Style 2013
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Style 2013
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The Voice of Northern Colorado for
29 Years.
s t y le me d ia a n d d e s i g n , i n c .
| 970.226.6400 |
w w w. s t y l e m a g a z i n e c o l o r a d o . c o m w w w. m e d i c a l a n d w e l l n e s s . c o m Publisher Lydia Dody | lydia@stylemedia.com Managing Editor Angeline Grenz angie@stylemedia.com creative director Scott Prosser Senior Designer Lisa Gould digital director Austin Lamb | austin@stylemedia.com Advertising Sales EXECUTIVES Jon Ainslie (970) 219-9226 Lydia Dody (970) 227-6400 David Knight (970) 619-9846 Saundra Skrove (970) 217-9932 Office Manager/About Town Editor Ina Szwec | ina@stylemedia.com Accounting Manager Karla Vigil Circulation manager Trisha Milton Copy editor Corey Radman Contributing Writers Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer, Marty Metzger, Corey Radman, Kay Rios, Carl Simmons, Michelle Venus PhotographerS Marcus Edwards, Don Hajicek Affiliations Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce Greeley Chamber of Commerce 2013 Style Magazines January-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Magazine and McKee Medical Center & North Colorado Medical Center Medical Directory February-Style March-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness April-Style May-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness June-Style July-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness Magazine and University of Colorado Health Medical Directory August-Style September-Women’s Health & Breast Cancer October-Northern Colorado Medical & Wellness November/December-Holiday Style Style Media and Design, Inc. magazines are free monthly publications direct-mailed to homes and businesses in Northern Colorado. Elsewhere, a one year subscription is $25/year and a two year subscription is $45/year. Free magazines are available at over 236 locations throughout Northern Colorado. For ad rates, subscription information, change of address, or correspondence, contact: Style Media and Design Inc., 211 W. Myrtle St., Suite 200, Fort Collins, Colorado 80521. Phone (970) 2266400, ext. 208. Fax (970) 226-6427. E-Mail: ina@StyleMedia.com ©2013 Style Media and Design Inc. All rights reserved. The entire contents of Style Magazine are copyrighted and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the publisher. Style Media and Design Inc. is not responsible for unsolicited material. All manuscripts, artwork, and photography must be accompanied by a SASE. The views and opinions of any contributing writers are not necessarily those of Style Media & Design Inc.
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Style 2013
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on the cover Frank Vaught and Justin Larson, of Vaught Frye Larson Architects, discuss what motivates them to produce great design in Northern Colorado.
departments
Cover photo by Marcus Edwards.
Publisher’s Letter . . . . . .10
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Style Files: What Style is raving about this month . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Business Profiles: Fender Real Estate and Morse Decorating. . . . . . . . 14 HBA of Northern Colorado Recognitions . .17 LifeStyle: Drought & Home Water Conservation . . . . .
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Home & Garden: Patterns in New Places . .
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Eat: Distilleries Boom Across Northern Colorado . . . . .42
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Travel: Colorado’s Hot Springs . . . . . . . . . . .
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Family FOCUS: The New Old Town Library . . . . . . .
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Gymnastics Make Movement Fun . . . . . . . . . .50
features
The Health of Local Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 The Renaissance of Midtown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Foothills Mall Slated for a Renewal . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Relocation – More than Moving . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
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Ignite Sparks Thought . . 30
about town
a photo tour of nonprofit events . . . . . . . . 51 Crossroads Safehouse Anniversary Gala McKee Presents A Gatsby Gala Hoopla for Hope Respite Care Holiday Ball Nightlights
www.stylemagazinecolorado.com Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Style 2013
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Publisher’s Letter
The Outlook is Positive It is hard to believe another year has slipped by so quickly and February is underway. Like many of you, re-committing to eating better, exercising more and getting more sleep continue to be some of my New Year’s resolutions. Last fall, I finally took the plunge and saw Dr. Bev Donnelley to get started
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on a weight reduction plan and, with her help and the HCG program, lost the 20 pounds that has been plaguing me for so long. Now it is just a matter of keeping it off, which I’m managing to do so far. I think a big key to weight management and overall good health is exercise, at any age. In fact, we ought to introduce movement and exercise to kids at an early age to help improve their strength, balance, agility and help ward off our national obesity problem. Read “Gymnastics Make Movement Fun” to learn about the many benefits to kids. The beginning of a new year is a time when I also reflect back over the past year at Style and review how we can continue to improve our publications to keep them interesting, relevant and timely. One new addition you will notice in this issue is article departments. We have chosen several themes that will appear in all our Style issues to keep articles varied and appealing. Our travel department is a new addition and Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer will be a frequent contributor, offering up fun travel ideas in Colorado. Her article on “Colorado’s Hot Springs” makes me want to make weekend plans soon. Our February issue has had a real estate focus in past years and this year I’m very encouraged that commercial construction is much stronger and the outlook is much more positive. Read “The Health of Local Real Estate” for an overview and then turn to “The Renaissance of Midtown” and “Foothills Mall Slated For a Renewal” for more good news. Over the past 40 years, Frank Vaught and Joe Frye have been architecturally shaping the landscape of our communities with their designs. And, now with the
addition of Justin Larson’s youth and creativity, VFLA will continue to put their design stamp on projects in Colorado and Wyoming. We were delighted to photograph Frank Vaught and Justin Larson for our cover. Read “Designing Northern Colorado” to learn how their merger evolved and about some of their area projects. For more insight, read a continuation of their story on our website, www.stylemagazinecolorado.com. Conserving our environment has always been important to me and, certainly, this past year has brought us many challenges. Last summer’s devastating fires and our hot weather are pointing to a drought and water conservation will be on everyone’s mind. Read, “Drought Concerns Linger” and “Conservation is Key” for very interesting insight into our water shortage and potential results. We at Style are conscious of our environment and joined ClimateWise a year ago. Since then we tackled two major projects to decrease our footprint. We have changed half the lights in our offices to LED with the plans to finish the rest in 2013. We have also replaced a poorly functioning furnace with a much more energy efficient one. And, we have added recycling bins and now divide our trash. If we all do a little part in preserving our environment and minimizing our carbon footprint, we will ensure our children will inherit a beautiful unpolluted world. We hope you continue enjoying Style magazines and always look forward to your comments. May each of you enjoy good health and prosperity in the New Year! lydia@stylemedia.com
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Style 2013
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Files Signature Event Fort Collins Museum of Art’s annual Masks fundraiser is a perennial favorite in the community. Over 200 local artists, students and community members create works of art out of ceramic masks for display from April 5 through May 3 at the Fort Collins Museum of Art. Masks’ popularity stems from the opportunity for visitors to enjoy Northern Colorado’s creativity and artistic vision through the created masks. The masks are featured in a silent auction during the month-long exhibit and signature pieces are also used in a live auction at the event’s gala, held on April 20, 2013. The annual Masks fundraiser garners approximately a third of the museum’s yearly operating budget. Ajean Ryan’s “Hahoe Mask”
experience Don’t miss this year’s Masks show and fundraiser. Already, many have built collections out of their favorite pieces each year. For more information, visit www.ftcma.org.
David Prosser’s “Good Life”
hot trend
Joan Middleton, an account executive for Perricone MD, was spotted at Sephora in Front Range Village. As you can see from her dazzling outfit, she enjoys dressing up (and she looks great doing it). Having been involved in the fashion and beauty industries for several years, Joan knows a thing or two about piecing a fun outfit together. She is wearing a cream and black St. John frontzip sweater on top of a black adorned top. Her black silk pleated skirt over adorable bejeweled leggings (from Nordstrom) is a great choice for the cool winter weather, especially when you do not want to wear pants. Her suede black booties go perfectly with the outfit (a low-cut boot that’s loose around the ankle always looks great paired with leggings or skinny jeans). I love what Joan is doing with her jewelry. She’s got a medley of metals: silver, gold and rose gold can be found in her bangles and in her necklace. Her thick gold hoop earrings are unique and brilliant. Last but not least, Joan’s shimmering berry-toned lipstick (from Dior) is a fantastic addition to her overall ensemble. Why not make sparkles or a bold-colored lipstick an accessory in your next outfit?
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My name is Emily Warren. I grew up in Northern Colorado and work for a local real estate development company. Seeking a creative refuge from the drab business world, I decided to start NoCo Street Style because I’ve always had an intrinsic passion for fashion. I know as well as anybody that we don’t exactly live in a fashion capital (high-style fashion and Northern Colorado go together about as well as 5-inch heels on a gravel road). Looking for those ‘diamonds in the rough,’ this column will offer a way to recognize superior fashion sense along the Front Range and act as a mode to celebrate it. Women and men of Northern Colorado, put on your best (dressed) behavior. You may be the next feature on NoCo Street Style. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
on the
web now
Be sure to visit our website to read these additional features. Check out the full story at www.stylemagazinecolorado.com.
The Fiscal Cliff Fizzle: New Tax Laws for 2013
VFLA Designing Northern Colorado
By Laura Sebastian
By Angeline Grenz
For months, Americans were haunted by three little words: The. Fiscal. Cliff. When all the arguing turned to compromise, the fiscal cliff turned out to be little more of a speed bump. But, while we may be off the hook for 2012, almost everyone will be affected by an increase in payroll taxes in 2013.
As Vaught Frye Larson Architects nears 40 years of business in Northern Colorado, their design team reminisces over their favorite projects from past decades and discusses new design trends that will shape the region’s future over the coming years.
Fierce Bad Rabbit’s 4th Release: The Maestro and the Elephant
don’t miss
Enjoy the captivating folk-pop sounds of Fort Collins-based Fierce Bad Rabbit’s newest release. These local favorites, comprised of frontman Chris Anderson (guitar and keyboards), Alana Rolfe (viola and supporting vocals), Dayton Hicks (bass) and Max Barcelow (drums), will take the plunge to become full-time musicians this month.
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business profile
A Love of Colorado, A Love of People
By Carl Simmons
Kathryn Fender, broker/owner of Fender Real Estate, fell in love with the Fort Collins/ Loveland area long before she began helping homeowners do the same.
A Heritage of Home Decoration
By Carl Simmons
Neal Morse, of Morse Decorating in Fort Collins, has been helping homeowners make their homes beautiful for over 25 years. What’s more, he has four generations of experience behind him. 14
“I came here from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin to visit friends when I was 12, and I’ve loved it ever since,” Fender says. “I decided that this was where I wanted to go to school. There were only about 15,000 people in Fort Collins then.” Fender graduated from Colorado State University as an art and music major, and worked as an art and music teacher in both Fort Collins and Loveland; she also played in Fort Collins Symphony Orchestra for 10 years. However, around 1970, she says, “I went from being a wife with a new baby to becoming a single mom, and I needed to find a job out of the home.” She started Fender Loving Care, teaching preschool and prekindergarten; and around the same time began buying and selling real estate to augment her income. “I would buy the home, live there, fix it up, and then move to another home, going between Loveland and Fort Collins so I could stay near Heritage Christian School where my children attended,” she says, adding, “I was doing staging long before it became popular.” Fender obtained her license and began working as an independent broker in 1989 – while still running Fender Loving Care. “I was working 18 hours a day,” she recalls. “I realized that I was doing the impossible, doing two full-time jobs, so I left Fender Loving Care and became a full-time broker in 1996. I’m still active with children, but now it’s my great-grandchildren, and they’re wonderful.” Staying independent in a world of realestate franchises has had both its rewards “It was from my mom’s side of the family,” Morse explains. “My great-grandfather, Carl Kuhre, had a paint store on 221 North College, which started in 1907. There wasn’t much in Fort Collins north of the store at that point. My grandfather, Mason Kuhre, was actually born in a studio apartment at the back of the paint store where his family resided, and took over the business. “My father, Lance, started working with my grandfather while dating my mom; doing family property repainting, and was encouraged to carry on painting as a trade. I started working with my dad when I was 15,” Morse recalls. “I discovered it was something I really enjoyed. I did construction and painting right out of high school, and then started my own business; my dad joined me a little later. We worked a lot of years together, until he retired. He pretty much taught me my trade; I’ve just expanded on it with the new products and techniques.” Today, Morse Decorating performs a number of services, especially for high-end homeowners, including painting, wallpaper, cabinet and interior wood refinishing and wall glazing. “Wallpapering is probably my favorite job because of the changing products and instant results, and there’s not a whole lot of us in this area who do it,” Morse says. “We’ve always done repaints for folks. People are really getting into color and repainting.” He adds that cabinet refinishing is big these days, because buying new cabinets is cost prohibitive for many. “Wall glazing and cabinet work also make for some interesting projects – as well as painting Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
and difficulties. “I’ve found it’s important to keep my name on the business,” Fender says. “I’ve had other businesses approach me, and make it sound very appealing; but I found that if I was a broker, I didn’t have to apologize for making my own decisions. My integrity is everything to me.” Fender has had to roll with other changes in the way real estate is done as well. “To be honest, the things that are supposed to make it easier for you, like smart phones and the Internet, I find incredibly time-consuming,” she says. “I find it much easier to work with people directly.” That personal touch has served Fender well over the years. “I get a lot of refer-backs,” she says. “For example, I recently got a call from someone who’s stationed in Iraq, looking for a new construction where the family can go when the father retires. It’s great to develop relationships with people over a long time. I’ve helped a lot of single moms and dads find homes, and I get a lot of enjoyment out of that. “I think I’ve stayed in the business because I’m a people person more than anything else,” Fender says. “I love helping people find their dream homes, and becoming their friends.” Fender Real Estate Kathryn Fender, owner 2701 Willow Creek Dr., Fort Collins www.fenderrealestate.com (970) 689-3357 wallpaper to make it look like a tin by base-coating it and adding the metallic.” Morse also does glaze and trowel work. “My clients have beautiful homes, so I’ve worked in some fabulous places,” Morse adds. He frequently works with local decorator, Ann Montera (Discoveries in Design, Fort Collins). “She bounces a lot of ideas off of me, and I figure out ways to do them.” That dedication to client satisfaction is a large part of his business success. “I go out of my way to please my customers, because that’s how I get my work. Ninety percent of my business is word-of-mouth.” While the recent recession has had some impact on business, Morse says, “People still want to fix up their homes, and that’s been great for me. I’m pretty much steady year-round. But I’ve definitely felt the recession; three years ago I couldn’t keep up with the people on my list.” What Morse enjoys most about the business, besides the work, is the ability to make time for his family, including his wife of 31 years, Jodi. “I’m a family man, and the flexibility is important to me,” Morse says. “It’s not a business where you’ll get rich, but you get satisfaction from seeing the faces of the people you work for. I like making a good living, and I enjoy what I do.” Morse Decorating Neal Morse, owner 3709 Soderberg Drive, Fort Collins www.morsedecorating.com (970) 229-9771 Style 2013
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Salutes the Home Builders Association of Northern Colorado
Builder of the Year
Michael Doddridge
Doddridge Construction Corp.
The following builders have shown integrity and support for the Home Builder Association (HBA) of Northern Colorado, garnering the recognition of the 2013 awards for Builder of the Year, Remodeler of the Year and the 2013 Chairman.
Doddridge Construction Corp. was founded in 1995 with a focus on custom homes and residential remodeling. I prefer to remain small, with a focus on personal service and attention to detail. Our clients deal with me directly from the original concept through project completion and I play an active role in the construction of every project I do.
market and the dwindling supply of building lots. This will have an impact on the affordability of housing, particularly smaller and entry-level homes. Lending for development of building lots is still very hard to secure. One way to meet that challenge is to separate your product from your competition through craftsmanship and service.
What does this recognition mean to you? It is always an honor to be recognized by your peers for your work. This Association represents the best Builders, Remodelers and their Associates within our industry in the Northern Colorado region. To receive this award means a great deal to me.
As homebuilding makes a comeback, how will the building industry be different in this new economy? I think the changes that people will see have to do with shifts in client expectations and improvements in building science. New construction standards reflect advances in energy efficiency, safety and sustainability that have changed the way many homes are constructed. With even stricter codes on the horizon, the housing stock of the future will be far different than what was built even 10 years ago in this region.
What are the challenges of the current market and how can builders meet those challenges? The challenges of the current market continue to be escalating costs in building materials, a tight credit
I arrived in Fort Collins in 1973 when the construction business was going crazy. The hailstorm of 1979 created our first expansion into roofing along with insurance restoration. In 1983, two homes in Red Feather Lakes were sold with radon problems; I was able to research and solve that problem. Since then, I have successfully solved over 10,000 radon problems in homes. Being diversified is one of the keys to success over the past 40 years.
REMODELER of the Year
What does this recognition mean to you? Remodeler of the Year to me means my fellow remodelers have honored me for my 40 years of survival.
Arnold Drennen
Drennen Custom Contracting
This is the 22nd year Armstead Construction has been in Northern Colorado and my 11th year as president running the show. What does this recognition mean to you? It is an honor to be this year’s chairman. I was president of the association six years ago and have been heavily involved with HBA of Northern Colorado for the past 10 years.
HBA of Northern Colorado 2013 Chairman
Jeff Schneider
What are the challenges of the current market and how can builders meet those challenges? The challenges our industry faces are the same as the past couple of years but with one big issue, lot availability. There are several projects that are paper ready, but nothing is permit ready for us to build on after the middle of this year. The other thing the HBA is working on, and will really start promoting, is to be-
What are the challenges of the current market and how can builders meet those challenges? Challenges we face in our current market are financing for clients and major code changes for builders. Builders will need to be ready to assist clients in financing and be up on the code changes to help design jobs correctly and monitor subcontractors to ensure high quality, codecompliant work As homebuilding makes a comeback, how will the building industry be different in this new economy? The homes of the future may look similar but will be designed and built to last hundreds of years, not 50 years. They will use 50 to 75 percent less utilities, be more comfortable and require less frequent maintenance.
come a resource again for consumers here in Northern Colorado. We are working hard right now to update our website and get reengaged with the local communities we represent. I look forward to helping HBA of Northern Colorado get all of those contacts reestablished. As homebuilding makes a comeback, how will the building industry be different in this new economy? Long and short: smaller footprints and very energy efficient products. The book, Not So Big House, is making a comeback, and bigger isn’t always better. The clients I am working with are still spending the money on their homes but we are providing them with a better use of space planning along with highend finishes. There has been a big push for highly efficient products or low consumption items instead of the glamour items we had in the past.
Armstead Construction Style 2013
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The Health of Local Real Estate By Michelle Venus
Cautiously optimistic. That’s what real estate agents, general contractors and other professionals are saying about 2013.
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rom his seat in his offices on Mountain Avenue in Fort Collins, Frank Vaught is a canary in a coal mine. As one of the partners in the architectural firm Vaught Frye Larson Architects (VFLA), he saw the downturn in the real estate market coming before it hit adjunct sectors. And now he’s seeing an uptick in activity. “This is where it all starts,” said Vaught. His firm added four people to the company roster over the last year to fill staffing needs due to an increase in work. But a few years back, he had to let a good percentage of his 35-person staff go because the business just wasn’t there. “We got down pretty small... to eight people.” Now they’re up to 15. CONT. ON PG. 20
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VFLA: Designing Northern Colorado The goal is mutual, the enjoyment of process symbiotic. Frank Vaught and Joe Frye, senior partners at Vaught Frye Larson Architects (VFLA), and Justin Larson, who will lead VFLA, agree that the legacy of their work sprinkled through Northern Colorado’s landscape provides them with an immense feeling of satisfaction. It would be difficult for the three partners to journey through Fort Collins and not see a structure that they have influenced architecturally. For almost 40 years, VFLA has not only helped design some of the region’s most prominent structures – its team has actually gone back and re-designed a handful that have needed updating after 20-30 years. “We have seen Fort Collins change so much over the years; and we have been honored to have contributed to that,” says Vaught, who looks back over the clients, and the projects, they have partnered with over the decades. He and Frye formed their partnership in 1975 and continue to work with some of the same clients, like land developer Les Kaplan, whom the pair met in 1975 while he served as a Fort Collins city planner. VFLA still regularly works with Kaplan on his projects. VFLA offers architectural design, interior design, land planning and construction administration. They have offices in Downtown Fort Collins and Cheyenne, Wyo. Approximately half of their projects are new construction and half are remodels and redesigns of existing buildings. The firm is presently working on more than 40 different projects, a sure sign that the real estate development business is experiencing an uptick. The architectural firm numbers 15 employees; down from 35 before the onset of the recent recession. But those numbers are okay, says Vaught, who adds that though this recession cut the deepest in his personal history, it also enabled local businesses to tighten their core values and come out stronger. That is, after all, what happened with VFLA. After surviving the downturn with a trimmed staff, Vaught and Frye began discussions with Larson, who then owned JCL Architecture. “The 2009 economic shift allowed JCL and Vaught Frye to tighten up the method of how we do business. We were both asking ourselves, ‘In a challenging economy, how do you responsibly grow?’” recalls Larson. The answer to that question was a merger of two like-minded firms in 2011. They decided to merge “over a beer,” laughs Vaught. But the partnership is a successful one. Vaught, Frye and Larson share a similar philosophy of dealing with their clients – one that is built on building personal relationships. “How we treat our clients is important,” adds Larson, “We look at every project and ask, ‘How can we make
Style 2013
this a success for them?’” Add to this a high interest from both parties in sustainable building practices, a love of collaboration with other professionals in their industry and a commitment to creating an enjoyable office culture, and the merger was “natural, seamless.” Larson is taking an expanded leadership role at VFLA as Vaught and Frye both contemplate stepping back from daily duties in the future. Currently Larson splits his time between the Fort Collins and Wyoming offices. Among the most recognizable projects VFLA has completed over the years are the Old Town Lofts, First National Bank, Alder Hall expansion at CSU, Skyline Medical Center in Loveland, In-Situ, PVH Water Valley Wellness Center, Columbine Health facility in Windsor, Otterbox corporate aircraft hangar and Crossroads Safehouse, to which the firm donated their time. VFLA is also a founding member of United Way Business Cares and will soon become a platinum member of Climatewise. The staff regularly volunteers their time to community projects, such as a recent weekend spent at Animal House. “It is fun to see how projects [in the community] have big impacts – they become igniters,” says Larson. It is this feeling that keeps the partners rejuvenated as they tackle new projects. Larson recalls his work on the Lofts at Magnolia while he was still JCL Architecture. That project’s design was influenced by the high end, large scale residential development next door, one that had ironically been designed by Vaught shortly before. Of course, the design process is at the mercy of many factors that can often obstruct the original vision, whether difficulties come from budget constraints, building code regulations or a hundred other challenges. But these are the ups and downs that VFLA’s leaders live for, “I truly believe great design comes from constraints,” says Larson. Vaught agrees. He is often drawn to more complicated projects, such as “up-downsizing,” where homeowners want more luxury and innovative design in a smaller footprint and less square footage. These projects, he says, often spur the most creative designs. In the end, the energy created by VFLA is encapsulated by projects such as the redevelopment of the Full Cycle building in Midtown Fort Collins. “We took an old, tired building and breathed new life and energy back into it,” says Vaught, with a look of satisfaction in his eyes.
Angeline Grenz is managing editor for Style Magazine.
For more about VFLA, visit our website at www.stylemagazinecolorado.com.
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CONT. FROM PG. 18 Business Rebounds As an early indicator, Vaught’s words bode well for the overall health of Northern Colorado real estate. Two years ago nearly 80 percent of VFLA’s projects were remodels, spiffing up buildings to suit the needs of new or existing businesses. “Real estate was getting purchased at a very effective cost per square foot, and it was either getting repurposed for a new use or refurbished,” said Vaught’s partner, Justin Larson. “Full Cycle on College is a good example. Les Kaplan did that project. We did Joanne Fabrics, they moved into a larger space (once occupied by Sutherlands Lumber and Design Gallery).” Vaught ticked off several projects: The firm also renovated a metal structure that once housed an automotive shop to become the Loveland facility for the Food Bank of Larimer County and the repurposing on a old nursing home into the new Crossroads Safehouse. The firm is currently working on some exciting ground-up projects. “The type of work we’re doing now is all across the board,” said Vaught. “From an airport hangar for Otterbox to four car dealerships. The food services industry is expanding. Two event centers, one in Severance and the other in east Loveland, a senior care center in Windsor... it’s getting busier.” Projects that had been put on hold are now being moved to the front burner. Erik Broman, a broker with Realtec’s Fort Collins office concurred, “2013 looks to be a very positive year for both the residential and commercial real estate markets. Construction has definitely come back around. It’s evident in residential. There are no finished home lots available for sale in Fort Collins, and we’re actually looking at needing to develop finished lots again.” Finished lots have water, sewer, gas and electric lines in place and are ready to be sold to a homebuilder for construction. He stated that there is a “housing boom” in the region. According to Broman all available finished lots have been purchased or are under contract. While single-family home building is seeing more activity, the big action is with multi-family dwellings and student housing. Two large Colorado State University student housing projects are currently under construction in Midtown: The Groove, on Prospect Avenue and Research Center Boulevard and The Commons, just south of Prospect on College Avenue. With a total of 1,276 beds, the student housing inventory will see a huge increase for next fall’s semester. Just in time, because CSU is growing. This fall saw the largest freshman class on record. Over the next decade, the current enrollment of 27,500 students is expected to grow to 35,000. What to Expect Broman predicts 2013 will move towards a financing climate more in line with pre-recession conditions with lenders supporting solid deals, “... which in turn will spur on more economic activity, more buying and selling, more investment in real estate as well as businesses, which will hopefully get the recession behind us and see forward movement into more positive territory.” Multi-family dwellings are making a strong comeback. New rental units are expected to
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come on line in the next few years. Part of this is due to fall out from the recession: fewer individuals qualify for mortgages. Some, who lost homes to foreclosure, are hesitant to make the foray into ownership again. Others just like apartment life better than owning. They enjoy the amenities, such as pools and tennis courts offered by apartment complexes, as well as the freedom from yard work and maintenance and the flexibility the lifestyle provides. Renting has become the preferred option for these residents. The vacancy rate for Northern Colorado is below 5 percent, which indicates that the rental market is strong and getting stronger. Head south to Loveland and a similar story is playing out. Mike Scholl, economic development manager for the City, pointed to two new multi-unit projects planned for the Downtown neighborhood. A 5-story, 70-unit apartment development is slated to break ground on the corner of 6th and Lincoln in April. The project is a partnership between Brinkman Partners and the City of Loveland. Another multi-family dwelling project that has been in the works for several years is the Artspace Lofts project. Located next to the historic Feed and Grain building, it will be a 30-unit affordable live/work housing project aimed at artists. Phase One, the residential component, is scheduled to start construction sometime this year, with an anticipated certificate of occupancy signed in 2014. Phase Two, in which the Feed and Grain building will be renovated to include artist studios and offices for arts organizations and creative businesses, has not yet been scheduled. “Loveland has always had a strong and vibrant arts community. The Brinkman project and the Artspace Lofts project will solidify that commitment even more. It will bring vibrancy to Downtown that we expect will stimulate even more business. We’re anticipating more retail and restaurant openings, as well as office space filling up in Downtown Loveland. It’s been part of our long-term growth plan for several years now,” said Scholl. Further east on the Highway 34 corridor, Greeley is seeing an increase in commercial activity as well. However, Mark Bradley, co-founder and managing director of Realtec Greeley, is very cautious. “I don’t think we’re by any means back to a healthy market,” he stated. “We’re still seeing significant vacancies in certain sectors of the market. We’re seeing absorption in all segments of the market. Primary employment is being created by the oil and gas industry, as well as some other new employers who’ve come into the market.” He cited Leprino Foods, the cheese manufacturer, which came into east Greeley in 2011. Phase II of their construction project is scheduled to be completed in March of this year, resulting in a 500,000 square foot manufacturing plant. The need for milk to make their line of cheeses will ripple down to building more dairies, thus impacting construction in the agricultural sectors as well. The oil and gas industry is driving down commercial and industrial vacancies in Weld County. Noble Energy built a new office facility Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Long time local commercial contractor Terry Drahota has seen an uptick in commercial projects and anticipates a busy 2013. in west Greeley, and Anadarko Energy added onto its existing facility in Evans and is currently constructing a new facility in Platteville. Bradley also cited new commercial construction figures for the Weld County: 2012 saw $49 million compared to $33 million in 2011. “We are seeing a lot of new construction in the area, but not just in commercial construction. We are seeing an increase in single family and multifamily residential construction,” he explained. While there has been a glut of single-family lots in Greeley in past years, much of that inventory is now in the hands of builders. But there are still a lot of paper lots on the market. A paper lot is a lot that has been zoned and platted, but none of the infrastructure – streets, curbing, water and sewer lines, for example – have been put in place. While activity is not close to what it was four or five years ago in pre-recession days, it is looking up. Downtown Greeley’s outlook is looking up, too. “It seems that in the last year, Downtown has turned a corner,” Bradley stated. “Restaurants and bars are more active than they have been in the past. Mike McCarty (owner of the 4th Street Chophouse in Loveland) is opening a new high-end steakhouse. Downtown feels like it’s finally coming back to life.” In addition to multi-family complexes, medical buildings are making a strong comeback. Terry Drahota, president of Drahota Construction, says 2013 looks “...interesting. We’re getting busier, we have a lot more opportunities. At the moment, we’re working on two senior care facilities, one of which is for Columbine Health Systems in Windsor.” Additionally, Banner Health submitted plans Style 2013
to build a new medical facility in the Presidio, a mixed-use project in southeast Fort Collins. Kaiser Permanente has also set up shop in Northern Colorado, moving into two facilities: one in the Harmony Corporate Center at Zeigler and Harmony and the other in Johnstown at the I-25/Hwy. 34 junction. Kaiser renovated a 30,000-square-foot building that used to house Eheart Interior Solutions. The most significant commercial construction project on board for 2013 is the Foothills Mall, which is one of the largest retail redevelopment projects in the country. Bryan McFarland, of Alberta Development, the company that purchased the mall says, “We’re very excited about Fort Collins. (Coming into this market) is more about the market than market trends... It’s more about recognizing an underserved market, a great community.” Alberta held several open house forums to gather community input. They learned that the community preferred the existing enclosed mall to the type of “lifestyle centers” at Front Range Village and The Promenade Shops at Centerra. With that information in place, the Foothills revamp will include 600 horizontal residential rental properties adjacent to the existing mall structure, as opposed to stacking them above restaurants and retail outlets. “Introducing residential really creates a vibrancy. When folks live in a project, they’re able to walk down the street and go to a Whole Foods to get their groceries, go to the movie theater, health club or to one of the two parks we have planned,” says McFarland. McFarland adds that Alberta looked at long range plans that Fort Collins is starting to implement, the MAX transit line being one of them, and factored these developments into their decision to develop Foothills. “Certainly we’re aware of what’s going on in the City. The City is very progressive and the transit corridor is very important (to the project). We’re going to have a strong connection from our site to the transit corridor and we’re working with the City right now to promote a pedestrian linkage across College Avenue in some form directly to the transit station.” As far as the overall health of real estate development and construction in the coming year, it’s important to go back to the canary in the coal mine: the architects. Frank Vaught is very optimistic about what the near future holds. “We’re responding to a lot more requests for proposals – for commercial projects as well as residential. The past five years have been so difficult, but I think there’s a restored confidence in the region. People like our senior-care client don’t invest $13 million without being able to get financing and knowing there’s a market for their product and feeling confident that that’s the best place for their money as an investment. That, from an architect’s perspective, is music to our little canary ears.” Here’s to a healthier 2013. Michelle Venus is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins.
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Renaissance in Midtown By Corey Radman
The signs are evident; big changes are coming to the middle of Fort Collins. A huge residential build, “MAX is coming” signs along the Mason corridor, and the steady trickle of details about the new mall and other projects all point to a renaissance in Midtown Fort Collins.
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f you have lived here a while, you have already witnessed radical change. Before residential booms pushed the city’s borders southward the section between Prospect Road and Harmony was termed “South Fort Collins.” Longtime local developer, Les Kaplan explains, “Midtown didn’t become Midtown until it was framed by development south of Horsetooth. Anatomy is destiny.” And, in his view, that destiny is going to have high-density residential, recreational and business spaces clustered together. “Now there is potential [on College] beyond highway oriented uses.... It will be more mixeduse and lifestyle oriented, as opposed to driving from store to store to store,” Kaplan says. The City of Fort Collins commissioned a study that concurs. The Midtown Commercial Corridor study of 2010 suggests that this section of Fort
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Collins is ripe for higher density housing, significantly larger commercial buildings flanking Mason Street and enhanced connectivity along and across College Avenue. Midtown, as defined by the City of Fort Collins’ master plan, is the stretch of College Avenue from Prospect to just south of Harmony, including the Mason Street corridor and the Foothills Mall. The plan, still under development, should be hammered out and adopted by March 2013. The city’s website notes the importance of this process, “Despite its significance, Midtown lacks a cohesive identity and design vision. The Midtown Plan seeks to complement current and forthcoming investment by developing a vision and associated land use tools to guide the design of future redevelopment, and identify opportunities to further enhance streetscapes and multi–modal connectivity.”
Prospect to Stuart Street The city’s Urban Renewal Authority was created in September 2011. It leveraged tools like a tax increment finance (TIF) district to fund new development. Case in point is the student-oriented apartment complex at 1635 S. College (next to Dairy Queen). The complex, called The Summit, was constructed by Capstone Development Corp from Alabama. According to Megan Bolin, redevelopment specialist for the city, the URA’s TIF contributed $5 million of the total $44 million budget for the project. Capstone improved the stormwater system, which had long been a danger to residents. This location was the site of fatalities in the 1997 flood. Infrastructure changes at the site have resolved the danger and removed the neighborhood from the floodway. Capstone’s improvements increased the value of the property from $463,000 (according to the county assessor) to a projected $34.8 million dollars, with a projected annual property tax of $275,327. The 665-bed apartment complex anticipates opening by August 2013. Kaplan says local developers looked hard at the Summit property and found the issues too overwhelming to overcome. “The Capstone people have done a huge service for Fort Collins. They came in, rolled their sleeves up and got the problem solved.” Kaplan’s project due south of The Summit is located in the former Maytag building. Called The Choice Center, it has 6,000 square feet on both the upper and lower (garden) levels. The 4,000 square feet on the street level will host a Subway Sandwich shop, which will likely open in May 2013. Other retail stores are yet to be determined. Kaplan indicates that he is planning a student-oriented bistro on the lower level with rolling glass garage doors that will open to the views of the mountains to the west. Opening date for the full building will be mid-2013. Further north along College Avenue is Chuck E Cheese, another of Kaplan’s properties. Its fate stands in question until the end of 2014 when the kid-friendly restaurant’s lease comes up for renewal. Kaplan indicates that the rent will increase to reflect the higher property value, and he will wait to see what the company does. Chuck E Cheese and the now-empty former Harbor Freight store occupy a total of 23,000 square feet on a prime corner in Fort Collins. Kaplan says if Chuck E Cheese opts out of the lease he envisions possible Class A office space, an extended-stay hotel or maybe a specialty grocery store. “I would like to return that building to its prominence as a cornerstone location in Midtown,” he says. MAX transit The city’s role in all these changes is to incentivise redevelopment and, more directly, to facilitate transit to and from the area. As such, the MAX Transit System is well under way and estimated to come online in 2014. The transit system is similar to light rail and will run from Downtown to Harmony right next to the railroad tracks. Bolin says the city is hard at work creating a seamless interface between roadways, bike trails, sidewalks and MAX. “We want to make sure that people using MAX can easily walk or Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Midtown construction projects include The Summit on College, a new student housing project with 676 beds and 8,000 sq. ft. of retail space.
bike to destinations from the MAX stations. In making the plan, we’ll see where the natural connections are, where people want to go, and focus on those areas to make the connections safe.” Bolin estimates that MAX will be completed by the end of 2013, but because extensive testing is necessary, it will not be online and operational until the end of 2014. Bolin also says one big message the city has received from their Midtown planning and public outreach is a need for green space. “People want a public place to sit and be,” she says. Though she declines to speculate on exactly where it will be located, Bolin says the city is committed to ensuring both public green spaces and encouraging private developers to provide them as well. The Business Perspective The Markley family has been selling cars at their current south College location since 1973. Situated directly across from the mall on College Avenue, they have witnessed first-hand the slowdown of retail traffic to this part of town. Markley daughter and Marketing Director, Cindy DeGroot, says the whole Markley family is very enthusiastic about the coming changes, especially the planned redevelopment of Foothills Mall. “We are very supportive of the redistricting of the mall [as a blighted area]. The new mall will bring back vibrancy to the Midtown shopping area,” she says. Markley Motors is thrilled to see renewed focus and interest in the Midtown area, adding that they believe new construction and the MAX system will bring more people both on foot and by transit to all the businesses in the area. “Our hope is that the vacant businesses will be filled and our community will thrive as it used to,” she adds. Moot House co-owner, Scott McCarthy, is on the same page hoping that the renewed interest in Midtown will bring more energy and visitors to the area. He bought the restaurant in 1988 and says, at that time, parking was the best indicator of where the action in town was. “Fifteen years ago, you could park anywhere you wanted to in Old Town, but would drive around forever looking Style 2013
for a spot at the mall.” The reverse is true today. McCarthy says, “Downtown Fort Collins has done a great job creating an exciting vibe and I think Midtown is headed that way.” From his perspective as co-owner of multiple restaurants including Austin’s American Grill, Enzio’s and Big Al’s, McCarthy is in a good position to see where the business in town flows. He reports conversations with many people who live on one end of town, but refuse to cross Prospect for a night out. These comments come both from south-enders and north-enders. “I think new development in Midtown will help integrate people on both ends of town,” he says, pointing to MAX, the potential new stadium and other private redevelopment that will spiff up the region’s draw. As for Moot House, McCarthy revealed that the restaurant is undergoing major renovations, which will close the restaurant starting in February and wrap up by April or May 2013. “We need to make Moot House right for next 20 years. So many people love it, but there are parts of the building that are tired and need to be updated. We’re putting a lot of money into this remodel because we’re excited about the new energy.” The Wrap Up All these changes might prompt some to long for the days when Fort Collins was a bit smaller with a bit more elbow room and a few more corn fields. To those folks, developer Les Kaplan says, “remember that density helps preserve the remaining open fields. The more intensity and closeness there is in the city center, the less you’re going to have to step out for new development. This type of infill really fits the city’s goals for sustainability. By re-using land, we get better use of existing utilities and roadways.” And maybe we’ll save a few of the open spaces around the edges while we’re at it. Corey Radman is a National Press Women award winner and regular contributor to Style. She can be reached at her website, www.fortcollinswriter.com.
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A Facelift for Foothills Mall By Corey Radman
In the last few years, consensus on what should happen with the Foothills Mall was impossible. However, everyone agreed on one point; something needed to be done with the 40-year old eyesore. Which was why many in the city breathed a collective sigh of relief when Alberta Development Partners stepped in and purchased the blighted property in July 2012 for $40 million dollars. Alberta developed the Southlands Mall in Denver and the Streets at SouthGlenn.
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ounding principal at Alberta, Don Provost, indicates that his company intends to invest upwards of another $100 million to demolish and rebuild the interior Foothills mall spaces and build new junior anchor stores along College Avenue. The property will also host multi-family residential dwellings along Stanford Road and Foothills Parkway. On the interior of the 74-acre property, mallfacing retail stores will locate across the parking lot from Macy’s (which will stay), creating a green space on the northeast side of the mall and another one on the opposite southwest side. Shoring up the southwest is the proposed Dave & Buster’s/movie theater building. With the creation of green spaces, Provost envisions pop jet fountains, and summer concert or movie series. “Beyond the fact that it will be a great place to shop, the fundamental opportunity is to create a community asset that will support a lot of events. We believe we’ll just jump right into the already
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rich culture of Fort Collins,” he says. Provost indicates that while the property needed outdoor recreation spaces, the indoor mall was an important asset they wanted to maintain. “Looking at the plan, there is a significant commitment to the outdoor air environment... But five days before Christmas, the last thing you want to do is walk outside to go from store to store.” He continues that the architectural intent of the facelift is very sophisticated and warm, utilizing posh stones like flagstone and granite, but at same time trying to make a statement that Fort Collins is progressive, even edgy. “The Colorado contemporary style [we’ll be using] has clean lines and a sophisticated look,” says Provost. Also new to the shopping experience will be a four-level parking deck with optional valet service. Overall, the look and feel will be what Provost calls “Class A retail.” No specific stores are under contract yet, however, discussions have begun with many of the tenants in the Park Meadows Mall as well as other high-end apparel and retail stores. As such, he says, rental rates will fall in
the $30-$36 per square foot range, triple what Foothills tenants are currently paying (and slightly higher than Centerra’s rates). “That’s what this market deserves from a demographic and lifestyle standpoint,” indicates Provost. Neighbor to the mall property, Richard Weurker, DDS, owns the Boardwalk Dental building, just a block south of the mall. He says he is looking forward to having such a high-end property close by. “Currently, visiting the mall is kind of embarrassing. This project will be a boon to all of Fort Collins,” he says, “not just to us close by. The whole city will benefit.” The project still has hurdles to cross before development can begin, the foremost being an agreement between Alberta and Sears, who owns its portion of the property. Discussions between the two are expected to continue this month. If an agreement is reached, Alberta estimates that mall construction could be complete by the 2014 holiday season. Corey Radman is a regular contributor to Style.
Style 2013
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into the new town. Relocation packages can encompass much more than airline tickets and a furnished townhome for a few months. Atlas Van Lines’ 45th Annual Corporate Relocation Survey shows that larger companies are willing to make generous offers to get the right candidates to relocate: • 65 percent of firms surveyed offer relocated employees full reimbursement. • 87 percent of firms have a formal relocation policy. • More than half (52 percent) of all relocations last year were new hires. • Employees age 36 to 40 remained the most frequently relocated salaried employees, and the majority of relocated salaried employees are male. Female employees account for only 20 percent of relocated salaried employees on average.
Relocation – More Than Moving By Michelle Venus
Setting down roots in a new home isn’t an easy task. It’s hard enough when the move is across town. But when it’s a cross-country endeavor, moving can be especially daunting. When a few children, the family dog and a houseful of belongings and memories are added to the equation, it becomes a huge undertaking.
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hat’s when relocation specialists are good people to have in your speed dial. Joy Ferguson, a realtor with Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors, has had that particular title on her business card since 2000. She knows exactly what it looks like to a family considering major life changes. “When a company finds the right employee for a high level position, they will do what it takes to get that individual placed in the new community,” she explains. “Even in this difficult economy, it can be more economically viable to move a trained and experienced new hire who can start working on Day One, instead of bringing on someone who doesn’t have the required skills set and needs training. They’re looking for high productivity from the outset.” Steve Betros, owner and managing director of Management Recruiters of Fort Collins, concurs. “In my business,” he says, “we’re looking for top talent and once companies have found the people they want (for those positions) they have to go get them. These people are comfortable in their current positions. They aren’t looking to move.
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There has to be something to attract them... usually it’s for a career or growth opportunity.” Betros adds that location doesn’t always factor into the decision and money is key only about 25 percent of the time. Typically, the opportunity to get to the next rung in the career ladder and an attractive company are the change drivers. And with the housing market plunge of the past few years, most people were not in a position to make a change without assistance. Betros works with large national clients all over the country. Typically, filling corporate level and senior management positions means making it equitable for the candidate. That means structuring a package suited to the individual needs of the candidate and his or her family. According to both Betros and Ferguson, there are many ways a company can help facilitate relocation. Temporary housing is high on the list. Oftentimes the start date of the new position doesn’t coincide with the school year and families are reluctant to pull children out in the middle of the year. The parent with the new job will go on ahead while the rest of the family finishes out the term in their old hometown. The company may pay for the new hire to travel back and forth to spend time with the family until they can settle
• 72 percent of firm respondents give employees two weeks or less to accept an offer to relocate. • More than 50 percent of companies reimburse or pay to pack all items, move an automobile, move exercise equipment, move a second automobile and unpack all items. • For homeowners, more than half of firms offer the following to transferees or new hires: temporary housing allowance, homefinding trips, storage, reimburse or pay for home sale costs, reimbursement or pay for home purchase costs and home marketing assistance. • For renters, more than half of firms offer the following to transferees or new hires: temporary housing allowance, reimbursement or pay for lease cancellation, home-finding trips and storage. “I consider myself an extension of the HR department,” says Ferguson. She declines to name her corporate clients, citing confidentiality agreements. “We often get involved during the interview process, when the candidate and the company are still considering one another. What we offer is a type of concierge service,” she explains. “We pick up the client from the airport, make lodging arrangements, whatever they need during the initial visit.” “Detailed planning for this visit, which is normally 2 to 3 days in length, is vital,” she says. “We gather information ahead of time for the ‘wish list,’ and divide this between ‘must haves’ and ‘well, it would be nice...’ My goal is that by the end of the tour the clients can visualize living here and that will help with the decision-making involved.” She, like other relocation specialists, has specific real estate certifications that give her expertise. Emily Sockler, relocation director with The Group Inc., works closely with relocation specialists on the other side of the equation, helping the family sell the existing home, securing a moving Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Local relocation experts: Joy Ferguson, with Prudential Rocky Mountain Realtors, and Emily Sockler, with The Group Inc.
company and wrapping things up so they can settle into their new community with as little worry as possible. “We help people move here from all parts of the country, whether it’s from Denver or the Florida Keys,” she said. “Working with relocation people in the old hometown makes the transition for the family as seamless as possible.” Stacey and Bill Cornmesser recently relocated from the St. Louis area and worked with Ferguson. Bill works at Agrium Advanced Technologies based in Loveland. “Joy was referred to us by Agrium’s relocation services. Initially, she gave us a tour of the area and showed us homes in Fort Collins. She helped Bill find temporary living in Fort Collins until we found a new house. All of this was very helpful since we are from out-of-state and have three children. It made the transition much easier (and) faster for the both of us, and our entire family,” says Stacey. Companies’ budgets for relocation are based on the level of talent they are looking to bring on. “It’s not cheap,” Betros explains. “In general, they’ll factor in $20,000 to $60,000, sometimes more for very senior positions. Most companies will not purchase homes anymore, unless you’re at the C-level. They’re not in that business (real estate) and it’s been such a tough market. “Companies have different options to support just about everything that a person relocating might run into and they’ll assist in a lot of those different things. That’s why working with third party relocation specialists – who make it (the relocation) as painless as possible – is so helpful.” Sockler concurs. “We relocation specialists know the area well. We can focus on the needs of the family relocating and guide them to the right everything: home, schools, churches. We are the ambassadors to Northern Colorado.”
Michelle Venus is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. Style 2013
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Ignite FC
Sparks Thought By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
In just six short years Ignite has become a world-wide phenomenon. As many things geek chic, it started in Seattle, Wash., in 2006, but has grown to over 100 cities around the globe. Despite its widespread popularity, each Ignite is, at its core, grassroots and community oriented.
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gnite is an evening of five minute presentations accompanied by 20 slides that automatically advance after 15 seconds. Potential presenters submit topics that are voted on by the public and a committee. Almost no topic is off limits, although one of the core principles of Ignite is no pitching from the stage. In other words, a five minute presentation on your company is not allowed. Ron Zasadzinski, owner of CodeGeek.net, Ava Diamond of the Diamond Success Group and Laurie Macomber, owner of Blue Skies Marketing, are the founders of Ignite Fort Collins. Their vision sparked the first Ignite FC, held on May 28, 2009, at the Drake Center. Ignite FC #12
Nick Armstrong
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took place August 16, 2012, at the event’s new home, the Magnolia Theatre at Lincoln Center. “In 2009 there was a real vacuum of geek-type events in Fort Collins,” says Nick Armstrong, owner of WTF Marketing. “Approximately 150 people came to the first Ignite, and it has continued to grow. The depth of creativity and innovation available in Fort Collins was just hiding out there, waiting for a platform, and that is what Ignite FC provides.” Armstrong, who has been a volunteer with Ignite FC from the beginning, has presented 16 times at Ignite, both in Fort Collins and Boulder. An average Ignite evening has 12 to 14 speakers, and includes music, food and drinks. Ignite FC is a community-centric event, and
most of the speakers come from Northern Colorado. While presenters are voted on by the public, there is some curation of content by the Ignite FC volunteers, who approach certain people within the community about submitting a talk. Kevin Udy, of Loveland, was a fan of Ignite before it arrived in Northern Colorado. When Udy heard the event was coming to Fort Collins, he wanted to get involved. He has volunteered since the beginning and has attended all 12 Ignite FC events. “I enjoy the community building, the nontraditional entertainment, and learning through the diverse awesomeness that the speakers bring to every event,” says Udy. While Ignite was invented by tech savvy geeks,
Ignite FC is generally a sold out event, held at the Lincoln Center.
Kevin Buecher
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
the subjects covered during an event are wide ranging. Presentations cover life, culture and the types of activities people care about here in Northern Colorado. It involves people talking about the things they are passionate about, like climbing 14ers, bird watching and living with cancer. “It’s hard to pick out the most memorable topics, because the evening goes by so quickly, but it’s hard to forget certain moments, like when Nick Armstrong went on stage wearing a snuggy and a cowboy hat,” says Udy. “One of my favorite talks was ‘Create More, Consume Less,’ by Jochen Wolters. I could probably pick two or three from each event that really inspired me.” Every Ignite speech is available to watch via the Ignite FC YouTube Channel. In fact, today, Ignite uses a live streaming feed so the public can watch the speeches live from home. The two most popular Ignite FC YouTube videos are “Speak Klingon: Love 101 for Uber-Geeks” by Nick Armstrong with 17,664 views and “My Mom’s on Facebook, Now What,” by Ryan Wanger. Ignite isn’t just entertainment, there is a networking component to the event as well. “It has brought people together from many intersecting circles here in Fort Collins,” says Ron Zasadzinski. Ignite is supported entirely by volunteers, sponsors and a small admission fee. The goal of the event organizers is to break even, and any extra money is put towards the next Ignite. The
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I enjoy the community building, the nontraditional entertainment, and learning through the diverse awesomeness that the speakers bring to every event. - Kevin Udy of Loveland
Magnolia Theatre seats 226, and every Ignite FC has sold out. “Ignite is for people of all ages. We’ve had speakers as young as 9, and we were recently approached by a potential speaker who is 98. There’s a place for everyone at Ignite, and everyone will find something they enjoy,” says Armstrong. Ignite FC takes place once a quarter at the Lincoln Center. Keep tabs on this event at IgniteFortCollins.com, follow them on Twitter @IgniteFC or like them at Facebook.com/IgniteFC.
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer and journalist. She is also the Mayor of HeidiTown. com, a blog about events, festivals & destination in Colorado. Style 2013
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lifestyle
Drought Concerns Linger By Kay Rios
With last summer’s devastating fires and long, hot dry spells, many people are concerned over what the future might hold climate-wise. Indeed, 2012 was a tough year in which Colorado experienced low stream flows, high temperatures, increased fire danger and loss of homes, lives and, in some areas, crops. It was a record-breaking year in terms of the number of high temperatures. In Fort Collins, 16 records were broken, up from nine highs in 2011, and four in 2010, according to the Colorado Climate Center. Is this a sign of things to come or is it part of a regular cycle? “Last year not only broke records for high temperatures, it was the 15th driest year on record,” says Nolan Doesken, state climatologist. “It was the 15th driest on record in terms of precipitation recorded and, coupled with the extraordinary heat, it was certainly on par with 1934 and 1954, the most notorious drought years.” Drought is a normal, recurrent feature of Colorado’s climate and it can appear slowly and last for many years or it can be a short-lived event. “Southeast and south central Colorado have experienced drought of an extreme nature for two years, but Northern Colorado was not impacted until 2012,” says Taryn Finnessey, drought and climate change technical specialist for the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB). “Colorado is a very large state and, climatically, we have very different regions that respond differently. Colorado is a semi-arid state and we only receive an average of 17 inches of precipitation each year.” About 80 percent of Colorado’s surface water supply comes from melting snowpack with 80 percent of that falling west of the Continental Divide. Snow accumulates in the mountains each winter and then melts in warmer months,
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flowing down mountains into rivers and filling reservoirs. In July of 2012, the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, notified Gov. John Hickenlooper that 62 of the state’s 64 counties qualified for federal disaster relief because of drought conditions. “We had almost no precipitation in March which got us off to a really bad start,” Doesken says. “May is normally our wettest month and we did get some moisture but it was below average and then an exceptionally dry, hot June. That’s when the fires were raging. Irrigating farmers were still farming but crop production was limited.” A bit of relief came after that point, he says. “The weekend after July Fourth we had soaking rains so it was above average but then two weeks later, all the moisture we got had soaked in and we were back into the drought. August was hot and dry and fall was dry except for a nice rain in September.” The 2012 water year, which ended on September 30, registered just 75 percent of normal precipitation. November continued with below average amounts although a storm mid-month
brought benefit to the mountains, boosting statewide precipitation. Doesken doesn’t make predictions about the future. “I used to do that but the longer I’ve been here, the more I realize predicting the future is extremely hard to do. What we do know is that the 2012 calendar year temperature was the warmest on record in 124 years for the state as a whole and there was that one-two punch with the low precipitation. In that respect, our five warmest calendar years have all been in the last 15 years so we do have a warming trend pretty evident in our state. And, when we do have warmer temperatures, even with average precipitation, it gives us less bang for the buck because of evapotranspiration. More goes back into the atmosphere through evaporation.” Again, he declines to make a prediction. “We don’t know if 2013 will be a wet year or a dry year. We are three months into the water year since we started it in October 2012. That’s when snowfall comes and then reservoir filling begins in the spring when melting starts. We know we are off to a stellar start. We got some help in December but every passing week, it’s harder to Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
catch up. March, April, May and even the first 10 days of June could swing that pendulum a great deal. We could be dry until March and then have a few big upslopes. That could turn it around. The western slope doesn’t get that same amount of help from spring storms. Most of their water supply is in the bag by then.” Some areas are already planning for the worstcase scenario. Donnie Dustin, water resources manager for Fort Collins, says he anticipates a tougher year. “Because of the fires we had in the Canyon this last summer, Fort Collins is probably going to be on watering restrictions. Normally, we get 50 percent of our water supply from the Poudre. Last year with the fires and then the rain, a lot of ash and sediment was flushed into the river and we couldn’t treat that water. And that’s a big deal. It might take a few years to wash all that out and that could be an issue in terms of treating the water.” There are other factors, he says. “The other half of our supply comes out of Horsetooth which is part of the Colorado Big Thompson Project. Until April, we won’t know how much we will get out of that. The CBT system is run by the Northern Colorado Conservancy District and their board sets a quota the first week of April based on snowpack and what’s in the reservoirs in that system.” Dustin doubts that the allotment will be as much as last year. “We had 100 percent of the CBT quota so we had quite a bit of water through that system. But that’s probably not going to be the case. As a result we will probably be on restriction.” Finnessey says that planning is the key to being prepared for whatever comes. “Every nine of out ten years some portion of Colorado experiences some level of drought. It’s something we’ve endured and experienced for some time, and we will continue to endure and experience it in the future. In the past, people have responded in a reactionary way to drought but we have learned it’s much more effective to look at mitigation and try to reduce the impact before the onset of an event rather than deal with what happens when an event occurs.” Not every area plans for events, she says. “Most other western states do require some municipal planning. Colorado is unique in that we do not require drought planning at the municipal areas so very few municipalities have formalized drought plans. There is some planning at the county level as part of Natural Hazard Mitigation plans.” With recent events, however, she says, “We’ve certainly seen an uptick in terms of the municipalities doing drought planning.” CWCB has a number of resources to assist planning including a water efficiency grant program, she says. “One of the things it can fund is the creation of drought management planning for municipalities.” Doesken reaffirms the importance of drought planning. “The whole plumbing of Northern Colorado is drought planning. Without the CBT project and without dams and reservoirs, there would be fewer people here and we would be living in a very different way.”
Kay Rios is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. Style 2013
Conservation Is Key By Kay Rios
“Conservation is what we are going to do from here to eternity to save water,” says Donnie Dustin, water resources manager for the City of Fort Collins. Brian Heinold and Marcee Camenson, with the Fort Collins Utilities Department, take a sample from the Poudre River after 2012’s High Park Fire. Photo courtesy of Lucas Mouttet.
In 2003, a water supply shortage response plan was adopted by the Fort Collins City Council and, Dustin says, “With that, and the incentives, we’ve seen a 25 percent reduction in per capita water use since 2003.” Kevin Bobst, district conservation technician for West Greeley Conservation District (WGCD) says conservation is incredibly important. “As residents of Colorado, we should treat every year as if it is going to be a drought year to minimize the impact when it does strike.” There are many simple things urban residents can do to decrease water use, he says. “Water your lawn only once a week or reduce your watering application to only one inch per week and only water at night. Watering during the hot, dry, summer daylight hours causes significant evaporation, reducing the amount of water that actually percolates into the soil. Choosing landscaping plants that are drought tolerant can also decrease your water needs.” Other simple ways include not leaving water on while brushing your teeth, not taking long showers and not using the toilet as a trashcan will reduce flushing, Bobst says. “All of these efforts can help reduce our water needs while increasing availability for the most important uses, such as drinking water and food production. With a growing population we can’t afford to decrease agricultural production so it’s important for all of us, farmers and urban residents alike, to conserve water.” (WGCD also offers conservation tips to farmers. www.wgcd.org/ Conservation.html) Lucas Mouttet, water conservation coordinator for the City of Fort Collins, says, “A typical
single family home uses half of their water outside and half inside. Inside, the biggest users are the toilet, faucet, showerhead and clothes washers in that order.” Fort Collins offers rebates for low-use replacements of each of those, he says. “A silent user in the house is leaks. Typically, you’ll notice them in some way: if something’s wet or running all the time, that’s a good indicator. It can be up to a gallon a minute. For a toilet, you can drop some food coloring in the tank and, without flushing, see if the water in the bowl changes color.” Landscape watering is certainly an issue, says Mouttet. “Folks who water by hose typically use much less than those who have an in-ground system. The reason is that people typically wait until it needs water instead of regular programmed cycles. Most lawns in the heat of the summer need between an inch and ¼-inch to an inch and ½-inch per week. The slower it gets applied, the better it sinks in.” Fort Collins residents work very hard to conserve. “In the last 10 years, outdoor water use in the residential sector has dropped 50 percent,” says Mouttet. “Commercial folks have also dropped their use. As our population has gone up, total water use has consistently gone down. We’re doing it as a community.” The figures prove that out, he says. “A family of three in Fort Collins uses 45 gallons per person per day in the home. That’s more efficient than the average. We’re doing all right,” he says. Fort Collins offers a wide variety of conservation tips from no cost to moderate to high cost both for business and home conservation on the website at www.fcgov.com/utilities/tips.
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home & garden
Patterns in New Places By Angeline Grenz
Why patterns in your interior design? “One of the things I often tell clients is that the element of a room that makes them most nervous will often be the element they love the most when the job is complete,” says Emily Stirn, designer for Eheart Interior Solutions. “Our eyes experience space by scanning the room as a whole. Bold pattern gives the eye a place to settle and can make a lot of impact without a lot of investment.” Patterns can be incorporated anywhere in a room: a subtle pattern in the flooring at our feet or a bold tribal pattern splashed across throw pillows or a vintage cabbage rose on our walls. Patterns this year are created out of surprising new materials or appear in fresh, bold statements of color. These interior designers offer up their expert advice on how to use pattern in a room to pull a space together. Walls, Drapery and Accent Items
Tile on Floors and Walls
We are seeing a great deal of pattern on drapery panels, fabric wall panels and throw pillows, and I think these are areas that most people feel comfortable putting pattern on, as they are not permanent and can change as motifs and patterns change. An occasional chair or ottoman is a great place to add pattern and can bring a great deal of life into a room. These are semi-permanent pieces that come with an investment, but are not as large of an investment as a sofa, for example. As we look at the history of pattern in interiors, we tend to see pattern become bolder and brighter when a society is experiencing significant change politically, economically or in social norms. If you think of the colors from the 1950s and the 1970s, you begin to understand how color tends to mirror these changes in its boldness. Trends in pattern are very often geometric. The chevron pattern is very popular, as are other angular and linear patterns. Graphic florals are also popular, meaning that the flowers represented in the print don’t look photo-realistic, but are stylized. These two major categories have replaced the representational florals and predictable stripes that have been so popular for the last 20 years. Vintage patterns and things that remind people of simpler times are also popular right now, as they often are when a society feels unsettled economically or politically. As a designer, my most frequent request from my clients is for timeless design. As people are staying in their homes and not moving as frequently due to the real estate market, it is more common for them to want to make a very long-lasting investment. Using pattern is helpful in these times; it is bold and high impact with a low investment. It can be easily changed if applied in the right areas, and it is something people get excited about. Pattern is always a risk worth taking – it’s eye catching, evokes emotion and lends playful whimsy to a space that would otherwise lack it.
Today we are seeing a greater use of pattern in design as a means of interest and emphasis. It is used to create a focal point. This is especially true in the tile designs being used. This increased use is seen in kitchen backsplashes, deco tiles in bathroom, and even floor patterns. At the moment both subtle and bold patterns are being used. We are seeing a lot of geometric patterns with the use of various materials, including the combination of natural stone, glass and metal. Subtle patterns are being used in large applications creating a bold statement. A unique tile pattern can create a point of interest in a space, serving as a jumping off point for the rest of the design selections. It can also serve as a grounding element for a room, allowing other items to shine in complement and contrast with the tile and pattern chosen.
Emily Stirn – Eheart Interior Solutions
Cris Gannon – Tuscany Interior Designs
Photo courtesy of Tuscany Interior Designs.
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Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Carpets and Area Rugs
Michelle Stone – Avalanche Floor Coverings Cultures from around the world have been incorporating patterns in their area rug designs for centuries. For example, the fifth century Pazyryk carpet found in the Altai Mountains in Siberia utilized patterns of specific symbols to represent ideas important to them, such as a dog symbolizing protection. Today, the patterns we see are usually for more aesthetic reasons. For instance, big colorful flowers on an area rug can bring a little girl’s room to life and identify something she likes such as flowers or her favorite colors. Patterns such as a subtle random cut and loop add an element of texture to your living space. Linear patterns can lengthen a room and give a tailored look to any contemporary space. Also, mixing patterns is becoming popular. For example, a subtle loop pattern on a living room floor meeting a classic floral design on a staircase turns ordinary stairs into a work of art. People are staying in their homes longer these days, so exciting patterns and textures bring personality that says, “Yes, this is my home.” There are all sorts of patterns available for any taste. Be bold with a large floral or geometric. Take a traditional rug and showcase it under a coffee table to warm the space. Use a dark geometric print in a theater room to bring interest when the lights are on then watch it disappear when the screen is showing your favorite movie. Alternatively, bring an inviting subtle pattern to a whole house. Pattern carpet can help define a space. So when it’s time to shop for carpet, it doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you prefer bold or subtle, it can be fun, inviting and exciting.
Style 2013
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Building & Landscaping Northern Colorado
OLD WORLD COURTYARD, NEW WORLD DESIGN These savvy homeowners wanted an old world design for their courtyard but needed the space augmented with the latest in technology and design for usability and comfort. The previous courtyard was uninviting and seldom used. Lindgren Landscape demolished the existing courtyard and turned the space into a luxurious Old World Courtyard with the best in high end features, including a fully loaded kitchen and wet bar with a pizza oven, gas wok, multiple fridge units, an ice machine and heated drawers – all operated with iPad touch controls. Nestled under a hand-hewn timber structure, the courtyard’s outdoor theater features two televisions (one a 50”) with integrated surround sound that extends to the courtyard, also controllable via the iPad, a grand fireplace custom built by Lindgren, and comfortable outdoor seating. The state of the art outdoor living space also features a misting system, infrared heaters, romantic gas lanterns, a fire bowl, water features and LED lighting along the custom paver patio. The space, while situated under the beautiful night sky, has the comfortable feel of a living room.
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Building & Landscaping Northern Colorado
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“This great outdoor space has everything outside that we do inside, but under the open skies. A lot of thought and work went into the space and Tim Lindgren was very good at listening to what we wanted and creating our vision. The end product is just fantastic.” -The Padilla Family
Rich details are sprinkled throughout, such as the hammered copper sink in the kitchen, Brazilian granite slab countertops and custom water features with 12” copper scuppers that show high style and create a perfect entertaining area for family and friends. Bringing old and new together, Lindgren’s outdoor living remodel captures the best of today’s outdoor spaces: beauty and comfort in romantic harmony.
970.226-5677 www.lindgrenlandscaping.com
Building & Landscaping Northern Colorado
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Home Restoration After a Disaster On a winter day in early 2012, a house fire broke out at a single-family home in Greeley. The fire was caused by an electrical short and quickly consumed most of the three-bedroom home. Luckily, the tenants made it out safely with only minor injuries. The home’s landlord, Mark Poll, immediately called Affordable Restoration when he was alerted about the fire. The Affordable Restoration team responded to the call while the fire department was still putting out the flames. The team immediately assessed the damage and began boarding up windows, doors and holes in the roof that were made by the fire department to allow for ventilation. Sadly, the fire gutted the entire interior of the home. “We had to tear the home down to the studs,” recalls Affordable Restoration owner Cory Braesch. Even the subfloor, floor joist, electrical wiring, HVAC and plumbing had to be removed and replaced; all tolled, the fire caused $220,000 in damages. Affordable Restoration performed the entire demolition, cleaning the framing for smoke odor. After cleaning was complete, all open framing was sealed to lock in any remaining odor. Then the home entered into the normal construction process. Affordable Restoration partnered with the homeowner from start to finish. “We took the process all the way to the end when we handed Mark back his keys.” “Any contractor can rebuild and remodel a home. But what we offer is the guarantee of an odor free home with our cleaning and sealing process,” says Brausch. Whether fire, water or mold, a home disaster can cause a lot of heartache and disruption. Affordable Restoration is there 365 days a year/24 hours a day to help return your life to normal in the event of a disaster. Call Affordable Restoration at (970) 207-0000 or visit www.affordablerestore.com for more information.
970.207.0000 www.affordablerestore.com
Building & Landscaping Northern Colorado
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Prairie Landscape When Gary and Jan finished their dream home on the plains northeast of Fort Collins they wanted to make their yard an evolving project where they could recreate and learn to work the land as “gentlemen and women gardeners.” They knew enough from their upbringing to know that the climate in the area where their home was located would limit the kinds of plant material used. They approached the designers at Alpine Gardens and challenged them to create a landscape that could handle the tough weather conditions, yet still be colorful and easy to take care of year round. Other considerations included leaving areas for tractor access and snow piling from Colorado’s infrequent, but occasionally large, snowstorms. Also a population of rabbits, snakes and coyotes live in the area and make Gary and Jan’s prairie landscape their home. A combination of blue rabbitbrush, Winnepeg Park Shrub Rose, Blue Avena Grass and redleaf shrub rose were used to add interest to evergreen windbreaks. A raised planter was constructed surrounding the back patio so a perennial garden could be installed to add color in an area where it could be enjoyed close up. A flagstone area was left for future artwork, which will have the wonderful mountain views as a backdrop. This was the first phase of a project for these freshly minted urban farmers.
970.226-2296 www.alpinelandscaping.com
Building & Landscaping Northern Colorado
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eat
Dancing Pine’s Kristian Naslund pioneered the distillery boom occurring in Northern Colorado.
Distilleries: A Spirited Model for Success By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
Coloradoans know a lot about beer, and in fact, most believe they are an expert on the subject. However, now we have a new topic to learn about – distilling.
The growth of the craft distilling industry in the United States hasn’t seen this kind of a renaissance since people started making moonshine in their basements during Prohibition. In less than five years, the number of licensed craft distilleries in the United States has grown to more than 230, up from around 100. A craft distillery produces small batches of handcrafted distilled spirits equal to or less than 50,000 gallons per year. Colorado is ranked fourth in the nation in number of distilleries with somewhere between 37 to 47, depending on whether the businesses have been licensed
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or are in the process of becoming licensed. John Wood’s story is a familiar one. Originally a home beer brewer, he had considered opening a brewery. However, as Wood watched the craft beer market boom, something else happened, he developed a taste for whiskey, a drink he calls, “beer all grown up.” K.J. Wood Distillers is set to open in early summer at 403 5th Street in Berthoud. Currently the town is home to one brewery with another opening later this year, but no distilleries. K.J. Wood Distillers will specialize in gin, a drink that has deep roots in Wood’s family.
The distillery will also focus on whiskey. Wood plans on producing high-end spirits for the discriminating drinker. “It is possible that you will only find my spirits in locked cabinets at very specific liquor stores,” says Wood. Originally planning to open in Fort Collins, Syntax Spirits Distillery found less red tape in Greeley, and opened there at Christmas in 2009. “We make everything we sell, which is actually very uncommon in our industry,” says primary owner/operator Heather Bean. “It’s Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Spring44’s signature honey vodka is one of their best sellers. The distillery opened its Loveland tasting room this past summer.
really important for us to use local products like local wheat. We literally do everything ourselves, and that’s a very time intensive process.” Bean’s philosophy was to learn to walk before running, so she started out slowly with just vodka. Today Syntax is known around Northern Colorado for their variety of infused vodkas. Syntax Class V Vodka is their signature product, but they have some exciting new spirits as well. Two of those, their white rum and white whiskey, are both finalists in the 2013 Good Food Awards. A pepper flavored vodka is also a new product, popular among Bloody Mary drinkers. Syntax is currently with two distributors, one servicing the northeast part of the state and the other serving Denver and ski country. “I liken our growth plan to how Odell Brewing went about things. They got really deep into the market in Colorado before moving out anywhere else,” says Bean. Syntax’s tasting room, located at 625 3rd Street in Greeley, feels like a bar, with pinball in the corner and lots of room to gather with friends. They are open Wednesday through Saturday, 4 to 11 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. “The growth of this industry is really exciting and exactly what we were hoping for,” says Bean. Dancing Pines Distillery has only been open for two years and five months, but their spirits are distributed in 21 states with the largest presence in Colorado, Washington and the Style 2013
Mid-Atlantic States. This Loveland-based distillery made waves from the beginning and continues to do so, bringing home award after award. This past year they were named one of the top 50 spirits by Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The magazine reviewed all of the Dancing Pines liqueurs and while the chai received 96 points, all of their liqueurs scored in the 90s. While Dancing Pines sells from their tasting room and at restaurants, the most vital part of their business model is distribution. “The motivation to be in a restaurant is that people get a chance to try your spirit without committing to buy a bottle. Hopefully they like it and will become a loyal fan,” says Kimberly Naslund, co-owner. “Our tasting room is used more to expose people to our spirits and get people excited about what we make, but it’s not really where our focus is as far as sales.” Dancing Pines’ flagship liqueur is their chia and the bourbon is their star spirit. This familyowned distillery, located at 1527 Taurus Court in Loveland, recently expanded to create much needed room for office space and storage. The tasting room is open every Saturday from 1 to 8 p.m. “I still feel like this industry is in its infancy. I think over the next five to 10 years you’re going to see a huge increase. There’s a lot of versatility in distilling, and we’re going to see a lot of creativity in distilling in the years to come,” says Kristian Naslund, co-owner of Dancing Pines. In a nod to Colorado’s achievement in distilling, the American Distilling Institute will hold
their annual conference and vendor expo in Denver on April 1 to 4, 2013. Originally held yearly in Kentucky, last year the ADI moved the event to Portland, Oregon, and now Colorado. The Colorado Distillers Guild will host a consumer event in conjunction with the conference that will be open to the public. Go to www.distilling.com for more information. Northern Colorado Distilleries:
Open… Dancing Pines Distillery, Loveland DancingPinesDistillery.com Spring 44, Loveland Spring44.com Syntax Spirits Distillery, Greeley SyntaxSpirits.com
Coming soon… Big Fat Pastor Spirits, Fort Collins Feisty Spirits, Fort Collins K.J. Wood Distillery, Berthoud
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer & journalist. She is also the Mayor of HeidiTown. com, the place for Colorado festival, event & travel information.
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travel
Colorado’s Hot Springs Getaways By Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer
With 23 official hot springs and numerous unnamed or hidden springs, there’s one to fit almost every kind of person. In this article I share three very diverse Colorado hot springs, each catering to a somewhat different demographic. I’ve been to all of these springs on more than one occasion and enjoy each for different reasons. Colorado has a vast array of hot springs, each with a unique personality. Some springs cater to the nature lover, others are tailored to families and there are springs perfect for a romantic escape. There are even secret springs ideal for backpackers seeking an idyllic and relaxing destination.
Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort Nathrop, Colorado www.mtprinceton.com
This resort is our to-go destination for maximum relaxation. Nestled in the mountains between Buena Vista and Salida, this is the most remote hot spring on this list, and while it is family-friendly, especially the upper summertime pool, it is ideal for lovers looking for a dreamy retreat. The VIP pools, accessible only to guests of the resort, are for people 16-years of age and older. This relatively new part of the resort is more than enough reason to book a weekend here. The spa facilities are also new. During warmer months guests enjoy finding a warm water vent in Chalk Creek,
Glenwood Hot Springs
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
These springs are the largest and most familyfriendly of those appearing in this article. Located in the heart of Glenwood Springs, my husband and I prefer the Amtrak route from Denver to Glenwood instead of driving. A train ride makes this an even more peaceful getaway. The historic Hotel Colorado is our favorite accommodation in Glenwood Springs, but others like The Denver Hotel because of its proximity to the pools. Guests can also stay at the Glenwood Hot Springs Lodge, right on the property. Glenwood Hot Springs is a popular destination for families, but couples should not be detoured from spending a romantic holiday here. They just need to schedule their pool dips in the early morning or evening to avoid splashing and boisterous children. What else is there? Glenwood Caverns Adventure Park will keep the family busy when they’re not playing in the pools. Pack your bike or rent one and explore the Rio Grande Recreational Trail, accessible from downtown.
Strawberry Park is the most natural hot spring in this article and a winter trip requires good balance as you will have to brave traversing sheets of ice to reach the pools. Because of the rugged, natural setting, these are the most beautiful springs I’ve visited in Colorado. Strawberry Park is a 20-minute drive from Steamboat Springs, and from November 1 to May 1 a 4-wheel drive vehicle or a front-wheel drive vehicle with chains is required on the last two miles of the road. Guests can opt to arrange for a shuttle (a link is available on the hot springs’ website). I’ve visited Strawberry Park during summer and winter and each is a very different experience. Winter is surreal with thick steam rising from the water; sometimes nearly blocking out the view. During the summer people lounge in and out of the springs, and the property has a camp-like feel. In fact, camping spots are available to rent at the park, as well as some rustic cabins. While the park is family-friendly, parents
Glenwood Springs, Colorado www.hotspringspool.com
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Steamboat Springs, Colorado www.strawberryhotsprings.com
should note that the springs are clothing optional after dark. What else is there? Steamboat Springs has a history that is unlike any other Colorado mountain town. Visit the Tread of Pioneer Museums, and take the historical walking tour of downtown. Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
the river that runs through the resort, and sunbathing all day. Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort has a full-service bar and restaurant with divine steak dinners and some of the nicest wait staff we’ve ever encountered in our travels around Colorado. The area is remote, and although dinner in Buena Vista or Salida is doable, we like spending our time at the resort. Accommodations are varied and include lodge rooms, hillside motel-style rooms, high-end hillside villas and fully-equipped cabins that sleep up to 10. What else is there? During the summer, take an afternoon excursion to St. Elmo’s, Colorado’s most well-preserved ghost town. Book a river rafting trip down the famous Arkansas River.
Heidi Kerr-Schlaefer is a freelance writer & journalist. She is also the Mayor of HeidiTown.com, the place for Colorado festival, event & travel information. Her travel articles frequently appear in Independent Traveler and EnCompass Magazine. HeidiTown has become a trusted brand name in Colorado tourism and travel. Style 2013
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family f o cu s
Downtown Library
Revitalized
The Old Town Library’s recent renovation has made the space larger, more vibrant and more accessible for library patrons.
By MARTY METZGER
It’s true that you can’t judge a book by its cover. But judging by the Downtown Fort Collins library’s “new cover,” readers can now select their literary materials in a fantastic new setting. Like a family tree, predecessors of the downtown facility helped form the character of its descendant. The Fort Collins Reading Room was established in 1882 – quite an impressive feat, given the town’s small population back then. Residents’ hunger for the written word was further appeased in 1903 with construction of the Carnegie Library, a native red sandstone structure at 200 Mathews Street, at the west end of the same park. The facade’s sandstone was quarried near today’s Horsetooth Reservoir and the building was named for steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, who provided $12,000 for construction costs. During the 1903 cornerstone ceremony, newspapers and other documents of the era were sealed in a metal container as a time capsule of Fort Collins history. Carnegie Library, which opened to the public on August 24, 1904, initially held 3,900 books. An addition, including an auditorium, was built on
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the east side of the Carnegie building in the late 1930s. The 1970s saw the beginning of Fort Collins’ population boom and, with it, a need for enhancement of facilities for the reading public. The present downtown library was built in 1976 at 201 Peterson Street, at the east end of Library Park. The Carnegie building became, and for many years remained, the Fort Collins Museum. Down through the subsequent three decades, library changes occurred as technology warranted. Computers, online catalogs, videos and other advancements in information dissemination were added, including recent eBooks and virtual library branches. In mid-June 2012, a much-needed expansion and remodel was completed, thus carrying the Old Town Library, as it is now known, into the 21st century. Although the building cannot grow further, the addition should assure adequate space for any further modifications or updating, says Holly Carroll, executive director of the Poudre River Library District. And, thanks to combined funding support from the City, Elks Club and the Poudre River Library Trust, the newly-revised look includes exterior and
interior improvements: upgraded sidewalks; additional, relocated bike racks; ADA ramps; and a new entryway. The building’s interior rehab is impressive. Its main floor was enlarged by a 6,000 square foot build-out under the second floor overhangs. (Previous city ordinances mandated that the original structure’s lower portion be limited to sustain surrounding park space.) Additionally, 3,000 square feet of existing space was freed up for library functions when Administrative and Information Technology staff offices moved across the street to Webster House, says Carroll. This, combined with the add-on, realized a 9,000 square foot net gain. To make bigger also better, many dedicated library areas were relocated and expanded. The Community Room, fully 50 percent larger, is now in the southwest corner. The versatility of its rolling walls and garage doors is amazing; they can quickly and easily alter its appearance and function from meeting room to study areas and back again. The number of public use computers has increased, and copiers and printers were upgraded. By early 2013, laptop checkout Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
is planned for six new group study rooms. WiFi access has tripled. More special touches were incorporated to make the downtown library not only user-friendly, but also userpleasant. Installation of carpet squares assures easy, cost-effective replacement when wear or damage necessitates it. Ample window seating allows study/reading/ laptop use with lovely park views. Public access catalog computer stations abound throughout both floors, as do self-checkouts. Not only is materials checkout easy, versatility makes returning them a breeze. Right beside the outdoor drop slot is the new, automated materials handler, a high-tech device so simple that even an adult can use it! Just push the “Start” button (prompts in English and Spanish), set returns in one at a time and, if desired, request an instant paper receipt. Meanwhile, on the other side of the bricks, a large roomful of machines, which Carroll said is affectionately called “Rosie” (as in Rosie the Riveter), processes what you’ve just fed it. Assisted by a human or two, Rosie automatically and efficiently checks in and sorts returns, thereby freeing up staff to assist the public and re-shelve materials. To further prove this isn’t your grandma’s library, the Snack & Serve area provides patrons vending machines that offer a variety of healthy snacks, bottled water, soft drinks and juices. Art aficionados can enjoy public works such as Mark Leichliter’s “Growing Together,” which hangs like a gigantic pendant from the second floor over the first. Teenagers will appreciate their own (also on the second floor) section, a perk that separates their reading/ listening/viewing choices from those of younger library fans on the main level. The Children’s Room welcomes youngsters with literary open arms. Like on a loving mom’s lap, kids will feel safe and comfortable when they visit their new digs. Their areas have grown to include a lovely storytelling room; hands-on play-and-learn units, structures that encourage early literacy skills; and child-accessible lower shelving. Observant folks will notice strategically placed merchandise display units that assure newer books, or those on specific topics, enjoy prominence. Similarly exhibited selections available for purchase can be found near the downstairs stairway. Additional projects planned in 2013 will further augment Library Park, the downtown facility’s historic setting. Those proposals feature sidewalk widening into a highlight called “Bench Alle.” On the park’s north side, an open-air amphitheater with seating and a small stage will be able to accommodate 300 people. An outdoor storytelling spot to the east will complete the improvements. The City of Fort Collins has contributed $330,000 to the improvements. The library district trust expects to raise the remaining $130,000 needed to accomplish all planned features, said Carroll. Peggy Reeves, President of the Poudre River Library Trust, added, “Old Town Library and Library Park are among the most widely used and richest resources in our area, and we have an exciting opportunity now to make them real showcases for Fort Collins. We are now asking everyone to help us complete the fundraising to enhance the landscaping around our downtown library and in Library Park. We hope all of our community is as excited as we are to see a revitalized Library Park that complements the Old Town Library renovation.” Holly Carroll, executive director of the Poudre River Library District, stands next to one of the renovated children’s areas at the library. Marty Metzger is a freelance writer based in Fort Collins. Style 2013
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family f o c us
Gymnastics:
Making Movement Fun By ANGELINE GRENZ
Its only natural for some parents to dream their child could be the next NBA star or Heisman Trophy winner. We are, after all, a country that loves their sports. But could you be missing the opportunity to help your child develop their athletic abilities at a young age? And could that lack of activity shape how your child views playtime, recreation, sports and general movement even into adulthood? It is possible, says Gene Koehnke, owner of GK Gymnastics and former physical education teacher, to have a perfectly healthy looking child who has underdeveloped muscle tone because of a lack of physical activity. “In our day and age, kids are living a different lifestyle then their parents or grandparents,” says Koehnke. “When we were kids, we walked to school each day, to football practice, wherever. We didn’t have a car to ride around in.” This simple truth means that children, even from an early age, are exposed to much less
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physical activity. Now, “at our gym we run into children who look healthy but they have no muscle tone. You can tell which children get a lot of physical activity. They are less fearful and try different skills more readily.” Koehnke goes further, relating how some older children come to GK for a gymnastics class and lack the grip strength to hold on to the child-size bars. But Koehnke does suggest a solution to help your child learn that activity can be fun: gymnastics. Gymnastics classes, especially when they are begun while children are still at a preschool age, have a variety of benefits. Many local gymnastics studios, such as GK and Mountain Kids in Fort Collins and Premier Gymnastics of the Rockies in Loveland, offer preschool classes, including parent-led classes. “Gymnastics can teach children how to handle their weight, learn to fall and build their strength vs. weight ratio,” says Koehnke. Additionally, gymnastics can build healthy bones, increase flexibility, and the muscle mass built
in a gymnastics class can help prevent injuries and help children be more confident when approaching other sports and activities. All the while children are running, jumping, tumbling and laughing their way to better health. In fact, gymnastics can be a great start to any athletic career. Though GK works with gymnasts who are at a professional level, more often, Koehnke says, kids start in an early gymnastics class then move on to the sport of their choice as they enter school. “I don’t think you can make a better football player,” he says. Citing flexibility, strength and kinetic ability, Koehnke adds, “If you start a child in a gymnastic class early they will be more successful at whatever sport they choose later.” But the important factor is to get your child to move – often – as early as possible, says Koehnke. “It is unfortunate that there are some children out there who will never experience what they can really do physically. The goal here is to have so much fun that kids learn to love being physically active.” Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
kids • play • fun • health • activities
Style 2013
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LOVE • HUGS • KISSES • LOVE • HUGS • KISSES • LOVE • HUGS • KISSES • LOVE
FC symphony
advanced otolary
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CROSSROADS SAFEHOUSE 32ND ANNIVERSARY GALA November 3 :: Hilton :: Fort Collins Generous sponsors, donors and guests enjoyed a magical evening of fundraising at the Crossroads Safehouse 32nd Anniversary Gala. The signature event provided 470 guests a gourmet dinner followed by a luscious dessert bar, a chance to win the Fabric of Legacies Quilt, and a silent and live auction. Highlights included honoring staff members of Crossroads Safehouse for their tireless dedication to end domestic violence and survivors of domestic violence who shared their personal stories. A record $210,000 was raised to benefit Crossroads Safehouse and their mission to provide a safe environment for victims of domestic and interpersonal abuse and violence in Larimer County, while promoting positive change through education, awareness and intervention. Photos courtesy of Kell Baldwin.
Amy & Matt Blackford
Justin Farrell, Caitlin Bosshart, Jill & Steve Bosshart
Lauren Hughes, Jessica Gorrono, Kristianna Berger
Gary Usken, Nick Shumaker, Jim Shumaker
Micah Wakeman, Kalye Murdock Style 2013
Kyla & Brian Gary
Chase Hern, Megan Verros
John McGee
Roy Daniel, Mary Hummel
Deborah Davis, Jim Poquette, Tara & Tom Thoen
Pat Parker, Barbara Dean, Sara Durnil, Gayle Cruickshank, Leslie Paris, Amanda Jacquart, Caitlin Bosshart, Pat Tahan
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DowntownFortCollins.com Downtown Fort Collins is a vibrant historic area of Fort Collins in the city’s central business district and cultural center hosting the majority of festivals, live music, local breweries, theater, and art galleries. The Downtown Business Association, an organization dedicated to promoting downtown and helping it thrive, produces over eighty event days a year, has sold over one million dollars in Downtown Fort Collins gift cards and advocates for downtown and its member businesses. Downtown has a strong history of quality shopping, live entertainment, brew tours, and great local restaurants. Don’t miss patio dining and the summer festival season in Downtown Fort Collins!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS February 1 First Friday featuring Gallery Walk February 14 Valentine’s Day (Come downtown for that special dinner!) February 15 Fort Collins Foodie Walk March 1 First Friday featuring Gallery Walk March 1-14 Great Plates of Downtown March 15 Fort Collins Foodie Walk March 16 Lucky Joe’s St Patrick’s Day Parade April 5 First Friday featuring Gallery Walk April 19 & 20 FoCoMX April 19 Fort Collins Foodie Walk
Proud Supporters Of Your Downtown Businesses
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DowntownFortCollins.com GIFT CARDS ARE THE PERFECT GIFT! Good at over 125 downtown businesses accept Downtown Gift Cards! Tasty restaurants, unique boutique shopping, live entertainment, art galleries, all in a historic setting! These gift cards available at the Downtown Visitors Center and Cache Bank and Trust or by calling 970-484-6500.
Downtown events happen all year round, but a few big festivals coming up in early in 2013 are: Great Plates of Downtown – Over 30 fabulous downtown restaurants offer amazing evening dining specials for a full two weeks to show off their specialties! In addition to great dining experiences it generates nearly $15,000 for the Food Bank for Larimer County. Lucky Joe’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – This event is one of the oldest in Downtown Fort Collins. Over eighty entries each year share their community spirit and Irish flair with this traditional parade. Thousands of fans line the streets of Downtown for a chance to be a part of the local community excitement and cheer on the entry with the most Irish flair. FoCoMX: The Fort Collins Music Experiment offers over 300 local and northern Colorado bands all in one weekend! If you love music and want to come check out the vibrant music scene around town in cool local venues this is a perfect and affordable way to experience it! Turn up the volume on local music! The Fort Collins Foodie Walk is a self-guided walk that occurs each month and will feature new presentations, tasting opportunities, and themes each month. Who is a foodie? Foodies are people who simply love food for consumption, study, preparation, and recreation. Foodies wish to learn everything about food, the best and the ordinary, and take in the science, industry, history, and characters surrounding food. Culinary shops in Downtown Fort Collins focus on unique quality ingredients, locally sourced and organic produce in their shops. The Fort Collins Foodie Walk offers a way for people to explore and enjoy the world of food and spices!
MORE INFO AT
DowntownFortCollins.com
Proud Media Supporters Of Your Downtown Businesses northern colorado
Style 2013
MEDICAL W E L L N E S S &
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M C K E E P R E S E N T S . . . a G AT S B Y G A L A November 3 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland A superb evening greeted more than 300 business owners, physicians, community leaders and McKee Foundation supporters at this Roaring Twenties celebration presented by The Friends of the Hospital. Guests, many dressed in “Great Gatsby” attire, enjoyed specially prepared delicacies, period dance demonstration, a live auction, Prohibition-style casino games and much more. The McKee Philanthropy Award was also presented to Cindy Guldy for her dedication to the McKee Foundation. More than $91,000 was raised to benefit the Stepping Stones Adult Day Program at McKee Medical Center. Photos courtesy of Steve Glass Photography.
Angel Hoffman, Sam Betters
Bert & Joyce Honea
Bonnie & Rick Sutton
Jim & Mary McCambridge, Debbie & Harry Devereaux
Sharon & Bill Sheets
Mary & Larry Atchison
Norm & Carol Rehme
HOOPLA FOR HOPE November 8 :: Marriott :: Fort Collins Disco dancing, including hand moves from Saturday Night Fever, took center stage at the 3rd annual Hoopla for Hope Benefit. More than 175 guests, many dressed in true ‘70s fashions, gathered to enjoy a high-energy evening. The event included silent and live auctions, costume contests, dance lessons and a dance contest, and even a surprise flash mob performance by The Matthews House staff. More than $15,000 was raised to benefit The Matthews House and their programs to help youth and families in transition to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. Photos courtesy of Craig Vollmer Photography.
Anetria Cane, Shawna Sanderson, Lisa Chandler, Marie Beck, Tom Chandler
Nick & Kim Sulkowski, Isis DiLoreti, Deb Alles, John & Tasha Runkles, Joyce & Daryle Dickens
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Rick & Kristen Stouffer
Cathy & Mark Rotman
Jason McCaskell , Timiry Krieger
Lydia’s STYLE Magazine
Matt Gebhardt, Kevin Foley, Joe Gebhardt Kevin was the winner of the raffle for a 2-year lease on a 2012 Subaru Outback
Lou & Ingrid Bush
Dave & Mindy McCloughan
Nathan & Marialena Fronczak, Molly & Craig Secher
Parks Huffstetler, Jerri Howe, Laura Gippert Style 2013
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3 0 T H A N N U A L R E S P I T E C A R E H O L I D AY B A L L November 17 :: Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center :: Loveland The 30th Annual Respite Care Holiday Ball was truly a magical evening of “Glimmer and Giving.” Evening festivities for the nearly 825 guests in attendance included a champagne bar, silent and live auctions, a video presentation about Respite Care’s 30 years of service and much more. The Holiday Ball raised a record $255,000 for Respite Care and their programs to provide short term care to children with developmental disabilities and respite to their families, enhancing the quality of life for the entire family. Respite Care currently serves over 130 families in Larimer County and provides nearly 50,000 hours of care annually. Photos courtesy of Clear Image Photography and Maurice Perea.
Roula Spanos, Douglas Beard, Lindsey Beard, Donna & Donald Beard
Josh & Ryann Hodge, Leann Massey
Kristin Brinkman, Chris Burns
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Ashlee Baumgaurt, Carrie & Eric Baumgaurt, Doug & Claudelle Greer, Cindy & Greg DeGroot Doug & Claudelle were the raffle winners of the 2012 Honda Civic
Deanna & Jack McCrery
Illeane & Stan Podolski
Phil & Ashley McNeal, Chuck & Terry McNeal, Anna & Jorge Becerra
Jeff Montgomery, Marnie Long
John & Jen Houska
Laird & Patti Thomas
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R E A L I T I T E S F O R C H I L D R E N charities N I G H T L I G H T S C E L E B R AT I O N December 1 :: First Presbyterian Church Front Lawn :: Fort Collins The 15th anniversary of NightLights brought out more than 1,000 families, business owners and community members to support brightening the lives of abused and neglected local children. Children’s voices filled the night air as attendees enjoyed hot drinks and delicious desserts and awaited the lighting of the 50-foot tall, one-of-a-kind NightLights Tree with over 25,000 blue and white LED lights and the faces of children illuminated. More than $100,000 was raised for Realities for Children Charities Emergency Fund to serve local youth who have been abused, neglected or are at-risk. The Fund served 2,200 children in December alone. Photos courtesy of Mostly Harmless Photography.
Craig Secher, Amy Hoeven, Matt Shoup with Riley, Randy DeMario, Kermit Allard
Back Row - Bill & Kathy See, Sandra Stille, Vicki Diehl, Patrick Dooney, Brett Diehl, Geoffrey Diehl, Albert Ahuna-Hamill, Marissa DeMario, Tony DeMario, Bailey Skiba, Bob Heath, Daunine Heath Front Row - Molly & Craig Secher, (Baby) Lyric Dooney, Andrea Ruibal, Cole Slaydon, Linda Ahuna-Hamill, Randy & Jennifer DeMario Style 2013
Back-Julie Higman, Evangelena Higman, Maleah Higman. Front - Paul Higman, Anna Higman, Dietrich Higman
Back - Larry Meyer, Nii & Rosa Martey. Front - Grace Meyer, Rowan Martey
Aimee & Jeff Jensen with Cassy & Sashai
Christy Hartman, Kate Hartman, Heidi Jensen, Mark Bosley
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