Capitol Hill's borders are Colfax to Seventh and Broadway to Downing. It was Henry C. Brown who donated land to Colorado for a State Capitol. Henry ownded substantial adjacent land and wanted to develop it. Brown built the Brown Palace Hotel. He had no relation to Margaret Tobin Brown (Molly, the unsinkable). http://mollybrown.org/ It was Brown who named Broadway, referencing the Broadway of New York City. Broadway Street was the original eastern border of Denver where the diagonal streets of Downtown Denver ended.Pre-eminent among Capitol Hill's numerous historical residences are the 1899 William Lang designed Molly Brown House http://mollybrown.org/househistory.asp and the 1906 Crawford hill mansion at Sherman and 10th. This French Renaissance Revival extravaganza became home to the "... 10/04/2007

Will you be in downtown Denver this weekend?  Its no longer October - Its Rocktober! This week-end in Denver was already slated to be extremely busy, and now that the Colorado Rockies are in the play-offs (GO ROCKIES!)there are even more activities to pick from in downtown Denver Saturday and Sunday.  Here are just a few that you can pick from. One tip though, if you will be going downtown from any of the suburbs this week-end, I have to think that public transportation such as light rail or the RTD bus service would be a very good idea.  I have to imagine parking in Denver is going to be a fortune on Sunday, if you can even find any.  Light Rail will be running continuously to downtown Denver from almost all stations throughout the day Sunday, even the ones that generally have no Sunda... 10/04/2007

I received a wide variety of inquiries this week, both by phone and email - regarding why I sometimes blog about local events and businesses outside of Denver Real Estate and would I be willing to write about local businesses for compensation.  The answer is really in 2 parts. First, when someone is going to relocate to Denver, they generally are coming in blind.  For the most part, they are starting from scratch, and I have always received a huge inquiry as to what my favorite restaurants are, what malls are great, where is the best place to go downtown, etc.  Secondly, some people and businesses seem to be under the misconception that I blog about them as an advertising service for them, and as of late I have been asked to a) blog about places I have never heard of and b) blog for pro... 09/23/2007

THIS IS MY FIRST OF MANY BLOGS ON ACTIVE RAIN AND THROUGHOUT THE COMMUNITY. I WILL BEGIN WITH MY STORY, SO YOU KNOW WHERE IM COMING FROM WHEN I WRITE IN THE FUTURE! So as I begin to write about my journey, my experiences in Lending and Residential Brokerage, my research, my knowledge, and some day to day occurrences at ReLogic, I thought back to one defining moment:  Business Plan 2004!!!!!January 2004:  Downtown Denver, 17th and Market.  Kirk Lautensleger (COO, ReLogic) and Daniel Diaz (me, now CSO ReLogic) are running Maxim Financial Lending, a Branch of one of the state's largest Correspondent Mortgage Banks.  Every year a smart business owner (or young and unbridled) writes or updates their business plan.  Little did I know I would stumble upon an idea that was to be a benchmark how... 09/19/2007

Just the other day I was at a listing presentation with a prospective client discussing how to sell his home faster than the other active listings during the Denver Colorado real estate housing slump.  He of course wanted to know about our marketing strategy, communication plan, and competitive listings in the area and what I suggest for a listing price.  Most successful agents who practice selling real estate in Colorado full-time instead of part-time will deliver a comprehensive plan for marketing and communication, however, there are very few within the Denver real estate market that have the experience or skill set to analyze any market and determine the optimum price that will sell their client’s house in the shortest timeframe. When evaluating your listing agent, it is important t... 09/18/2007

Just the other day my partner and I where showing a new client homes in the Highlands neighborhood in Denver CO. The Highlands neighborhood is a very desirable neighborhood in the Denver real estate market, due to the bungalow style homes, urban feel, local shops and restaurants and proximity to Downtown Denver. Unlike many real estate markets in Denver and throughout the country, the Highlands neighborhood is one of the magnet communities that have experienced double digit (13 percent) home appreciation over the last year. The problem with the high appreciation in a market like the Highlands neighborhood is that you get inexperienced agents that are unknowingly providing their buyers and sellers wrong advice. This wrong advice could lend itself to a home buyer paying more than the hous... 09/18/2007

CADILLAC LOFTS 1090 Cherokee Street620 Corp. pioneered development in the Golden Triangle with its conversion of  a former multi story auto dealership building.  This building was a former Cadillac Dealership opening in the 1920's in Denver, located on the corner of 11th and Cherokee, Across from Trieste and The Prado. The Cadillac lofts are 2 story authentic lofts with exposed brick and a large Rooftop Deck. Located 2 Blocks from The Denver Art Museum and the New (To be Built) Clifford Still Museum Unit #Asking PriceSales PriceSq FtPSFBedsBathsParking SpacesDays on MarketDate Sold311$299,500$290,0001389$2092112525-May-07Avg. Price Per Square Foot $209Avg. Days on Market25  09/17/2007

The lucky people who bought one of the houses in the Bonnie Brae and Belcaro area have a great view of our fall colors right in the neighborhood. Only one house in the area closed in August.Here is a quick summary of August 2007 sales in the Bonnie Brae and Belcaro neighborhoods. The east and west boundaries are Colorado Boulevard and University Boulevard and the north and south streets are E. Exposition Avenue and E. Mississippi Avenue. It is a wonderful neighborhood with a eclectic selection of homes. From historical homes to custom contemporary construction, the neighborhood offers something for everyone. The neighborhood is within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, parks and transportation routes.                                                                               ... 09/17/2007

Here is a quick summary of August 2007 sales in the Lowry neighborhood. The area is generally located between Yosemite Street (east) and Quebec Street (west), E. 11th Avenue (north) and Alameda Avenue (south). There is a small pocket that juts out to the west side. The Lowry neighborhood was developed as a result of the Lowry Air Force Base closure. It is a wonderful community that has a variety of parks, the Lowry Town Center and neighborhood activities that are scheduled year round.  Lowry "Glory Days", the neighborhood main event, is a wonderful success this year. Lowry living opportunities range from historical homes that have been renovated to areas still waiting for the soil to be turned before construction begins. The Lowry neighborhoods are within walking distance of restaurants... 09/09/2007

As a local business, I do what I can to give back to the community that I serve.  If I could there are so many events and organizations I would choose to contribute to.  But of course we all can only do so much and so I am a bit picky as to what I choose to contribute to.  I was a sponsor for the First Josh & Gus's Run for a Reason and I am writing a check for this year's event right after I write this.  I am a dad, and that is the reason.  I also hope everyone in our community will strongly consider participating in this event.  I know that many of my local real estate colleagues read this, wouldn't it be something if we all supported this event together?I have asked my wife to guest author today to tell you about this very special event.  And so here she is....Why you Should Pencil In... 09/06/2007

Update: COLORADO-TEXAS JUNIOR RYDER CUP GOLF TOURNAMENT.....Excerpt from the welcoming letter to the Colorado Junior Team:  "We have assembled a team of 12 players who will be competing against a team from Texas in a Ryder Cup Format.  Our selection process was difficult and was based on many factors with ability, integrity and sportsmanship as our essential characteristics.  We hope you are as honored to represent Colorado as we are honored to have you on our team."COMPETITION   September 7, Friday            Practice Round                       1pm-2pm tee timesSeptember 8, Saturday        Team Competition                 1pm-2pm tee times                                                         *Front Nine 4-Ball, Back Nine 2-BallSeptember 9, Sunday           Individual Competition   ... 09/05/2007

Here is a brief summary of August 2007 sales in the Denver Country Club and North Country Club neighborhoods. The east and west boundaries are University Boulevard and Downing Street and the north and south streets are 6th Avenue and 1st Avenue. It is a beautiful area with historical homes and mature trees. The neighborhood is within walking distance of Cherry Creek dining and shopping, Cheesman Park, the Denver Botanic Gardens and the Cherry Creek Bike and Walking trail. If you want to live close to downtown, but in a fabulous neighborhood setting, this is a wonderful choice.Prices are dropping, so this might be a good time to consider buying in one of the most beautiful neighborhoods in Denver. The houses that sold averaged $444.63 per square foot and 178 days on the market. Google Ma... 09/04/2007

Labor Day Weekend in Denver - A Taste of Colorado  Summer in Denver is coming to an end, and a traditional family favorite here in Denver has always been A Taste of Colorado.  Music fills many stages and the range of restaurants that participate in the festival is huge.  The festival takes places in downtown Denver in Civic Center Park from Friday August 31st  through Monday September 3rd.  The hours can be found here.  The extensive music line up includes the BoDeans - but besides that there are about 30 acts throughout the weekend.  Remember Night Ranger?  They'll be there.  Survivor?  They'll be there too.  Some of my favorite restaurants participating include: Caldonia's BBQ (Way back when, I lived just behind Caldonia's so its a long time favorite) The Broker Imperial Chinese Seafo... 08/24/2007

These 24 unit Denver Lofts projects in the Golden Triangle in Denver took a new (non loft) approach to design.  The building's are a traditional Villa style architecture with discreet bedrooms and living and dining rooms.  Trieste was completed in 1999 and Trovare was completed in May of 2000. All of the Lofts have Gas Fireplaces and Outside Space, there is also a common rooftop Deck. All of the Lofts are 2 Bedroom 2 Bath and are 1730 - 1665 square feet, each condo is situated on a corner with large open living areas and large gourmet kitchens. The Building's are Two Blocks to the Denver Art Museum and the New Clifford Still Museum. 08/22/2007

The Century Lofts 290 W. 12th Ave  Located on a corner only 1 Block From Daniel Liebskinds Denver Art Museum Expansion, Century lofts seeks to extend the evolving tradition of modernism in the Golden Triangle. The building is redered in cast-in-place concrete, large expanses of glass and subtle shades of stucco. Crowning the Century Lofts is a frieze of hubcaps - homage to the neighborhoods roots. Each residential loft has direct access to a minimum of two sides of daylight and the resulting natural ventilation 08/19/2007

Bordered on the North by Colfax Avenue, on the east by Lincoln Street, and on the Southwest by Speer Boulvard, The Golden Triangle is a neighborhood where life, work, art and culture merge in a unique urban experience. Civic Certer Park is our front yard; Evans School is the Heart of the Triangle; and The Colorado History Museum, The Denver Public Library and the Denver Art Museum are our cultural lifeblood. The Golden Triangle is home to more than 20 Art Galleries. There are about 700 condos in 12 buildings and 400 rental units currently with another 800 in the planning stages. It is home to Daniel Liebskind's artful museum residences and Museum Expansion along with Geo Ponti Art Museum and Michael Graves Public Library. 08/18/2007

DENVER DRY LOFTSThe 66 Lofts in The Central Business District of Downtown Denver, Located on the 16th Street Mall and California Street. The Building has a Guest Suite, Workout Room, Rooftop Deck a Starbucks and TJ MAXX. The project is diverse in terms of the unit configuration.  There are dramatic 5th floor units in what was formerly the famous Denver Tea Room with a twenty foot wide balcony with an ornate neo-classical balustrade.  Fourth floor units are two story lofts and sixth floor lofts have distinctive and large arched windows.  The alley side lofts view the Neusteter Lofts 16 feet away and are attractively priced to sell to entry level buyers. Across the Street on California the properties have been acquired by Denver Developer Evan Makovsky who will be assembling it into a mix... 08/18/2007

- THE BALUSTRADE 1200 CherokeeThis 32 unit project in the Golden Triangle took a new (non loft) approach to design.  The building is a traditional Villa style architecture with discreet bedrooms and living and dining rooms.  The project was completed in October of 1997. All of the Lofts have Gas Fireplaces and Outside Space, The first Level Condos have Private Garden Courtyards, There is also a Common Courtyard and a rooftop Deck. There are 8 Large 3 Bedroom, 3 Bath Lofts, Square Footage from 1,900 to 2,100. 8 Large 2 Bedroom 2 Bath Lofts, Square Footage 1,400 - 1,600 and 8 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath Lofts Square Footage 950 to 1,000. The Building is One Block to the Denver Art Museum and the New Clifford Still Museum. Unit #Asking PriceSales PriceSq FtPSFBedsBathsParking SpacesDays on MarketDat... 08/18/2007

RITCHIE BROTHERS LAND AUCTION is offering 36 acres on HWY 85 this September, which should allow the rest of us a great glimpse into the desire for LAND IN NORTH DENVER.  Lambert is offering 9 acres of I-1, and VR Business Brokers is offering 14 ACRES ZONED I-3, just north of the Ritchie Brothers Property. I believe the auction will bring top dollar, allowing for some bargain hunting to occur with some of the other available property in the area. The HWY 85 corridor is really growing. Businesses in the area are all doing well, and many are looking to expand within the year. Believe it or not, the economy is great for this micro-market. Contracts are keeping these businesses growing and investors are taking note. Keep in touch to hear more on the Ritchie Brothers auction and other land de... 08/17/2007

18 Month Sales History - Central Platte ValleyArt House                      1467 Delgany StreetAverage Price Square Foot for 6 Sales $542       Average Days on The Market 285Creekside at Riverfront  1440 Little Raven StreetAverage Price Square Foot for 9 Sales $401 Average Days on The Market 160Delgany Lofts 1401 Delgany StreetAverage Price Square Foot for 9 Sales $431 Average Days on The Market 728Monarch Mills 1475 Delgany StreetAverage Price Square Foot for 8 Sales $285 Average Days on The Market 86Park Place Lofts 1610 Little Raven StreetAverage Price Square Foot for 11 Sales $339 Average Days on The Market 126Promenade Lofts 2100 16th  StreetAverage Price Square Foot for 11 Sales $382 Average Days on The Market 185Riverfront Tower 1590 Little Raven StreetAverage Price Square Foot ... 08/16/2007