Our biggest event of the year is October 7—Prairie Harvest Fest!
Our list of world-class builders keeps growing! We’re thrilled to welcome two new new builders — Toll Brothers and Pulte Homes — to Painted Prairie later this year.
Toll Brothers has announced three new attached home styles – brownstones, rowhomes, and tandem town options at the Town Center at Painted Prairie. Uniquely designed to fit your active lifestyle, these brand-new homes bring walkable, urban living right to your doorstep. Situated in the heart of the Town Center, residents have easy access to many amenities within a short walk from their front door.
Built with the homeowner in mind, Pulte Homes offers floorplans to fit your lifestyle and budget. Beginning this fall, Pulte Homes will bring new floorplans and models to provide more options for Painted Prairie buyers. Steps away from pocket parks and green spaces, these new single-family homes are great choices for first-time buyers, empty nesters, and families looking for a place to call home.
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Painted Prairie’s award-winning event series is back, and to celebrate our fifth year of hosting unforgettable events, we’re taking it up a notch. Mark your calendars and get ready to shop, watch movies, and dance to local favorites. There’s something for everyone.
Start your day at Painted Prairie and support your neighbors and community. Join us for locally sourced produce, hand-crafted goods, food trucks, and a bounce house for the kids to burn off that early morning energy.
Get ready to party as we celebrate the start of summer with Soul School and its unique brand of Motown, oldies, and funk at High Prairie Park. Local food trucks will be open and ready at 6pm to serve up tasty treats, so come hungry and ready to have fun!
We’re rocking the park with Colorado’s one-and-only Hazel Miller & The Collective when they bring their eclectic mix of jazz, R&B, Blues, and original music. Food trucks start serving at 6pm!
The Painted Prairie Movie in the Park series is back and better than ever. Grab your lawn chairs, enjoy a delicious meal from our local food trucks (start at 6pm!), and watch classic, all-time favorite movies while taking in the views of the Front Range.
Catch all the action when Black Panther hits the outdoor screen at High Prairie Park! Popcorn, candy, and sweet treats await for early moviegoers.
Encanto and The Barbie Movie
Bring a sleeping bag for the kids and let them “camp out” while watching and singing along to Encanto. Stay for the double feature at 8:45 pm. — The Barbie Movie.
Make it a party and come dressed to impress in your best Barbie Ken costume for our second feature. Popcorn and candy concessions are available for purchase at the park while supplies last.
The Northeast Aurora’s most popular event is back for the fifth year in a row! We’re ready to once again celebrate all things fall at Prairie Harvest Fest.
Costume contest, local food trucks, live DJ, local food trucks, local artisan booths, carriage rides, and more! You don’t want to miss this year’s event.
To learn more about our 2024 Events Calendar and to RSVP, visit our events page for details.
*Weather permitting; vendors subject to change; concessions while supplies last.
A huge thank you to all the residents and friends who joined us to celebrate all things spring at the Painted Prairie Spring Fling. Over 250 kids and adults spent the perfectly, sunny afternoon hunting eggs, munching on tasty spring cookies, and meeting up with the Easter Bunny for pictures. Another big “Thank You” to Boy Scout Troop 630 for volunteering to help us create a successful event for all! We can’t wait to see everyone again next year!
We’re excited to share that our newest phase of development with two new parks and three new builders is underway! Bordering Himalaya Road, 56th Avenue, and N. Lisbon St., this new phase will be a great addition to our ever-changing community. Residents in this new phase will enjoy easy access to 56th Avenue, and 64th Avenue via a short trip up N. Lisbon Street, and two new parks.
We welcome back McStain Neighborhoods and are pleased to welcome Tri Pointe Homes to our lineup of world-class builders. They’re joining KB Home in our newest neighborhood between N. Lisbon St. and Himalaya Road, just north of 56th Avenue. This new neighborhood will surround two new parks – “Ruby” and “Violet.”
Spring may be Colorado’s snowiest season, but that doesn’t mean we can’t dream of fresh garden vegetables and the bounty of blooms that pop up all over Painted Prairie and the rest of the Rockies. It’s also the time that planning this year’s garden gets everyone’s green thumb twitching to start planting seeds to get them ready for the summer. With four community gardens, Painted Prairie has all the space you need to plan, sow, and harvest a garden worth celebrating this year.
Gardening in the Rockies can be challenging, but with a little planning, your container gardens, community garden plots, or even your backyard can be a blooming success this season. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or embarking on your first gardening adventure, these tips and tricks will help ensure that your Painted Prairie garden is a source of joy and beauty throughout the coming season.
Colorado’s varied elevation means gardeners need to know the specifics about their specific growing zone. Knowing your zone is the key to successful gardening, and dictates what plants will thrive in our area. Zones in Colorado can range widely across the Front Range, with Painted Prairie located in Zone 5b, there can be differences in plant hardiness, climate, and soil that can affect gardening in our area. To learn more about our zone, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is a great place to start.
The backbone of any garden is its soil. Along the Front Range, the soil can range from sandy to clay-heavy, each with its challenges. Amending your soil with compost is a universal tip for improving its quality, regardless of type. Compost improves drainage in clay soils and helps sandy soils retain moisture, making it an essential step in preparing your garden. When choosing how to amend your soil when planting your plot at one of Painted Prairie’s community gardens or in your backyard containers, Colorado State University’s Extension Office offers a wealth of information for new and experienced gardeners.
The fun part begins! Selecting plants that are not just suitable for our zone but are also resilient to the unique climate conditions Painted Prairie offers is challenging, but also exciting! Native plants are always a safe bet, as they are acclimated to the local climate and often require less maintenance. However, don’t shy away from experimenting with plants that can adapt well to our specific garden conditions. Some plants that traditionally do well in Colorado gardens include Lavender, Penstemon, and Coneflower. Looking to grow your veggies and fruits? Check out this article by Denver Urban Gardens.
We all know that Colorado’s weather can be unpredictable in the spring, with the possibility of frost, hail storms, and even snow in the back of every gardener’s mind. Keep a close eye on frost dates, and weather, and resist the temptation to plant too early. The general rule of thumb in Colorado is to wait to plant anything until after Memorial Day. The last weekend of May is the unofficial start of summer planting and gardening in the state. Consider raising beds or container gardens that can give you more control over soil temperature, allowing for an earlier start. Always be prepared to cover tender plants if an unexpected frost (or hail storm) threatens.
As residents of a Western state that understands the value of water conservation, it’s crucial to implement water-wise practices in your garden. Drip irrigation systems or soaker hoses offer an efficient way to ensure your plants get the moisture they need without losing moisture due to evaporation. Mulching around your plants will not only conserve moisture but also suppress weeds and enrich the soil. We encourage all residents to use water-wise practices when planting their community garden plots each spring.
The City of Aurora’s Water department offers a seasonal preventative maintenance checklist for residents throughout the year. Here are a few tips to help you ensure you’re water-conscious this spring:
Aurora Water’s conservation specialists can assess the condition of your irrigation system at no charge.
A thriving garden is a haven for pollinators. Choose a variety of plants that flower at different times throughout the season to provide a consistent food source. Throughout Painted Prairie’s parks, you’ll notice a variety of native pollinator-friendly plants that you too can use in your gardens. Consider features like bird baths or bee hotels in your garden design that can make your garden more attractive to these essential visitors.
Finally, embrace the unique conditions of your Painted Prairie garden. Instead of trying to fight against nature, work with it! The rugged beauty of the Rockies and the surrounding parks in our community can inspire a garden that’s both resilient and beautiful offering lessons in patience and community.
By understanding your local conditions, preparing your soil, selecting the right plants, and implementing water-wise practices, you’re setting the stage for a garden that not only thrives but also contributes positively to the beauty of your backyard and our community gardens.
As Colorado’s third largest and most diverse city, Aurora has always held a prominent position in terms of employment, commercial development, and residential prospects. The employment clusters are growing more than ever, especially with the blossoming development of the Platinum Triangle area – an impressive 21,000-acre vicinity located south of Denver International Airport (DEN).
Dubbed the Platinum Triangle by local leaders and positioned in the northeast quadrant of Aurora and southern Adams County, the area is bound by three major employment anchors/magnets all within a 20-minute drive to and from Painted Prairie.
Bordered by the Colorado Air and Space Port, Fitzsimons Innovation Community, and Denver International Airport (DEN) to the north, the area is poised to become an impressive commercial destination and highly desirable residential area – with Painted Prairie at its core. Anchored by health and bioscience, aerospace and defense, logistics and manufacturing, and next-generation space exploration, the Platinum Triangle is anticipated to attract approximately 20,000 jobs over the next five years.
The development and expansion of commercial, mixed-use, and residential within its boundaries, is highly appealing for national and international companies to locate their headquarters. Attracted by a highly skilled workforce, nearby housing options, commercial amenities, logistics capabilities, accessibility, and proximity to abundant outdoor recreation, these corporations are excited about the potential within the Platinum Triangle boundaries.
“The community’s foresight to create a mix of commercial and business centers, in addition to the investment for connections to future amenities, access to air travel and major interstate highways, and natural bike paths and trails by public/private partnerships make this area highly desirable for major national and international companies to plant their operations.”
Yuriy Gorlov, Vice President, Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC).
First, its location next to the third busiest airport in the world makes it an exceptional logistical advantage for employers and employees. Accessibility to air transport is not only crucial for businesses that need to ship products nationally and globally but also for industries such as tourism, which require significant human mobility. In this context, companies considering expansion or relocation have found the Platinum Triangle region very appealing.
Additionally, with growing commercial infrastructure, businesses have ready access to the extensive talent pool in Aurora and the surrounding area. Job seekers and anyone looking to start a business will be attracted to the promising job and business opportunities within the Platinum Triangle area.
According to Axios, the Midwest, and Mountain West are America’s new business hotspots, with Colorado’s new business applications spiking to 115% between December 2022 and December 2023.
Apart from these commercial aspects, there is an often-overlooked human element in this evolving equation – the prospect of living close to the workplace. Shorter commuting times mean more leisure and family time. When people are happier, they are more likely to be productive at work. Most commuters live closer to work within the Platinum Triangle area than the average 30-minute drive time in the Denver metro area and enjoy a short 10-15-minute drive time to work every day.
As the area grows, and as the Town Center at Painted Prairie comes to life, residents will be able to walk or cycle to their offices, cafes, or entertainment spots – thereby, enjoying a work-life balance that is not found in typical suburban living.
Long commutes bring physical and mental stress to the local workforce. The lure of having a home near work has been gaining substantial traction – and is easy to do in the Platinum Triangle. For anyone seeking this sort of convenience and balance, Painted Prairie and the surrounding area are an exceedingly attractive choice.
Companies have realized that the Platinum Triangle is the place to be. Many have placed their headquarters, manufacturing, training, and logistics facilities in the area, and in doing so are bringing thousands of people to the area during the day. In addition, several data centers and manufacturing companies are looking to open operations in the next few years to support the smart factories and medical tech facilities in the area.
Recently, both Pepsi and Coca-Cola announced plans to build new bottling plants. United Airlines has also announced plans to expand its training center at DEN, and Amazon, Dollar General, FedEx, and Kroger have all located and expanded their facilities in the area to take advantage of efficient shipping routes and the talent pool needed to keep things moving.
Kärcher, a German-based global provider of cleaning technology, opened its North American headquarters in the Porteos Business Park, a popular destination for companies looking for commercial and industrial space in the area. The new facility is located approximately three miles from Painted Prairie and is the North American home base for its logistics, administration, training, manufacturing, and showroom operations.
Western Industrial Contractors (WIC), an engineering and construction company serving industrial clients throughout the United States and internationally also built its headquarters nearby. Serving the Airport, Automotive, Food & Beverage, Parcel, Postal, and Power and Heavy Industrial industries, the company is well-positioned to service its clients locally and internationally.
In the 30 years since DEN opened, it has become the largest economic driver in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. DEN continues to expand and is ahead of schedule to account for its anticipated growth. DEN built 39 new concourse gates, increasing the overall capacity at the airport by 30 percent. The new gates, on all three concourses, allow DEN’s airlines the opportunity to grow and for DEN to accommodate new airlines, including international carriers. The airport is on track to reach 100 million passengers in 2027 — five years ahead of schedule. It also employs 40,000 people.
With the influx of new companies in the logistics industry, manufacturing, aerospace and engineering, and biotechnology, the demand for skilled labor in these sectors will increase and with it, higher salaries. Not to mention the ancillary jobs that support these industries – business operations, data centers, IT professionals, medical staff, education employees, and construction workers.
The Gaylord Rockies Resort, which sits across the street from Painted Prairie recently announced its own renovation and expansion plans, adding to the $800 million initial investment, further setting its position as the hospitality hub of the area. Many of the resort’s employees live in Painted Prairie and are part of Aurora’s booming hospitality and tourism industry. There are 1,500 people employed here and the resort welcomes 450,000 visitors annually.
It’s estimated that in the next five years (2029) the Platinum Triangle area could see 20,000 new jobs.
With all this new development, several new and future high-profile infrastructure projects are laying the foundation for increased mobility and connectivity in and around the Platinum Triangle boundaries. Significant improvements to interchanges along E470 and Interstate 70 and interior roadways will further enhance the desirability of the Platinum Triangle for businesses and the people who work for them. E470 is adding a third lane in each direction and there will be seven expanded or new connection points from I-70 and E470 in the area in the next few years.
Physical roads and infrastructure aren’t the only expansion in the region. Comcast is expanding its next-generation network, the Xfinity 10G Network to serve the immediate and surrounding area. Extending new fiber-rich highways to connect homes and businesses throughout the community. The planned expansion adds to Comcast’s ongoing $1.2 billion investment in Colorado over the last three years.
The growth within the Platinum Triangle brings additional services such as schools, retail, recreational facilities, eateries, and healthcare facilities. From pre-k to college, there is a wide range of educational opportunities to learn and grow in the Platinum Triangle. There are currently more than a handful of schools planned and starting construction.
Advent Health is breaking ground on a medical office building with an ER, and Intermountain Health has completed phase one of its latest medical facility off I-70. The Fitzsimons Innovation Community works closely with researchers and scientists in the local medical community and is a national and international leader in biotech research. There are nearly 30,000 employees on this campus between the hospitals and more than 80 start-ups.
There are 17 universities and two-year technical schools in and around the area. Some of these schools include Community College of Aurora, Pickins Tech, CSU Global, and many more. Aurora Public Schools, local independent charters such as High Point Academy, and many private schools provide quality education options for new and returning students.
The investment in a home in a high-growth area not only lends itself to convenience, but it attracts new businesses, as well as entertainment and lifestyle options, which increases home values as the area grows. Already, business, education, and medical facilities are popping up all around the area to account for the future expansion and migration of more families.
“After you layer in the quality of the workforce and the availability of high-paying jobs now and in the future, the Platinum Triangle creates a really attractive place to live and set down roots for a long time.”
Yuriy Gorlov, Vice President, Aurora Economic Development Council (AEDC).
Aurora, with its Platinum Triangle, exemplifies the exciting possibilities of well-planned urban development. Its growth potential for businesses and Painted Prairie’s allure as an award-winning residential area sets both apart, positioning it as an epicenter for both personal and professional growth.
As the boundaries between work and living spaces become increasingly blurred, Painted Prairie is proud to be a part of the evolution of the next great place to work, live, and play.
Are you ready to give your living spaces a fresh new look this spring? From cozy colors to versatile layouts, spring 2024 is all about embracing creativity and innovation in interior design. So, let’s dive into the hottest trends for new homes and discover how you can infuse your home with style and personality.
First up, let’s talk about color! This year, Pantone has crowned “Peach Fuzz” as the Color of the Year. Picture soft, dreamy shades that bring a sense of cozy and serenity to any room. Whether you’re painting an accent wall or adding pops of color with throw pillows and rugs, Peach Fuzz is the perfect choice to refresh your space and create a relaxing atmosphere.
In 2024, it’s all about open-concept living spaces that flow seamlessly from one area to the next. Say hello to multifunctional rooms that can easily transition from family dinners to casual gatherings with friends. With open layouts, you’ll have the flexibility to design a space that works for your lifestyle, whether it’s cozying up with a good book or hosting a lively dinner party.
Many designers are leaning towards coziness over minimalist designs for this year’s living rooms. The key to balancing cozy and function lies in the color, texture, and furniture choices that allow your dining rooms to churn out school art projects one day, and your next marketing report the next. Our flex and open loft areas can also offer opportunities to morph from gaming zones by day to mini bars at night.
If you’re in the market for a new home, you’re in luck! New construction homes are embracing the latest trends in interior design, offering modern amenities and stylish finishes that cater to your every need. From sleek kitchens with state-of-the-art appliances to luxurious bathrooms with spa-like features, these homes are designed with both style and functionality in mind.
Nature-inspired elements are making a big splash in interior design this year. Think natural materials like wood and stone, as well as earthy textures and botanical prints. Incorporating these elements into your home brings a sense of warmth and connection to the outdoors, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
Let’s not forget about our outdoor spaces that have evolved into extensions of our indoor living spaces. Many new home construction builders are seamlessly blending the outdoors with the indoors without sacrificing design or functionality. Simple gardening walls designed for privacy, cozy nooks just right for an outdoor fireplace, and xeriscaped zones for easy maintenance create all-season outdoor living options for many homeowners.
Finally, don’t forget to add your personal touch to your space! Whether it’s displaying cherished family photos or incorporating unique décor pieces that reflect your interests and hobbies, adding personal touches to your home makes it truly yours. Get creative and let your personality shine through in every corner of your space.
Looking for inspiration to kick-start your interior design journey? Check out Unscripted Interiors. This website is filled with ideas and resources to help you transform your home into a stylish and inviting sanctuary.
With these top interior design trends for 2024, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that’s as beautiful as it is functional. Whether you’re giving your current home a makeover or starting fresh in a new construction home, embrace your creativity and make your home a reflection of your unique style and personality.
Happy decorating!
*photos courtesy of Unscripted Interiors, Berkeley Homes, Remington Homes, and Pexels.
Looking for a few Spring Break staycation ideas? Check out this month’s events and activities courtesy of our partner, Visit Aurora. Celebrate Women’s History Month, Easter, and embrace the luck of St. Patrick’s Day, and discover the exciting events and activities unfolding in Aurora for March.
Here’s a sample of what’s happening this month in Aurora:
Commemorate Women’s History Month with an enriching event hosted by the Aurora History Museum: “Libraries and Women’s Work.” Delve into an interactive discussion spotlighting the pivotal role women have played within libraries from the 1920s to the present day. Explore the fascinating origins of public libraries, including the remarkable journey of the Aurora Public Libraries, which emerged from the efforts of a women’s club. Discover the many contributions of librarians and uncover the stories of remarkable women who have left indelible marks on the history of libraries.
Embark on a profound journey with a unique experience featuring a sage blessing and captivating traditional stories shared by Doug Good Feather. As a member of the Standing Rock Lakota Nation and descendant of Grandpa Chief Sitting Bull, Doug shares not only traditional tales but also showcases indigenous artifacts, offering a glimpse into the heritage of his people. Moreover, gain a deeper understanding of his impactful endeavors at the nonprofit organization Spirit Horse Nation and Lakota Way Healing Center, where his dedication to indigenous culture and community shines brightly.
Get ready to shamrock and roll at the Town Center at Aurora this St. Patrick’s Day! Join this fun-filled celebration packed with Irish flair, featuring captivating Irish step performances by the Celtic Steps and toe-tapping tunes from the Queen City Rovers. Quench your thirst with green beer served by Helga’s Haus Bier Garden because what’s St. Patrick’s Day without a little green-flavored fun? But that’s not all – there’s face painting and a host of other exciting activities to enjoy! Make sure to mark your calendar for this jampacked event, and don’t forget to wear your best shade of green!
Get ready to groove all day long at Dancetopia 2024! Prepare to lace up your dance shoes and immerse yourself in a full day of electrifying performances and live music. This isn’t your average dance class – Dancetopia 2024 offers an eclectic array of dance forms spanning salsa, Indian classical dance, traditional folk interpretations, Brazilian drumming, Samba Pagode music, belly dance, and more. It’s a cultural extravaganza that invites the entire community to join in the celebration. Dancetopia 2024 welcomes everyone for an engaging and active cultural experience right here in Aurora.
For a full list of Spring Fun, visit the Visit Aurora blog for details about these events, and more amazing things to see and do in Aurora.
**Photos and information courtesy of Visit Aurora
