http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/news en mark@boardriderlounge.com Copyright 2009 2009-01-01T21:58:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/sustainable-urban-development-offers-eco-friendly-living-adventure/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/sustainable-urban-development-offers-eco-friendly-living-adventure/#When:21:58:00Z Adventure Magazine has recognized Durango as “Your Kind of Town.” Durango is an outdoor adventure hub. From ice-climbing to mountaineering, mountain biking to snow biking- multi-sport adventurers looking to relocate to Durango, CO, will find their adventure of choice here. Seeking a new home? Experience Three Springs.  Durango’s newest, and most unique development, Three Springs is a neighborhood that gives the adventurer every opportunity to live in sync with nature. Three Springs, a traditional neighborhood development, located within the city limits of Durango, CO, sits right in the center of La Plata County and is only minutes from Historic Downtown Durango.  There is no lack of adventure at Three Springs. Homeowners have access to public recreation areas and open space, right out their front door.  Miles of neighborhood trails connect users to a walkable village core with restaurants, a bank, a fitness center and more; to neighborhood gardens and pocket parks; and, to Horse Gulch Recreation Area- famous for great mountain biking. Neighbors can park their cars…. and walk, bike, or hike pretty much anywhere. The Three Springs Master Plan includes over 2000 Built Green® homes, retail shops, restaurants, grocers, and hundreds of acres of preserved open space. Completion of Three Springs is projected to take over twenty years.  Sounds like a big, long project, right?  It is. But, it’s developers have invested time, attention, and resources in creating a master plan that is more town-centered, is oriented around the pedestrian, and has a mixed use of housing, commercial and retail shops. They have also taken measures to reduce the impact on the environment. Three Springs is truly is an eco-friendly neighborhood. All construction at Three Springs follows Built Green® Colorado standards, and in most cases, exceeds them.  Every new home for sale is equipped with energy-efficient appliances and is air sealed to increase air quality. All construction material is recycled and the use of non-renewable resources is reduced whenever possible.  It’s all part of Three Springs Sustainable Development Program.  In fact, Three Springs is the only community in Durango, CO to have such a comprehensive sustainability program, read more here. Begin your neighborhood experience by visiting the Three Springs Information Center at 175 Mercado Street or for more information on Built Green® homes for sale at Three Springs or commercial real estate opportunities, click here. Three Springs will only send you the information you request.  To read the Adventure Magazine article, click here. 2009-01-01T21:58:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/farmington-hill-overpass-up-in-the-air/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/farmington-hill-overpass-up-in-the-air/#When:19:48:00Z Forty feet to be exact. The overpass bridge on US Highway 160, just east of its intersection with US Highway 550, is currently under construction and is part of a long-term plan that is expected to be complete by September 2010. Construction crews have been working to complete the first phase of the project, which includes the Farmington Hill Overpass. Additionally, because the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) currently has the funds, three smaller bridges, two ramps, and a new westbound artery from Grandview to the existing Farmington Hill will be completed in the initial phase of construction. The Grandview area of Durango includes Mercy Regional Medical Center and Three Springs, a traditional neighborhood development complete with homes for sale by Tierra Realty, neighborhood parks, hiking trails and a commercial district with its newest neighborhood restaurant- Digs Market Cafe- opening in early 2009. Currently, access to Three Springs and Mercy Regional Medical Center is available via Three Springs Boulevard.  The new construction will provide additional access to the Grandview area just West of Three Springs Blvd. making future development in Three Springs easily accessible. Once the long-term plan is completed, a four-lane expressway will connect Highway 160 from downtown Durango to Grandview, and finally will reach east of Bayfield. In a recent article in the Durango Herald, Money Drives Bridge Project, Nancy Shanks, spokeswoman for Colorado Department of Transportation, states "We went ahead and used our budget efficiently," in response to progress inquiries. The construction funds were currently available and have been used in the build-out of phase I. The project, totaling over $34 Million, has been underway since 2006 when CDOT completed the environmental impact statement and though funds are not secured for the remainder of the project, U.S Rep. John Salazar said he would continue to advocate for federal highway money. To read the Durango Herald Article, click here.  2008-12-29T19:48:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/three-springs-information-center-coming-soon-to-downtown-durango/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/three-springs-information-center-coming-soon-to-downtown-durango/#When:16:49:00Z Three Springs will open its Main Avenue Information Center this Holiday Season. Visit Three Springs Information Center downtown at 734 Main Ave. next to the Durango Coffee Company.  Here, you can find information about homes for sale by Tierra Group and Tierra Realty, the Three Springs premier builder; learn more about Mercado District leasing opportunities; or, get information about what’s happening at Three Springs, like the new restaurant- Digs Market Café opening in early 09, other new tenants, upcoming community events and so much more.  We’d be happy to take you on a tour of Three Springs.  Or, if you’d prefer, experience Three Springs for yourself on-site at 175 Mercado Street- take HWY 160 South, turn East on Three Springs Boulevard and follow the signs to the Mercado District.  http://www.threespringsdurango.com 2008-12-08T16:49:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/invest-in-real-estate-in-this-shaky-market/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/invest-in-real-estate-in-this-shaky-market/#When:17:43:00Z Dear Friends of Three Springs, Lately, the stock market has been in constant fluctuation. As I walk the trails at Three Springs, I consider how daunting investing in a changing marketplace can be. In the past few months, many stockholders have experienced significant dollar losses and some of those individuals are looking at re-investment opportunities. If you are concerned about the stock market and are wondering where to invest your hard earned money — think real estate! Right now, national mortgage loan rates are very low — providing approved buyers with affordable options to get into a new home. Investing in real estate has historically been a safe option — that is because real estate has tangible value. Purchasing real estate remains one of the best ways to invest your hard earned dollars. I personally invite you to consider Three Springs. The brand new Tierra and Timberline built homes at Three Springs exceed Built Green® Colorado guidelines. Three Springs homes are built better and are all equipped with energy savings features that will help make your dollar go a lot further — that’s money in the bank — who doesn’t like that? A brand new home also gives homeowners added benefits like no “home improvements” to do on the weekends, that means more time spent with family — and we think that makes a lot of sense. Located in the center of La Plata County, Three Springs is becoming a great place to live, work, shop, and play. Our residents and commercial tenants agree — see Barbara Martin’s testimony — she loves living here. We invite you to visit our information center and take a tour of one the Tierra Group model homes — Experience Three Springs for yourself. If you have any questions about investing in real estate in Durango, CO, talk to your Realtor or give Tamara or Adam a call at Tierra Realty 970-764-6432, they would be happy to hear from you. We hope the information contained in this edition of Three Springs Neighborhood News and on http://www.threespringsdurango.com is useful to you on your quest for real estate. Whether you are interested in commercial or residential real estate — now is a great time to consider the ever growing Three Springs. Tim Zink General Manager 2008-12-02T17:43:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/live-work-shop-play-adventure/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/live-work-shop-play-adventure/#When:17:09:00Z Three Springs Employee and Local Durangoan Ascends Peaks in the Himalayan Mountains. Kurt Blair, IT Manager of the Southern Ute Growth Fund takes the Three Springs adage Live. Work. Shop. Play to another level.  Literally, he plays at 26,906 feet (that is not a misprint).  In October of this year, Kurt Blair summitted Cho Oyu- the 6th highest peak in the world.  Cho Oyu is located in the Himalayan Mountain Range on the borders of Tibet and Nepal. He spent six weeks preparing for his ascent and acclimating to the harsh weather conditions that can consume the Himalayan Mountains and those that attempt to ascend them.  Of those six weeks, only 10 days were spent actually climbing.  This is Blair’s second ascent in the Himalayas. He first summitted Ama Dablam in Nepal in 2005 with Three Springs co-worker Red Willow Geologist, Colby Vandenburg. One might think that physical strength and prowess are paramount in accomplishing such a lofty goal.  Strength alone won’t take you to the top, “mental fortitude is as important, if not more so,” says Blair.  With his own determination and logistical support from Summit Climb, Blair was able to finish the climb without the use of supplemental oxygen. His adventure to the top of Cho Oyu included suffering sleep deprivation, enduring long sustained travel (2,000 vertical feet took 7.5 hours), the loss of 22 group tents and every bit of mental tenacity he could muster.  Considering the fact that brain cells are already compromised at that elevation, mental strength is just that much more difficult to sustain.  His passion for climbing, trekking, and high altitude mountaineering inspires him to constantly self-reflect, meditate, and of course, stay healthy- physically and mentally. He plans to continue the Live. Work. Shop. Play ethic at home in Durango’s back yard- but sees an ascent up Mt. Everest in his future.  For now, he will allow the beauty of Durango’s own open space and public recreation areas to fulfill his passions.  Kurt Blair has been an employee of the Southern Ute Growth Fund for almost 7 years.  He began working here because of his passion for technology; but we know what his real passion is- that’s adventure, and we commend that! Namaste Kurt. 2008-11-20T17:09:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/holiday-fitness-anytime-fitness/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/holiday-fitness-anytime-fitness/#When:18:31:00Z The Holidays are a time for great food, great fun, and lots of cheer!  But- that doesn’t mean you have to add inches to your waistline. Make conscientious decisions about what you put on your plate, limit your portions, and avoid excessive sweets and alcohol. And- most importantly, don’t forget to exercise!  The recommended helping for health is 3-5, 50 minute exercise sessions, per week.  Anytime Fitness at Three Springs can help you with that: Put it On Your Calendar Spin Class- Extra Portions of Spinning available through the Holiday Season. Tuesdays and Thursdays- 5:45pm Get there early- classes have been near capacity, come early to ensure a spot. Boot Camp-50/50 - Need to boost your current routine? Tuesdays and Thursdays- 12:00 on the dot! Drop and give me 20.  BootCamp 5050 is intended to give you a cardio and strength training workout that will your boost your current exercise program.  Bootcamp 50/50 is taught by Caroline Buchta, a Certified Fitness Instructor.  50/50 Begins December 2nd. Two sessions per week will help you stay fitness focused through the Holidays and will help you kick off your New Year in the right way!  1 hour long sessions, Tues/Thurs at Noon, Dec. 2- Dec 18th.  Non-members $10, Members- $6. Iron Horse Training- Start now! Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 6:30am Take the Iron Horse Challenge- Ride up Shalona, Coal Bank and Molace inside starting December 1, Before you hit the road outside in May!  Join us for a 6 month training program that will have you ready for the big ride.  Julie Angle, Certified Spin Instructor, will lead you through a successful training program at Anytime Fitness.  *Iron Horse Fees and Training/Membership Fees apply; inquire at Anytime Fitness.  Now is the time get fit. Join Us! Anytime Fitness is currently offering unbeatable holiday specials.  Conveniently located at Three Springs, Anytime Fitness is accessible- anytime- Exercise on your own schedule! For membership rates and more information, contact Anytime Fitness, 259-3007 2008-11-19T18:31:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/colorado-real-estate-journal-discusses-the-maturation-of-three-springs/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/colorado-real-estate-journal-discusses-the-maturation-of-three-springs/#When:17:50:00Z by Jill Jamieson-Nichols Colorado Real Estate Journal, September 17, 2008 Tim Zink has been involved with Three Springs since its inception, so it was pretty exciting to see the first buildings come out of the ground. Even so, “It doesn’t compare to today when a school bus pulls up and a dozen kids get off. That, to me, is what it’s been all about over the last six years that I’ve been working on this development,” said Zink, general manager of Durango’s first and only traditional neighborhood development. A 682-acre project of GF Development Group LLC, owned by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe Growth Fund, Three Springs is maturing into a fully mixed-use community of single-family homes, duplexes, townhomes and affordable housing with a major employer - Mercy Regional Medical Center. Its growing commercial area, the Mercado District, so far has three mixed-use buildings with approximately 30,000 square feet of retail and 50,000 sf of fully leased office space. Developers now are contemplating new medical office space - possibly office condo space - to supplement 150,000 sf of fully leased space at the medical center. Also in the future are a Neighborhood Center that would serve as a community gathering spot, Durango’s next elementary and middle schools, and a 75-acre community park. The Neighborhood Center, which may strive for LEED Platinum certification, will include meeting space for homeowner association meetings and other community groups, and computer labs for before- and after-school program, and adult education programs. “We want to have demonstration displays throughout the building that really explain and expose people to what it is to be a LEED-certified building,” said Zink. Three Springs is unique in that it had a major employer - Mercy Medical Center - from the get-go. “With the hospital and with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as the developer, it’s allowed a lot more front-ending of that commercial, job-creating component,” said Tim McHarg, Durango assistant planning director. “The residential is coming along in conjunction with that.” Three Springs’ homebuilder, Tierra Group, has completed 37 single-family and duplex units within the development, attracting a generational spectrum of buyers, from young couples to grandparents. Pricing as of midsummer ranged from $279,900 for a townhome (nine townhomes are being built by Timberline Builders) to a high-end home at $693,900. “Particularly for a new home within the city of Durango, we’re way more attainable than most of the product that’s out there,” Zink said. Between the hospital’s 1,000 employees, some 270 employees in the Mercado District and 170 residents, Three Springs has attracted service providers including Alpine Bank, Anytime Fitness and Progressive Insurance to its retail space and soon will welcome its first restaurant. The retail space, with asking rates of $15 to $22 per sf triple net, is 42 percent leased. Lots also are available for uses such as a dentist, motel and small grocer. As part of the traditional neighborhood design, which includes an integrated trail system and pedestrian underpasses at major intersections, Streets within the Mercado District have reverse angle parking, so drivers pull forward as they are leaving their space. “We want to make sure if you were riding around Three Springs on a bike that you feel as comfortable on your bike as you do in a car,” Zink commented. Three Springs hasn’t happened without growing pains. “It’s easy to underestimate the amount of time that the public process is going to take. For us that was a long road,” Zink said. Durango didn’t have codes that allow for traditional neighborhood development. Codes had to be written that allowed the community’s narrow streets and wide sidewalks, and that addressed lot setbacks, for instance. “Not only did we have the codes and standards, but we had architectural guidelines that we had to write,” Zink said. McHarg said the majority of the Durango community seems to view the development as a success. Other traditional neighborhood development is planned for the Ewing Mesa area in Durango, but a developer hasn’t stepped forward, and given infrastructure issues, current economic conditions and hundreds of housing units still to develop at Three Springs, that project isn’t likely to get under way for quite some time. As it builds out over the coming 20 to 30 years, Three Springs will have an estimated 2,000 residences and 350,000 sf of mixed-use commercial space. Homebuyers haven’t necessarily come to Three Springs looking for the traditional neighborhood development, but have been enticed by what they found, Zink said, “They showed up, they went, ‘Ah . I get it. I see the vision. I want to be part of this.’” 2008-11-10T17:50:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/fitness-plus-magazine-endorses-the-lifestyle-benefits-of-three-springs-livi/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/fitness-plus-magazine-endorses-the-lifestyle-benefits-of-three-springs-livi/#When:17:30:00Z Fitness Plus Magazine agrees. They mention, “Living in a mountain town has benefits like clean air and unlimited recreation.” Living in Three Springs is even better.  Centrally located in La Plata County, and within the city limits of Durango-one of the greatest mountain towns, Three Springs sets in a prime location.  To the Northwest, it’s just a short drive- or an even shorter mountain bike ride up and over the Telegraph Trail- into Historic Downtown Durango. To the Southeast, head into Bayfield via HWY 160 or head out on a road bike ride towards Durango La Plata County Airport.  Within Three Springs itself, miles of trails interweave through Green Built neighborhoods and connect to trail heads that lead to public recreation and open space areas. The benefits of living in the sustainable development of Three Springs are endless. Built based upon the principles of Traditional Neighborhood Developments, neighbors can work, shop, and play within a relatively small and fully accessible radius from where they live. To have a “neighborhood,” you need “neighbors,” - Three Springs has created a mixed-use master plan that was designed with the centerpiece being its neighbors and pedestrians.  Living here, neighbors benefit from increased physical activity- walkways and bike paths are available right out their front door; reduced mental anxiety- less of a drive in stress ridden traffic; and with neighborhood parks, restaurants within walking distance, and workplaces only minutes away from home- neighbors get to spend more quality time with loved ones. Each and every new home built at Three Springs has a sustainable design and has been constructed under the guidelines of Built Green Colorado. Built Green Colorado standards include: increased air quality, use of energy efficient appliances, reduced and or re-used building materials, water preservation measures and much more. Three Springs builders’ practices and the quality and craftsmanship of Three Springs homes, not only benefit Three Springs neighbors, their health, and their pocketbook, but these standards greatly benefit our environment as well. Read more about how living in such a great, well-planned, traditional neighborhood development can be good for your health- see pages (17-18) in the full Fitness Plus Magazine article. 2008-11-10T17:30:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/winners-of-the-great-pumpkin-tour-announced/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/winners-of-the-great-pumpkin-tour-announced/#When:15:20:00Z Fall festivities and warm sunshine drew hundreds of people out to Three Springs for the Great Pumpkin Fall Festival last Saturday.  Touring green built model homes with Tierra Group and TImberline Builders and seeing the giant topography table in the Information Center were just a few of the highlights of the Three Springs Great Pumpkin Fall Festival. Folks also experienced the interactive modules of the Discovery Museum’s Solar Roller. Children played on brand new state of the art playground equipment and tuckered themselves out in the bouncy house. And, Matt The Magician’s latest magic tricks left everyone in awe! Thanks to everyone who experienced Three Springs and a special congratulations to the three lucky winners of the Great Pumpkin Tour drawing.  Douglas Hanna will be enjoying the winter snow with the Durango Mountain Resort Season Pass, Melody Finn will treat herself to something nice with a $100 Visa Gift Card, and Dominic Reddell is already cruising his neighborhood on his brand new Specialized Youth Mountain Bike.  Fun was had by all at Saturday’s event. 2008-10-29T15:20:00-07:00 http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/relocating-to-colorado-cnn-thinks-durango-fits-the-bill/ http://www.threespringsdurango.com/index.php/site/relocating-to-colorado-cnn-thinks-durango-fits-the-bill/#When:22:03:00Z CNN recognizes Colorado mountain towns, like Durango, as places to retire if you’re relocating to Colorado.  With year round mild temperatures, the mighty Animas River, great recreational opportunities, and as many restaurants per capita as San Francisco, Durango is a great place to relocate to.  Its no wonder people have discovered Durango for retirement, community, and recreation. Three Springs, the areas only traditional neighborhood development, located just south of Historic Downtown Durango, combines the best of all of the above. The Village core of Three Springs - the Mercado District - downtown if you will, has sprung to life. Anytime Fitness allows you to get a work out anytime of the day, the friendly bankers at Alpine Bank can help you with all of your financial needs, and in early 2009, Digs Market Café will open in Three Springs, adding to the great variety of cuisine offered in Durango. Three Springs neighborhoods are growing, with green built homes for sale by Tierra Realty and Timberline Builders, both leading builders in Durango. Just North of Three Springs, hikers and mountain bikers can enjoy miles of trail within the Horse Gulch Recreation Area; including infamous trails such as Stacey’s, Meadow Loop, and Telegraph Trail.  And Mercy Regional Medical Center, neighboring Three Springs to the northwest, is Southwest Colorado’s most technologically advanced hospital.  All of that means Three Springs is a great place to live, work, shop, and play.  Conscientious city dwellers looking to escape the hustle and bustle will be able to spend more time with their families and less time in the car, baby boomers and retirees will be have more time to enjoy life while appreciating low maintenance living, and with the miles of trails within Three Springs and close proximity to wild places- weekend warriors can feed their outdoor addiction- Daily.  For more on terrific towns like Durango, read the CNN article, click here. 2008-09-11T22:03:00-07:00