When Kelsie and Levi Rose first laid eyes on Belle Creek after touring new homes in Thornton, it looked to the couple a little like ‘Pleasantville.’ Now, after three years there, “We love it,” Kelsie said, holding new baby daughter Brecken. “It’s the perfect place to raise a family.” She pointed to Belle Creek’s own K-8 charter school, a few blocks from a grand opening by Oakwood Homes that could land your family in pleasant surroundings for $179,500.

Oakwood’s Dwayne Montoya (left) joins Belle Creek residents Levi and Kelsie Rose and daughter Brecken, close to Family Center, charter school and small town market.

“We watched it for a long time,” said Oakwood’s Sales Director Kristen White, looking out on the trail system that passes close to the ‘Family Center’ with gym and community events, and to Belle Creek’s own Haraf Foods community market. ‘New urban’ neighborhoods generally command higher prices; but when a builder pulled out last year, affordably-oriented Oakwood made a move. more »

Ever since ‘new urbanism’ arrived in the 1990s, Denver builders have tried creating new-urban communities–places where most daily needs are walkable. Many of those projects somehow never generate the actual cafes and grocery shopping that buyers want to have close at hand…but today you can tour one that’s everything advertised: shops, coffee, fitness, a pub or two, groceries, all within 2 blocks.

Distinctive Properties’ Cate Dobson shows off a lavishly furnished two-bedroom-plus-study plan at Luce, re-priced for a reopening behind Lowry Town Center.

Luce…pronounced ‘loo-chay’…is right behind Lowry Town Center, so close that you can actually walk into Albertson’s flagship store within three minutes of leaving your door. This is a project that was set to open a year ago but that’s been totally re-priced now, with some homes 25% lower than they were then. more »

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 »