It’s pretty amazing how fast time flies. It doesn’t feel like yesterday, but it certainly doesn’t feel like it’s been more than a decade since the only building at Riverfront Park was a slim little trailer used as an office amidst huge construction vehicles working to build what would later become the Plaza space and roads in Riverfront Park. That same plaza is shown above during one of the Riverfront Park Fashion Shows.

Just over 10 years, and look how much has been built.

Riverfront Park started with just three main buildings around the Plaza space. Those buildings were the Promenade Lofts, Park Place Lofts, and Riverfront Tower.

Those buildings sold out quickly, tenants began occupying the ground floor retail, and things kept growing.

What followed was the height of Real Estate conditions. Creekside Lofts and Flats, The Delgany Lofts, The Brownstones, ONE Riverfront and the Park at ONE Riverfront, and of course we all remember the huge excitement surrounding the Glass House.

At the same time several parcels were sold to apartment developers. Monarch Mills put in an affordable housing project. The Station (as it is currently known) and the Manhattan opened their doors.

By 2008 the neighborhood was thriving and the secret was out. With plans laid out for the New Union Station everyone had their eyes on Riverfront Park. Many expressed intentions of buying in the next new development to appear in this hot neighborhood.

But that may not happy, at least not anytime soon.

In the past few years the Manhattan expanded their apartment offerings by taking the parcel across the street (behind the Brownstones). Balfour Senior Living finally took the leap on their large project occupying the land adjacent to 15th street behind the Promenade and Riverfront Tower (they had looked at starting years earlier but held off, we are guessing, for reasons tied to the market drop in late 2000’s). Then AMLI built their own new apartment building across from the Skate Park and adjacent to the dog park (on 20th and Little Raven).

Very quickly a lot of land was spoken for.

And now it appears that the parcel in front of Glass House (Between Glass House and Little Raven Street) will be almost entirely apartment development. We reported earlier that sampling and testing vehicles were on the site with. While many hoped for a chance to buy into a new Riverfront Park project our sources are now sharing that the parcel is being planned as a rental, with the exception of the tip of that triangle which is privately held and could one day be the location of a single family home (what a great spot).

So… if this turns out to be the case that leaves one Last Parcel at Riverfront Park. There is a vacant parcel located next to the Brownstones, across the street from the AMLI apartment, and directly on Little Raven. Since it is on Little Raven the zoning will probably limit what could be built there. If we look at what has been planned on Little Raven it might be fair to expect another townhome project (perhaps Brownstones Phase II) or a more affordable offering. Or, it could be another rental project.

Either way it is interesting to stop and consider the implications off all this development. Riverfront Park just became a neighborhood of a very fixed supply. There is no new high rise coming out of the ground, there may not be any new developments coming that will be for sale.

But that limited supply situation may be the spark that allows a developer to put something on Riverfront Park’s last unclaimed parcel. If they wait just long enough for the certainty on all the other parcels be solidified (i.e. the apartments in front of Glass House are underway) the demand for something (anything) new in Riverfront Park could support doing that last parcel as a high end residential project.

If not, then the inventory that exists may be all there will ever be.

That kind of perspective gives a new value to living and owning a Denver Urban residence in Riverfront Park. Because if you follow a love of great locations Riverfront Park is hard to beat. It has it’s own park at the front door, the great downtown and Union Station transportation hub in the back yard, and a central location surrounded by hundreds of restaurants, shops, sporting events, theater, and the list goes on from there.

View all Riverfront Park Listings

Contact us today about this amazing neighborhood.

The post The Last Parcel at Riverfront Park appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

The Glass House Pool Opens for Residents

Denver’s most popular building celebrates the first day of May every year with the annual pool opening. Residents in the building look forward to this day every year, although with today’s chilly weather it is most likely the main pool activities won’t kick in until things get gorgeous this weekend when temperatures are expected to hit 81 on Saturday and 86 on Sunday.

Sounds like perfect weather for a swim.

When we do our showings of the Glass House the 8th floor pool deck is one of the most captivating elements of this building, and just one of the reasons discussed in our article Union Station Driving Glass House to new Heights in Popularity. In fact the pool at Glass House is one of the elements clients are so excited to see, so we wanted to include in this post just a couple photos to show you how great the pool amenity is in this building. When this photo was taken they were still bringing up the pool lounge chairs and doing the finishing touches for swimmers.

Glass House may have the best pool of all the Denver High Rise buildings, but it certainly doesn’t have the only one. In a city with over 300 day sunshine and perfect summer weather for poolside relaxing a number of other buildings know how important this amenity is for residents to enjoy. Here is our “Get Ready for Summer” breakdown of Denver Condo buildings with a pool amenity.

But the definition of a pool can vary greatly for building to building.  Some buildings, like the Glass House, have what I commonly refer to as a “Real” Pool.  It’s big, it has swim lanes to do laps, and you aren’t crowded.  Other buildings, such as SPIRE, have smaller pools and aesthetic pools to allow residents to cool off or to add beauty to the space.  SPIRE focused instead on the hot tub spa feature and they offer residents two on their amenity level.  For those how prefer a true swimming pool a building like the Glass House might be more appealing.  For those who prefer a year round hot tub SPIRE might be a better choice.  Remember, if we are writing about the Glass House pool opening today that means it was closed.  It is not a year round amenity, but I think the residents there still believe it’s the best pool amenity in Denver.

Popular Denver Condo Buildings with a Pool

• Barclay Tower
• Beauvallon Condos
• Brooks Tower
• Four Seasons Residences
• Glass House
• Larimer Place
• ONE Lincoln
• Pinnacle
• Ritz Carlton Residences XXV
• SPIRE
• Taxi Lofts
• Windsor Condominiums

Or you can visit our lifestyle page with all listings that offer a pool.

Enjoy Denver and Happy Swimming!

Request a Tour of the Glass House and Available Listings

The post Glass House Pool is OPEN for residents for the 2014 Season appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

Living downtown, walking to restaurants, shops, sporting events, and theater from your front door, having great amenities such as swimming pools, fitness centers, theater rooms and more… for many this is the ultimate Denver lifestyle. Within the world of high rise condominiums there are a number of choices. There are different neighborhoods to choose from, different amenities for each building, and a different character or feel from historic and cool to modern and hip. So we decided to ask the question “If you could live in any Denver Urban high rise which one would you pick?”

Share your voice Denver or check out a list of Denver Buildings and price trends here!

The post What is your Favorite Denver High Rise appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

It’s a new year, and for many that means a chance for new beginnings.  I’m not sure how your 2012 was but I know more than a few people who were looking forward to putting 2012 in the past and giving 2013 a big welcoming embrace.

Of course, I tend to spend time with those who have an incredible attitude, and that makes life wonderful.

Life, as you well know, gives out it’s share of good and bad.  Relationships may end, life may throw a curve ball, and people decide they need change.  This historical advice given in these tough times has been “don’t make any big changes right away”.  I’m not sure I agree with this philosophy, at least not entirely.  I follow more of the theory Winson Churchill coined of “If you find yourself going through hell, keep going”.  I mean, if you aren’t happy with something in your life then you sure as heck should change it.

Yesterday’s New York Times article “Relocation Therapy” addressed this issue heads on looking at the benefit of changing your address as part of the recovery process.  The main focus of the article was on the end of a personal relationship and how where you live is entrenched with those memories and patterns.  Painful breakups, the death of a spouse, even the loss of a beloved pet, are all things that the article digs into.

It’s a very interesting theory, and one I tend to agree with.

After working with hundreds of clients who found their dream home in the Downtown Denver condo and Downtown Denver home area I can tell you that a large percentage were seeking, and found, a fresh start with their new homes.  Downtown locations such as Glass House, Riverfront Park, SPIRE and LoHi have provided wonderful fresh starts for those who wanted a change.

The Downtown lifestyle is perfect for a fresh start.  I know years ago when I was going through a particularly rough time that included the loss of a parent, end of a relationship, and more (quite the year) there was something therapeutic about moving into my new Urban loft.  It started with painting blank walls with colors I picked out and moved into selecting new furniture that reflected my personality and style.  The dining room table and the new set of pans was purchased with plans of connecting with friends for group dinners and filling my new home with fresh memories and laughter.  Living in a downtown high rise created an immediate sense of community and I met neighbors, created new friendships, and enjoyed walking out my front door with the city of Denver as my playground.  I tried new activities, explored my creative side, and did what would have been much more difficult to accomplish living in a suburb far from all that Downtown Denver has to offer.

I still love living downtown, and the many clients I have worked with share the same feedback.   Denver just keeps getting better every day and for its residents, that means a life full of options and ways to keep yourself growing and learning.

Of course the move to downtown can be for any reason  or life change.  Another big audience for downtown residences includes the growing empty nester and retirees audiences.  With more time on their hands, no kids in the house, and a drive to enjoy life the Downtown lifestyle called to them.  It is such a treat when I’m walking downtown and run into a previous client, out with a group of friends, as they share with me their plans for the night.  New restaurants, art exhibits, run clubs, and festivals are just a few steps away when you live downtown.

Whether you are looking to enrich your life or seeking a fresh start, the city of Denver is amazing for both.  I have to also say,  in agreement with the New York Times “Relocation Therapy” article, that sometimes a new chapter in life can benefit from a new address.

Here are a few recommendations of neighborhoods and buildings I love for their community…

• Riverfront Park is  an amazing community and neighborhood.  Nestled between LoDo and LoHi Riverfront Park puts the best of Denver within footsteps. Pedestrian bridges in both directions allow you to explore the city and some of the best restaurants including Linger, LoLa, Zengo, Sushi Sasa, The Kitchen, and more within a mile.  With Commons Park as your backyard there are plenty of outdoor running and activity spaces.  Plus the Riverfront Park master HOA maintains a security team of off duty police officers.  It’s nice to feel safe. 
• LoHi has been booming and the mix of great restaurants, pubs, and shops in this neighborhood make it a favorite.   The neighborhood offers a little something for everyone whether it’s a historic Denver Square home or a modern condominium or townhome.  It’s a neighborhood where it seems like everyone has a smile and a fond greeting for you.
• Glass House, SPIRE, and ONE Lincoln are three buildings that offer their own community within the building.  With pools, fitness centers, media rooms, and lounge areas these buildings offer a way to enjoy downtown and have great amenities without walking out the door.

The post New Home = New Start appeared first on Denver Urban Living.

Ever since the glory days of the Glass House in Riverfront Park in 2006 the Denver audience has been awaiting news on the rumored City House building in Union Station.  At that time developers were concentrating their efforts on condominium developments throughout Denver.  Glass House, SPIRE, and One Lincoln came to the market with their high rise lifestyles including great amenities (pools, fitness centers, and more) and walls of glass.

Glass House sold out almost entirely within the first 45 days going on the market.  ONE Lincoln and SPIRE came to market later and showed strong sales as well, although nothing like the Glass House.

So it is logical that at that time the focus was on what was for some time nicknamed “Glass House 2”.  The name evolved into City House and at that time the expectation was another 23 story tower would be built within the new Union Station Neighborhood.

That was then, this is now.

The design evolved over time.  Rental and apartment rates within the Denver market have steadily increased and developers channeled their focus into he rental project scope.  A few years ago many thought the City House idea would come as another high rise tower with a purely rental market.

But high rise projects are also more expensive.  Concrete and steel construction that creates beautiful glass towers takes considerably more time and resources than a stick build.  So many where not surprised to hear the recent announcement by Wood Partnersthat they will be creating a 281 unit 5 story rental building with a “stick build” construction.  Other apartment developers have been successful with this model in the local area.  Commons Park West, The Station at Riverfront Park, and the new phase of the Manhattan are all great examples of mid rise apartment development.

The new Alta City House is being designed to be amenity rich with the pool, fitness center, and feature rich design that helps to drive up rental rates.  For those who bought in the Glass House with a city view and were expecting a 23 story tower in their City view this decision may be a welcome surprise.

This could also have an impact over time on property values in Riverfront Park, LoHi, and the surrounding Downtown Denver condo and loft neighborhoods.  More apartment buildings, which has been the trend, mean that there is less available inventory of for sale buildings in the area.  That could affect the supply and demand pricing.  If prices do increase perhaps it will drive the creation of some new for sale condominium buildings in the area.   Until then, existing inventory may be more sought after which is why we offer our clients rapid alerts on their favorite buildings and neighborhoods.

To learn more about real estate at the Glass House, in Riverfront Park, or any of the great Downtown Denver condo and Downtown Denver loft neighborhoods please give anyone on the New Era Realty team a call.

Cheers!  Union Station is growing FAST!

The post Alta City House coming to Union Station Denver appeared first on Denver Urban Living.