In today’s real estate landscape, many Denver homeowners are asking the question: Is renovating your home truly a smart investment? The data and trends suggest a clear answer—yes. Not only are renovations enhancing lifestyle and functionality, but they are also delivering strong returns by adapting homes to modern needs without the costs and upheaval of relocation.
A report found by Instant Roofer reveals that Denver homeowners are the biggest spenders in renovation projects in the US. Residents and homeowners have been notably investing more than the national average,especially in room conversions or home additions. Sustainable Design Build has noticed this shift in homeowners sentiment in the recent year or so. Families and households are looking for more space and upgrading their home since moving and homebuying is not as attractive as it used to be in the past. Many homeowners find it more accessible to build up on their home or build out – by tapping into their home’s equity and more, families are still able to achieve luxury custom homes without uprooting and losing out on many qualities they love about their existing home.
If you’re planning a kitchen remodel, bathroom renovation, home addition, or even building a custom home, cabinetry is one of the most critical—and exciting—elements to design. At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we know that the right cabinet dimensions do more than improve aesthetics. They enhance function, optimize storage, and transform how you experience your home every day.
When people think of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), affordable housing or modest guest quarters often come to mind. But at Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we’re redefining what an ADU can be.
In May 2024, a quiet email introduction between Jessica Brody, General Counsel of Denver Water, and Tim Aragon, top legal counsel for the Denver Broncos, set the stage for a year-long series of strategic discussions that may reshape the heart of Denver. Over the past thirteen months, top executives from Colorado’s oldest water utility and the Denver Broncos organization have been in steady contact, joined at times by key city leaders including Mayor Mike Johnston’s chief of staff and Denver’s chief projects officer.
In a string of secretive real estate transactions around Denver’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, buyers have been scooping up industrial properties near the Burnham Yard railyard. Sellers like Shannon McCabe and Tim Armitage have reported being kept in the dark about the identities of the purchasers, with legal intermediaries handling the deals and non-disclosure agreements in place. These transactions, which include at least 13 properties totaling over $150 million, have raised speculation due to their volume, secrecy, and rapid pace.
In a string of secretive real estate transactions around Denver’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, buyers have been scooping up industrial properties near the Burnham Yard railyard. Sellers like Shannon McCabe and Tim Armitage have reported being kept in the dark about the identities of the purchasers, with legal intermediaries handling the deals and non-disclosure agreements in place. These transactions, which include at least 13 properties totaling over $150 million, have raised speculation due to their volume, secrecy, and rapid pace.
As the City and County of Denver prepares to introduce new policy changes within its Permitting Office, leadership is undergoing a significant transition. Brad Buchanan, former head of Denver’s Community Planning and Development under Mayor Michael Hancock, has been appointed as the interim planning director by Mayor Mike Johnston. Buchanan currently serves as the CEO of the National Western Center Authority and will continue in that role while guiding the city’s planning department. His return follows the resignation of planning director Manish Kumar, who stepped down after just 13 months, stating he had completed his intended goals for the department.
In an exciting move that signals major change for construction in the city, Denver has launched a new Permitting Office aimed at cutting through red tape and dramatically improving the experience of those seeking to build or renovate within city limits. Introduced by Mayor Mike Johnston and launched in May, the Denver Permitting Office (DPO) now enforces a 180-day approval timeline for permits—backed by a refund pledge of up to $10,000 if the city fails to meet its deadlines. While much of the initial coverage highlighted the benefits for large-scale commercial development, the real game-changer lies in how these reforms also open new doors for residential homeowners.
The Denver City Council has officially approved the rezoning of the historic Park Hill Golf Course, closing a prolonged chapter in one of Denver’s most complex development sagas. This rezoning transforms the 155-acre site from private open space—its designation when operating as a private golf course—into public open space. This change enables the land to serve a broader purpose: becoming Denver’s fourth-largest park, accessible to all city residents.
Custom cabinetry is a foundational element in luxury home design, offering the highest level of personalization, craftsmanship, and function. Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen, bath, or creating built-ins for living spaces, understanding the basics of custom cabinetry will help you make confident, informed choices.
Brad Buchanan, a seasoned leader in Denver’s urban development landscape, has once again stepped into the role of interim director for Denver’s Community Planning and Development (CPD) department. This development comes right after the somewhat sudden departure of Denver’s previous director, Manish Kumar, who held the role for just over a year.
The City of Littleton is taking a transformative step in addressing Colorado’s housing needs by moving forward with an ordinance to permit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) across all residential zones. Spurred by the recent passage of Colorado House Bill 24-1152, which mandates statewide ADU allowances, this change aligns with the city’s long-term goals outlined in the Envision Littleton Comprehensive Plan. Littleton ADUs—also known as “granny flats” or “in-law suites”—offer a self-contained living space on the same lot as a primary residence, and are increasingly seen as vital tools to accommodate intergenerational families, support aging in place, and create affordable housing options.
A new Whole Foods Market is coming to Denver’s Central Park neighborhood — a 40,000-square-foot grocery store planned for the corner of Central Park Boulevard and 40th Avenue. This development marks a significant milestone for northeast Denver, especially as it brings a nationally recognized grocer into an area already experiencing strong residential and commercial momentum.
A new Whole Foods Market is coming to Denver’s Central Park neighborhood — a 40,000-square-foot grocery store planned for the corner of Central Park Boulevard and 40th Avenue. This development marks a significant milestone for northeast Denver, especially as it brings a nationally recognized grocer into an area already experiencing strong residential and commercial momentum.
Recent data confirms it. According to a 2024 Colorado Polling Institute survey, about 50% of Denver residents own at least one dog, and 68% report having some kind of pet. Compare that with just 20% of residents raising children under eighteen, and it’s clear who’s really running the city. With an estimated 160,000 dogs in the city—more than Denver’s under-18 human population—it’s no surprise that the Mile High City regularly ranks near the top of “most dog-friendly” lists.
In today’s fast-paced world of home remodeling, many homeowners looking for clean, modern cabinetry turn to mass-market options like IKEA. The appeal is obvious: sleek designs, accessible pricing, and fast availability. But when it comes to lasting value, tailored fit, and luxury design, stock cabinetry can quickly fall short.
In today’s fast-paced world of home remodeling, many homeowners looking for clean, modern cabinetry turn to mass-market options like IKEA. The appeal is obvious: sleek designs, accessible pricing, and fast availability. But when it comes to lasting value, tailored fit, and luxury design, stock cabinetry can quickly fall short.
Wheat Ridge is quietly becoming one of the most compelling neighborhoods in the Denver metro area. Tucked along the city’s western edge, this once-sleepy suburb is now experiencing a wave of thoughtful development that balances character, charm, and community growth. One of the latest signs of this transformation is the $15.8 million purchase of Gold’s Marketplace by local investor Tucker Manion of CentrePoint Properties. His investment in this mid-century shopping center isn’t just a bet on retail—it’s a vote of confidence in Wheat Ridge’s future.
At Sustainable Design Build, we believe every square foot of your property holds potential and the ability to become whatever you need. Accessory Dwelling Units or ADUs are a unique custom home construction project that unlocks a variety of uses and functionality for a home. These custom home buildings are versatile, high-value additions to your home that can serve far beyond traditional guest suites, family extensions, and rentals. ADUs in the last few years have become a growing focal point in the Denver neighborhoods – giving inspiration to homeowners to maximize their property’s functionality and value. With increasing access and policy changes in Denver, ADUs are becoming more available and affordable to build. With that, SDB has seen some very impressive pitches into what clients have envisioned for their very own Accessory Dwelling Units.
As Memorial Day weekend approaches, it marks more than just a long-awaited break or the unofficial start of summer—it signals a shift in how we live, gather, and enjoy our homes. The warmer weather, longer days, and the return of outdoor entertaining awaken something in all of us: a desire to refresh, expand, and enhance the spaces we call home.
Sustainable Design Build has been providing Denver and the surrounding metro area with experienced and knowledgeable services towards building homes, remodeling interiors, creating home additions and of course constructing ADUs. Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, have come up in a growing trend across the city where homeowners are seeking to build a separate accessory home that can be perfect for a number of uses. For SDB, Denver residents have had the primary interest in building ADUs, but there are many regulations and roadblocks that can stop a project from beginning. The same can be said for any municipality, just like Arvada. At Sustainable Design Build, we are committed to helping Arvada homeowners navigate the ADU building process so that a smooth and streamlined building experience is provided.
In November 2022, Denver voters approved the “Waste No More” ordinance (Initiated Ordinance 306), mandating comprehensive recycling and composting practices across various sectors, including construction and demolition (C&D) projects. This initiative aims to significantly reduce landfill waste and promote sustainable building practices throughout the city.
Denver’s parks and recreation department wants the former Park Hill golf Course to open as a park this Summer. Following Denver City Council’s decision to approve a land swap agreement on Monday, Westside Investment Partners and the city will deliver a new regional park for the surrounding community.
Back in March of 2025, Denver announced that it was looking into building a stadium that would seat 14,500 for a National Women’s Soccer League over at Santa Fe Yards near Broadway and I-25. The latest update reveals that a majority of Denver City Council Members support the project and vision to bring the stadium to fruition. But there is still a long way to go to figuring out the details, logistics, and more.
The Denver City Council has officially approved a significant land swap that marks a major turning point in the long-debated future of the Park Hill Golf Course. In a unanimous vote on Monday afternoon, councilmembers gave the green light to exchange 145 acres of land near 56th Avenue and Powhaton Road—located just south of Denver International Airport—for the 155-acre former golf course along Colorado Boulevard.
Cooling off in Denver’s Five Points neighborhood will remain a challenge for the next few summers. The pool at Mestizo-Curtis Park, Denver’s oldest park, has been closed since 2023 and isn’t expected to reopen until 2027. Built in the 1950s, the pool and bathhouse are overdue for replacement, and city officials say the current facilities no longer meet community needs.
The City of Denver is moving forward with a landmark plan to transform the former Park Hill Golf Course into a large public park through a land swap agreement with Westside Investment Partners. This decision follows years of legal and political battles over the site’s future, with strong public support favoring the preservation of open space. Under the proposed agreement, the city would trade a similarly valued parcel near Denver International Airport to gain control of the 155-acre property, paving the way for rezoning, park planning, and eventual development. While the initiative represents a major investment in green infrastructure and community recreation, city officials are also weighing concerns about potential gentrification and displacement in surrounding neighborhoods.
For years, builders across Denver have echoed a familiar sentiment: permitting takes too long, costs too much, and lacks consistency. It’s a reality that Sustainable Design Build (SDB) knows all too well. Since 2016, SDB has been helping homeowners across the Front Range turn their visions into custom homes, additions, and ADUs—but often while waiting months (even close to a year) for permits to be approved.
The City of Denver is moving forward with a landmark plan to transform the former Park Hill Golf Course into a large public park through a land swap agreement with Westside Investment Partners. This decision follows years of legal and political battles over the site’s future, with strong public support favoring the preservation of open space. Under the proposed agreement, the city would trade a similarly valued parcel near Denver International Airport to gain control of the 155-acre property, paving the way for rezoning, park planning, and eventual development. While the initiative represents a major investment in green infrastructure and community recreation, city officials are also weighing concerns about potential gentrification and displacement in surrounding neighborhoods.
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