Our biggest event of the year is October 7—Prairie Harvest Fest!
A Merry Old Time was had by all at Painted Prairie’s Prairie Holidays resident celebration.
Featuring live reindeer, old-time carolers, coffee, cookies, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the resident-only event capped a year of interactive and engaging resident programming.
Happy Holidays from Painted Prairie, see you in 2023!
Built in Painted Prairie, the 2022 Inspiration House contributes $323,000 to Home Builders Foundation
DENVER, Colo. (Nov. 10, 2022) – Earlier this year, KB Home volunteered to be the partnering home builder for the 2022 Inspiration House. KB Home selected a new home build in Aurora’s Painted Prairie development and reached out to their trade partners to explain the purpose of the Inspiration House, which is a fundraiser for the nonprofit Home Builders Foundation(HBF). The Developers of Painted Prairie immediately donated the full cost of the beautiful corner lot on which the home was built. Over the next few months, an additional 32 partners signed on to donate or discount the cost of labor and/or materials for the 2022 Inspiration House. On October 19th, project participants came together for a recognition ceremony followed by a ribbon cutting at the new home and the formal check presentation. Thanks to the collaboration between KB Home and their trade partners, a check for $323,181 was presented to HBF.
The Developers of Painted Prairie immediately donated the full cost of the beautiful corner lot on which the home was built. Over the next few months, an additional 32 partners signed on to donate or discount the cost of labor and/or materials for the 2022 Inspiration House.
This is the eighth Inspiration House to be completed since the program’s initiation in 2003. The program was put on hold during the housing recession and resurrected in 2019. The 2022 Inspiration House had the largest number of participating trades, the shortest build time and provided the largest check to HBF since the resurrection.
Randy Carpenter, President of KB Home’s Colorado division, attributes the success of this year’s Inspiration House to the company’s Built on Relationships philosophy and the generosity of the building industry. KB Home reached out to its trade partners to discuss various ways the companies could support Inspiration House. “The individuals within the Colorado homebuilding community are among the most generous people in the state. I am extremely proud of our team, the relationships we have built and everyone who played a role in this year’s Inspiration House,” Carpenter said.
Beth Forbes, HBF’s Executive Director, was awed by the tremendous check presented during the ceremony. Forbes shared, “The impact of these funds is huge. The demand for home modifications – which we provide to clients free of charge – continues to increase. And this very generous donation will allow us to complete even more projects to elevate lives.” Carpenter added, “The work HBF does empowers those with unique situations. We hope our efforts improve the lives of their clients and enable them to remain in their home no matter the circumstances.”
Teresa N., an HBF client who has a brittle bone disorder and purchased her first home this year, attended the celebration. HBF modified the front and back decks at Teresa’s home and also widened doorways so that she is now able to utilize both her interior and exterior spaces. She expressed her appreciation to HBF and the crew who worked on the modifications, saying, “It means everything. It just brings me great joy.”
The 33 trade partners who joined KB Home and donated time and services to complete the 2022 Inspiration House include:
About Home Builders Foundation
For nearly 30 years, Home Builders Foundation has enabled individuals with disabilities and their families to live more independent, elevated lives. Skilled volunteers and collaborative partners come together to create home modifications that empower greater access, reinforce safety and equip clients with the ability to tackle everyday tasks. HBF has completed home modifications including ramps, room alterations, bathrooms, and much more for 2,000 individuals and their families and the number of requests continues to grow. HBF expects to complete 240 projects for 120 individuals in 2022 – with an estimated community impact value of $1.2 million. To learn more about HBF, visit www.hbfdenver.org.
About KB Home
KB Home is one of the largest and most recognized homebuilders in the United States and has built over 655,000 quality homes in our more than 65-year history. Today, KB Home operates in 47 markets from coast to coast. What sets KB Home apart is the exceptional personalization we offer our homebuyers — from those buying their first home to experienced buyers — allowing them to make their home uniquely their own, at a price that fits their budget. As the leader in energy-efficient homebuilding, KB Home was the first builder to make every home it builds ENERGY STAR® certified, a standard of energy performance achieved by fewer than 10% of new homes in America, and has built more ENERGY STAR certified homes than any other builder. An energy-efficient KB home helps lower the cost of ownership and is designed to be healthier, more comfortable and better for the environment than new homes without certification. We build strong, personal relationships with our customers so they have a real partner in the homebuying process. As a result, we have the distinction of being the #1 customer-ranked national homebuilder in third-party buyer satisfaction surveys. Learn more about how we build homes built on relationships by visiting kbhome.com.
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start tackling your shopping list! If you’re looking to get some thoughtful and unique gifts while supporting your local businesses at the same time, then you’ve come to the right place! Here are a few of our favorite local stores.
Number 1. Trunk Nouveau: Located in Aurora’s favorite Stanley Marketplace, Trunk Nouveau carries a number of pieces from local and regional artists, offering unique gifts like jewelry, candles, kitchenware, and more! The best part? This local business donates 6% of every purchase to non-profit organizations in the area!
Number 2. Nu Life Organics: A mobile all-natural bath and body company based out of Denver, you can catch them at seasonal local farmer’s markets and through it’s online shop!
Number 3. Lawrence and Larimer: Locally recognized by 303 Magazine as one of the 6 Black-Owned Businesses that Are Revolutionizing the Denver Fashion Scene, Lawrence and Larimer houses streetwear, accessories, candles, and more.
Number 4. Paisley & Park: Perfect for the fashionista on your list, Paisley & Park offers trendy apparel for everyone, with styles ranging from bohemian chic to Park Avenue timeless.
Number 5. The Local at Southlands: Carrying local products and foods and just a quick 15-minute drive from the Painted Prairie community, The Local at Southlands offers handmade gifts, local food and drinks, and other gifts made by Colorado vendors! It’s a great place to grab a bundle of items and create a unique Colorado gift basket!
Number 6. Heirlooms Antique Mall: This massive (14,000 sq feet!) antique mall will transport you to a timeless and mysterious space with historical pieces and treasured knick-knacks, perfect for anyone on your list.
Number 7. Little Wolf Boutique: Perfect for the little ones on your list, this adorable children’s boutique carries kid’s clothes, baby gear & furniture, and even toys. Find this gem in the Stanley Marketplace, conveniently located about 11 miles from Painted Prairie!
Number 8. Patterns & Pops: Cozy, chic, and everything in between, including children’s wear, Patterns & Pops is a Downtown Denver local boutique started by two best friends with an addiction to shopping! Everything in this quaint little shop is under $100, so break out that wallet; it’s time to shop!
Number 9. Coloradical: Your new go-to clothier for all things Colorado, including t-shirts, hats, patches, sunglasses, stickers, and more! Find this local shop in person and online! #GiftIdea: Create a special bundle for your favorite Coloradoan!
Number 10. Aspen & Pine: The ideal place for your favorite outdoorsman! With everything from camping gear and skis to sporting rentals and provisions, this sustainable outdoor shop is a great place to snag a gift certificate or winter gear for anyone on your list!
With a handful of incredible local boutiques and gift shops less than 25 miles from Painted Prairie (and online!), you’re sure to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list! The only question left is, where will you shop first?
We are excited to announce the addition of new sales centers and model homes from some of our world-class local and national homebuilders, featuring brand new floorplans not yet seen in the community!
Parkwood Homes is hosting its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, September 17, from 11 am to 3 pm. Offering tours of its first model home, The Chelsea, and lunch by Walking Taco Denver, a local food truck favorite.
Parkwood’s stunning Chelsea model boasts a rooftop deck, a carriage house perfect for a home office or a guest hideaway, and many traditionally modern American finishes.
The Chelsea is located at 21275 East 61st Drive, Aurora, CO 80019.
Later that evening, come back and enjoy one of Painted Prairie’s favorite events, Movies in the Park featuring Jumani: Welcome to the Jungle. The free show begins at sundown (around 7:15 pm).
David Weekley Homes opens its newest model, The Sloan, on Saturday, September 24 from Noon to 3 pm. The homebuilder is hosting several activities for kids and brokers, including a free lunch and self-guided model and community tours.
The Sloan model home features 2,300 square feet and three to five bedrooms, two to three full baths, one half bath and two-car garage. After September 24, the model will be open daily from Monday through Saturday 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday Noon to 6 pm for tours at 21005 E. 61st Drive, Aurora, CO.
Explore more of David Weekley’s new 47′ front-load products or all of their alley-load home options.
Local Colorado homebuilder Berkeley Homes is slated to open its new sales trailer at Painted Prairie on Saturday, October 1, just in time for the third annual Prairie Harvest Fest! Meet their team at the Information Tent along N. Orleans Drive from 10 am to 3 pm.
Berkeley Homes’ models are currently under construction and are anticipated to be open in early 2023. The sales trailer will be located at 6286 Lisbon Street in Aurora, CO.
The two-story alley-loaded homes will reflect a modern farmhouse and prairie aesthetic and pricing will start in the high $500Ks. The three- and four-bedroom floorplans range in size from approximately 1,750 feet to 2,500 feet and will include a two- or three-car garage. Available options include an outdoor patio, recreation room, basement and additional bedrooms.
Meritage Homes is back at Painted Prairie! New sales trailer opens Thursday, November 17, 2022, located at 6312 N. Lisbon Street, Aurora, CO 80019.
These two-story townhomes with alley-load garages set the standard for energy-efficiency.
The 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath floorpans range from 1,428 to 1,874 sq. ft. and will feature a two-car garage. Prices start in the mid $400Ks.
As you can see, there is a lot happening at Painted Prairie!
Download the new Painted Prairie App from the App Store or Google Play to see inventory, connect with our homebuilders, explore events, get directions and so much more. Look for the Painted Prairie logo!
*Imagery and information is subject to change without notice.
New Home Build at Painted Prairie Community Will Provide Opportunity and Hope for Individuals Living with Disabilities
Last month, nearly 100 people gathered under the pavilion at High Prairie Park at the Painted Prairie community in northeast Denver. They were there to learn more about the 2022 Inspiration House, a collaboration between KB Home, a Denver area homebuilder, and its trade partners, whose donations or discounted services and materials significantly reduce the cost of the home build. The proceeds from the sale of the new home are then donated to Home Builders Foundation (HBF), a nonprofit organization that completes free home modifications year-round to help elevate the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The house being built by KB Home at Painted Prairie is the eighth Inspiration House undertaken since the program began in 2003. The previous seven homes have together raised more than $700,000, which has helped HBF complete home modifications for nearly 2,000 individuals living with physical disabilities.
Among the speakers was Chris Layne, Miss Wheelchair Colorado 2020–21. Layne, a former nurse who was paralyzed while hiking in Clear Creek Canyon, shared the importance of the work done by HBF. After undergoing months of rehabilitation and adjusting to life in a wheelchair, Layne experienced true anxiety when she learned she was about to be discharged from Craig Hospital. Picturing the steps that led into the home that she’d lived in for more than 20 years and the second-floor bathroom, Layne was concerned that she’d never be able to live independently again. Fortunately, her family contacted HBF, who built ramps leading into the house, installed a stair lift, replaced flooring and created an accessible bathroom so that the home was ready for Layne when she was discharged. Layne explained how the modifications elevated every aspect of her life, saying, “With Home Builders Foundation allowing me to get that independence with my disability, I am able to do so much. I look at it as not what I can’t do, but what I can still do with my independence and my life.”
Randy Carpenter, President of KB Home’s Colorado division, has been involved with HBF for years and shared that being the sponsoring homebuilder for the 2022 Inspiration House is the perfect fit for the company’s values.
“Through our KB Cares program, we strive to invest in the communities where we build, work and live. We believe that we can drive change and have a positive impact on the lives of others,” stated Carpenter. “Last year, we donated more than $1 million, and our employees volunteered over 1,200 hours in communities across the country. We are proud to partner with HBF and lead the efforts to make a real difference for individuals and families living with long-term disabilities.”
The 2022 Inspiration House, which has already been sold, is expected to be completed in late fall. The new home blends attractive design features and includes three bedrooms, a loft, spacious den and large great room that flows seamlessly into the open kitchen. The 2,300-square-foot, two-story home sits on a corner homesite and offers breathtaking mountain views.
As with all KB homes, the Inspiration House will be ENERGY STAR® certified and include WaterSense® labeled fixtures, which will help to deliver significant savings on utility bills. Additionally, the home will be designed to deliver an enhanced indoor environment and include high-performance ventilation systems, low- or zero-VOC products and other features guided by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Indoor airPLUS standards.
During the gathering, the Developers of Painted Prairie generously announced that they would be donating the entire cost of the homesite to the 2022 Inspiration House. Other trade partners in attendance eagerly joined in; to date, more than 20 partners have already signed on to donate or discount their labor and/or materials for this year’s Inspiration House.
Dave Highfield, Principal of Fortress Framing, announced his company’s commitment and encouraged others to join by saying, “Because we’re all in this together, our donations and contributions multiply. By the end of the project, we’re not just helping one family, we’re helping scores of families living with a disability.”
HBF has seen a significant rise in demand as more people with long-term physical disabilities are requesting services. The funds raised from this year’s Inspiration House will help HBF complete an estimated 280 projects this year — all of which will enable individuals with disabilities to live more comfortably, safely and independently.
Want to live in a place where you have the opportunity to enjoy ample and open green spaces, AND enjoy an easy commute?
Our editors found future and current residents who fell in love with the quality of life that living at Painted Prairie affords. Take a moment and learn why they chose the nation’s best master-planned community to build a home and a life.
We are sure you will agree that loving where you live makes all the difference in the world for a happy, balanced life.
Taylor and her fiancé, Joshua, are future Painted Prairie residents who chose the community after spending a year hanging out with their best friends who are early residents. The couple fell in love with the neighborhood, its parks, the views, and the variety of house options.
“My favorite part of Painted Prairie is definitely the mountain views,” she said. “I feel like you can see them from almost anywhere in the neighborhood! We have always wanted to live in a neighborhood we could grow into and really feel like we are a part of, and we’ve definitely found that at Painted Prairie.”
The couple are under contract for a KB Home Villas model. The home is the perfect fit for the young couple who are busy planning their wedding and working. It was important for Taylor to grow into a community as they begin their lives together.
“We just knew we wanted to be a part of the community,” said Taylor. “We quickly fell in love with the beauty of the neighborhood, and the location, as it’s not too far from my job at Children’s Hospital. My fiance works from home, which allows him to get out and enjoy the parks on his breaks. We love and believe in Painted Prairie’s vision. We can’t wait to watch it come to life and be a part of all the fun to come!”
Was it love at first sight at Painted Prairie? For Liz and her husband, Paul, well, actually yes!
As a former Central Park resident and Realtor, Liz was already familiar with the community. As she researched Painted Prairie’s location, amenities, and builders, for her real estate clients, Liz began to daydream about living in Painted Prairie herself.
On a whim, Liz and her husband Paul, a Southwest Airlines employee, walked into the Washburn model at David Weekley Homes to ask about current inventory. The couple instantly fell in love with the layout and the surrounding amenities in the neighborhood. A day later, they learned a Washburn home was up for grabs after the original buyers canceled their contract.
“We were under contract the next morning,” said Liz. “We had no plans to move, but when the home became available, we knew it was a good decision. The floor plan checked so many boxes for our family, including a larger kitchen, dedicated office, larger bedrooms and closets, with the opportunity to design the basement in the future. With two teenage girls, we needed more space!”
The family loves the current parks and future amenities such as the dog park and Town Center – which will all be within walking distance. The added bonus? Paul’s commute is less than 15 minutes to DIA. The location, current and future amenities, and the design of the neighborhood all solidify Liz’s decision to move to Painted Prairie.
“We lived in Central Park for eight years and experienced firsthand the excitement of new parks, builders, building a home from dirt, and the idea of a community coming to fruition,” said Liz. “We were able to visualize the future of Painted Prairie and knew it was the right place for our next move.”
Painted Prairie is located near many of the major employment centers in the area, with more coming as employers move to the area. Only 17 minutes from downtown Denver, nine minutes from Anschutz Hospital, and eight minutes from DIA, the community is approximately a 15 to 20 minute drive from anywhere in the north and central Denver Metro area.
Without question, Painted Prairie is a special place. What makes it so special? One reason is its location. Situated just minutes from DIA and Downtown Denver, the neighborhood is the perfect place to find adventure locally or globally.
What truly makes Painted Prairie one of the best places to live in Colorado is its proximity to the arts, cultures, and cuisines of people from all over the world. More than 120 languages are spoken in Aurora, and the city is widely praised for its diversity. We are proud to be the home for many of Denver’s diverse residents!
Planning a day rich in culture and history is easy in Aurora (and you will quickly realize that one day is not nearly enough to enjoy everything Aurora has to offer). It doesn’t matter if you are 2 or 82, you will find something for everyone to do in Colorado’s third largest city.
One of our favorite spots to visit is the Aurora Cultural Arts District. Home to the only cultural arts district in Colorado, the organization works to bring people together through the arts. Supporting local artists as well as immigrants, the district is home to three operating performance venues and over 50 working artists. Check out the Plan Your Visit tab for more information about current events and activities.
Recently, 5280 Magazine shared Visit Aurora’s take on what makes Aurora one of the best places to experience a global perspective right in your own backyard. Take a look, make some notes and get out and explore, and while you’re at it — tag us on Instagram and Facebook at @paintedprairieco.
See you around town!
Photo Credit: Visit Aurora
Painted Prairie also takes top honors for Best Innovative Use of Technology and Best Signage
AURORA, COLO., Dec. 6, 2021 — Earlier this year, Colorado’s home building community came together at the MAME Awards on November 6 to celebrate the accomplishments of their peers and colleagues throughout the state. Painted Prairie took top honors in three categories to solidify its position as one of the best neighborhoods in Colorado.
During the event, Painted Prairie was awarded the coveted 2021 Community of the Year Award along with the Best innovative Use of Technology for its app, and Best Signage. In total, Painted Prairie walked away as a finalist in 10 categories. The MAME Awards are typically seen as the precursor to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) The Nationals Awards. The Nationals Awards event is the largest and most prestigious awards competition in the home building industry. Last year, Painted Prairie brought home two Silver Awards from The Nationals for its Prairie Partner Broker Program and its socially distanced Grand Opening Event.
“The Community of The Year recognition is one of the most sought-after awards for new communities in Colorado. These recognitions represent a year of passionate commitment from the Painted Prairie team to continue to deliver a best-in-class community for the City of Aurora and current and future residents here,” says Chris Fellows, President of Painted Prairie. “Our team works tirelessly throughout the year to create this amazing neo-traditional community and to offer a unique and captivating experience for homebuyers.”
About Painted Prairie
Painted Prairie is a neo-traditional master-planned community in the Denver Metro area featuring eight world-class builders. Hundreds of residents are already happily calling Painted Prairie home and with more residential options and a state-of-the-art Town Center coming soon, this community is taking the northeast market to new heights. Painted Prairie is situated across the street from the Gaylord Rockies Resort and located halfway between Anschutz-Fitzsimmons and Denver International Airport, with easy access to the A-Line rail, E470, DIA, 56th Avenue, I-70, Downtown Denver, and I-225. To learn more about Painted Prairie, visit https://paintedprairie.wpengine.com/
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Media Contact:
Michelle Tripp
303-319-9669
