Velo Condos’ offer bright, open-plan, modern interiors by Kimball Modern Interiors & Design. (Artists renderings courtesy: RHAP Architecture).
Sweeping mountain views, a convenient northeast Boulder location, on-trend home designs, and abundant neighborhood amenities for a diverse, active community: Velo Condos seems to have it all. It goes without saying, such a premium package comes at a premium price, right? You might be surprised.
Located across the street from popular Valmont City Park, Velo Condos is a new neighborhood comprised of 70 for sale residences developed by Boulder-based non-profit Thistle as part of their commitment to creating mixed-income communities. Thistle’s sixth mixed-income community, Velo Condos will feature one, two and three-bedroom homes ranging from 706 to 1,420 square feet, as well as five innovative live-work condos with up to 1,984 square feet. Construction for the first 40 of 70 homes began in January, with a full project completion date anticipated by early 2022.
Priced to meet the current demand of homes for sale in Boulder, the first condos released at Velo will include one and two-bedroom residences priced as low as $410,000; live-work condos are available from the mid $700s. Fourteen of the residences will further be permanently affordable and awarded by lottery, with income restrictions applied as required by the City of Boulder.
Locally owned and operated Denver area general contractor DIRC Homes is making the most of this opportunity to showcase sleek, modern units designed with a vibrant community in mind. “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,” says President of DIRC Homes, Randy Henkel. Henkel adds that partnering with Thistle is a chance to embrace the larger community in alignment with core company values.
The topography being built on a sloped hill really lends to exceptional views. Mature trees border the west property line, with a lovely private lake in view of many of the residences. The architectural design and planning by RHAP Architecture throughout completes the modern and vibrant community. (Artists rendering courtesy: RHAP Architecture).
The Thistle-DIRC partnership is certainly one of mutual respect and appreciation. “We are thrilled to work with DIRC,” says Mary Duvall, Thistle CEO. “Their construction expertise will keep the final sales prices below what is presently seen in the market for homes of this quality and size.”
With an attainable pricing range, it might be said that all that is absent from the Velo Condos vision is pretension. All homes meet stringent energy-efficiency requirements and come with either a spacious balcony or outdoor patio and abundant windows to optimize enjoyment of the beautiful natural surroundings. Velo Condos engineers have designed excellent sound separation systems to reduce sound transmission, enhancing the sense of personal peace. All market rate condos come with private garages, some with two-car tandems or oversized garages; affordable residences come with either private garages or carports. All homes offer generous indoor storage and high-quality finishes.
Equally as compelling as Velo Condos’ bright, open-plan, modern interiors are the thoughtfully designed exterior and community spaces. “There will be two wonderful community rooms available, one with glass overhead doors, for shared or private use,” says Deanna Franco, the exclusive listing broker for Velo Condos sales and owner of 8030 Realty. “These spaces will offer contemporary vending machines, kitchenettes, restrooms and outdoor patio areas that can be accessed flexibly through evolving times.”
In addition to the community rooms, Velo Condos will feature a play area, bike wash and repair station, and an interior pet washing station. Great care has further gone into generous landscaping plans surrounding the property. “It’s a beautiful site,” Franco says. “The topography – being built on a sloped hill – really lends to exceptional views. Mature trees border the west property line, with a lovely private lake in view of many of the residences.”
When residents do decide to venture further from their personal havens, endless options are in easy reach. Velo Condos are convenient to Cottonwood, Goose Creek, Wonderland Creek Bike Paths, the 208 RTD bus route and Foothills Parkway. An eclectic variety of breweries and cafes, including Rayback Collective, Boulder Beer, Laughing Goat and more, as well as a variety of shops are within biking distance.
Of course, the star of the immediate surrounding area is Valmont City Park, one of the most unique and diverse bike parks in the nation mapped with 42-acres of natural surface cycling terrain trails suitable for a wide range of riding styles and abilities. The 3.25-acre Valmont Dog Park is the largest dog park in the city of Boulder, with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs. The Valmont Disc Golf Course located on the south side of the park is also a popular draw, and hosts annual tournaments.
As much as Valmont City Park enhances the Velo Condos area, it’s set to get even better. Expansion plans for the multi-generational facility include the addition of athletic fields, an aquatics center, and more. Plans for these developments place careful attention to flexible community desires, a logical circulation system that prioritizes neighborhood tranquility, and environmental and wildlife issues.
Now under construction, the first three of the five total buildings at Velo Condos are expected to be move-in-ready by spring and summer of 2021. With word quickly getting out, it’s clear the wait time is no deterrent for eager buyers. Seven residences are already reserved, Franco shares, and the remaining are likely to go quickly. Only two of five live/work residences, which offer ground level floor work space with living space above, are currently available.
Intrigued? Visit velocondos.com for life-like virtual video tours, and see for yourself what makes this new neighborhood so special. Not only can you view a range of interior options, you can get acquainted with the exterior as well. In addition to the opportunity to virtually walk around the site, Velo Condos offers a unique bird’s eye view.
Reservations for residences are being taken now, requiring a $500, totally refundable deposit which offers those who reserve first right of refusal. Further, sales contracts will be accepted in coming weeks. “This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity,” Franco says. “Take a tour, drive out to the area, and contact us with questions. This chance won’t last long.”
Learn more at velocondos.com. 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 Wendy McMillan, for At Home Colorado
