lane.

From Longmont: Head Southwest on CO-119 (Diagonal Highway). Turn Right (North) on Airport Road. After 1 Mile turn Left (West) onto Venice Lane.

From Denver: Head North on I-25 to exit 240. Turn Left (West) on CO-119. Head West through Longmont for 10 Miles. Turn Right (North) on Airport Road. After 1 Mile turn Left (West) onto Venice Lane.

The Sales office is open Monday from noon to 6 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment. For more information, call 303.502.5338.

Article courtesy of Daily Camera – At Home Section.