Our biggest event of the year is October 7—Prairie Harvest Fest!
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.”
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.
Congratulations to Deb Goetz of Denver Boulder Real Estate for her appearance on the January Prairie Partner Leaderboard. As a huge Painted Prairie advocate and community partner, it is surprising that Deb had not won our Leaderboard before now. She has successfully grown her 20+ year real estate business through referrals and repeat clients and we are grateful to have her as our partner.
“I enjoy bringing my homebuyer clients to Painted Prairie for the reputable builders in affordable price points, the wonderful upcoming community amenities and those views! Wow!”
Congratulations to Vanessa Thomas-Jones of Brokers Guild Cherry Creek as she debuts on the Prairie Partners March Leaderboard
Vanessa has been a Realtor for over 23 years, lived through the varied real estate economies, and is certain real estate is the one area which helps people build wealth. She takes care of her buyers and sellers, while specializing in first-time homebuyers, military, estate, and new home sales. We are excited to have her as our newest addition to the Leaderboard and member of our Prairie Partners.
April Denmon, of Denmon Realty is our February Prairie Partners Leaderboard Spotlight recipient. April is a Denver native, has been a Realtor for 18 years, and is soon to be one of Painted Prairie’s newest residents. She actively promotes our community to her clients, has consistently attended our events, and shares her time and insight to continue our neighborhood’s progress as a wonderful place to live.
“I know Painted Prairie is the next up-and-coming, hottest area to live in! I’ve sold two already in Painted Prairie , two more clients have chosen homes to purchase, and one more is in the process! I’ve also invested in the neighborhood and love my Ignite Elevated by Epic Homes!”
Congrats April on making it onto the Prairie Partners Leaderboard!
A big congratulations and shout out to Kari Cummings of TJC Real Estate for her recognition as November’s Prairie Partner Program Leaderboard spotlight. As an active Realtor and Brokerage Owner, Kari has personally found homes for her clients, and enthusiastically promotes Painted Prairie to the brokers in her firm, encouraging them to take advantage of all our community offers.
Congratulations to Michael Kerns of RealtyOneGroup Premiere, July’s Prairie Partner Spotlight. Michael has become an integral part of the Painted Prairie community. He is not only a committed advocate who makes Painted Prairie a top option for his clients, he is also a proud, pioneering homebuyer in our neighborhood.
Welcome Lorena Gonzalez of Sunny Homes and Associates, Inc., to the Prairie Partner December Leaderboard. As a knowledgeable Realtor and Aurora resident, Lorena is familiar with the many great aspects the City of Aurora has to offer. We are honored she has chosen our community as the one she chooses to promote to her clients.
“I love working at Painted Prairie because there are so many different options for people and it’s almost a guarantee that we can always find something for clients, the community is amazing and everyone is super friendly. (My) clients feel at home the moment they walk in!”
