It’s a new year! Time to clean out the cobwebs, turn over a new leaf, think outside the box – and heed all those other sayings that exhort us to look at the world through fresh eyes.
When it comes to living arrangements, the Denver metro area is bursting with new possibilities. Those yearning for something different will find many innovative alternative housing options to consider.
Here’s a look at a few:
Tiny homes: The movement sweeping the country toward tiny homes—those generally less than 400 square feet—is making inroads in Colorado. The Salida City Council recently approved plans to build 200 tiny rental homes along the Arkansas River, and Lyons has also stepped to the forefront, offering 17 tiny hotel-homes that serve as overnight accommodations, allowing guests to test their tolerance for this housing option.
Co-housing: Our busy lifestyles often leave us isolated and longing for connection. Co-housing addresses this need with residents living in separate houses but sharing community space—walkways, kitchens, gardens—that promotes interaction. Mayfair Village and Hearthstone at Highland Garden are two such offerings, while Aria Cohousing Community in northwest Denver is currently under construction.
Micro apartments: Micro apartments typically provide 350 square feet of carefully designed space—just enough for a kitchenette, a bathroom, and sitting and sleeping spaces. They are gaining popularity among millennials looking for economical options in Denver’s expensive rental market. Among the projects underway in Denver: a redevelopment near Sports Authority Field slotted to open in July, and 90 units in Lodo that will break ground sometime this year.
Prefab: Built in factories and assembled onsite, manufactured homes appeal to those desiring to build a house quickly and efficiently. They can be completed up to 30% faster than traditional homes, and energy efficiency is often much higher as well. Far from the cookie cutter houses you might imagine, they offer many custom details and have been built on lots throughout the city.