Getting your player ready...
The very contemporary IKEA store doesn’t open for months; but the crowds are already out looking for ‘cool’ — as Shea Homes’ ultra-hip SPACES collection arrives at a new-urban-styled setting in Highlands Ranch. Some 400 people explored the models last week alone, with 19 SPACES homes sold there, just since the frigid month of January.
And that’s before today, when Shea has the Denver Cupcake Truck out (cakecrumbs.com) — not just in Highlands Ranch, but also at Reunion (another nine Shea homes sold there since the first of the year).
The same phenomenon that’s working at Reunion – drawing buyers out of downtown for urban-styled spaces at much lower prices, is already working in the Ranch, according to Shea’s Scott Beaumont, who has worked in both communities. In both settings buyers get a very trendy look, terrific amenities, and suburban community attractions that have always drawn buyers out of the city…all at prices they can’t find in LoDo or in the urban master-planned communities. Those features are luring crowds even on weekdays – some from surrounding neighborhoods, but others coming out from popular areas surrounding downtown Denver.
One couple arrived at SPACES after transferring from Kuwait, where, believe it or not, they had furnished their apartment at an IKEA store. “Our furniture will work perfect in these,” they said.
Just as in Reunion, where buyers are close to 7-acre South Lawn and 52-acre Reunion Park, a lake, outdoor pool with water-slide, and a state-of-the-art rec center, Shea picked a choice parcel for the debut down south — Fairview and Highlands Ranch Parkways; surrounded not only by prized schools, 70 miles of trails and four rec centers, but shops, dining and groceries. Shea is pumping up the site with a community garden where residents grow their own vegetables; a playground, picnic area and a large park.
“It all has an urban feel that matches the series,” Beaumont said. Meanwhile, at prices from the $220s, these are single-family homes that not only reach for younger buyers, but also those who have owned for years in the area, who want to give up the maintenance, but not the amenities. All of them, younger and older, like the very contemporary look, with expanses of laminate hardwoods, Euro-styled kitchens in chrome and stainless, sexy splash-baths with dual showerheads; and a 40-inch flat screen, part of the package.
They also like the energy savings that will come with 2×6 construction and Energy Star features (in Highlands Ranch Beaumont and Jessica Conboy can show you SEER data that let you see just how much you’ll save; or at Reunion, ask for Doreen Gilmore or Erin Tripp). From C-470 take University south to Highlands Ranch Parkway, head west a couple of blocks to Fairview, then left. To see Reunion (Cupcake Truck is there, too on Saturday) head west from Tower on 104th to Reunion Parkway.
If you go…
WHERE: Grand opening, ‘SPACES’ 2-to-6 bedroom single-family models by Shea Homes in Highlands Ranch (and at Reunion); designed for how families live today; amenities, walk-to shopping, ‘Denver Cupcake Truck’ today. Highlands Ranch: from C-470 take University south 1.5 mi. to Highlands Ranch Pkwy; right 2 blks to Fairview Pkwy, left 1 blk. Reunion: from Tower, west on 104th 1/4 mi. to Reunion Pkwy, north
PRICE: From $229,000 in Highlands Ranch; from $180s at Reunion
WHEN: Saturday (2/26 – Cupcake Truck) 10-6, Sunday 11-6
PHONE: 303-346-5200 (HR) 303-286-7601 (Reunion)
WEB: SheaSPACES.com
Mark Samuelson is president of Samuelson & Associates, a homebuilding/real estate communications firm. You can e-mail him at mark@samuelsonassoc.com.
