Come On In, The Water’s Fine!
PHOTO BY ANDY SCHWARTZ
If you’ve driven along Flora View in Colliers Hill lately you’ve seen the new rec center, The Ascent. If you’re one of hundreds of lucky residents, you’ve likely been inside or been swimming in the pool. And while there were one or two delays before the grand opening, residents tell us, the community’s second amenity center was worth the wait!
Recently, John Guilliams, Partner, Architect and Director of Design for KGA – who helped design the new community facility – talked with us about designing The Ascent.
“The site that we had to work with was a bit more unique than the original clubhouse,” said Guilliams. The developer’s vision was to position the building so that the Front Range peaks were in view, he said.
“We wanted to echo and give a nod to some of The Overlook’s architectural features,” Guilliams said, even though the two buildings have differences and distinctives.
The Overlook, which sits near the entrance of Colliers Hill off Erie Parkway and Colliers Blvd., occupies its own piece of land, bordered by walking paths and the pond with an unobstructed view of the mountains. It is a 6,500-square foot facility with a large event space and full kitchen, plus a gym with fitness equipment and community rooms.
Similarities and Differences
PHOTO BY ANDY SCHWARTZ
The Ascent was planned with a couple of distinguishing program requirements, Guilliams noted. “In the original clubhouse, residents felt like they outgrew the fitness area,” he said. “So, we concentrated on making this area the cardio fitness center, whereas the Overlook gym would be used primarily for weights and strength training.”
The Overlook and The Ascent resemble and complement one another and that’s intentional, said Guilliams. “The buildings are far enough apart that the new center is recognizably playing off of the original, but it has some of its own qualities that makes unique.”
For residents of the master-planned community, the new rec center and pool are a welcome addition to the things they already enjoy in Colliers Hill, the walking paths and trails, easy access to neighboring cities and events, a quick trip to Denver for entertainment on a grand scale, with downtown Erie close enough to bike-ride in for a cup of coffee or a four-star meal at the 24 Carrot Bistro.
Summertime is Pool Time!
According to Giulliams, the new pool was designed as more of resort amenity to help take some of the overflow from The Overlook. “It will take on its own special characteristics,” he said, “with distinctive zones or areas – one for playing and one for fitness.”
One of the things that became apparent in The Overlook is that the kitchen was under-utilized. “We figured we could downsize that a bit and create more of a catering kitchen,” Guilliams said, “where you can prepare everything and then take it into what we’ve called the Grand Hall, which is more of a gathering space for smaller events.”
The Overlook facility has a formal Community Room designed to hold large crowds for, say, a wedding reception or family reunion. But in the new rec center, there isn’t a huge general purpose room. The communal space is perfect for smaller, more intimate gatherings like birthday parties, baby showers and the like.
For John Guilliams, the way The Ascent sits on the site has a nice presence. “It’s not overpowering, because it is nestled in with homes as opposed to The Overlook, which is right at the front door of Colliers Hill — big and grand. I think this is somewhat subdued, but it’s obvious that it is, for lack of a better word, a civic piece of architecture, as opposed to a house,” he explained.
The Ascent Hours of Operation
Lap Pool Swim – 6:00-9:00 a.m.
Open Pool Swim – 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
The Ascent Gym – 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
*Starting August 14, pool hours are scheduled to change
The Manager of both The Ascent and The Overlook is MaCayla Longson (who’s doing a fantastic job, by the way!) Stop in and introduce yourself!
Office Hours:
Monday-Friday: 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 1:00-7:00 p.m.
650 Orion Ave., Erie, CO 80516
(303) 736-8955
So Much More…in Colliers Hill
Isn’t it time you discovered one of the fastest growing master-planned communities in Northern Colorado? Colliers Hill has so many exciting amenities to offer new home buyers! And for things to do — whether five minutes away in Erie, or 20 minutes away in Boulder, there are happenings each and every weekend. If you don’t live here yet, check out the stunning model homes from Richmond American Homes and Boulder Creek. Priced from the $600s.
