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Life on Havana Street E-News - January 2014 Residential Market News
Life On Havana Street eNews
January 2015
In This Month's Issue
Havana District Residential Market...
Hot, Hot Hot Residential Market!
Food & Dining...
Uncle Maddio's Pizza Soft Opening Jan 9 & 10
Events/Happenings...
Winners of the Holiday Cash Drawing
New Year's Eve Happenings
January 10--Medicine Man's Grand Opening Celebration
January 17--Phone Phenom Event--Practice Using Twitter Clues to find Hidden
Objects
February 14--Valentine's Day Gum Drop Festival
The 2015 Event Schedule
Tidbits...What's New On Havana Street...
Denny's Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting Photo
Applebees & Ulta Beauty
Neighborhood Self-Storage now CubeSmart
Asbestos Removal at Graffiti House
Fan Fare RFP
Havana BIDs new Board President--Matt Rauzi
Senior Property Tax Exemption
Watch us on YouTube
Join us on Facebook
Automotive News...
Shortline Automotive Group Gives Back to The Community
Havana District Residential Market Snapshot
HOT, HOT, HOT RESIDENTIAL MARKET
In surveying apartment complexes within a 3-mile radius
around the Havana District, we found that rents have
gone up by $100 to $200 per month in the privately
owned, non-subsidized apartment complexes over the last
year. These complexes have very low vacancy rates;
many are full with waiting lists. For example, the Del
Arte Lofts & Flats at 121 S Joliet (just north of Alameda)
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listed rents from $774-$1349/month in Dec 2013 and in Dec 2014 the range is listed
as $910-1500/month. The 21 Fitzsimons luxury apartments on the Anschutz Campus
are 97%+ full even after completion of their 2nd building. Their third building is
under construction. Rents at 21 Fitz ranged from $900-2150 in Dec 2013 and ranged
from $1219 to $2843 in Dec 2014. When you consider that there are close to 21,000
medical professionals making good wages at the Anschutz Campus, it makes sense
these nice, higher rent units are being gobbled up quickly in our area. (Job
Title/Wages vs AMI Chart)
On the lower end of the income scale, waiting lists continue for Section 8 and rentsubsidized (income qualified) apartments in Aurora. The area median income (AMI)
of Aurora/Denver in 2014 is $53,700 for a 1-person household. The majority of the
section 8 and income-qualified units in Aurora, which serve people in the poverty
level of 21.7% AMI and the 30-50% AMI level, are located in Original Aurora. The
Feds classify Original Aurora as a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NSRA),
for which the City of Aurora receives thousands of dollars in the form of Community
Development Block Grant and other Federal funding annually. Original Aurora is
defined as the NW section of the city bordered by Denver on the West, Stapleton to
the north, I-225 on the east and 6th Ave on the South. The newer, nicer apartments
that are being built in this NSRA are income-qualified units built using some form of
Federal funding or HUD tax credits. The majority of the people working at
Anschutz/Fitz Medical Campus make too much money to qualify for these newer
income qualified units close to their work. Again, refer to the jobs titles/wages link
above.
Aurora has an interesting balancing act going on right now. Aurora continues to
work diligently to serve the needs of the large, concentrated, very low income and
refugee/immigrant populations of Original Aurora and to maximize Federal Dollars in
the NSRA. The fact that rents are going up makes this more of a challenge. At the
same time, Aurora needs to figure out how to serve the needs of, and not neglect
the influx of, the high-income medical professionals working at Anschutz who also
want to live in nice, high-quality housing close to their jobs (and can afford to pay
for it if it is available).
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUES SIZZLING! We did some research on Zillow.com to
see what is happening to residential property values in zip codes within a 3 mile
radius of the Havana District. Specifically, zip 80010, which includes Original Aurora
and the Havana District segment north of 1st Avenue (Fan Fare/Havana North) is
classified as “Hot.” Zips 80011 (south of Anschutz), 80012 including the Havana
corridor from 1st Ave down to Jewell (Gardens on Havana area) and 80247 which is
the SE Denver zip including properties west of Lowe’s are all classified by Zillow as
“Very Hot.” 80014 which includes residential properties south of Jewell was
classified as “Warm.” Lowry and Stapleton were ”Cold” and “Cool” respectively,
according to Zillow.
Residential property values have increased by double digits over the last year with
the forecast being for more increases in 2015. 80247 was up 16.5%, 80010 up 15.9%,
80011 up 14.8%, 80012 up 10.4% and 80014 up 11.2% in the last year. (Refer to the
attached spreadsheet for all the details from Zillow).
Rents Going Up! The biggest surprise was how much monthly rents have gone up
from where they were in November 2010 to November 2014 on Zillow.com. Here
are the percentage increases by zip from 2010 to 2014:
80010
80011
Up 39.2%
Up 27.1%
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80012
Up 44.1%
80014
Up 28.7%
80247
Up 29.8%
80230 Lowry--Up 53.7%
80238 Stapleton--Up 50.6%
2015 should prove to be an interesting year as we begin the redevelopment process
for the north end of the Havana District—Fan Fare and Havana North. We promise to
keep you informed through this newsletter. Happy New Year!
Another Pizza Option!
Uncle Maddio's Pizza Soft Opening January 9 & 10
Havana District, you're in for a treat!! Uncle Maddio’s
pizza is having their soft opening on Jan 9 & 10. Create
your own speciality pizza. Pick your own dough, sauce
and toppings! You can also make your own gourmet
salads and toasted paninis! Uncle Maddio’s has catering
options like Girl’s Night or Game Day specials. Uncle
Maddios at The Gardens on Havana, 10601 E Garden
Drive, STE 105, Aurora CO 80012. Their phone number
will be 303-363-9075.
The winners are...
HOLIDAY CASH EVENT!
These 10 lucky people won $100 each in our $1000 Holiday Cash Giveaway. Congrats
to:
 Paul Slavin
 Chandra Bhujel
 Trevor Rhodes
 Audrey Thorne
 Kevin Farmer
 Tina Clay
 Steve Homic
 Amber Sorensen
 Donald Howell
 Elizabeth Wilkinson
Ring in the New Year!
What are you doing for New Year's Eve?
Havana Street Station Restaurant, 1911 S Havana, is hosting a big New Year's
Eve Party. They will have a DJ and Karaoke. Enjoy drink and dinner specials and a
free champagne toast at midnight. There is room available so call Karen at 303-7520553 for more details and to make reservations.
The Summit Steakhouse, 2700 S Havana, is hosting a New Year's Eve Party starting
at 7:45 p.m. The cost is $50/person and they are filling up quickly with only a few
bar seats and high tops still available. Willie and the Po Boys are performing
live. There will be a champagne toast and a breakfast buffet after midnight. Call
a.s.a.p. since they are filling up fast, 303-751-2112.
Gibby's Big Backyard at 1555 S Havana is having a party, too. Drink specials and
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giveaway drawings throughout the evening. A champagne toast at midnight. Call
Scott at 303-755-5944.
Whisper's New Year's Eve Party is already booked full and they are not taking any
more reservations. They have Lee Simms and the Platte River band playing.
Welcome Medicine Man!
Grand Opening Celebration of Medicine Man is January 10
On Saturday, January 10, the new Medicine Man
Recreational Marijuana Dispensary at 1901 S Havana on
the SW corner of Jewell & Havana is holding a big grand
opening celebration. This is the former Arby’s/Curtis
Park Creamery building that has been totally remodeled
at the cost to Medicine Man of over $650,000. There will
be booths, food and entertainment. Medicine Man is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
and their website is www.medicinemandenver.com
What's Your New Year's Resolution?
Phone Phenom Event: Learn how to follow Twitter clues to find hidden cash!
THE PHONE PHENOM EVENT
A “Phenomenal” Technology Forum
When: SATURDAY, JANUARY 17, 2015 from 10 A.M.—4 P.M.
Where: The Gardens on Havana, at these stores on main street
T-Mobile, 10600 E Garden Drive, STE 105, Aurora CO 80012
AT&T , 10651 E Garden Drive, STE 101, Aurora CO 80012
Cost: Free
Free healthy snacks while they last provided by Colorado’s Pro Gym/Fit Foods 4U
At the Phone Phenom Event, you can:
Learn how to use your phone & Smart Watch to be a “healthy techy” in 2015.
Learn about the latest apps and games; share your favorites with us!
Learn about the time/energy saving features and fitness tracking options.
Get organized in 2015 by optimizing your phone/tablet/watch.
See the latest cell phones, tablets, watches and accessories.
Morning Twitter Workshop: Learn how to use Twitter & practice following
our Tweeted clues to find hidden objects so you can be ready to participate in our
March 21, 2015 event—Tweet, Tweet, It’s Spring—Twitter Hidden Cash Event!
WIN GREAT PRIZES! No purchase necessary. We will be giving away:



A MOTO 360 SMART WATCH
DR DRE BEATS SOLO HD DRENCHED HEADPHONES
MYCHARGE AMP MINI 2200 mAh PORTABLE POWER BANK
Valentine's Day Gum Drop Festival
SWEETS FOR YOUR SWEETIE!
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February 14 is Valentine’s Day, but did you
know February 15 is National Gum Drop Day? To
celebrate, The English Tea Cup is hosting the Valentine’s
Day Gum Drop Festival!
What: Valentine’s Day Gum Drop Festival
When: Saturday, February 14, 2015 from 11 a.m.—2
p.m.
Where: The English Tea Cup, 1930 S Havana St, #5, Aurora, CO 80014
Cost: Free
Activities Include:



Free chocolate and tea tasting, including chocolate tea & bubblegum tea
Play Candyland while you are enjoying a spot of tea.
Buy chocolate and gum drops gifts for your Valentine!
“Goody, Goody Gumdrops!”—Learn how to create Gum Drop Art for your
Valentine. Fun for the whole family!
(The gum drop art supplies are being provided by On Havana Street and are free
while they last, so stop by early to make a sweet, unique gift for your Valentine!)
Enter the drawing at the English Tea Cup on the day of this event for a chance to
win boxes of Cadbury Chocolates from England and Candyland games (no purchase
necessary).
2015 Events Schedule Announced
2015 EVENTS
Watch this newsletter and the Upcoming Events Page at
www.OnHavanaStreet.com for more details about our
2015 events, including:
January 17: Phone Phenon Event
February Date TBD: Grocery Cart Races at Safeway to
benefit Comitis Crisis Center
February 14: Valentine’s Day Gum Drop Festival
March 21: Tweet-Tweet, It’s Spring Hidden Cash Event
April 18: Earth Day Electronic Recycling and Document
Shredding
May 2: Community Rose Garden Clean Up
May 26: Rose Garden Concert
June 13: 8th Annual Cruzin’ Havana Car Show & Poker Run
June 22-Sept 29: Havana Farmers’ Market at Havana Exchange
June 23: Rose Garden Concert
July 19: Annual Ice Cream Progressive Party
July 28: Rose Garden Concert
August 25: Rose Garden Concert
September 21: Havana Motor Mile 4-Wheelin’ Event
October 12-26: East West Fall Fest--Restaurant Events, Installation of New
Sculptures & Art 2C On Havana Gala
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October 17: Fall Electronic Recycling Event
Oct 31: Halloween Trick or Treating & Costume Contest
Oct 31: Petco Pet Costume Contest
Nov 19: Annual Meeting
Nov 27-Dec 13: Holiday Shopping Spree
Nov 28: Holiday Caroling
Dec 5: Secret Santa Saturday
Grand Reopening
Denny's Hold Grand Re-Opening Ribbon Cutting
You need to go and check out the beautifully remodeled Denny's Restaurant at
Florida & Havana. Denny's did a grand re-opening ribbon cutting on December
10. The Aurora Chamber was on hand with their big scissors.
Applebee's, Ulta Beauty, and Big Daddy's Pizza
Now Hiring
Applebee's at The Gardens on Havana, set to open in
January. Apply at Appleamerica.com
Starbuck's location.)
Big Daddy's Pizza plans to open mid to late January 2015
and will be doing a hiring fair in January. They will post
details in the window of their new location in Market
Square, i.e. the King Soopers shopping center on the SW
corner of Mississippi & Havana. (Note: This is the former
Ulta Beauty at The Gardens on Havana: The sign in the window directs job
applicants to Ulta.com/careers. A mid to late February opening is planned.
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More Storage Options
Neighborhood Self-Storage managed by CubeSmart
You soon will see new “CubeSmart” signage go up out in
front of the new neighborhood self-storage center at 2902
S Havana South Havana. This is the former LaFarge
Cement Factory property. The old cement facility was
torn down in 2014 to make way for this efficient, secure
storage facility.
CubeSmart provides professional third-party property
management for the owners of Neighborhood SelfStorage. Neighborhood Self-Storage opened for business a
few weeks ago and offers 756 storage units. They were 13% leased the week before
Christmas. This facility offers climate controlled units, drive-up access and 24-hour
video monitoring. You get free use of a moving truck with rental! Military and
seniors (65 and older) get a 10% discount on rentals. The sizes of the units range
from 5’ x 10’ up to 10’ x 30’.
Not sure what size storage unit you might need? Contact Mike Taylor, the General
Manager of our new CubeSmart Neighborhood Self-Storage Center at 2902 S Havana
at 303-745-8000, for assistance. Go to www.cubesmart.com for more information
and a detailed list of unit sizes and pricing.
Demolition Planned for the "Graffiti House"
Redevelopment
Abatement crews are on site at 897 S Havana removing
asbestos from the property that we call the “graffiti
house.” This property has been an eyesore for several
years on the NW corner of Kentucky & Havana. Once the
asbestos has been abated and the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment inspects the property
again to assure that it is “clean,” then the owners can
proceed with demolition of the old house. If all goes as
planned, demolition should begin mid to late January.
FAN FARE REDEVELOPMENT UPDATE
FAN FARE RFQ ISSUED, RFP TO FOLLOW IN JANUARY
According to Melissa Rogers from the City of Aurora's
Development Service Division, the Request for
Qualifications (RFQ) for the 10.3 acre Fan Fare site was
posted on December 1st. The Fan Fare RFQ is officially
“out to bid” through Rocky Mountain E-Purchasing
System. The pre-proposal conference was held on the
Dec 10th with 20 developers expressing interest. The
proposals are due on January 9th of 2015. The steering
committee is scheduled to meet mid-February 2015 to review the proposals. We will
keep you posted.
New Leadership
Matt Rauzi elected President of the Havana BID Board
Matt Rauzi, owner of Colorado’s Pro Gym, was elected President of the Havana
Business Improvement District at the December 18 board meeting. Matt has been on
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the board for several years and served as board treasurer. Matt replaces Scott
Goldammer as president. Scott works for Miller Realty and was the property
manager at The Gardens on Havana until Miller Re sold The Gardens to AmCap in
October of 2014. Matt is excited to take the reins of the BID. Matt is a graduate of
the University of Wyoming with a degree in exercise physiology and has owned
Colorado’s Pro Gym for more than 10 years.
At the December 18 BID meeting, the board asked for recommendations for a
business/commercial property owner in the BID to replace Scott on the BID
board. Brenda Soper from AmCap, the new property manager at The Gardens on
Havana, expressed interest. The board voted unanimously to recommend to Aurora
City Council the appointment of Brenda Soper to fill the position vacated by Scott
Goldammer on the BID board. Ever since the sale of The Gardens on Havana to
AmCap, Brenda has been actively participating in the Havana BID activities and has
been a joy to work with. We look forward to having Brenda join the board. Havana
BID board members must go through the official Aurora City Council appointment
process, which usually takes about 2 months.
Senior Property Tax Exemption Restored
Help for Seniors
Property Tax Exemption Brochure
If you are 65 years of age or older and have lived in your current home for 10 years
or more as of January 1, you are eligible to apply for the Colorado Senior Property
Tax Exemption. This program had been suspended for a few years during the recent
economic downturn but now is back. If you qualify, 50% of the first $200,000 of
actual value of the applicant’s primary residents is exempted. You must apply by
July 15 of the year for which the exemption is requested (no exemptions for prior
years). Click the link above to read the brochure from Arapahoe County about this
statewide program.
Shortline Gives Back to the Community
Havana Motor Mile
Don Hicks and John Bowell from Shortline Automotive
Group held their annual toy giveaway at their Suburu
dealership on December 19. 103.5 The Fox radio was on
site to help with this event. The line was long and the
toys went quickly, making for many happy parents and
kids. Thank you Shortline!
OnHavanaStreet is now on Facebook
Come Become a Fan!
Make sure to Join the OnHavana Meetup Group for upcoming events.
Continuing to provide unique experiences in dining, shopping and living On Havana Street.
Sincerely,
Gayle Jetchick, Executive Director, Havana Business Improvement District
303-360-7505
www.OnHavanaStreet.com
On Havana
337 Oswego Street
8
Aurora, CO 80010
303-360-7505
info@OnHavanaStreet.com
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