Getting your player ready...
Just about the time developers announced a new Sprouts Farmers Market coming to E. Colfax near City Park, a drastic re-pricing was underway on some trendy, loft-style condos two blocks west – newly finished after they’d changed hands several times. When the dozers started work on the grocery’s site last month, those units at ‘Blueprint,’ Colfax at Madison Street, were showing new prices in scale with the realities of downtown’s 2012 market; and buyers who had an early look at them had already moved on 16 of the 37 homes, before any advertising.
Today you can see 21 homes left: The early takers had snapped up numbers of the most affordable; but left some of those, along with a juicy selection of premium units on top floors, some with stunning views of downtown’s skyline and the mountains, showing wide-open interiors with gas fireplaces and big decks. You’re going to see a fifth-floor ranch plan with high ceilings and big windows that showcases a corner city/mountain view, 1,734 square feet of space, at $424,900. And there are a couple of 2-story penthouses – dining/entertaining area on the fifth floor, wrapped around spiral staircases down to the bedroom suites, from $459,900. You’ll also see a couple of ‘mandated-affordable’ studios that the original developer created; but good news, they’re now priced from $129,650, and although they still have re-sale restrictions, now you don’t have to be income-restricted to qualify. Meanwhile, a jump in size to a 3-bedroom (or 2-bedroom-plus-study), not a fancy view but with a steel-mesh balcony that’s plumbed for a gas grill, is $299,900. Jackie Garcia of RE/MAX Professionals, whose ‘Mile-High Dream Team’ is showing Blueprint, says it’s no coincidence that two early buyers are medical professionals, planning to walk to work at National Jewish Hospital, two blocks east. She adds that with rents rising and inventory drying up in downtown, these sizable condos will make a very favorable price comparison to what you’ll find downtown. Aside from the impending arrival of Sprouts on Colfax, you’ll already find Bastien’s Steakhouse across the street, and coffee places and taverns like Atomic Cowboy heading west toward Annie’s Café and Bar. “It’s like an eastern gateway into downtown,” says Bennie Martinez, who’ll be on site with Ben Prucey and Maritza Beach in the furnished model. You’ll see an edgy palette of colors, lots of cherry and ubatuba granite counters, and easy walkability into more dining just south along 12th in Congress Park. Coming from Cherry Creek, take York north to 14th Avenue and head east ten blocks to Madison, then left to Colfax. WHERE: Blueprint, new loft-style condos near downtown between City Park & Congress Park; to 2,568 sq. ft., re-priced, choice upper floor lofts & 2-story penthouses, model with snacks & refreshments today. 1488 Madison Street, Denver; from York/Josephine take either E. 14th Ave. or Colfax east 10 blks to Madison, corner of Madison & Colfax PRICE: From $129,650; 3-bed from $299,900; 2-story penthouse $459,900 WHEN: Today, 11 a.m. until 5 p.m., also next Sunday