The decision to build one of the first homes in Conservatory Green required a leap of faith for Amber and Chanthy Na– who moved to the neighborhood four years ago. With only dirt lots and renderings to look at, they didn’t know what their home, street or neighborhood would ultimately become– and if the DNA of community would extend beyond its previous boundary. They ended up making the leap, and moving into their newly completed Wonderland Courtyard home just three days after their son Hunter was born.
“We had our eye on Conservatory Green from the time it was an unknown dirt lot with a single billboard about homes coming soon,” said Amber Na. “We were living in LoHi and knew we didn’t want to move to the suburbs but still needed a family-friendly location. Ultimately, we had to trust that the vision for the neighborhood would eventually come together, which it certainly did.”
Like so many others who ultimately move to Central Park, they looked at many older Denver neighborhoods, and while they loved the character of the homes, the quality and amount of house did not compare to what they could build new in Conservatory Green. They were inspired by the plans for the neighborhood, including the vast amount of planned green space and the vision for newer parks, pools, schools, shops and restaurants—all within walking distance from their home. They zeroed in on Wonderland because they appreciated the character of the homes as well as the price point and the quaint, family-focused courtyards perfect for their growing family. But as one of the first residents, it took some time for the vision to come to life.
“When we first moved in we had a bit of buyer’s remorse. There were not yet streetlights or neighbors in our courtyard and we weren’t sure if we had made the right decision leaving the hustle and bustle of our exciting downtown lifestyle,” said Chanthy Na. “Then, it started to come together and we began meeting and forming friendships with neighbors and kids started coming out to play. A variety of businesses and restaurants opened, community programs were added, like the MoJaBlu concerts, which we love.”
Not only did they become proud and active residents, but Chanthy’s family quickly realized that Conservatory Green neighborhood could also offer them the perfect lifestyle despite being in different life stages. Soon after they bought their lot and started building, Chanthy’s sister, brother-in-law, and their now 6 year-old son built an Infinity home a few blocks away. Then, his oldest sister and his mother built a David Weekley home in Willow Park East, within walking distance from their home.
“I love that everything about living here is easy and already built, and we don’t have to make plans or drive far to be with family and friends,” said Chanthy. “Our children now have aunts, uncles, cousins and a grandparent a stone’s throw away from us. For two working parents, that is a game changer…particularly because we have built-in babysitters!”
Both Amber and Chanthy work in the business of storytelling for local companies. Amber is the owner of Calliope Communications, a copywriting and editing business that tells stories that matter. She primarily supports women’s and children’s health, wellness and social causes, allowing her to make a positive contribution to the community through her work, which she is personally passionate about. Amber works from home, which offers an added ability to balance work and motherhood, allowing her to also raise the couple’s 5-month-old daughter, Autumn. Chanthy is the director of program operations at Bespoke Event Group, an experiential marketing agency that brings brand stories to life through meetings, incentives and events, and will be planning the upcoming Beeler Park Launch Party in September.
Explore Conservatory Green neighborhood.
On the weekends, the family enjoys swimming at Maverick Pool or taking the kids to soccer practice at the Bladium. They eat regularly at Torchy’s and Brix, and of course make the regular trips to Target and Starbucks. But their favorite thing to do is order pizza and relax with their neighbors and friends in the courtyard and just enjoy the vibrant vision that has come to life over the last four years.
“It was definitely an evolution, but now we wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Amber. “Now when we go out to dinner in LoHi we feel like outsiders and can’t wait to get back to our Conservatory Green community where it feels like home.”
The Central Park community is among Denver’s most dynamic and vibrant—filled with passionate people who believe in strong community involvement and improving the world around them. Central Park is home to an eclectic mix of growing families, young professionals, empty nesters and numerous stand-out community leaders who are making positive change throughout Denver, the region and the world.
