A start

I haven't been in the writing sort of mood lately, but figure I've got to start somewhere, right?

We're in the midst of spring... almost summer here in Denver. All the trees are leafed out, our grass has come back to life, and the temperatures have been unseasonably hot for May.

News in the 'hood? Well, there is a lot going on here that is very favorable. All three homes that were being "flipped" on our block have sold, so our block is very different from when we moved in last fall. We've met two of our three new neighbors, and they're nice, younger people, possessing the same potential and intentions to improve the neighborhood as we.

Rumor has it there will be a Whole Foods and a Super Target going in somewhere on Welton Street in Five Points (less than a mile from here) which will eliminate the one big problem of this neighborhood--The lack of close and desirable shopping. We've also heard that it's about 75% settled that there will be street car service up Downing from the last light rail station to the soon-to-be-constructed transportation hub up on 40-something avenue. This "hub" is to offer light rail service all the way to Denver International Airport, and as such its construction should boost the value and desirability of our neighborhood.

Ashleigh attended a meeting of the Cole Neighborhood Association, where she learned that an old commercial building at 35th and Franklin is likely going to be renovated into a mixed commercial and residential building. Very encouraging! We're also hoping that with three new neighbors having just purchased their homes on our block we can make the neighborhood watch program a reality.

So, life is good right now in the Cole Neighborhood in Denver. Hopefully I'll have more interesting and colorful posts to come.

Welcome to the Cole Neighborhood Memoirs

My Wife and I are new homeowners in the Cole Neighborhood, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Denver, Colorado.

Like so many neighborhoods in Denver, the Cole neighborhood in Real Estate-ese is vibrant (they were calling it sketchy, but weren't selling any units). In all reality the neighborhood is up-and-coming as more and more young people like us (I guess we can still call ourselves young?) buy and renovate homes here.

The neighborhood has a lot to offer, I think--Close proximity to downtown, old homes with history and character, and lots of potential--but living here is not like living in the 'burbs (Thank GOD). Our neighborhood is an eclectic mix of rich and poor; white, African American, and Hispanic; lifetime Cole Residents and immigrants like my wife and me from places like Arizona, and Michigan.

Living here has taught, and continues to teach us more about ourselves, about other cultures, and about how to be more tolerant and better people.

I anticipate this blog to be a motley mix of daily records of life in the 'hood, armchair observations on culture and humanity, and good old sarcasm.

Living here isn't for everyone. If this blog helps push someone considering purchasing a home in Cole, or one of Denver's other vibrant neighborhoods off the fence--I really don't care to which side--then I guess I'll feel like this blog was worthwhile.

I hope you enjoy reading.