Spotlight on Single Family Homes!

Good Day all.

Many people think of my four zip codes as small homes (1,000 square feet or less), condominiums, or townhomes. Single Family Homes are important to our urban development- simply because it adds an additional demographic of people to our new-urbanization. I think of a single family as a free-standing building, not a condominium or townhome. A duplex could be considered a single family home. A triplex is venturing into condominium territory.

Courtesy of Trulia.com, there are 121 single family residences for sale in the 80218 zip code. There are 115 single family residences in the 80203 zip code. There are 361 homes listed for the 80205 zip code. Keeping in mind the sizes of the zip code areas, 80205 certainly has more geographical area than 80218 or 80203.

Nevertheless, single family homes are a great indicator of new-urbanism. Many of the homes are remodeled, more than likely an 1880-1950 vintage. Some of these homes have the Queen Anne style, others are ranch-style homes, built after World War II. The 80205 zip code includes Hyde Park and Five Points, Whittier, and Curtis Park, the area known as Denver's first actual neighborhood. Here is Denverinfill's take on Curtis Park and Whittier The square footage is roughly $120-170 psf, for single family homes.

Take a look at this beautiful stone single family residence, located at 35th and Marion. This home was built by an Irish immigrant, per the listing information, which is a part of Denver history.
This listing is for sale for $317,000, as of today. It is located in 5280's newest-hottest neighborhoods. I think I can also say that Five Points is one of Denver's only neighborhoods that survived the 1960's and 1970's destruction of historic buildings, and maintains some truly wonderful architectural history.

The 80203 zip code is truly Capitol Hill, and its listings are small bungalow style, with the exception of one home, which has been meticulously restored, with 9 bedrooms. It is being offered at $850,000. There is a tin ceiling and a carriage house- superbly done.

The 80218 zip code is going to encompass Country Club, Cheesman, and some of West Washington Park. For all intensive
purposes, we are going to stick to my favorite part, Cheesman.

There are still many homes that are affordable in these zip codes, especially in the bank-owned and foreclosure realm. The 80218 zip code has a lot of more contemporary homes, so it is more likely that you will find updated kitchens, and more contemporary models and furnishings. The days of cheap houses (unless you want to deal with remodeling a home) are coming to an end, for this area. If you absolutely want to buy here, buy a townhome of condo, or find an investment opportunity with a business partner.

Great stuff! I was speaking with my tenant, Jeff, who has done a great job with maintaining my condominium at 1401 Franklin. He is an aviation nut, and in looking at some historic maps, he found pictures of my building, probably dating back to the 1920's. More to come on this!

Best,

Ed
Showcase Properties
303-875-4450

Eye at the Apex- 1600 E Colfax Ave.

With Colfax being redeveloped, the Apex has a great opportunity at the corner.

Formerly Fanny's Flowers, this property seems to be a great opportunity. It is vacant, and is a bit of an eyesore. I was thinking a bar/restaurant mix- just as a rooftop patio, or a mixed use building- maybe a small grocery store below, and a living unit above.

Doing a little work on one of my favorite websites- photoswest.org, I was able to find a picture of the property a few years back.

The date on the photo is 1989. I doubt that this photo was taken in 1989, especially seeing the vintage neon signs and the vintage car in the nearby parking lot.

However, I also have a photo of 1928 Denver, right at the Apex, courtesy of Denver Public Library, Western History Collection., right below.

This is re-urbanization! Colfax is a great artery through Denver (26.2 miles of it...). In searching public information of this property (The City and County of Denver allows a person to see chain of title on a given property), I was able to figure out that the property is assessed at a value of about $400,000- annual taxes on it are about $9100. My guess on the purchase of the building: $500,000.

I can only gather that there was a personal representative's deed, which probably means that the owner of Fanny's flower shop passed away and title was ceded to a close family member. I think I am actually going to ask to view this property and see what is going on inside of it.

The building itself was built 1903, which makes it a true Denver Landmark. Now, we have to get an owner or a tenant in there! It is 5000 square feet inside. I would imagine it is top and bottom. If mixed use was the option, there would be a bit of a zoning change battle. I see so much opportunity here! It has every bit of opportunity that the Lowenstein Theatre had, and Tattered Cover and Twist and Shout moved there! I like this property, a heckuva lot!

For ye who do not know the difference in Cheesman Park, Wyman's, and Uptown, there are 5 zip codes that peak my interest: 80203, 80205, 80206, 80209, and 80218. My favorite area, as you can guess is Wyman's Historic District- which is in Cheesman Park. Nevertheless, check out these zip codes and get an idea as to what is going on in real estate.

This does it for today! I am going to check out this property and get some ideas!

ed