It’s been six months since the 33-story Ameristar Casino opened in Black Hawk, but the buyers you’ll see today at the season-opening of Prospectors Run Townhomes in Central City are purchasing for the same reason they did last year and the year before that: The prices, the views, and the trails and lakes that dot the historic mining country.
“It’s about the kids,” says Mary Anne Kushner, who with husband Barry bought a large townhome with 2-car garage in Prospectors Run last year. Their three married children and six grandkids have already been up to rove the old mining towns. “It’s so kid-friendly and peaceful.”
Builders Bob Patterson and Rita Lee can show you five homes they’ve completed over the winter, including some larger-sized designs some recent buyers are asking for. They’ll have a Cinco de Mayo spread of carnitas, Mexican rice and salsa out in their model home; and thinking ahead to the popularity of those lakes and trails, they’re offering a free ATV with any of the three specs that are ready now.
Close to the Kushners, Gary and Beth Melling have a new place they purchased after they had started looking over in Hiwan and Evergreen. “All we saw there was 20-year-old properties with chopped-up rooms, priced in the $550s,” Melling recalls. “We crossed those off and started looking at newspaper ads.” At Prospectors, Melling liked the quality, but told Lee he wanted one a little larger and customized. The result is a popular new plan called ‘Mt. Massive’ (you can tour it today) – 4,000 sq. ft. with 4-car garage. Patterson customized it for the couple, adding an elevator and special activity areas.
“I love it,” Melling says. “They designed it so every square foot is used. I wish we’d done it 10 years ago.” The Mellings have their own ATV in the garage that seven kids and 13 grandkids use to explore nearby lakes. The whole tribe spent the holidays here this year.
Both couples admit they’ve also explored Ameristar and other gambling haunts (reporting 4% to 7%-higher revenues over the past year) and the new restaurants. “But when you’re up here, you don’t know that exists,” says Melling. Lee says residents haven’t had to gamble on their investments: appraisals show prices have held, even appreciated over recent years, she adds. She’ll talk to you about one new home near completion they’d be willing to lease-back as a model. Prospectors Run is 35 minutes from Denver; from I-70 take Central City Parkway through Central City (Spring St.) to Eureka, turn left, watch for yellow signs.
If you go…
WHERE:
Spring sales opening at Prospectors Run; large resort-style townhomes in Central City, free Mexican lunch today; ATV free with 3 completed homes. Take I-70 west to Exit 243 (before Idaho Springs), Central City Pkwy 8 mi. to Central City; continue thru on Spring St. to Eureka, watch for yellow signs.
PRICE:
From $219,500
WHEN:
Open house & lunch today, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
PHONE:
303-582-0286
WEB:
