Condos boast an airy, open-concept vibe with expansive windows, generous storage and nine-foot ceilings. (Photo: Jonathan Castner).
Indeed the view of the Flatirons is incredible. (Photo: Jonathan Castner).
This is your summer to buy your dream home
Between wondrous mountain views, a convenient northeast Boulder location, sleek home designs and abundant neighborhood amenities for a diverse, active community, Velo Condos offers everything one could want in a new Boulder home. Yet, the best part might be the least expected: Velo Condos is affordably priced to promote home ownership among Boulder’s workforce. Located across the street from Boulder’s vaunted Valmont City Park, Velo Condos is a new neighborhood compromised of 70 for-sale residences developed by Thistle, a Boulder-based company committed to developing mixed-income housing.
Appraised to meet the current realty demands in Boulder, Velo Condo’s initial release is nearly 50 percent pre-sold, and residences in the first three constructed buildings are anticipated to be available for move-in by late summer. One- and two-bedroom residences start as low as $410,000, and 14 of the total residences will remain permanently affordable. While the popular live-work Velo Condos – with in-condo zoned work spaces – are completely sold, residence-only condos are available, and reservations are being accepted for residences in the two buildings not yet under construction. Qualified buyers
are invited to schedule hard-hat tours now.
Thistle CEO Mary Duvall explained that Thistle purposefully aims to house Boulder’s workforce. She said, “We are partnering with the Boulder Chamber to introduce this home owning opportunity to Boulder’s workforce. We’re offering discounts to buyers who come from the same local employer and want to share the commitment to live and work in Boulder.” She continued, “The Chamber has been a fantastic partner and is obviously committed to impacting employers’ concerns about the lack of affordable housing for employees.”
Innovative affordability
Velo Condos’ builder, DIRC Homes, previously united with Thistle on the award-winning Yarmouth Way neighborhood, a mixed income for-sale community in north Boulder. Randy Henkel, president of the locally owned and operated DIRC Homes, said, “I am so excited to be part of bringing an innovative and reasonably priced housing option to the Boulder market and to introduce our company vision of being the company of choice by redefining home construction to the market,”
Duvall said Thistle’s relationship with DIRC Homes is one of mutual respect and admiration. She stated, “We are thrilled to work with DIRC. Their construction expertise will keep the final sales prices below what is presently seen in the market for homes of this quality and size.” Sweeping views framed by beautiful design
Velo Condos don’t skimp on quality materials or energy efficiency. (Photo: Jonathan Castner).
Featuring a dozen unique floor plans, Velo’s one-, two- and three-bedroom condos don’t skimp on quality materials or energy efficiency. Condos range from 706 to 1,984 square feet and boast an airy, open-concept vibe with expansive windows, generous storage and nine-foot ceilings. Both to ensure efficiency and boost the wallet, Low-E vinyl windows, solid-core two-panel doors and LED lighting are the norm. Since sound (or the lack of it) is as essential as style, Velo Condos’ engineers have designed a state-of-the-art sound separation system to reduce noise transmission.
Furthermore, each residence includes a private garage, optionally equipped with an electric charging station and ranging from one-car to two-car tandems or oversized, and keyless entry provides peace of mind. Exterior maintenance and landscaping will be covered by the homeowner’s association, and care has been taken to craft a water-wise, relaxing environment. Duvall said, “Velo units are the perfect size and price for first-time homebuyers who want lock and leave convenience. A balcony or patio, along with an enclosed yard for ground-floor units, is ideal for pets, potted plants and of course, gazing at the view.”
Indeed, “the view of the Flatirons is incredible,” said Deanna Franco, the exclusive listing broker for Velo Condos sales and owner of 8030 Realty. “Velo Condos is perched on a hill looking right at the Flatirons, it’s a stunning view.” Duvall emphasized the location’s tranquility: “Velo Condos is a serene setting.”
Franco added, “Mature trees border the west property line, with a lovely private lake in view of many of the residences. This is a beautiful place to live, work and thrive.”
Unrivaled Boulder location
With Valmont City Park mere steps from Velo Condos, the living, working and thriving can’t help but be dynamic. One of the most celebrated bike parks in the nation, Valmont City Park boasts 42 acres of natural surface cycling terrain, and for the pet lover, the 3.25-acre Valmont Dog Park includes fenced spaces with plenty of room to play. On the south side of the park, the Valmont Disc Golf Course is always free. Construction on a skate park and bike pump track is scheduled to begin next month, and Boulder’s Concept Plans showcase an additional 90 acres of ballfields, a track, trails, aquatics facilities and a playground, a smorgasbord of outside fun adjacent to Velo Condos.
In a nod to Boulder’s cycling culture, Velo Condos takes its name from the French word for bike (vélo). “We are super bike friendly, with a bike-tire ramp at the interior of our common stairwells and an outdoor bike wash and ramp, plus a repair station outside of the community area,” Franco said. Cyclists will appreciate Velo’s connections to 300 miles of bike paths, fanning out to Cottonwood, Goose Creek and Wonderland Creek paths.
When a motor is necessitated, a bus stop is a couple blocks over, and the Foothills Parkway is easily accessible. The pet-friendly community will also include a dedicated dog-wash zone.
The focus on biking and furry friends typifies Velo’s focus on comfortable, convenient living – which is likewise captured in Velo’s two-story community center. Each floor features glazed garage doors opening onto a patio; a workspace is planned for the upper floor, and a possible fitness room is planned below. Franco said, “These spaces will offer areas that can be accessed flexibly through evolving times.”
Thanks to the amazing topography, energetic location and spotlight on community lifestyle, “Velo Condos are perfect for retirees and professionals alike,” Franco said. Apple recently announced 700 new jobs for its site three blocks from Velo, and the Google and Twitter’s Boulder hubs are, respectively, two and three miles from the condos. Pearl Street is a quick bike ride from Velo front doors, as is Whole Foods.
To learn more, visit velocondos.com for virtual video tours. Reservations for residences in the future two buildings are being accepted for a $500, totally refundable deposit, ensuring right-of-refusal. Pre-sales for the first three buildings are about half locked-in and require a traditional sale deposit by qualified home buyers. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity,” Franco said.“With prices on the rise and unprecedented demand, this chance won’t last long.”
For market sales, contact Deanna Franco, owner/broker of 8030 Realty, at 720.422.5131 or e-mail [email protected]. For permanently affordable sales, contact Megan James, broker at 8030 Realty, at 630.363.9779 or e-mail [email protected].
By Sarah Huber, At Home Colorado
