The Rising Cost of Building a New Home in Denver

The Rising Cost of Building a New Home in Denver

When considering building a new home in Denver, most people expect the largest expenses to come from land, labor, and materials. Yet, a fourth factor — development fees charged by local governments — has become a significant cost driver, pushing prices higher for new home construction. A recent study by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver found that these fees account for more than 10% of the total cost of a single-family home (Svaldi, 2025).

Denver’s Rock Drill Redevelopment: A Vision for Preservation and Progress

Denver’s Rock Drill Redevelopment: A Vision for Preservation and Progress

Redevelopment in Denver continues to reshape neighborhoods while balancing preservation with innovation. A recent decision by the Denver City Council highlights this balance as the former Denver Rock Drill Manufacturing Co. site prepares for a $585 million transformation into a vibrant mixed-use development (Wenzler, 2025). For residents and design enthusiasts, projects like these illustrate how thoughtful planning, historic preservation, and modern design can coexist to strengthen community identity.

Bow Mar: Denver’s Exclusive Lakeside Suburb

Bow Mar: Denver’s Exclusive Lakeside Suburb

Just twelve miles southwest of downtown Denver lies Bow Mar, a one-square-mile statutory town nestled between Denver and Littleton. Recently profiled by The Wall Street Journal and highlighted by Westword, the community has been described as a “well-kept secret” and a “mythical land” where children fish in the neighborhood lake and residents live with such a sense of security that curtains and blinds often seem unnecessary (Metzger, 2025).

Wynkoop Crossing: Building on Denver’s Bold Vision at Ball Arena

Wynkoop Crossing: Building on Denver’s Bold Vision at Ball Arena

Sustainable Design Build has been closely following the Ball Arena redevelopment since City Council’s approval in late 2024. In its article Ball Arena Redevelopment Approved By City of Denver, the firm detailed how Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) secured rezoning for approximately 70 acres surrounding the arena. The approval opened the door for mixed-use development that could bring up to 6,000 residential units — 18 percent of which are planned as affordable housing — along with taller buildings beyond the city’s traditional view plane restrictions and a strong emphasis on sustainable, people-centric urban design. Sustainable Design Build Denver continues to highlight how these changes are shaping the future of the city’s urban landscape. Sustainable Design Build Denver

A Rare Midcentury Gem in Belcaro Up for Landmark Status

A Rare Midcentury Gem in Belcaro Up for Landmark Status

A modest-looking bungalow at 510 S. Garfield Street in Denver’s Belcaro neighborhood is under consideration for landmark designation, potentially shielding it from demolition. While its exterior appears ordinary, the interior showcases a rare and remarkably preserved example of Usonian architecture—a midcentury style pioneered by Frank Lloyd Wright in the 1930s to bring modern design to middle-class homes.

Wash Park Church Demolition Opens Neighborhood and Homes for Growth

Wash Park Church Demolition Opens Neighborhood and Homes for Growth

The story unfolding at 400 S. Williams Street in Denver’s historic Washington Park neighborhood is more than just a preservation effort — it’s a reflection of a broader conversation happening across the city. Residents are becoming increasingly invested in the future of their neighborhoods, the architectural character of their streets, and the legacy they leave behind.

Broncos Eye Burnham Yard, Sparking Possibilities for Urban Growth

Broncos Eye Burnham Yard, Sparking Possibilities for Urban Growth

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.

Bonnie Brae Tavern Torn Down For New Multifamily Development

Bonnie Brae Tavern Torn Down For New Multifamily Development

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.

Broncos buying around possible Denver stadium site

Broncos buying around possible Denver stadium site

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.

Park Hill Golf Course Rezoning Passed

Park Hill Golf Course Rezoning Passed

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.

The Basics of Custom Cabinetry

The Basics of Custom Cabinetry

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.

Former Denver Planning and Development Chief Returns

Former Denver Planning and Development Chief Returns

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.

Central Park’s Growth Signals New Opportunity

Central Park’s Growth Signals New Opportunity

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.

Denver’s Dog -First Culture Grows—Is Your Home Keeping Up?

Denver’s Dog -First Culture Grows—Is Your Home Keeping Up?

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.

Gold’s Marketplace Development in Wheat Ridge is Shaping a New Kind of Community

Gold’s Marketplace Development in Wheat Ridge is Shaping a New Kind of Community

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.

Denver Council Approves $70 Million Women’s Soccer Stadium Deal

Denver Council Approves $70 Million Women’s Soccer Stadium Deal

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.

Denver City Council Approves Park Hill Golf Course Land Swap

Denver City Council Approves Park Hill Golf Course Land Swap

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.

Mestizo-Curtis Park Pool Revamp Highlights Growth and Opportunity in Five Points

Mestizo-Curtis Park Pool Revamp Highlights Growth and Opportunity in Five Points

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.

From Park Hill Dave to Park Hill Development: Denver’s Neighborhoods Are Changing—Are You Ready to Build?

From Park Hill Dave to Park Hill Development: Denver’s Neighborhoods Are Changing—Are You Ready to Build?

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.

What Denver’s New Permitting Reform Means for Custom Home Builders and Homeowners

What Denver’s New Permitting Reform Means for Custom Home Builders and Homeowners

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.

What Executive Order 151 Means for Homeowners Ready to Build in Denver

What Executive Order 151 Means for Homeowners Ready to Build in Denver

With this bold new direction—Executive Order 151—Denver is promising more than words. The city is actively restructuring how construction permits are reviewed, processed, and approved. And for residents planning to build a custom home, home addition, ADU, or undertake any large residential construction project, this could be the turning point we’ve all been waiting for.

Designing Smarter, Building Faster: How Executive Order 151 Enhances Your Custom Home Experience with Sustainable Design Build

Designing Smarter, Building Faster: How Executive Order 151 Enhances Your Custom Home Experience with Sustainable Design Build

In the world of custom homebuilding, timing is everything. From first sketches to final finishes, every step depends on a carefully managed sequence of events. Unfortunately, Denver’s notoriously slow permitting process has long disrupted that flow, throwing off timelines, inflating budgets, and causing frustration for homeowners and builders alike.

Elevate Your Home’s Interior Design with Custom Window Trims

Elevate Your Home’s Interior Design with Custom Window Trims

When it comes to crafting a beautiful, cohesive home, it’s the details that make all the difference. One of the most overlooked yet impactful design elements is window trim. At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we believe your windows should do more than let in light—they should frame your space with style, intention, and craftsmanship.

Denver’s New 180-Day Permit Pledge: Why Now Is the Time to Build Your Dream Home Addition, ADU, or Custom Residence

Denver’s New 180-Day Permit Pledge: Why Now Is the Time to Build Your Dream Home Addition, ADU, or Custom Residence

If you’ve been sitting on plans for a home addition, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), or a full custom home build in Denver, now might be the perfect time to bring those dreams to life. Thanks to a bold new move by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, the city is taking serious strides to eliminate the headaches and long delays that have plagued residential construction permitting for years.

Spring Home Remodel Inspiration

Spring Home Remodel Inspiration

As the chill of winter fades and the days grow longer, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your home. With renewed energy and brighter light, it’s a natural time to consider remodeling projects that can elevate your living space. Whether you’re looking to enhance comfort, update your style, or increase functionality, here are some inspiring ideas to get your spring remodel underway.

Modern Mountain Meets Denver Living: Popular Custom Home Design Trends for 2025

Modern Mountain Meets Denver Living: Popular Custom Home Design Trends for 2025

As Denver continues to grow, so does its appetite for bold, refined, and livable custom home designs. Whether nestled into the foothills or sitting proudly in the heart of a historic neighborhood, today’s custom homes are marrying mountain-inspired materials with urban elegance, offering homeowners a sanctuary that’s both timeless and trend-forward.