Getting your player ready...
After 17 years in Denver’s big-builder scene, veteran builder Toby Terhune gave up the gig, left for Hawaii…but was back after two months, putting together a small deal on a pretty enclave you’ll see today, wrapped in open space at the very southern edge of Fort Collins. Now he’s seen bigger builders disappear, as he’s taken WaterLeaf to a concept that both Fort Collins AND Denver buyers seem to want: a mix of designs that’s heavy on the ranches, with lots of open space nearby, and per-foot prices well below what competitors have.
“It’s the product he builds,” says Sales Manager LeAnna Blanchard, adding that WaterLeaf’s designs come in around $15 to $30-per-foot less than the competitors she tours. She’ll give you a tour of Shadow Creek Homes’ two models (including a fastest-selling ‘Caden’ ranch), about three miles west of I-25 at the Windsor Exit, around 25 minutes north on I-25 from the E-470/Northwest Parkway interchange.
Despite that southern proximity (some residents work in downtown Denver) this is genuine Fort Collins – wrapped in loads of open space in which the college town buffered itself. “It’s an easy place to get outside,” Terhune said, pointing to Horsetooth Reservoir (15 minutes west)…Fossil Creek Reservoir (3 minutes)…a bit further to the trout waters along the Big Thompson and Poudre Rivers.
Meanwhile, Shadow Creek Homes at WaterLeaf puts on emphasis on size (even basic ranches are 1,600 to 2,100 square feet, and around 70% of buyers have Terhune complete some basement finished space as part of the deal)…as well as on delivering nicer finishes than competitors are doing. “We’re a step above them,” he says, pointing to stone exteriors, air conditioning, full appliances, rear yard fence, alder kitchen cabinets, and a tandem 3-car garage, all standard. “Toby offers around $33,000 or $34,000 more in upgrades than you’ll get anywhere else,” adds Blanchard.
And, of course, residents get Fort Collins. “It’s a small-town feel, but with big city amenities,” says Terhune. “Everybody knows everybody, but if you want professional sports, you drive 50 minutes south.” Blanchard will have the coffee on today…and can show you some new sites backing to 153-acre Pelican open space; also, a special enclave where you can have landscape maintenance and snow removal for $100/month; and a new main-floor master suite plan. To reach, take I-25 north 34 miles past 470, to Windsor exit (CR 392), then head west 3.5 miles to Lemay Avenue and turn right.
If you go…
WHERE: WaterLeaf by Shadow Creek Homes; single-family homes including 5 ranch plans, some prices under $95/sq. ft.; low-cost finished basements; optional low-maintenance sites; cookies & coffee. 1020 Burrowing Owl Dr., Fort Collins; take I-25 north past 470, another 34 mi. to Windsor exit, CR 392; head west 3.5 mi. (becomes Carpenter Rd.) to Lemay, and right.
PRICE: From $279,000
WHEN: Today, noon to 5 p.m.
PHONE: 970-266-1856
WEB: WaterLeafColorado.com
Mark Samuelson is president of Samuelson & Associates, a homebuilding/real estate communications firm. You can e-mail him at mark@samuelsonassoc.com.
