“You can step out your door and be right where you want to play… A bike and a good pair of shoes and you can pretty much do anything you want.”
-Owner Chris Wasik

You probably won’t find a better value than a rowhouse in South Main, and the recently-completed Wasik home illustrates this perfectly. Neighbored on one side by the Herzer Rowhouse and on the other by 1010 River Park Road, the two attached walls of a rowhouse such as this translate to a lower cost-per-square-foot and an enhanced investment value; the total budget (including land) for a 2-bed, 2.5 bath rowhouse like the Wasiks’ starts in the high $200,000s (view our rowhouse lots, starting at $80,000).

“If it weren’t for the rowhouse option, we wouldn’t have been able to do it,” owner Chris Wasik told me. “You can buy properties elsewhere in the area for less, but you’re not getting the same quality, the location or the river. You can step out your door and be right where you want to play. You practically don’t even need a rental car if you can get from the airport; a bike and a good pair of shoes and you can pretty much do anything you want.” Hiking, biking and recreational kayaking are the Wasiks’ favorite outdoor activities.

For the Wasiks, who live near West Palm Beach, Florida, the fact that a rowhouse on River Park Road ‘penciled out’ as a good investment sealed the deal. “The stock market has been so-so at best in terms of investment alternatives,” said Chris. “We believe in what South Main is doing, we like what South Main is doing. Especially being in on the front end…. as a general rule, it’s always better to be in on the front end of a development from an appreciation perspective.” Chris also plans to have the home ready as a vacation rental for the summer high season, a time when South Main Vacation Rentals have very strong occupancy.

And then of course, there is the emotional piece of the equation, which runs deep for the Wasiks. Chris used the words “love” and “beautiful” frequently in referring to Buena Vista and the surrounding area. “The area is just absolutely beautiful, I love it. I have to keep stopping and looking out the window, reminding myself to stop and enjoy it. It’s kind of an undiscovered gem… I keep wondering why there aren’t more people there,” Chris said, adding that he likes it that way.

The home itself is a classic 2-bedroom Kenny Craft design, with a floorplan similar to 910 South Main Street. For a 1280-square-foot home, the first floor is full of light from the south-facing windows and feels very open and social, with a nice black granite breakfast bar and a powder room featuring a unique granite sink. “Having two attached walls goes really far in making the home economical” Kenny told me. With 20 feet of street frontage, features like the balcony and river rock foundation detail are still affordable within a budget like this.

With two kids in college and one already graduated, Chris and Susan Wasik hope to retire to Buena Vista, but for now they’re content to have a vacation home in an “ideal location” which they can rent when they’re not around. “It’s far enough from the city to be small town, but close enough to ‘get your Costco fix.’ I walked it off,” said Chris, “and we’re 100 steps to the bank of the river… you can’t beat that.” We couldn’t agree more. Welcome to the neighborhood, Wasiks!

We don’t want you to Miss the Boat, so we’re offering a totally awesome Buena Vista, Colorado lodging package for the January 28th River Park Fundraiser with Grammy-Nominated Missed the Boat! More about this energetic, Rocky-grass band below, but first the details:
 
 
 
 

FREE Admission for 2 plus 15% Off Your Stay of 2+ Nights* with South Main Vacation Rentals

FREE Admission for 2 with a 1 Night Stay on January 28th** with South Main Vacation Rentals

Choose Your Rental >>>

Starting at $125/nt for a 1-bed and $150/nt for a 2-bed. Full kitchens, free wireless, complimentary Organic Coffee to get you going Sunday AM…

Once you’ve picked your rental call us at 719-395-4714 to take advantage of this great package!
 


*Your stay must include the night of January 28th, otherwise you’d really be missing the boat
**We don’t usually allow 1 night stays, so this is pretty cool anyway. Plus free admission for two, plus split a sweet 2 or 3-bed home with your friends and you’ve got a most excellent weekend on your hands

Now for more about the show and the band…. First, check out the video and recap of their awesome show last winter:

from the Chaffee County Times’ excellent new(ish) reporter Casey Kelly.

Missed the Boat to return to BV

By CASEY KELLY Times Staff Writer

Missed the Boat, a Grammy-nominated bluegrass band from Steamboat Springs, will bring its Rocky-Mountain-inspired tunes to the Asian Palette Jan. 28, to benefit the Buena Vista Whitewater Project.

The concert will last from 8:30 p.m. until midnight. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance. Advance tickets can be purchased from the Colorado Kayak Supply Warehouse at 105 Antero Circle or at The South Main Office at 901 South Main St.

The band has played the past two years at the Collegiate Peaks Music Festival, and played a similar show last year in support of the Whitewater Project.

“They are a super-talented band and great guys,” said Bobby Kuepper of Colorado Kayak Supply, who has worked with the band in past years at the musical festival….

Read More>>>

With 2012 upon us, we invite you to come find your place in South Main. Seriously, there will never be a better time to buy. Here’s why.

1) If you like South Main now, this place is going to blow your mind in 5-10 years.

Now is your chance to get in early on what will soon become one of the great destinations in Colorado. As cool as the neighborhood is today, we’re just getting started! Imagine strolling a block from your home to a romantic meal or live music overlooking the river. Think how wonderful it is that your kids or grand kids will have a free-range upbringing, running a few doors down to their friends house or fun at the park, walking safely to school and growing up close to nature. Health and happiness are yours with adventures like fishing, hiking and mountain biking at your fingertips, a whitewater rafting trip or a work out at the climbing gym just around the corner.

2) A home here will never be more affordable.

You can rest assured that we have the financial ability to weather these economic times. Our current prices are at or near cost and will rise as the neighborhood becomes more complete and vibrant. In the words of renowned New Urbanist Dan Burden, “Once I started walking and photographing South Main Street in Buena Vista, Colorado, I realized that this place… with only 30* homes built, is going to give Seaside a run for its money.” Seaside was the original New Urbanist development and was certainly a good investment for early buyers. Home values now range from $1-5 Million.

*There are now 40 residential units and 10 commercial spaces built.

4) Big money is betting on a housing rebound.

5) Buying now in Phase 1 is better than waiting for Phase 2.

When you buy in Phase 1, you’ll be one of the last on your block to build, limiting your time living in a construction zone. Street trees are mature, your neighbors are already awaiting your arrival, and you don’t have to wait for others to come along to live on a completed block.

6) If you want to be in Phase 1, the pickings are getting slim.

If you want a detached home, there are only 3 lots left (1107 River Park Rd, 701 Buzz Blvd and 700 Buzz Blvd). If you want a live-work or rowhouse on South Main Street, 3 sites remain, and if you want a 3-bedroom rowhouse on River Park Road, there’s only one more lot available.

7) You’re not getting any younger and life is too short to wait!

Seriously though, life here is amazing today, and do you really want to postpone living your dreams any longer? We are like a fine wine and get better with age. With traditional neighborhoods, the more homes and businesses that get built, the more beautiful, vibrant and valuable the neighborhood will become. This means that the longer you wait, the more you will have to pay to become a part of this world-class neighborhood. Come stay in a Vacation Rental and take a tour with us to find your place in South Main. Happy New Year!

Listings offered by Andre Spino-Smith and Dustin Urban of South Main Realty.

“It was predominantly the collapse of the car-dependent suburban fringe that caused the mortgage collapse… Simply put, there has been a profound structural shift — a reversal of what took place in the 1950s, when drivable suburbs boomed and flourished as center cities emptied and withered.”

So says Christopher B. Leinberger in his recent New York Times Op-Ed, Death of the Fringe Suburb. While the Great Recession has been painful for many, it is cause for hope that “there is great pent-up demand for walkable, centrally located neighborhoods,” and that real estate “in the high-density, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods of the center city and inner suburbs” is now the most valuable, on average.

Read “Death of the Fringe Suburb” on The New York Times.

In 2009 the first annual Artwalk was a grassroots event started a handful of neighbors in South Main. It was a popular and beautiful evening (check out the photo gallery here). Last year the event expanded to include spaces and activities outside of South Main as well, once again making for some great photos. This year, get ready for best and biggest Artwalk yet, taking place all over Buena Vista!

The 3^rd Annual Holiday Artwalk will take place on December 16, 17, 18 and there’s sure to be activities, shopping, and music to interest everyone! Existing galleries and other business throughout town, have scheduled special art displays, stories, poetry readings, and music during this time.

Started by a handful of neighbors in South Main in 2009, the Holiday Artwalk expanded last year to include a couple more places on East Main.  This year every business thought to be pertinent was invited to participate, including stores and studios on West Main, all the way through East Main, to all the businesses on South Main.  A map will be printed and available to visitors and art enthusiasts at the different venues by Friday, 16. Participating businesses and spaces include: Rock Run Gallery, Sundance and Friends, Eddyline Brewpub, Mountain Bohemian, South Main Neighborhood, The Clocktower, Mother’s and Daughter’s Bistro, Jailhouse Gallery, BV Roastery, Fannin Art Pottery, Courtyard Gallery, AVAC artists at the Community Center, The Asian Palate, Sonflower Books, Natural Mystic Wellness Center, Serendipity Yarn and Gifts, The Book Nook, and Lee Lester Studio.

While many businesses have extended their regular hours into Friday and Saturday evenings until 8:30 and beyond, the main holiday activities are planned for Saturday starting at 3:00. Here is the rundown: On Saturday, Santa Claus will fly into Buena Vista for a stop at the Community Center Pinion Room, and willing to see children from 3-5pm. Christmas Caroling will begin at the Town Hall at 4:15 and stroll its way to the Community Center where there will be a tree lighting and story at 5:00, followed by hot chocolate and a bell choir performance inside. Visit the art galleries, book stores, gift shops, restaurants, and other locations throughout the weekend. Special Keepsake Christmas ornaments are being made by local children and on display in most of the venues. Please take time to appreciate those too! Afterparties of music, with light food and drink are planned starting at 8:30pm.

Click to Enlarge

Buena Vista’s Christmas opening is always a fun way to kick off the holidays. Come check it out! An Equine Parade, Chocolate Walk, Festival of Trees, Parade of Lights and much more all are on tap for this Saturday, December 3rd. Click the flyer to the left for more details, and check out this video for highlights from previous years. See you there!

If you know my wife Katie, then you’re probably aware that she brings a certain energy and initiative to life… in other words, she’s a real “go-getter.” This was on full display when she 1) had 3 chicks living in the guest shower within 2 days of making up her mind that we should get them, and 2) made the coop you see pictured here her first real building project and successfully designed and completed it on her own with lightning speed (I, for one, was baffled).

Add to that the fact that the coop was built in full compliance with South Main’s architectural review standards. After all, “the principles apply at all scales” in the words of her brother Jed.

We now enjoy 3 fresh eggs each day, courtesy of Foxy, Luna and Pacha, who have the run of the garden and yard now that growing season is over. They’re fun for the kids, and all it takes is a heat lamp to keep them warm at night (which also creates an interesting effect for photos).

Mountain Bohemian, a lifestyle boutique at 900 South Main Street, is hosting a 2-day designer jean sale not to be missed! This Friday and Saturday, November 25th and 26th, head to MoBo to get up to 50% off denim brands like Miss Chic, Flying Monkey, Bill Canyon, LA Idol, Machine and many more (see the flyer for the full list). And be sure to ‘like’ MoBo on Facebook.

Also shop locally in South Main this Black Friday at Rock Run Gallery (next door to MoBo and holding a 1,2,3 sale) and Sundance and Friends (1111 River Park Road, across the street from Eddyline Brewpub). Let’s be thankful this week for all the wonderful local retail springing up in in BV!

The growing number of great new businesses on Main Street over last few years here in Buena Vista has been very exciting see. Now the Buena Vista Roastery has added to the selection with a gorgeous new space featuring an impressive array of fresh baked goods made daily on-site in addition to their high-altitude coffees roasted on-site. BV Mayor Joel Benson and his wife Laurie Benson own the business; I caught up with Laurie on their opening morning.

“Ever since we bought the Roastery, we’ve had a dream of creating a really cool space for the community… This will give people a place to hang out, gather and have fun.”

Asked about the food on offer, Laurie listed bagels and an assortment of cream cheeses, empanadas, cookies, muffins, and seasonal pastries. They are also working on a beer and wine license and will begin to stay open until about 10pm around the holidays. Desserts and live music will also be on tap for the evenings.

They have only been open a couple weeks now, but the new Roastery space has already become a favorite local hang out. The freshly-made baked goods come highly recommended, as do their breakfast burritos and gluten-free breakfast tacos. And wash it all down this holiday season with an egg nog latte. See you there!

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We’re excited to have the next South Main Building Company home under construction at 908 South Main Street. Gary and Rosemary Waldorf, along with their two sons, are building a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath masonry home which comes in at an efficient 1,570 square feet. “Rose and I have been coming to BV for many years because of my brother Bill, who is one of the developers of Game Trail [a development West of Buena Vista],” Gary told me. “South Main is a long-term vision in a challenging environment. Talking to Jed it became apparent that [the developers] have settled in for the long term… I can see BV being a place you  would want to raise a family… For me the excitement and commitment on Jed’s part was the clincher.”

The Waldorfs live in Meadowmont– a Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) like South Main in Chapel Hill, North Carolina– so the concept of building in a New Urbanist neighborhood came easily to them. In fact, “Rosemary was Mayor of Chapel Hill for three terms, and during her tenure the area’s first TND was proposed…. She immediately became a big fan… So we’re very comfortable with the idea of mixed-use development.”

The home they have designed with South Main Building Company, meanwhile, draws inspiration from other homes in the neighborhood. “Steel porch columns and railings with masonry-stucco construction and arched window openings are similar to details on the Selby Live-Work and Selby Home,” designer Kenny Craft told me. The custom front door is nine feet tall and made from reclaimed wood. So the exterior will have the raw steel and raw reclaimed wood look going. The interior will be similar in style as well, with mixed, reclaimed softwood floors and details like a steel railing at the bottom of the staircase, similar to the one in the Herzer home.

“Chaffee County is just a really, really special place with its North-South orientation and the 14ers on one side,”  says Gary. “Our 28-year-old son Ben is a pro fly fishermen, and we were looking for a place with all the outdoor amenities.”

“We’re not the kind of people who want to do anything ‘Aspeny’… we were really looking for the “un-Aspen”. We’re really happy that BV is a working town… that’s really what we wanted.”