By Mark Samuelson

If you’re looking for a luxury urban condominium, you’re looking in downtown. However, you’re probably missing an opportunity in a new kind of downtown created at Belmar…loads of restaurants and attractions six miles west of downtown. Marketers of Plaza Residences know that they have to try a little harder to be noticed…and that’s what they’re doing Sunday, Aug. 30—offering a gourmet open house above the Sunday Outdoor Market at Belmar, with giveaways of $500 and $100 gift certificates.

Kevin Garrett, Kentwood City Properties, shows a view from penthouse overlooking Belmar.

It was at an event like this that Barry and Holly Kutner discovered Belmar’s charms and bought a big penthouse, a few doors from one you’ll tour. The Kutners weren’t moving from Arvada or Genesee but rather Philadelphia–getting things they like about the big city (including walking to Whole Foods), together with the better access west to the mountains that Belmar can offer. more »

By Mark Samuelson

Taking the opening tour of these penthouse-style Wynkoop Residences will show you just how much downtown living has changed over the 20-year span since the first LoDo “loft” emerged in 1990 at 15th and Wynkoop Streets. And what hasn’t changed, too.

Dee Chirafisi and Jim Theye of Kentwood City Properties take in the view of LoDo from Wynkoop Residences, grand opening, on the street where it all began.

Starting with location. When you turn south into Wynkoop, you’re in the core area where the idea first caught fire that people would want to live in Denver’s oldest downtown district. Edbrooke Lofts (1990) is across the street; Acme Lofts (1992) is south over the historic iron rail bridge (Manny’s Bridge) spanning Cherry Creek, on the way to the Pepsi Center. more »