Colorado Springs Gains Public Space in Land Swap

In a recent Colorado Springs City Council meeting, a vote to swap land with The Broadmoor was passed, providing over 480 acres of land for the city Parks Department to utilize. The land swap is expected to bring more trails and access to view points around Colorado Springs, a big plus for area residents who thrive on outdoor recreation. The land swap includes different parcels of land held by The Broadmoor parent company, Anschutz Corp, and the municipal land known as Strawberry Fields which is approximately 190 acres.

Part of the land swap involves an agreement with The Broadmoor to keep most of the Strawberry Fields parcel in its natural state, maintaining the land and continuing to allow public access to it. Colorado Springs Parks Department will handle the management of the undeveloped portion of Strawberry Fields. There will also be a conservation easement for part of the Strawberry Fields land, which will be held by Palmer Land Trust. This will ensure no future development of the land happens, keeping the majority of the parcel green, open space for the public. Nine acres of the field will be devoted to new stables and a picnic area.

While the vote was passed, land surveys and environmental studies need to be conducted before the deal can be closed. If everything moves forward, there will be new trails added in around some key Colorado Springs areas. Alongside some small parcels in the western part of the city, the Manitou Incline and lower Barr Trail will expand by approximately 156 acres. Outdoor enthusiasts will also be able to access part of North Cheyenne Canyon Park, which has been off limits. 208 acres at the top of Mount Muscoco will be made accessible.

If you enjoy the outdoors, hiking or biking around the great natural features of Colorado Springs, when the land swap is completed, there will be even more trails for you to enjoy. Our love of nature and having access to be in touch with it is just one of the great benefits of living in Colorado Springs. When you are ready to buy or sell your home, we at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! As your buyer agent, we will strive to give you the best support we can. Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867, or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Colorado Springs Homes Selling Fast

 

 

When it comes to selling your home, the sooner you can get an offer from a buyer and close the deal, the better. In a recent study released by Trulia, Colorado Springs is one of the fastest moving markets in the country. Listed at number 7 for housing markets, homes here are selling faster than before. Comparing data to a year ago, the area has seen homes selling fast, with 46.7% of homes on the marketing currently selling within a month. At the same time a year ago, only 38% of home sold within a month of being listed.  A 10% growth in the time it takes to sell a home is a significant increase indicating a strong seller’s market, and highlighting the demand for homes in the Colorado Springs area.

With the region growing as a whole, many home buyers are looking away from Denver where prices are higher. Colorado Springs offers great home values and a wonderful place to live. As a community near enough to Denver, with all that the area has to offer, the influx of Denver residents buying homes is no surprise. Rising rental rates are also helping more people look toward buying a home. Just as with many areas of the country, rising rents makes buying a home more affordable and attractive. This has resulted in a larger pool of potential buyers. With more demand for homes being seen, Colorado Springs properties are selling quickly. For anyone looking to sell their Colorado Springs home, the current inventory is lower than last year, which makes this an ideal time to take advantage of the demand for homes in the area. 

Comparing Colorado Springs residential realty to Denver properties, you can get more home for less. Trulia’s latest report shows the median price of homes in the Colorado Springs area is $230,000 as of April this year. In Denver, the median price is $330,000. With this much of a difference, it is easier to live with the finer home amenities many buyers are looking for, such as energy efficient options. Homes with luxury features such as theaters, professional chef kitchens and spa bathrooms can also be found in Colorado Springs.

When you are ready to buy or sell your home, we at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! As your buyer agent, we will strive to give you the best support we can. Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

The Wonders of Steamboat Lake State Park

One of the best aspects of living in Colorado is all the amazing scenery. No matter where you live, you are always close to some of the country’s most spectacular spots.

One such place is Steamboat Lake State Park.

Located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, Steamboat Lake State Park has been called “One of the jewels of Colorado”.  Whatever your preferred mode of relaxation is, the park has something to offer everyone. Surrounded by breathtaking scenery, you and your family can enjoy camping in the woods, fishing and boating the lakes and picnicking in the beautiful valley. For the explorers there are lots of lovely hiking trails. It even hosts a full-service marina and a beautiful beach for swimming.

The fun doesn’t stop when the warm weather ends. During the cold winter months, the park comes alive with ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are ten camper cabins located by the Marina for those who want to enjoy the winter experience by day, followed by a cozy cabin evening. All of this while surrounded by snow-capped mountains makes it a special event no matter what season.

This is just a small taste of all the park has to offer. It’s why so many visitors keep coming back.

If you are lucky enough to live in Colorado and haven’t visited the park yet, you should. It’s one more reason to feel lucky to live in this beautiful state. You may find it becomes your favorite vacation spot close to home.

IF you are looking for a great place to live where you can enjoy all that the surrounding parks have to offer, Colorado is a great place to do just that. When you are ready to buy or sell your home, we at Springs LifeStyles Real Estate are here to help you with all of your real estate needs! As your buyer agent, we will strive to give you the best support we can. Call Kathy Stenberg at (719) 963-4867 or you can email her at springslifestyles@gmail.com You can also visit us at our website for available listings and additional information.

Free activities in Colorado during the month of May

§  Buell Children’s Museum: free on May 8th (more info)

§  Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center: free on May 20th (more info)

§  Denver Art Museum: free on May 7th (more info)

§  Denver Children’s Museum: free on May 3rd from 4-8 PM only (more info)

§  Denver Children’s Museum Joy Park: free on May 20th from 4-8 PM only (more info)

§  Denver Museum of Miniatures, Dolls, and Toys: suggested donation day on May 1st (more info)

§  Denver Museum of Nature of Science: free on May 9th (more info)

§  Money Museum (American Numismatic Association): free on May 21st (more info)

§  Sangre de Cristo Arts Center: free on May 8th (more info)

2/24/2016 As I’m sitting in my kitchen looking at my white appliances amidst the beautiful cherry cabinets and solid granite countertops wondering why I bought those when I remodeled my kitchen 12 years ago. I remember my ex choosing those because “they don’t show finger prints”. I recently purchased a new dishwasher and did get a stainless steel finish knowing that when I replace the stove and refrigerator I would get the same. I have this issue of getting rid of something when it is still in working order. With that said, I still have a white refrigerator, stove, washer and dryer. It’s time to get more information about what is out there. I was talking to a friend this morning that purchased new appliances in the past two years and she got mid-grade and said they are “pieces of junk”. She has already had to have them repaired. I’m thinking commercial grade and I wonder what luxury home owners are purchasing. Being the good Realtor I am, I looked at homes priced in the 2-6 million dollar range and most if not all have commercial grade appliances. These are the appliances that I chose for my kitchen: G 4225 Futura Classic Series Dishwasher Prefinished, Full-size Dishwasher Visible control panel, prefinished door panel 5 wash programs Cutlery basket 16 place settings Quiet Rating - 46dBa Wolf GR34 gas oven and range Convection oven for faster, more consistent cooking Dual-stacked, sealed burners for higher highs, lower lows Continuous cast-iron grates for easy movement of pots and pans Infrared broiler inside oven sears quickly and evenly Heavy-gauge stainless steel Bosch counter depth refrigerator Modern European look inside and out Price for design value Very quiet operation Drawers open smoothly because of ball bearings Convenient alarm if door’s not shut all the way So many beautiful things you can do to modernize and make efficient our kitchens.

More stores, restaurants and hotels planned for Colorado Springs' far north side

More stores, restaurants and hotels planned for Colorado Springs' far north side: More shopping, dining and housing are planned for Colorado Springs' far north side - already a major hub for fast-growing residential and commercial projects.
Denver-based Etkin Johnson Real Estate Partners this week paid $4.35 million for nearly 77 acres southeast of Interstate 25 and InterQuest Parkway, where it plans to develop apartments, offices, stores, restaurants and hotels as part of a project called The Gateway at InterQuest.

Developers intend to bring 'urban lifestyle' apartments to downtown Colorado Springs

Developers intend to bring 'urban lifestyle' apartments to downtown Colorado Springs

Daylight Saving Time ENDS on Sunday, November 1, 2015

FALL BACK

Just a friendly reminder that Daylight Saving Time ends this coming Sunday - so don't forget to turn your clocks back 1 hour before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Colorado Springs Halloween Events Around Town

Looking for some fun ideas to celebrate Halloween in and around Colorado Springs? Here's a list compiled by The Gazette:

HALLOWEEN EVENTS

Through Oct. 30: Pets in Costumes Social Media Contest — Submit your favorite photo of your dog, cat or any other pet in their best space or science fiction costume by noon Oct. 30, for a chance to win a family 4-pack admission Halloween Costume Fun - Space and Sci-Fi Celebration on Oct. 31.

Through Oct. 31: Little Shop of Horrors — 7 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 1 p.m. Thursdays, Saturday and Sundays, through Oct. 31, Butte Theater, 139 E. Bennett Ave., Cripple Creek, $12-$18.

Through Oct. 31: Haunted Mines - 7-11 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, Western Museum of Mining and Industry, 225 North Gate Blvd., $20-$25.

Through Oct. 31: Fright in Falcon Haunted Maze - 7-9 p.m., 7310 Abilene Drive, Peyton, monetary and nonperishable food donations accepted.

Through Oct. 31: Scarecrow Days - Vote for the People's Choice Award for the most unique, scary, creative and beautiful scarecrows in Old Colorado City.

Through Oct. 31: Peanuts Halloween — Crafts for kids, a Halloween costume parade, trick-or-treating and more, local Bass Pro Shops. Go online for a list of events and locations.

Through Nov. 1: Ghouls Gulch and Sanitarium Haunted House - 7 p.m.-midnight, Thursdays-Sundays and Oct. 27-Nov. 1, 3910 Palmer Park Blvd., $15-$35.

Through Nov. 1: Wait Until Dark — 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, through Nov. 1, Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, 30 W. Dale St., $20 and up.

Through Nov. 7: Hellscream Haunted House - 7-10 p.m. Thursdays, Sundays, Nov. 6 and 7, 7-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3021 N. Hancock Ave., $20-$25.

Through Nov. 8: "Ghosts" - 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays, 2 p.m. Oct. 31 and Nov. 7, 4 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 8, Dusty Loo Bon Vivant Theater, 3955 Regents Circle, $18-$36.

Oct. 27: One Eyed Doll Halloween Tour — With Stitched up Heart, Run 2 Cover, 13 NAILS, Suspension 9, Sabbatar, 7 p.m., Sunshine Studios Live, 3970 Clearview Frontage Road, $8-$12; 392-8921.

Oct. 29: “KCME at The Mezzanine” — Opera Theatre of the Rockies, “Bewitched,” 6:30-8:30 p.m., The Mezzanine, 20 N. Tejon St., back alley entrance, $10. Advance tickets: 428-6974.

Oct. 29-31: "Rocky Horror Picture Show" - 7 p.m., Iron Springs Chateau Dinner Theater, 444 Ruxton Ave., Manitou Springs, for ages 18 and older, $15. Advance tickets: 685-5104.

Oct. 30: Mama Tribe Halloween Party — Snacks, pictures and more, 10:30 a.m., Enso Prenatal, 10 S. 25th St., free; ensomama.com.

Oct. 30: Urbanites Halloween Catfish/Chicken Dinner — 11 a.m.-5 p.m., ULPPR Center, 506 E. Moreno Ave., $10-$12. Delivery available for five or more dinners. Advance orders: JJ, 244-2133, Carolyn, 460-3998.

Oct. 30: YMCA Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat - 5-7 p.m., Tri-Lakes, 17250 Jackson Creek Parkway, Monument, free.

Oct. 30: Haunted Hike - 5 p.m., Mueller State Park, 21045 Colorado 67, Divide, meet at Homestead Trailhead. Day pass $7 per vehicle; 687-2366.

Oct. 30: Boo! at CTU — Costume contest for all ages, trick-or-treat, games, pie walk, pumpkin smash and more, 5-8 p.m., Colorado Technical University, 4435 N. Chestnut St, small fee for some activities; 598-0200.

Oct. 30: Night of the Living Deadpoint Halloween Event — 5-9 p.m., CityROCK Climbing Center, 21 N. Nevada Ave., $25-$30. Registration required..

Oct. 30: Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner - 5:30 p.m., Briarhurst Manor, 404 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, $79. Reservations: 685-1864.

Oct. 30: Family Fall Festival - Bounce houses, games, hayride and more, 6 p.m., Vista Grande Baptist Church, 5680 Stetson Hills Blvd., free.

Oct. 30: Night Sky Program: Slightly Spooky Star Stories — 6-8 p.m. Oct. 30, Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument, Florissant. Entrance fee, $5 for ages 16 or older; 748-3253.

Oct. 30: Classic Horror Movie Night - 7 p.m., "Horrors of Spider Island," Manitou Springs Heritage Center, 517 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, donations accepted; 685-1454.

Oct. 30: "Born Blue" Opening and Day of the Dead Blue Halloween Party - 7 p.m., The Mezzanine, 20 N. Tejon St., back alley entrance, $15. Advance tickets: 428-6974.

Oct. 30: Halloween Partner Yoga Workshop — Partners and costumes are not required, but add to the fun, 7 p.m., Yoga Mountain Shadows, 4663 Centennial Blvd., $15.

Oct. 30: Suga Bear and the Showtime Band Halloween Dance Party - 8 p.m., Stargazers Theatre and Event Center, 10 S. Parkside Drive, $10; 476-2200.

Oct. 30 and 31: Boo at the Zoo - 4-8:30 p.m., with last ticket sold at 7:30 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road $12.25-$17.25, free for ages 2 and younger.

Oct. 30 and 31: Halloween Costume Fun - Space and Sci-Fi Celebration — Vintage sci-fi movie fest, mad science demonstrations, space and sci-fi crafts and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Oct. 30, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 31, Space Foundation Discover Center, 4425 Arrowswest Drive, included with cost of admission; 576-8000.

Oct. 30 and 31: Haunted Trails - Wagon rides, haunted cabin, costume contest and more, 4-7 p.m. for younger children, 7-10 p.m. for older children and adults, Colorado Lions Camp, 28541 Highway 67 North, Woodland Park, $10, $5 for ages 7 and younger.

Oct. 30 and 31: Halloween Weekend — With Wrestle with Jimmy, 9 p.m., Johnny’s Navajo Hogan, 2817 N. Nevada Ave.; 344-9593.

Oct. 31: YMCA Creepy Crawl 5K - Giveaways, awards for top finishers, costume contest and healthy treats, 9:30 a.m., Palmer Lake Santa Fe Trail Head, 199 County Line Road, Palmer Lake, $30. Registration.

Oct. 31: Pumpkin Fun Archery Shoot - For ages 8 and older, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain State Park, 410 JL Ranch Heights Road. Day pass $7/vehicle. Registration: 576-2016.

Oct. 31: Ghouls & Stools — Bring your favorite pooper scooper; plastic gloves, buckets and bags will be provided for clean up 10 a.m.-2 p.m., with costume contest at noon, with prizes for the best, most original and volunteer/dog look alike, Bear Creek Dog Park, South 21st Street; Dana Nordstrom, 520-6983, dananordstrom@elpasoco.com.

Oct. 31:Halloween Psychic Fair — 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Celebration Metaphysical Center, 975 Garden of the Gods Road, Suite C. Readings, $20 for 20 minutes. Appointments required: 634-1855.

Oct. 31: Halloween History Hunt - Children can wear costumes, hunt for history, hear stories, make crafts and more, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, 215 S. Tejon St., $2. Reservations: 385-5990.

Oct. 31: All Ages Halloween Skating Party - 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Sertich Ice Center, 1705 E. Pikes Peak Ave., $5 with costume; 385-5983.

Oct. 31: Harvest and Halloween Celebration — With games, food and spooky science creations, costumes optional, noon-2 p.m., Special Kids Special Families Adult Services Facility, 3450 N. Nevada Ave., $15 per child. Registration: Julie, 375-9285, Linda, 447-8983, ext. 19, lellegard@sksfcolorado.org.

Oct. 31: Halloween Bash — New beer releases, noon-10 p.m.; Smokey the Pig food truck, 4-9 p.m., firkin tapping, 6 p.m.; costume contest, 9 p.m., Great Storm Brewing, 204 Mount View Lane, Suite 3.

Oct. 31: Colorado Springs Jazz Party - 1 p.m., Antlers Hilton, 4 S. Cascade Ave.

Oct. 31:Family Fun: Creatures of the Night Children's Program - 1:30 p.m., Ruth Holley Library Branch, 685 N. Murray Blvd.

Oct. 31: "Safe Treats" Trick or Treat - 2-4:30 p.m., Old Colorado City.

Oct. 31: Trunk or Treat — Snack bar, prizes, bounce houses, hayride, petting zoo, candy and more, 3-5 p.m., Rock Family Church - Woodmen Campus, 4005 Lee Vance View, free; 531.6600.

Oct. 31: Scardy Cat Trick or Treat — 3-5 p.m., Serenity Springs Wildlife Park, 24615 Scott Road, Calhan, $10.

Oct. 31: Safe Trick-or-Treat and Fall Festival — With games and crafts for young children, food and more, 4-6 p.m., First Christian Church, 16 E. Platte Ave., free; 633-8888.

Oct. 31: Howl O Ween - 4-6 p.m., Colorado Wolf and Wildlife Center, 4729 Twin Rocks Road, Divide, $30, $15 for ages 12 and younger. Advance tickets: 687-9742.

Oct. 31: Malloween — Trick or Treating throughout the mall, 5 p.m., Citadel Mall, 750 Citadel Drive East, free.

Oct. 31: Boo at Briargate — Dress your little ones in their Halloween best and join us for trick-or-treating, 5-7 p.m., The Promenade Shops at Briargate; 1885 Briargate Parkway, free.

Oct. 31: Fall Festival — Hosted by Black Forest Fire Rescue, with fire engines, trick-or-treating, games, haunted forest hayride and a Halloween maze, 5-8 p.m., La Foret Conference and Retreat Center, 6145 Shoup Road, free admission. Canned goods accepted to support Black Forest Cares; 495-4300.

Oct. 31: Noche De Los Muertos — Day of the Dead celebration, 6 p.m., Tajine Alami, 10 Old Mans Trail, Manitou Springs, $10. Advance tickets: smokebrush.org.

Oct. 31: Growl-O-Ween Haunted Tour — 6 p.m., Serenity Springs Wildlife Park, 24615 Scott Road, Calhan, $40 or $75 per couple. Registration: julien@serenityspringswildlife.org.

Oct. 31: Halloween Party — With Grass it Up and costume contest, 7 p.m., Front Range Barbeque, 2330 W. Colorado Ave.; 632-2596.

Oct. 31: Grave Diggers Ball — With The Last Savior of God, Enduality, Abaddon, Axe 2 the Face, Thoz 1 Guyz, Pens & Needles Custom Tattoo, Cemetery Gate Entertainment, 7 p.m., Sunshine Studios Live, 3970 Clearview Frontage Road, $5-$8; 392-8921.

Oct. 31: Halloween Costume Contest — 7:30 p.m., Sarges Grill, 6436 S. US Highway 85/87, Fountain.

Oct. 31: Rico Southee/Devin Malloy Halloween Groove Band — 7:45 p.m., Motif, 2432 W. Cucharras St.; 635-5635.

Oct. 31: Runs With Scissors and Some Peoples Kids Halloween Dance Party - 8 p.m., Stargazers Theatre and Event Center, 10 S. Parkside Drive, free; 476-2200.

Oct. 31: Haunting at the Hill Halloween Costume Ball - 8 p.m., The Pinery at the Hill, 775 W. Bijou St., for ages 21 and older, $50-$95. Reservations.

Oct. 31: Halloween Party - With Barrel House String Band, 9 p.m., Ancient Mariner, 962 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs; 685-5503.

Oct. 31: Halloween Séance and Paranormal Investigation - 9-11:30 p.m., City Auditorium and Lon Chaney Theatre, 221 E. Kiowa St., $25. Reservations required: 291-2409, coloradoghosttours.com.

Oct. 31: Sexyween Costume Party — 9 p.m., Rawkus, 3506 N. Academy Blvd., for ages 18 and older, $10-$20; 596-0000.

Oct. 31:Halloween Paranormal Investigations - 9:30 p.m., Manitou Springs Heritage Center, 517 Manitou Ave., Manitou Springs, $25. Advance tickets: 685-1454, tinyurl.com/py7r99r.

Oct. 31: Murder Mystery Beer Dinner - Phantom Canyon Brewing Co., 2 E. Pikes Peak Ave., $50. Call for times and reservations: 635-2800.

Oct 31: Halloween Party - Costume contest, drink specials and more, for ages 21 and older, Cowboys, 25 N. Tejon St. Go online for times.

Oct. 31 and Nov. 1: A Magical Millibo Boo — 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Oct. 31, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Nov. 1, Millibo Art Theatre, 1626 S. Tejon St., $12. Go online for advance tickets.

COMPILED BY CARLOTTA OLSON, THE GAZETTE, 636-0221, carlotta.olson@gazette.com