Courtesy of Mark Samuelson, The Denver Post

Two years ago, builder David Sinkey of Boulder Creek Builders was on the phone to the big Denver developers, trying to convince them to work some of his low-maintenance patio ranch designs into their large master-plans. Now a half dozen of those developers are talking with him, wanting to rub some of the same magic into their own communities that just since November has attracted 18 sales in the $400s and $500s.

You can see those sharp, traditionally styled patio models (from the low $4s) today at Steel Ranch in Louisville (they were packed with visitors when I toured Wednesday). And you can tour some Boulder Creek townhomes near the Longmont Diagonal Highway that offer the same low maintenance and high energy efficiency, at half the price.

Kingsbridge Townhomes, off Airport Road in Longmont, is a little hard to find and gets a fraction of the traffic that Steel Ranch does – but has such a high conversion rate that Boulder Creek has already gone through well over half of the 109 townhome sites it took over there from a California builder in 2010.

“We don’t restrict any of our communities to 55-and-older,” said Sinkey — one of four principals in a company that dates from one his father launched in Boulder in 1976. We left headquarters in Louisville’s scenic downtown, surrounded by shops and dining that helped earn Louisville the number-1 national ranking in Money Magazine’s annual ‘Best Places to Live’…and headed for Steel Ranch, a mile north.

Nevertheless, Boulder Creek’s buyers seem to ‘self-restrict’ into that older, downsizing demographic. Along with a few single females, empty-nest buyers dominate sales at Steel Ranch (and are catching the attention of those large developers, anxious to tap into that market).

Those downsizers are also a factor at Longmont’s Kingsbridge (it has four 2-story townhome plans, including one that could go main-floor master)…however, buyers there also find three schools within walking distance including Longmont’s Silver Creek High, rated 9-for-10 stars at GreatSchools.net. The schools and the prices (from the very low $200s for 2- and 3-bedrooms that are nine miles from Boulder, four miles from IBM) also lure single moms and dads, and another demographic you don’t hear much about: ‘never-nesters’ – ones who have rented for years and years, and now have plenty of cash to make a purchase.

What Boulder Creek DOESN’T see at Kingsbridge are first-time buyers; and that, says Sinkey, doesn’t make any sense. After all, these large plans have attached 2-car garages, roomy storage spaces, extra-outdoor private storage for bikes; and optimal energy features (blown-Fiberglas insulation that earn HERS scores under 60, so low they were featured by Channel 9 News). The smallest, a 2-bedroom ‘Florence,’ delivers 1,490 square feet for $205,000 – with a bright-and-light interior that comes standard with wood kitchen floors, nicer birch cabinets in a choice of colors, and ceramic tile bath surrounds.

They also show something all Boulder Creek’s buyers, young and old, agree on: Despite the low-maintenance, they want manageable HOA fees. “Our people say, ‘Give us walking-biking trails; but not a pool, that means higher dues,’” Sinkey added. Boulder Creek keeps track of its buyers’ preferences through a ‘Founders Group’ that reviews new models. When the group was asked what they’d be willing to pay for the new Steel Ranch patio plans, their estimates were so high, Sinkey says, that company planners knew they had a winner on their hands.

You can see Steel Ranch off 95th Street in Louisville; from the Turnpike take Northwest Parkway north, jogging onto 96th, and continue north 5 miles, just past Baseline. Kingsbridge in Longmont is off Airport Road between Diagonal and Nelson Road; from Boulder take the Diagonal north 6 miles to Airport, then left a mile to Venice Lane.

If you go…

WHERE: Kingsbridge Townhomes in west Longmont by Boulder Creek Builders, low-maintenance 2-&-3 bedroom townhomes near trails, 4 miles to IBM. 1656 Venice Lane, Longmont; take I-25 north to Exit 240, Colo. 119; west 7.6 mi., continue west on Nelson Rd. 1.9 mi to Airport Rd.; left 1 mi. to Venice Lane.  Or from Boulder’s Foothills Pkwy take Diagonal north 6.6 mi. to Airport Rd, left 1 mi. to Venice

PRICE: From $205s; Steel Ranch from the low $400s

WHEN: Today & Saturday 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.; Sunday 11-5

PHONE: 303-772-3063 Steel Ranch, 303-745-1091 WEB: LiveBoulderCreek.com

We love to point out the benefits of Boulder County life…and great jobs is one of the best reasons to make our beautiful county home.  The Boulder Daily Camera just published an article on the area’s 50 top businesses, which include IBM, Ball Corp., Level 3, Oracle, and other nationally-recognized businesses in tech, pharma, and so much more.  It’s a great reminder of the prosperity and prospects of a community that’s not just another pretty face along the foothills. 

New to Boulder County?  Ready to own instead of renting?  Boulder Creek has many great options, from breezy townhomes in Longmont to ranch-style patio homes in award-winning Louisville and so much more.  Click here to learn more about our Boulder County offerings and the benefits of Boulder Creek’s green, right-sized homes. 

Everything’s coming up Longmont…but why be intrigued by a Boulder Creek community at Kingsbridge, Creekside or Shadow Grass Park?  Here are ten great reasons to hang your hopes and dreams on a home in Longmont, CO:

• Location, location, location:  Longmont is conveniently located with access to Colorado Route 119, US-287, and I-25.
• Open space:  Longmont maintains over 1,500 acres of parks and open space, not to mention the over 80 miles of trails in close proximity in Boulder!
• Shop ’til you drop:  With major retailers, a mall, and convenient access to groceries and specialty stores, Longmont will never leave you hanging when it comes to a day of shopping.
• Yum: Longmont has three craft breweries and a great set of distinctive restaurants to tempt your tastebuds.
• Community:  Longmont may be an up-and-coming area, but it hasn’t lost its community charm.  Join your neighbors for athletic events, community service, the county fair, even art festivals and exhibits!
• Schools:  Longmont is conveniently located in the St. Vrain School District, which accommodates 26,000 Colorado students and is known for low drop-out rates, great school amenities, and quality teachers.
• You’re in business:  Longmont’s thriving business community provides great high-tech opportunities, and the proximity of the University of Colorado and other local schools mean the nearby population is well-educated and ready to get down to work.
• Awards and accolades:  You won’t be the only one who appreciates life in Longmont!  The city has been called an All-America City and called one of America’s Best Places to Live by Money Magazine.
• Elevation: Longmont sits at 4,979 feet above sea level…and is mere miles from 14ers, ski opportunities, and winter sports galore.
• Freedom:  Find a sense of liberty…and not just from the spectacular mountain views.  Longmont is perfectly situated to give you access to the lifestyle that’s right for YOU, allowing you to express your individuality.

In its very first year, Kingsbridge Townhomes in Longmont has achieved some coveted milestones. According to Metrostudy, which provides market information to the housing industry, in 2010 Kingsbridge ranked fourth in sales in the Front Range territory that stretches from Longmont to Castle Rock. With 25 sales for the year, Kingsbridge sold just three fewer than the leader, which had 28 townhome sales in the Front Range.
And, in Boulder County, Kingsbridge captured first place in townhome building permits and sales.

“These are amazing numbers,” says Paul Gortzig, sales and marketing manager of Boulder Creek Life and Home, builder of the Kingsbridge Townhomes. “Our buyers choose Kingsbridge as their place to live because of the wonderful location, superior construction practices and attractiveness of the architecture. We are very excited for 2011 as we continue to lead the region with great values and low-maintenance, energy-efficient living.”

Location is first

Rachael Roberts moved from Littleton to her Kingsbridge townhome in mid-December. She was starting a new job as an operating-room nurse at Boulder Community Hospital and needed to settle in quickly. “I have to live within 30 minutes of the hospital because I am on call,” she says. “Convenience is one of the reasons I picked Kingsbridge; I am only about 20 minutes away from work. I just go across the Diagonal Highway.”

The move went smoothly. “Brent Patterson and Bill Besher in the sales office and Boulder Creek Builders made everything quick and easy for me. I even used the mortgage lender they recommended.”
Roberts knew what she wanted. “My four reasons for choosing Kingsbridge were first, location; second, price; third, they’re brand new; and fourth, the great designs. You pay your monthly HOA fee, and they take care of the exterior. I am not an outside, yard- work person. I never know when I’m going to get a call to go to work, and here I don’t have to shovel snow.”

She is pleased with her energy savings, too. “I think it’s good that the homes here are built green and energy efficient. I like the idea of not depleting the environment. My current heating bill is only about a third of what I paid when I lived in Denver, in a place half the size of this place.”

For recreation, Roberts spends time outdoors with her poodle, Sailor, and newly adopted Koa, a retired greyhound. “I like that it’s not completely built-up here – there’s countryside less than a mile away. I can take a five-mile walk with the dogs. Vic’s coffee shop is a mile up the road, and Sailor and I love to sit outside.”

Built for the way you live

With four floor plans to choose from, Roberts selected a Milan model, a home built on the end of the building. “The townhomes are brand new and very nice. I got everything on my wish list – a two-car garage, two-bedroom home, 1,500 square feet, not too small, not too huge. The garage is oversized, and I have a truck, an oversized vehicle. I have a storage room in the front of the garage, with an additional 340 square feet. My home was a really good value. If you buy early enough in the building process, you can choose everything you want.”

The townhomes range in size from 1,400 to 1,793 square feet, each with three bathrooms and either two or three bedrooms, and a private attached two-car garage. The architecture is stylish and imposing, with attractive stonework and columns, and a courtyard concept.

Among the many included features are maintained landscaping throughout the community, 8-foot to 11-foot ceilings on the main floor, Tharp oak hardwood cabinets, and low VOC paints for healthier indoor air.

“Homebuyers get excited about the quality of the homes, especially compared to other new construction in the area,” says Bill Besher of the sales team. “Their choices in West Longmont are often limited to older, less efficient homes with no opportunities for personalization. These are not your typical townhomes. People need to come inside and take a look at the single-family living that’s available in these high-efficiency homes. I hear it all the time, ‘Wow, I didn’t expect all this in here.’”

Kingsbridge is set in a quiet area, within a mile of shopping and restaurants, with amazing recreational opportunities nearby – trails, hiking, skiing and tourist activities. Besides all that Longmont has to offer, residents love the proximity to Boulder, whether for work or leisure.

“Business is very good,” says Brent Patterson of the sales team. “People love the low-maintenance lifestyle, the freedom from maintaining a house, the time it frees up in their schedule to pursue their own activities and desires.”

Quality-built, green and efficient

Kingsbridge townhomes are constructed to Built Green standards and qualify as Energy Star® homes. Each home boasts dozens of green features, such as an Advanced Insulation Package that goes beyond the building code to provide a more comfortable home and results in lower energy costs; and certified composite wood trim and decking materials to reduce the use of natural materials. Homeowners never cringe when their electric bill arrives. In fact, they look forward to seeing how much they saved on energy costs.

Boulder Creek Life and Home

With roots dating back three decades, Boulder Creek Life and Home has pioneered residential development for the “active lifestyle” homeowner. It designs and builds high-quality, low- maintenance, single-family and multi-family residential products to accommodate people’s desire for active, easy lives.

Visit Kingsbridge Townhomes

Learn more about Kingsbridge Townhomes at www.AtHome.LiveKingsbridge.com. Kingsbridge is located at 1656 Venice Lane in West Longmont just off Airport Road in Boulder County. The sales office is open Tuesday though Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Monday 12 noon to 5 p.m. For more information, call 303.502.5338.

Article courtesy of Boulder Daily Camera – At Home

It’s been a year since we announced the Kingsbridge Townhomes community in a coveted South Longmont location.  Since then…

• Kingsbridge community in Longmont has exceeded sales expectations, garnering 25 net sales and 15 closings in 2010
• Kingsbridge ranks second in gross sales and fourth in net sales for all of the 26 metro area townhome communities in the 11-county area, which includes Longmont, Boulder and Denver.
• Boulder Creek Builders is number one in all of Boulder County and 14th in the entire Denver / Boulder / Longmont Metro Area for total sales.
• Kingsbridge has enjoyed ongoing traffic, with almost 400 visitors touring the community in 2010.
• This lent itself to a conversion rate of 6.3 percent, while the city average was only 4.3 percent.
• The Kingsbridge community as a whole has enjoyed an increase in overall appreciation from two percent to four percent, during a time in which the city saw a 1.3 percent drop in pricing.

We know you’re more than a number…come in and show us your face! Join the Kingsbridge success story:  drop by our sales office or visit http://livekingsbridge.com for more information.

We’ll admit it…we were more than thrilled when we announced the Kingsbridge Townhomes in Longmont earlier this year.  And we haven’t been disappointed…an incredible community is springing up in Southwest Longmont as we speak.  Haven’t checked out Kingsbridge yet?  Here are ten reasons you should:

Options.  With four gorgeous floorplans, there’s something for everyone.  And since it’s new construction, you have plenty of options to choose from.

Green.  Think townhomes can’t be green and save you money?  Think again.  Boulder Creek Life and Home is committed to eco-friendly, low-waste construction…without any sacrifice on your part.

Access.  Just minutes away from Downtown Boulder and seconds away from stores, open space, and convenient roads and schools, Kingsbridge is all about location.

Storage.  We thought hard about storage when designing these spacious townhomes…and then added even more.  From bike storage to generous garages to plenty of closet space, you’ll find lots of places in which to stow your belongings.

Lifestyle.  When you opt for accommodating simplicity, you can focus on the things that count…the lifestyle of outdoor pursuits and indoor pleasures that matter to you.

Single-Family Living.  Throw out the old notion of crowded townhomes…Kingsbridge offers plenty of space for your privacy and peace of mind.

Value.  This community offers incredible value per dollar invested…and the home’s green features and airtight construction will be a great value over time.

New.  Why endlessly modify an older home and face the inevitable challenges of existing construction?  Go new and go big with your dreams.

Relax.  With patio areas, green space, and plenty of room to unwind, your Kingsbridge townhome will become your haven.

Breathe.  Who knew buying a new home could be so simple and (dare we say it?) fun?  Visit Kingsbridge today and find out more about your new townhome.

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

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.

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