Homebuilding Taken to a Whole New Level
An interview with The Pearsons
Infinity Vue Collection Homebuyers
The Pearsons had spent seven years in the Sunnyside neighborhood of Highlands in Denver, before relocating back to their native state of California in 2007. In early 2013, an employment opportunity arose that could bring them back to their beloved Denver, but they needed a home. They looked in Park Hill and Mayfair, at homes similar to what they were used to living in and renovating. Homes that had the old time charm and great architectural details they loved. They found, however, that their zest for rehabbing had dissipated as their family had grown to include two daughters, a dog, and a cat. It was time to find a low-maintenance, energy-efficient house with a modern furnace, working appliances, and updated finishes. That’s when they decided to check out Central Park.
In February 2013, they paid a visit to the sales model by Infinity Home Collection (then located in the Central Park West neighborhood of Central Park) and were blown away by the contemporary aesthetics and thoughtfulness of their designs. Construction had barely begun on the two new collections in Conservatory Green neighborhood, and a Vue model home had not yet opened, but they looked at floor plans and earlier models, working closely with the friendly and knowledgeable sales staff. “We thought the Lime model was amazing, but the Vue home looked even more incredible,” said Melinda. They took a leap of faith and went under contract that April, never having set foot in an actual model.
“We didn’t see ourselves living in a master-planned community such as Central Park, but the quick access to downtown Denver and Duane’s work, the opportunity for our children to attend great schools, and the idea of an energy-efficient, modern home won out,” Melinda stated. “I just listened to my wife,” added Duane, wise man that he is. Duane likes that he is able to commute most days by bike to the Anschutz Medical Campus, and has begun eyeing those fat-tired snow bikes for next winter’s commute.
They had done their research on schools, and knew that Central Park offered not one, but many choices for their children to attend a great elementary school. The Pearson girls, Alice and Marlo, both attend Swigert-McAuliffe International School and love spending time at the Sam Gary Library in the East 29th Avenue Town Center, especially when it is followed by dinner at Casey’s and ice cream at Coldstone Creamery!
When asked what the family enjoyed and found unique about their new neighborhood, Conservatory Green, Melinda did not hesitate to comment on the contiguous open space and parks and community gardens. Also, it was a treat to take Brooklyn relatives to see bison at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife refuge – they were amazed to find buffalo, deer, and raptors living a mere 5 minutes’ drive from our front steps!
In Prairie Basin Park, at the western edge of Conservatory Green, they have done some serious winter sledding, and were able to watch the New Year’s Eve downtown firework show. They look forward to Fourth of July this year when they’ll be able to see firework shows taking place all around them. They even have a gorgeous peek-a-boo view of Long’s Peak from their house.
Living in and around a busy construction area can be trying for many, but the Pearsons put a positive spin on it. As Duane stated, “the taco trucks take the lead as our favorite place to eat.” The Pearsons find that Sundays are the best days for family bike rides. They have noticed that construction is beginning to move east as the neighborhood expands, and soon they will be reminiscing about the “pioneer days” when Conservatory Green was a field of dirt.
The family eagerly awaits the day when soft programming can begin on Conservatory Green, and hopes for evening farmers markets, food trucks (since the taco trucks will be gone!) and any event involving beer. Conservatory Green is scheduled to be completed this summer.
Melinda joined the Conservatory Green neighborhood Facebook page and is pleased by how everyone is so connected and involved in the community. This is how she found out about the opportunity to serve on the Central Park Public Art Committee. She and a number of Central Park residents will be helping to select the next public art piece that will be installed in Uplands Park, close to Yosemite Street and 49th Place.
“Central Park is a place for people who want to know one another. Connecting with people is amplified in Central Park,” Melinda said.
Lastly, the Pearsons wanted to mention how wonderful it was to work with everyone at Infinity, from the sales team, to the project coordinators, to the designers. “They were all so responsive and conscientious,” said Melinda, “They thought of details we never would have on our own, and we absolutely love our home – especially the kitchen. I find myself gravitating towards it, and I think we eat out less than we used to just because I love to cook in it so much!”
