Indulge!

Indulge Wine Bar

 

 

Indulge Wine, Tapas, and Desert bar will be opening soon in the Highlands Ranch Town Center!

Details:

Indulge Wine Bar is locally owned by long time Highlands Ranch residents Peter Fatianow and Delinda Romero. The couple recognized the need for a place where relaxing with friends is as important as the food and drink.

Situated on the corner of Lucent Boulevard and Highlands Ranch Parkway, Indulge will feature a comfortable patio with encompassing views of the Front Range along with couches and cool fire pits. Delinda does a great job of describing the patio when she says: “we will bring the comforts of the indoors to our patio to take advantage of Colorado’s beautiful climate.” By no means will this be a typical patio!

Patrons will find the interior to be chic, modern, and welcoming to all. There will also be an intimate room for private parties, business meetings, etc…

Wine:

Although Indulge will feature a full bar, the focus will be on wine. Peter and Delinda expect to feature 25 different wines by the glass and 80-100 by the bottle. Each wine, foreign and domestic, will be carefully selected to compliment every aspect of Indulge by Executive Wine Director Sarah Almand.

Food:

Indulge will feature a menu designed exclusively by Executive Chef Kristen Reisinger. There will be an emphasis on working with local growers, farmers, and vendors.

Music:

Music will be a key feature of the experience at Indulge. During the week, patrons will hear a mix of contemporary, smooth, and energetic music perfect for dining. The music will serve to compliment and enhance the Indulge experience.

On Friday and Saturday nights the place will come alive with live music and dancing.

Details:

Indulge will be open 7 days a week and have extended hours on Friday and Saturday night. They will also open for lunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Grand Opening:

Peter and Delinda expect to have a grand opening sometime in mid or late October. For additional details and updates, sign up at the Indulge website at: http://www.IndulgeWineBar.com . Or check back here for updates as soon as they become available!

*******All proceeds from the grand opening will go to the Make-A-Wish foundation. *******

Editor’s Note: I certainly look forward to the Grand Opening of Indulge. I believe this establishment will finally provide Highlands Ranch and South Metro Denver residents with a truly unique, one-of-a-kind experience for years to come.

 

Highlands Ranch Schools-The “Track” System

One question I get on daily basis is: How does the year round (Track) school system in Highlands Ranch work?  It is one of the more complicated questions to answer in part because, from year to year, the schools that are or are not on Track can change!

This post is a good starting point on the Track schools in Highlands Ranch. However, it is just that: A starting point.

Why Track?

Douglas County School district is one of the fastest growing districts in the nation. In order to accommodate the growth without sacrificing high standards of excellence, some schools have elected to go with a year round schedule. Also known as Track. Only the elementary schools in Highlands Ranch utilize the Track system. At the middle and high school level the Track system is much more difficult to implement due to the number of courses, electives, athletics, and after school clubs.

The Tracks

Schools assign students to one of four tracks: A, B, C, or D. Tracks are assigned with consideration given to the first choice of the family, all children in a family are kept on the same track, and each school assigns its students to the different tracks.

Track change requests can be made. All decisions are made based on availability.

Changing from Track:

It is important to note that schools can change from Track to conventional or vice versa from one school year to the next. For the 2008/09 school year, 16 schools are utilizing the  Track system. That is 8 leass from the year before.

Instruction Time:

All students receive the same amount of instruction time as conventional schooling. The difference is school is in session 48 weeks a year instead of the conventional 36. With Track schooling, only 75% of the student population is in school at a given time.

Beginning of the School Year:

At the beginning of the school year tracks A, C, and D start on the same day in July. Track B starts three weeks later when Track C begins its first 3 week break. Although Track C and D start with short sessions (3 and 6 weeks respectively), their next sessions fall into the regular 9 weeks in 3 weeks out.

Off Track Day Care:

Many of the schools offer off track day care. Some programs are school sponsored and others are contracted with outside providers. Contact schools directly for site-specific information. It is also important to know that many of the recreation centers in Highlands Ranch offer programs during off track weeks.

Open Enrollment:

It is important to note that all Douglas County schools have open enrollment. With open enrollment you have the option to live in any area you wish and enroll your child(ren) to the Douglas County school of your choice. There may be conditions or provisions regarding transportation to and from school and waiting lists based on availability.

Modified Calendar:

Modified calendar schools are on the same schedule as Conventional calendar schools with a slight variation. Modified schools go back to schools a week earlier and stay in school a week longer. Those 2 additional weeks allow for extra time off during Winter and Spring break (2 weeks for each as opposed to 1).

Still Confused?

If you are still confused, feel free to call or email any time. I am happy to assist you any way I can. Below is a diagram for each of the elementary schools in Highlands Ranch and the calendar they are on.

Highlands Ranch Schools by Type

 

You can find more information here:

http://www.dcsdk12.org/portal/page/portal/DCSD

http://www.dcsdk12.org/portal/page/portal/DCSD/District_Information/Keywords/YearRoundEducation.pdf

http://www.dcsdk12.org/portal/page/portal/DCSD/Schools/Elementary_Schools

http://www.dcsdk12.org/portal/page/portal/DCSD/District_Information/Calendars_and_Maps

 

Quick Facts: Parks, Trails, and Recreation Centers

Community Trails & Parks

Quick Facts: Parks, Trails, and Recreation Centers

Did you Know 85% of the homes in Highlands Ranch are located within one quarter mile of a park, open space area, or trail?  Source: Metro District Highlands Ranch

That very fact is what makes Highlands Ranch unique compared to other communities in the Front Range. The Parks, trails, and rec centers are very accomodating. You will find people using them year round!

Parks:

22 Parks
3,465 Trees
189 Acres
52 Football/ Soccer fields
34 baseball/ Softball fields
16 Playgrounds
19 Restrooms
8 lighted Tennis Courts
3 lighted Ball Fields
2 Skate Parks
1 In-Line Rink
2 Lighted Stadiums (Shea and Valor)
4 Dog Parks

Trails:
70 Miles of Trails
36 Miles of paved trails
22 miles of natural surface trails (to be updated to reflect Back Country trails)

Open Space:

Did you know: There are 4,371 homes adjacent to open space in Highlands Ranch?

2,040 Acres

Parkways:
286 Acres
65 Miles of bike lanes
69 Miles of side walks
57 Miles of land scaping
10 lighted Community signs
8 Community entries
100 Holiday Banners

Recreation Centers:

Eastridge-Defining feature is the indoor Rock Climbing Wall
Westrdige-Defining eature is indoor sport court
Northridge-Defining feature is the ‘bubble’ indoor tennis courts
Southridge-3 indoor pools one with its own Lazy River

Source: Metro District Highlands Ranch

 

Opie Gone Bad-to close out summer concert series!

Opie Gone Bad

Highlands Ranch Summer Concert Series

 

The Highlands Ranch summer concerts series presents Opie Gone Bad! Come enjoy great music, wonderful weather (hopefully), meet your neighbors, and have a great time! This is certain to be a rockin end to the concert series. Not to mention a whole lot of fun. SEE YOU THERE!

When:

Thursday, August 14th, 2008

Show starts at 6:30 PM and ends at 8:00 PM

Where:

Highland Heritage Park 9651 S. Quebec St. Highlands Ranch, CO

Notes: No dogs or glass containers are allowed at Highland Heritage Park.

 

MARKET UPDATE: July Numbers are in!

Market Update:

Metrolist, Inc. (MLS) has finally released the raw real estate data for the month of July. I have gone through the data and put together the following analysis for Highlands Ranch. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

Highlands Ranch Real Estate Stats

Interpretation:

What does all of this mean? It is quite simple really. For the month of July the number of listings (inventory) increased 1.69% when compared to June 2008. 21.31% few properties went under contract. Sold properties also decreased by 10.25% compared to June 2008.

Ultimately, we are seeing more properties on the market with fewer homes receiving acceptable offers (going under contract) and a decrease in sales month over month. It is also taking slightly longer to sell homes as the days on market (DOM) increased. The number of properties that expired without sale also increased.

One thing to keep in mind is this data is for Highlands Ranch as a whole. Some neighborhoods outperform others. If you would like to see sales data for a specific neighborhood, please let me know. I would be more than happy to provide you with the data.

The Actual Numbers:

Below are the actual numbers for the months of June and July 2008.
Active Listings: 661 (July) compared to 650 for June
Under Contract Listings: 203 (July) compared to 258 for June
Sold Listings: 210 (July) compared to 234 for June
Days on Market (DOM): 69 (July) compared to 67 for June

Where’s the good news?

The good news is the average sales price increased to $362,206

Did you know the highest average sales price for Highlands Ranch since January 2006 came in December of 2007. The average sales price in December 2007 was $407,477.

 

Civic Green Park…Gavin’s (our son) favorite

Civic Green Park

Civic Green Park

 

Civic Green park is located just south of the intersection of Highlands Ranch Parkway and Broadway tucked in amongst the homes at Town Center. Since completion, Civic Green park has been a favorite for many especially our son, Gavin.

The park features: an amphitheatre for concerts, dancing, movies, performing arts, and more; fountains, wading pool (Gavin’s favorite feature), and a small streambed; a unique playground; pavillions for picnics; and a ton of manicured grass great for soaking up some sun, reading a book, or just good old fashioned relaxation.

Reservations

The park can be reserved by individuals and or companies. To make reservations or to find out more, please

Wading Pool

call Metro Districts at 303-791-2710 or view their website at www.highlandsranch.org.

What you should know before going to the park

There are a few things you should know before you head to the park:

• Dogs are not permitted in the park
• Motorized vehicles are not permitted on the sidewalks, paths, or trails
• you must dismount from bicycles, scooters, or skateboards when in the park
• No GLASS containers, fireworks, model rockets or airplanes

amphitheatre

If you are looking to escape the heat with the kids, head on over to Civic Green Park. I am sure you will enjoy it. I would love to hear your feedback and comments on the park.

 

Arts Festival a HUGE success!

 

Highlands Ranch Arts Festival

This year’s Highlands Ranch Arts Festival was a ton of fun. It certainly had some of the best art I have seen in a good while. While it is not as big as the Cherry Creek Arts Festival it is not lacking in quality. Just ask my wallet. At least there will be less bare walls in our house…right?

There is still an hour and a half before the end. Plenty of time to get over to Town Center and have a good time. Not to mention support some local artists!

 

Colorado Scottish Festival

Colorado Scottish Festival

The annual Colorado Scottish Festival and Rocky Mountain Highlands Games returns to Highland Heritage Park this weekend. Come enjoy Scottish and Irish dancing, food, music, beer, family history, games and more!

When: August 9th and 10th, 2008

Where: Highland Heritage Park 9651 S. Quebec St. Highlands Ranch, CO

See you there!

 

Highlands Ranch Art festival and Wine Tasting

wine and art

The arts festival will feature art from local artists. Art will be available for purchase. Come enjoy the art, activites, events and food!

Highlands Ranch Arts Festival and Wine Tasting

Wine Seller will be holding a wine tasting in conjunction with the Arts Festival. Whole Foods will have appetizers on hand. Come enjoy two of the finer things life has to offer: Wine and Art or is it (Art and Wine?) 
When: August 9, 2008

• Arts Festival 9AM-6PM
• Wine Tasting 1:30PM-4:30PM

Where: Highlands Ranch Town Center

Other Details: The arts festival is free. The wine tasting is $20 and all proceeds will benefit the Highlands Ranch Community Scholarship Fund. 

**Over 21 years of age. ID’s will be checked. PLEASE DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!

 

Hello world!

Well, I am officially back in the blogosphere! Many of you followed my previous blog at another site. Unfortunately, I found the site to be a bit cumbersome and I was devoting too much time to the blog.

I am excited to be back and to be a member of the WordPress community. I received a lot of requests from people to bring this blog back. So here it is! This blog will be specific to Highlands Ranch real estate, the community, living, and much more! While it will contain a lot of fantastic, general real estate information it’s scope and focus will remain solely on Highlands Ranch.

If you are looking for my past blogs, my information on Lofts, Condos, and Townhomes, or my Luxury home sites you will find links to them on the right side of the page just as soon as I get the data transferred.

I am excited to be back and look forward to the comments and suggestions.

It’s A Good Life,

Joe