Getting your player ready...
Fifteen years after builders ventured the first ‘retirement ranch’ concepts near Denver, that market is stronger than ever – a moment when Taylor Morrison Homes is arriving with an entire master-planned community based around roomy 55-and-older ranch plans, one that reimagines ranch living for a Colorado baby-boom generation of buyers.
Two miles west on W. 108th Avenue from Wadsworth, Skyestone by Taylor Morrison has a Broomfield address, but feels more like a mix of Broomfield, Arvada, and Westminster – cites with well over 200 miles of trails wandering through. “We’re getting people who are skiing and hiking every weekend,” says Kathy Curtis, community manager – who had written her 15th new home contract the night before, surrounded by six ranch models that grand-opened only this past week. Believe it or not, around a thousand buyers toured last weekend – numbers of them younger than the minimum 55 years that at least one purchaser on a contract must be. “They’re asking whether we’d be able to sell to them before 55,” recalls Brian Cartwright, vice president for sales and marketing. Taylor Morrison, he adds, put three years into planning Skyestone (its first age-restricted community); and has loads of prior experience in “age-targeted” homes, including new communities launching in Houston, Sarasota and Southern California. But for this older Colorado buyer involved in outdoor living, don’t expect to see a copy of Sun-City-type architecture. “Our focus groups told us early-on that ‘We don’t want a cruise ship; we want something organically grown'” Curtis says. You’re going to tour ‘mountain modern’ styling – not far off from what Gen-X and Gen-Y buyers are purchasing in trendy areas around downtown Denver and Boulder. Taylor Morrison’s plans range from 1,600 to 2,900 square feet, all single-family, with partial basements included – with a 3-car garage and gourmet kitchens included on a plush ‘Pinnacle’ series. “You’ll see a major emphasis on glazing and natural light, on bedroom-to-bath count and outdoor living space,” Cartwright notes. That’ll carry over to a spectacular ‘Lodge’ community center Taylor Morrison is designing for pool and spa, fitness center, outdoor events, and a demo kitchen – opening to 10 miles of planned trail. Prices start from the low $3s, from the $380s for a few ranches that can deliver in April. You can meet Mackenzie Navarro, already on site as Skyestone’s activities hostess, planning events for residents who are VERY anxious to meet new people. Skyestone is midway between the sports and entertainment attractions in downtown, and trails behind Boulder. From U.S. 36/Boulder Tnpk take Wadsworth south to W. 108th, and head west two miles to the covered bridge entryway at Simms. WHERE: Grand opening of Skyestone, 55-and-older low-maintenance ranch community, 6 models, interactive sales center; 2-3 bed, finished basement option, 3-car garage on some; quick move-ins, near open space, trails, golf. 12091 Red Fox Wy, Broomfield; from U.S. 36/Boulder Tnpk take Wadsworth/287 south 1 mi. to 108th, west 2 mi. to Simms PRICE: From $326,000; early spring move-in from $380s
