Up until 1995, the Stapleton International was the airport servicing the Denver, Colorado area. It had started out as a municipal airport until 1929, when then city Mayor Benjamin F. Stapleton, who was the driving force behind the airport's expansion turned into the main airport in the state.

That was then - today, a company has built new home communities in Denver, on the same airport land, with innovative green features for those prospective homeowners with environmentally friendly inclinations.

In order for new home communities in Denver to qualify for the Energy Star Rating they must satisfy certain requirements such as "effective insulation systems, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, efficient heating and cooling equipment and ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and appliances. In addition to using less energy to operate, energy-efficient heating and cooling systems can be quieter, reduce indoor humidity, and improve the overall comfort of the home. When properly installed into a tightly sealed home, this equipment won't have to work so hard to heat and cool the home." (www.energystar.gov)

The benefits of these dwellings being Energy Star compliant in these Denver new homes include "added confidence knowing that the home they are purchasing fulfills strict energy saving guidelines; lowers ownership costs by using substantially less energy for heating, cooling, and water heating-delivering $200 to $400 in annual savings; better performance; smart investment and, environmental protection." (www.energystar.gov)

For starters, the company has modeled their "neighborhoods after the special places you loved growing up. Nice, wide tree-lined streets, wrap-around front porches, and homes painted "real" colors, are just a few ways we create remarkable, original neighborhoods that are anything but typical master-planned. Places where you can go out to eat, without taking the car. Where the traditions of a great neighborhood live and play, daily. Where exceptional planning means you'll never be far from work, entertainment and the every day conveniences of modern living." (www.newhomebuilders.com)

(Photo courtesy of newtownbuilders dot com.)

These Denver new home communities are composed of housing subdivisions of single family and row homes. The homes have two special features, in particular, which put them on a totally different level than the average homes being built today nationwide.

The first feature which New Town Builders offers prospective homeowners is a solar electric panel system as a standard feature in every home. These panels are not stand alone (off grid) systems. They tie into the public electric utility. When it is cloudy, the house draws from the utility. When it is sunny, the house sells any excess electricity generated by the solar panels back to the utility company. A solar electric panel system is extremely cost effective for the homeowner.

(Photo courtesy of newtownbuilders dot com.)

The other innovative feature that your Denver new home will possess is the "three-zone heating and cooling trunks with a Honeywell control panel and Lennox 92% efficient furnace to complement the standard solar energy system." (www.newhomebuilders.com) One zone is upstairs, one zone is on the main floor and one zone is downstairs (their homes all have three levels - a basement, a main floor and a second floor). The main duct that comes out of the furnace with warm air is split into three smaller ducts called trunks - one for each zone. This feature is the solution to the biggest complaint received from homeowners with a single zone unit which overheats the upstairs while in the basement it is freezing.

(Photo courtesy of newtownbuilders dot com.)

The row homes in these new home communities in Denver, "offer unique advantages on an individual basis, depending upon their juxtaposition to neighboring units and their floor plans. For instance, end units offer more window space with wrap-around decks. Other units have preferred locations in relation to the shared courtyard. are built to EnergyStar standards, and the Central Park Row Homes are no exception - meaning, for example, the units have 2x6 outer wall studs, mold-resistant, blown-in, cellulose insulation and sealant applied to drywall and framing components at window and door openings to eliminate air penetration and minimize drafts. Also, all units to come with decks made of composite materials, attached garages (one- or two-car), and all fully equipped with General Electric black appliances - including washer and dryer. Additionally, all units have covered entryways, which are further distinguished by their Therma-Tru front door and Armstrong laminate flooring." (www.newhomebuilders.com)

A newest phase of these Denver new homes for sale includes the 29th Drive Row Homes, for which you must qualify. "Buyers of these homes must meet affordable housing restrictions on yearly household income and agree to limits on the profits taken in resale." (www.newhomebuilders.com)