July 1, 2010 • THE VILLAGER • PAGE 23

DEVELOPMENT

DIGS is a supplemental publication of The VillagerNewspaper. Produced twice a month, this new section will feature stories about home improvement and décor, lawn/garden care and landscaping.

DIGS will also focus on real estate – supplying real estate agents and brokers with a platform to highlight their properties, expertise and services. NEXT EDITION: JULY 15AD DEADLINE: JULY 8

digs

THE VILLAGER NEWSPAPER JULY 1, 2010

REAL ESTATEHOME & GARDEN

DEVELOPMENTdigs

HOME &GARDEN

REAL ESTATE

what’s inside

Fast Signs arrives in Littleton Pg. 23 Giant bike dealer rides into town Pg. 26

ReMax pros partner for the Cure, Pg. 23 Affordable apartments planned, Pg. 25 Parness is Perry & Co. president, Pg. 26

Auto Review: Lexus isfuel eco-friendly, Pg. 24 Tips to create a pet-friendly yard Pg. 25 New Littleton apartments planned Pg. 25

Fast Signs’ franchise on Dayton Street at Arapahoe Road plans to move half of

a mile down the road into a new two-story building near Havana Street and Arapahoe.

Fast Signs is currently in Greenwood Village, while the new building would be in Cen-

tennial, at 10697 E. Briarwood Circle, next to the Kuni Honda dealership and behind the Mc-Donald’s.

Centennial City Council approved a fi nal development plan, June 7, for the two-story, 7,150 square foot building, to rest on a .47-acre site.

Fast Signs has been named one of the top 50 franchises from 2006-2010 by Franchise Business Review. In the new building, Fast Signs will be able to do its sign fabrication and production plus its storefront retail in one, expanded place.

Fast Signs consults, designs,

produces and installs many types of signs, including ban-ners, fl ags, yard signs, vehicle graphics, tradeshow exhibits, posters and other promotional products. There are seven Fast Signs franchises in the Denver-metro area.

For thousands of people pas-sionate about fi nding a cure for breast cancer, there is now a way to turn their home sale or purchase into a contribution to one of the most prominent can-cer foundations in the U.S., Su-san G. Komen for the Cure.

Homebuyers and sellers can now work with a RE/MAX agent, who participates in the “Home for the Cure” pro-gram, through which the agent pledges to make a donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure when a home sale is complete. The newly rebranded program, which includes Home for the Cure sign riders on RE/MAX yard signs, is meant to raise money for breast cancer re-search, education and early de-tection programs while generat-ing awareness in communities across the country.

“Komen for the Cure is an outstanding organization that is making daily strides in the fi ght to fi nd the cure for breast cancer and raise awareness about early detection and treatment,” said

Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX and a breast cancer survivor, who was named to the 25 Yoplait Cham-pions list that cel-ebrates women and men doing ex t raord inary things in their community to fi ght breast can-cer. “RE/MAX and its agents have dedi-cated many years raising money for Komen, and yet we know there’s more that can be done. This is just another way for us to further the cause and help our friends and neighbors who have all been touched, in some way, by this disease.”

RE/MAX is a proud na-tional sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure Se-ries and has been a partner of

the organization since 2002. RE/MAX of-

fi ces and agents take part in local Komen Race for the Cure events and have adopted other an-nual fundraisers to show their support. But the new program gives them one

more option to do-nate as an agent or

collectively as an offi ce.

In addi-tion to Home for the Cure, R E / M A X

also launched Agent for the Cure and Of-

fi ce for the Cure programs that fa-

cilitate involvement from the network of 60,000 RE/MAX agents in the U.S.

“The success of the breast cancer movement is enhanced by the passion of people like

Margaret Kelly, who have faced breast cancer in their own lives and with their families,” said Nancy G. Brinker, founder and CEO of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. “The RE/MAX fam-ily of breast cancer programs gives many, many people the opportunity to participate in the breast cancer cause.”

The majority of funds raised benefi t local Komen Affi liates which is critical for RE/MAX Associates who embrace the communities in which they live and work. RE/MAX is also a proud partner of Chil-dren’s Miracle Network, and RE/MAX offi ces support many local nonprofi t organizations and community programs.For more information about RE/MAX or to fi nd an agent who supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure, visit www.remax.com. For more information about the Komen Race for the Cure Series, visit www.komen.org.

The conceptual plan for the Fast Signs near Havana Street and Arapahoe Road.Courtesy city of Centennial

Fast Signsspeedingto Centennial

Margaret Kelly, CEO of RE/MAX and a breast cancer survivor, who was named to the 25 Yoplait Cham-pions list that cel-ebrates women

cer. “RE/MAX and its agents have dedi-cated many years

for us to further the cause and help our

the organization since 2002. RE/MAX of-

fi ces and agents take part in local Komen Race for the Cure events and have adopted other an-nual fundraisers

gives them one more option to do-

nate as an agent or collectively as an

fi ce for the Cure

Susan G. Komenfor the Cure,

RE/MAX launch

Home for the Cure

PAGE 24 • THE VILLAGER • July 1, 2010

Ali's Cleaning Service❉ Residential & Commercial❉ Window Cleaning❉ Licensed & Insured

CALL ... 720-300-6731OR EMAIL ... ali@alismaidservice.comAli Colocho, Manager

BY H. THROTTLE

L exus makes fabulous products and the 2010 Lexus HS 250h Premium is part of the fam-

ily of very successful automobiles. This particular model is interesting because of the hybrid technology that gives the car outstanding mile-age of 35 to 40 mpg – an amazing mileage performance for a larger four-door sedan.

The outstanding technology comes from the hybrid technology that relies on battery support and the brainy technology that allows the car to perform on Eco or Power modes. The driving difference is stunning in performance – coasting along the highway in Eco mode or touching the power mode button. The response is immediate, even the air conditioning picks up when the full 2.4L, 16-valve motor goes to work. Performance is far better in the power mode, but, of course, the fabulous gas mileage drops. The driver has a choice between power or economy, an interesting choice in today’s higher gasoline priced economy.

The Lexus has the quality fea-tures of immaculate “tungsten pearl” paint and the elegant inte-rior leather and wood trim. The dashboard is elaborate and almost resembles an airplane console, lots of levers, buttons, dials and knobs – too many in fact for most drivers.

The base price of the Lexus HS is a reasonable $36,900 for this quality vehicle. However, Toyota has added a vast list of accesso-ries that drive the price of the test model to a $48,985. All the bells and whistles add almost $13,000 in additional costs. This seems to be a growing trend in auto sales, to bring in a low suggested retail price and then add a long list of extra fea-tures, all quite nice and desirable but expensive in the auto price.

Most of the cars’ features these days are offered at steep discounts and one might surmise that Toyota makes special offers on some of the luxury premium accessories like navigation systems, radar cruise control, park assist and remote auto start. All these features are attrac-tive and desirable, but expensive extras. If the dealer makes a special deal on the bells and whistles, why not? Otherwise, go for the basic model without all of the expensive extras.

The Lexus HS Premium test model has the appearance, ride, and handling of Lexus quality. However, this car has one major difference and that is – it is a hy-brid model loaded with batteries and fairly standard hybrid technol-ogy that works about the same in most hybrid vehicles. Frankly, I don’t care for hybrids, don’t like the battery-based technology and

feel that in just a few short years this technology will be obsolete. I would purchase this car as a full gasoline model without any hybrid technology. This driver doesn’t like the lack of engine noise; it starts on battery power and the engine starts after the vehicle is moving. The en-gine alternates with the battery sys-tem to burn less fuel and provide the classic fuel economy. The car feels heavy on the road.

Some major auto manufacturers like Ford are achieving great suc-cess by going to the turbo-charged 4-cylinder engines and leaving out the expensive battery powered technology and getting more power out of smaller engines.

So, bottom line is ride, com-fort, styling and handling are all top drawer, but the technology is experimental and an effort to reach consumers who want maximum fuel economy and prefer green technology products. Here is the opportunity for those who wish to decrease our demand on oil to drive a luxury car that produces fuel economy along with luxury. It is a philosophical choice for drivers to make.

Lexus HSHybridsedanoffers

The base price of the 2010 Lexus HS 250h Premium HS is $36,900.

outstanding fuel economy

Pearson, a global leader in edu-cation, signed a 10-year lease for three fl oors of offi ce space at the Streets at SouthGlenn, Alberta De-velopment announced June 9.

The group plans to come in November, bringing 680 employ-ees. Pearson’s eCollege business would occupy three fl oors totaling 96,027 square feet of space of the Silver LEED certifi ed, fi ve-story Class A offi ce space.

Pearson’s eCollege is at the forefront of developing innova-tive, online, personalized learning programs to educational institu-tions around the globe.

Education company coming to Streets at SouthGlenn offi ces

digs July 1, 2010 • THE VILLAGER • PAGE 25

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Submitted by ALCC

When it comes to pets and the yard, it will be easier to keep pets out of the proverbial

dog house if you do a few things to accommodate their needs and to eradicate ongoing problems.

Cool pets with a water feature

Most people think that water features are anything but pet-friend-ly and worry about having both pets and a water feature in their yard. In reality, water features are good for dogs. • Water features provide an ongo-

ing source of drinking water, but you need to use non-toxic clean-ers in the water. Even a pond-less (stream like) feature will

provide the water a pet needs. •They also allow dogs to cool their

feet. Since dogs perspire through their feet, keeping their feet cool helps them cope with the heat of summer. Making sure dogs stay hy-

drated on hot days when you are away from home is a major chal-lenge solved by a water feature. A pet-friendly feature requires a few design and maintenance consider-ations, but little to no more expense than any other water feature.

Deal with puddlesSporting breeds instinctively dig

when they see water, so the best so-lution is to eradicate low spots that become puddles and lead to muddy paw prints across the fl oor.

Short term fi xes are as easy as placing rocks or bricks in holes and depressions. Swampy and puddle areas due to low spots in the yard or drainage problems should be dealt with by re-grading for the long-term solution.

Create shadeFemale dogs, especially, like

to nest and will dig a nest in cool places next to foundations. In wet weather, the nesting area holds wa-

ter that can lead to foundation prob-lems. This is one reason why dogs need to be encouraged to fi nd shade in the right places.

If there are few tree-shaded ar-eas encourage dogs to seek shade by giving access to the north and east sides of the house or by mak-ing other shaded areas like the space underneath a trampoline accessible.

Beware of dangerson decks

Sadly, many dog owners have learned what dangerous places decks can be for their pets that have suffered heat strokes and other mis-haps by being confi ned to the deck in hot weather. Dark wood decking gets extremely hot and wood deck-ing often has painful splinters if not sanded regularly.

If you are building or replacing a deck, consider a more pet-friend-ly choice if your pets will spend any time on the deck. One made of recycled products like Trex in a light, refl ective color will be cooler and less maintenance than wood. Decks from recycled products are also splinter-free.

Get more pet-friendly landscape tips at www.alcc.com.

By Joshua Cole

The Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network plans to ren-ovate two apartment complex buildings by the end of the

year in Littleton in order to provide affordable housing for transitioning patients.

The network is planning to ap-ply for a Neighborhood Stabiliza-tion Program grant of about $1.6 million to renovate 16 units be-tween two buildings on the 5300 block of South Fox Street, near West Belleview Avenue and South Broadway. The grant would be ad-ministered through the Colorado Department of Housing and Urban Development as part of a national program associated with the federal stimulus, according to Michael El-lis, chief fi nancial offi cer for Arapa-hoe/Douglas Mental Health.

“First of all, it will prevent the building from going into further decay. Second of all, it will bring affordable housing to the area. Thirdly, the reason our agency is in-volved is because we really have a problem fi nding housing for our cli-ents,” Ellis said. “This will provide an opportunity for them to integrate into the community with affordable housing.”

The property, which was built in 1962, is in foreclosure, and it’s been a “chronic problem” for Little-ton’s code enforcement. The cur-rent owner lives in Castle Rock and hasn’t been “cooperative in keep-ing it maintained,” according to a Littleton staff report.

“It appears that the purchase and renovation of this property by AD-MHN will provide a needed hous-ing option for mentally ill citizens in Littleton and also be a very posi-tive enhancement to the surround-ing neighborhood,” said Littleton City Manager Jim Woods.

One of the 16 units in the 12,200 square feet between the two build-ings would be for an on-site man-ager.

Littleton City Council, June 15, approved writing a letter of support. Arapahoe County Commissioners are scheduled to talk about giving their support at a July 13 study ses-sion.

“This issue is a huge issue, and I applaud Arapahoe/Douglas Men-tal Health for moving in this direc-tion,” said Littleton City Council-man Bruce Stahlman. “Mental ill-ness is a big front-end issue as far as homelessness. What they’re doing in this regard is doubly benefi cial.”

Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health plans new Littleton apartments

Adding a small water feature to your yard can cool pets down on really hot days. Photos courtesy of ALCC

Tips for a pet-friendly yard

PAGE 26 • THE VILLAGER • July 1, 2010 digs

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digs DEvElopmEnt nEws in briEf

digs is a supplemental publication of The Villager

Newspaper. Produced twice a month, this new

section will feature stories about home improvement

and décor, lawn/garden care and landscaping. digs will also focus on

real estate – supplying real estate agents and

brokers with a platform to highlight their properties,

expertise and services. next edition: JULY 15Ad deAdLine: JULY 8

Perry & Co., Real Es-tate Professionals, an-nounced that Managing Broker Heather Parness

has been promoted to president of the company. Parness, who joined Perry & Co. Real Estate Professionals in September 2009 as the managing broker has been working in a leadership role for the past nine months with a focus on assisting agents in their work with clients, recruiting agents for the company’s long term growth and serving as a key player on the management team in set-ting a course for the company’s future. R. Don Larrance, co-founder of the company in 1971 and its president since 2000, will

remain in a leadership and man-agement role as the company’s CEO. Since Parness joined Perry & Co. several new agents and staff members have also come on board at Perry & Co’s three offi ces located in Cherry Creek North, Cherry Creek East and Greenwood Village.

Parness said, “I am thrilled, humbled and completely ready to step into this position. To follow in Don’s footsteps is a daunting enterprise. He is beloved and is the heart and soul of Perry & Co. Don will continue to be a great mentor, and contribute to the fu-ture strategy.”

For more info, visit www.perryandco.com.

Giant Cycling World opened June 19 in As-pen Grove Shopping Center, with stunt per-

formances and other demonstra-tions.

The 41,000 square foot store is the fi rst branded by the interna-tional bicycle company.

Erik Krell and Vint Schoen-feldt, who also own six Rocky

Mountain Spine and Sports clin-ics, own the Giant specialty retail store to provide community access to the benefi ts of the latest bicy-cling technology and professional consumer experience.

At the opening festivities, World Cup and Olympic cyclist Adam Craig led an advanced road ride, Giant Bicycle Factory Team rider Carl Decker led a begin-

ner ride, and mountain and stunt biking legend Jeff Lenosky per-formed.

Giant Cycling World is at 7301 S. Santa Fe Drive, #178, in Little-ton, 303-703-1700, www.giantdenver.com.

Cherry Creek’s Green Bride moves to Main Street

DeeDee and Holly Marsh held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the move of The Green Bride from Cherry Creek to 2340 W. Main St. (formerly Sous le Lit’s loca-tion). This mother/daughter team works to fi nd the right dress at the right price for each bride they work with, whether in their shop or through their website. Carefully selected consignment dresses – sometimes never worn – and contacts with well-known designers for sample dresses help reduce the global footprint of customers and ensure an incredible selection of dresses in all price ranges. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the dresses is contributed to the Dalit Freedom Network to help end female slavery.

Contact: 303-798-2222 or www.thegreenbridedenver.com

Leo Goto’s Riverfront Restaurant & Event Center

A ribbon cutting took place recently at Leo Goto’s Riverfront Restaurant and Event Center (2852 W. Bowles Ave.). Owner Leo Goto seemed to be in three places at once: serving patrons Asian Fusion cuisine in the res-taurant; welcoming guests to a catered event in the event center and attached gazebo and patio; and overseeing the kitchen.

The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and until 9 p.m. on Saturdays beginning July 17.

Contact: 303-865-8500; www.leogotosriverfront.com

Savory Spice Shop announces franchise opportunity

Savory Spice S hop, with four operating stores in the Denver metropolitan area, announced plans for selling franchises throughout the country. The fran-chisor company, Savory Fran-chising Team LLC, has begun to take a pplications through the store’s website at www.savoryspiceshop.com.

“We’ve been well received by the Denver marketplace and are exc ited to expand this exciting concept even further,” said Mike Johnston, who with his wife, Janet, founded the fi rst Savory Spice Shop in September 2004 and their second store, in Little-ton, two years later.

A new concept for the fran-chise marketplace, Savory Spice Shop offers more than 400 herbs, spices and seasonings that are grou nd and blended weekly to ensure superior fresh-ness. The shop, with its hun-dreds of jars lining the walls and bins fi lled with fragrant spices, helps to create a shopping expe-rience of days past. Customers are encouraged to sample prod-ucts and have packaged only the amounts they need, starting at as little as a half ounce.

ECONOMICNEWS IN BRIEF

Parness named Perry & Co. president

Heather Parness

opens fi rst store in Littleton

Stunt Rider Jeff Lenosky looks over at the crowd during the grant opening festivities for Giant Cycling World, in Aspen Grove.

Photo by Jake Orness, courtesy Giant Cycling

Giantbicycle company