By Mark Samuelson

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 developers are talking with him, wanting to rub some of the same magic into their own communities that, just since November, attracted 18 sales in the $400s and $500s.

Boulder Creek Builders’ David Sinkey shows his fast-selling patio ranch models at Steel Ranch in Louisville, showcasing stone elevations with rich cedar and copper trim, from the $4s.

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). more »

Retired teacher Kathy Alfeld, who, right after Christmas moves into a roomy, low-maintenance patio ranch Village Homes is finishing in Castle Pines, has one thing she can’t wait for: “I’m looking forward to the first snow storm, so we can stand out on the porch with cups of cocoa and watch somebody else shovel the driveway.”

John and Kathy Alfeld and their cocker spaniels join Village’s Andrea Sederberg at The Crossings at Castle Pines, in front of a home like one the Alfelds will move into.

You can see a furnished model today of the same “Sagewood’ plan that she and husband John Alfeld picked at Village’s Crossings at Castle Pines, west of I-25 at Castle Pines Parkway – and you’ll get an idea why they’re making that move here, to Castle Pines, rather than into Denver. more »

Koelbel and Company and Mile High Development, two seasoned development firms that share a history of community involvement along Denver’s south I-25 corridor, have launched construction on The Apartments at Yale Station, offering 50 attractive, affordably priced rental units targeted at the aging residential population of neighborhoods surrounding University Hills; as well as first-floor retail.

Buz Koelbel, President of Koelbel and Company (left) joined George Thorn, President of Mile High Development, in breaking ground on The Apartments at Yale Station.

“From our founding in 1952, Koelbel and Company has been a part of these south Denver neighborhoods and in serving their residential and commercial needs,” said Walter ‘Buz’ Koelbel, Jr., President of Koelbel and Company. “Many residents that purchased homes here 40 years ago are looking to stay here after they sell their homes, at a time when rental rates in popular areas around the University of Denver have pushed beyond their incomes.” more »