LOUISVILLE – Boulder Creek Builders LLC has purchased the first lots for its latest community in Louisville for $1.3 million, according to Boulder County property records.

Boulder Creek Builders, which is based in Louisville, plans to build 58 townhouses in the Steel Ranch South subdivision. The subdivision is near the northwest corner of the intersection of South Boulder Road and Colorado Highway 42.

Boulder Creek Builders is calling the community the Overlook at Steel Ranch. In a recent interview, Boulder Creek Builders president David Sinkey said the homes would be smaller and less expensive than the patio homes his company is building directly north in the Steel Ranch subdivision. The company hopes to have a model home built by spring, he said. 

Boulder Creek Overlook LLC paid Takoda Properties Inc. $1.3 million for 22 lots in Steel Ranch South, according to the Boulder County recorder. Takoda Properties owns the remaining 36 lots in the subdivision.

Confluence Cos. LLC also plans to build in Steel Ranch South. Confluence plans to build a $36 million, 228-unit luxury apartment development, with the first units scheduled to be ready for tenants early next summer, Confluence president Tim Walsh said in a recent interview.

Correction: This story originally said Boulder Creek Builders was building single-family homes. The Overlook at Steel Ranch will be townhouses. 

Article courtesy of Boulder County Business Report.

We’re used to accolades here in Boulder County (after all, our new office is in Louisville, one of the most celebrated of them all!).  But we were pleasantly surprised to see Boulder performing well in this recent feature on America’s top midsize U.S. metro areas.

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.

Here at Boulder Creek, we spend a lot of time helping homebuyers discover the home that’s perfectly suited to their family, their lifestyle, and their aspirations.  But while we pride ourselves on providing “right size” homes that are eco-friendly to boot, there are some considerations that come into play.  Here are some things we take into account when right-sizing homes:

Storage.  Given the amazing recreation opportunities in Boulder County and beyond, all that gear can really add up!  Bikes, skis, sportswear, fishing poles, hiking boots…not to mention cars and other conveyances.  We believe that the right-sized home has the right amount of storage for your prized possessions.  That’s why we take storage into consideration from the moment the pencil hits the drawing board.  (Hint:  in most Boulder Creek homes, rakes and snow shovels aren’t necessary!) For example, our Kingsbridge Townhomes in Longmont feature attached two-car garages, bike storage AND ample closets and cabinets.

Space.  The interior spaces you live in are just as important as where you stow all that gear.  We think the right interiors are spacious, beautiful, and livable.  Take the colorful cottages at Erie Village, where perfectly-proportioned ranch and two-story floorplans were built with your lifestyle in mind.

Second to None.  There’s a reason behind the awards and honors…Boulder Creek’s ironclad commitment to excellence in building.  From building techniques that are better for the Earth to the exquisite designs, locations, and finishes that make a house a home, we are committed to bringing life and home together in new homes that are sized right, placed right, and priced right.  Is Boulder Creek right for you?  Click here to explore our award-winning green communities today.

New Homeowners Look Forward To A Low-Maintenance Future

As confidence returns to our market, attractive pricing and record low interest rates have created the ultimate time to invest in a new home.  And Boulder Creek Life and Home has saved the best for last…with its final two home sites backing to open space views.

“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.

ERIE VILLAGE EXPERIENCES UNPRECEDENTED SALES SUCCESS THANKS TO ITS ACTIVE, LOW-MAINTENANCE LIFESTYLE
Boulder Creek Community Combines Green Building Techniques with Quality Design

(Boulder, CO) – Despite a near stagnant real estate market for most front range builders, green home builder Boulder Creek Life & Home www.livebouldercreek.com continues to beat the odds, growing its business last year by adding two new communities, several new employees and making strong sales within their current inventory. Erie Village specifically, one of their five communities, has experienced unprecedented success recently with a strong second half of 2009 and blazing start to 2010. Boulder Creek started in June ’09 with seven inventory homes and by end of year they had only one remaining, which has since been sold. Erie Village has continued to be successful in 2010, selling another eight homes since the start of the year for a total of 43 homes sold within the community.

“Erie Village has remained viable in the current economy because we appeal strongly to the baby boomer market and the discerning buyer who recognizes quality design,” said David Sinkey, Director of Sales and Marketing. “We offer a carefree, low maintenance lifestyle, perfect of the intrepid traveler or on-the-go grandparent looking for a lock-and-leave lifestyle.”

The Cottages at Erie Village are colorful, low-maintenance patio homes, perfect for those interested in the convenient yet active lifestyle found in Colorado. Located in Erie, Colorado, Erie Village is a unique community that emphasizes green building techniques and a strong lifestyle offering. Hiking and bike trails abound. Local shops and quaint restaurants are a mere one mile south. The Erie Community Center offers water sports, fitness classes, a climbing wall, park concerts and special events. Plus, the community is just an hour from fresh powder at Winter Park Ski Resort. Homeowners at Erie Village don’t have to rake leaves, clean the gutters, shovel snow or worry about seasonal maintenance – ever. Owners can take a trip for the weekend or for several weeks and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with low maintenance living.

“You can just close the door and leave,” says one resident, who says she was attracted to Erie Village for its low traffic, location and housing options. “You don’t just see a bunch of beige houses. And we can hear coyotes from our porch at night; it’s so quiet.”

Homeowners at Erie Village report that the sustainable construction of their new homes was important to them in choosing their new neighborhood. “There’s a real broad selection of Built Green enhancements and finishes to choose from nowadays,” says one resident. “This is an efficient house, easy to heat and cool.”

“Our final offering includes four homesites available that offer impeccable views and unmatched lifestyle,” said Paul Gortzig. “We anticipate selling out by May of this year due to the high demand and unmatched quality and price of this offering.”

About Boulder Creek Life & Home

Boulder Creek Life & Home www.livebouldercreek.com is an award winning, Boulder-based homebuilder, that creates innovative communities across the Front Range of Colorado that embrace green building practices, energy efficiency and a true sense of place. The company’s mission is to build homes that are more than just bricks and mortar, but are actually modeled around how people aspire to live, thus appealing to the active lifestyle. Each of Boulder Creek’s six current communities Calmante in Superior, Heritage at Vista Ridge and Erie Village in Erie and Kingsbridge , Shadow Grass Park and Blue Vista in Longmont, vary in size, price and concept, but have one common thread: they embrace quality craftsmanship and green building techniques and provide an unmatched lifestyle.

The past year has seen a virtual reshuffling of the deck in the world of business. Brand-name companies have gone through cycles of downsizing or simply ceased to exist. The housing industry has been no exception, as major homebuilders have scaled back developments or left the marketplace entirely.

Amidst the turmoil, however, local homebuilder and community developer Boulder Creek Life and Home has stayed the course, focused on creating vibrant neighborhoods with innovative, Built Green® homes and low-maintenance living. And more than merely surviving, the builder has actually found this to be a time of growth and innovation.

“I actually like how this market has challenged the traditional ways we manage our business,” says sales and marketing manager Paul Gortzig. “We have remained focused on our core principles, and more so, we have stayed focused on our homebuyers. The challenges we experienced led us to innovative solutions to not only manage our business, but also to find ways to grow our business. In a time when other companies have been downsizing their staff, we have steadily grown our team with talented professionals.” The National Homebuilding industry has taken notice as well, bestowing the company with a Development of the Year Award from the National Association of Home Builders.

Gortzig reports that the local home market is turning around, evidenced by sustained interest and sales at each of the homebuilder’s neighborhoods. “People are acting with confidence on plans that they had put aside for a while,” says Gortzig. “The activity Boulder Creek has experienced in the fourth quarter of last year supports the confidence and optimism we have moving into 2010. It’s an exciting time.”

Founded more than three decades ago, Boulder Creek Life and Home’s active lifestyle communities now include The Heritage at Vista Ridge in Erie, Erie Village, Blue Vista and Shadow Grass Park in Longmont, and Calmante in Superior.

Announcing a New Active Lifestyle Community in Longmont
Adding to its already impressive portfolio, Boulder Creek Life and Home now announces Kingsbridge, a community in the Renaissance neighborhood in Longmont, which will include 134 townhomes 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, homeowners own both the townhome and the land it sits on.

“This 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.

“We are offering these homes at very attractive introductory prices to the first 10 homebuyers. We have created undeniable value with the intention of making a big splash in the market. When people see this incredible value at Kingsbridge, we are very confident they will respond.”

Like every home Boulder Creek Life and Home builds, each will be constructed to Built Green standards, with 2×6 framing, low-e windows, composite sidings and decks, Energy Star® appliances, centrally located, high-efficiency furnaces and water heaters, and air-sealed building envelopes to ensure maximum insulation value.

The company has taken the standard of green building far beyond “concept” and “experimental” homes. “We can build a well-designed, energy-efficient home without having to add 15 or 20 percent to the cost,” says company co-owner David Sinkey. “We know it’s not about living with less – it’s about living better.”

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 Center is open Monday noon to 5 p.m.; Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday by appointment.

For more information, call 303.502.5338 or visit www.LiveBoulderCreek.com.

At Home Article provided by the Daily Camera

At Boulder Creek Life and Home, we know that home isn’t home without lifestyle…and life isn’t life without home. As we look forward to the new year, what will be the biggest trends in life and home? We venture to make some predictions:

Green: not just a buzzword any more It seems like everyone has been jumping on the environmentally friendly bandwagon, but in 2010 we predict that this trend will gain some staying power. Adopting eco-friendly lifestyle choices like hybrid vehicles, renewable power, and energy-efficiency doesn’t just sound cool…it saves money, which means it fits perfectly into the more financially-conscious decade we’re entering. And maybe we’re biased, but we think our energy-efficient, green building techniques will withstand the test of time.

Kitchen as home So much of the life of a home is in the kitchen, and these cost-conscious times mean the kitchen will be a more important gathering place than ever. Look for increased emphasis on in-kitchen dining and functional, fun kitchens like the ones offered in our patio and townhomes.

Inside/outside We’re lucky enough to live surounded by some of the country’s most beautiful scenery. While interiors become more comfortable than ever, we predict a renewed emphasis on outdoor recreation in 2010. That means hiking, biking, and taking advantage of everything Boulder County has to offer.

Ready to invest in life and home in the new year? Click here to view our hot homes!