Look at a Zillow map of Aurora around E. Hampden and you’ll see lots of reasons for families to want to move up now — many houses in the 1,000-to-1,400-square-foot range, where people feel the pinch as their kids, their cars and possessions grow. Colorado builder Scott Claymon was thinking about that last year when he came across 64 lots that a national builder had given up; the very last sites in The Conservatory, a master-planned community beside the Plains Conservation Center.
Today you can get a sneak preview of Carapace Homes and some sharp looking designs created for those final sites that are on track for a July grand opening. Size-wise, they could double your inside space and maybe add some elbow room outside, at prices from the $250s. But Carapace Homes, says Claymon, is not just about space.
“Many builders have reduced prices, but they’ve reduced their square footages and their features to do it,” says sales director Darin Underwood. “They’ve zigged while we’ve zagged.”
So, when you visit the ‘Raphael’ model by Carapace Homes (the name literally means the protective shell on a turtle), you’ll see 2,270 feet, around double many area homes, base-priced around $309,000. It has a masonry wrap around four sides; an oversized garage (3-car is an option) with an SUV-sized door; and a well defined entryway you rarely find even on expensive custom homes. “This is designed to show a standard home,” Underwood said during a preview like the one you’ll get today. “The upgrades are no more than $9,000 worth; that’s it.”
…Meaning that the slab-granite island kitchen with a recess for barstools; the 36-inch fireplace in granite surround; and the hardwood floor linking them, are all standard. The detailed cabinets with bump-ups and bump-outs are included (Carapace upgraded the standard oak to alder). Upstairs, the 3-or-4 bedroom plan has laundry up, and a central loft designed for hi-def TV or for playing the Wii.
“When kids grow, they need their privacy,” Underwood added as he pointed out the separate, private vanities on a Jack-n-Jill bath. The master has a spa tub, nice shower, and a dress-in closet, with plenty of tile. “But you’re only seeing about $800 in upgrades,” he notes.
All of these — even two roomy ranches that start at $257,750 for 1,741 feet — have the standard features. In the Conservatory, you’ll also see how close they are to the community’s pool, clubhouse, and large park with picnic pavilion (directly behind the model, for $24/month!). Carapace’s model is east on Hampden to Conservatory Pkwy and north one mile. Meanwhile, watch for Carapace to open soon near Highway 2 and 104th in Commerce City, at pre-sale prices that could save another $50,000.
If you go…
WHERE:
Carapace Homes at The Conservatory, preview of 2,270 sq. ft. model, 3-car, garden-level options. 2754 S. Lisbon Wy, Aurora; take Hampden Ave. east to Conservatory Pkwy (1 mi. before E-470), north 1 mi. to Lisbon, right. (Or take Iliff east to Wesley and rt. 1 mi.) Also, watch for Carapace to open in Commerce City
PRICE:
Single-family from $257,750 (Commerce City from $190s) [BOX] WHEN: Today, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
PHONE:
303-956-8150 or 303-900-2929
WEB:
