There’s something special about walking into a home where comfort, craftsmanship, and thoughtful design are perfectly balanced. That was the goal when the new owners of a remarkable residence directly across from Boulder’s iconic Chautauqua Park invited Ellis Builds to collaborate on their next chapter.
What made this project particularly meaningful is that it was not our first experience with this home. In fact, it was a return, one that allowed us to build upon a foundation of trust, deep familiarity with the property, and a shared commitment to quality.
Ellis Builds originally transformed this residence in 2014, completing a full interior renovation along with two substantial additions. A decade later, new owners acquired the home with a clear vision for how they wanted to live in the space.
The scope of work included finishing the basement into a recreational hub with a bar and gaming lounge, reconfiguring the laundry area, and creating a dedicated fitness studio complete with a gym and golf simulator. Beyond the interior, Ellis Builds managed construction of a new lap pool, an outdoor spa, and comprehensive landscape improvements designed to highlight the home’s exceptional setting and uninterrupted Flatirons views.
Few projects come with a jobsite located directly across from one of Boulder’s most cherished public spaces. While the views were extraordinary, the location presented significant logistical challenges. High pedestrian traffic, limited access, and a highly visible neighborhood required careful coordination and thoughtful planning.
Every decision, from delivery schedules to trade parking, had to be considered in the context of both efficiency and neighborhood impact. This is where a disciplined process and experienced project management made all the difference.
The primary objective was to maximize every allowable square foot to accommodate the clients’ extensive wish list without compromising comfort, flow, or architectural integrity. At the same time, the project carried an ambitious timeline: interior renovations, outdoor amenities, and landscaping all needed to progress in parallel.
Maintaining momentum, quality, and positive neighbor relations throughout the process was essential.
Collaboration was central to the success of this build. Ellis Builds partnered closely with Arcadea Architecture and Marpa Landscape Architecture from the earliest stages of planning. Through consistent communication and coordination, the team navigated Boulder’s stringent zoning requirements while ensuring the architecture, interiors, and outdoor spaces felt cohesive and intentional.
While the finished amenities are impressive, the most demanding aspects of the project were logistical. Boulder’s zoning constraints required precise planning to fully utilize the site, and the combination of an active neighborhood and concurrent landscaping work added complexity to site access and scheduling.
Equally important was earning the clients’ confidence that the project would remain organized, predictable, and respectful of their daily lives, no small task for a renovation of this scale.
The solution began with rigorous pre-construction planning, a core principle at Ellis Builds. Every phase was carefully sequenced, risks were addressed early, and expectations were clearly defined.
Clear communication and a collaborative problem-solving approach kept the project on track, even when inevitable challenges arose.
The project was completed on schedule and within budget, an outcome that reflects disciplined planning and strong team alignment. Most importantly, the homeowners were delighted with both the process and the result:
“We partnered with Ellis Builds in 2024 on an addition/remodel. It was a complex project requiring navigation of 100-year-old infrastructure in some areas of the house while coordinating a similarly sized landscaping project occurring concurrently. The team completed the project on spec, on time, and on budget, with consistent communication throughout. Their collaboration with our architect and attention to detail significantly improved the final outcome. I would strongly recommend Ellis Builds.”
Today, the home is fully aligned with the owners’ active lifestyle. The basement serves as a welcoming gathering space, the fitness studio supports daily wellness, and the outdoor amenities create a private retreat framed by Boulder’s most iconic landscape.
While the home feels entirely renewed, it retains its original character, enhanced rather than erased by the transformation.
Projects like this exemplify what we value most at Ellis Builds: exceeding expectations through intentional design, careful planning, and respect for both the home and its setting. It is demanding work, but it is also a privilege to guide clients through complex renovations and deliver spaces that truly support how they live.
In one sentence:
Through intentional design and meticulous planning, we transformed a challenging and highly visible site into a beautifully crafted home—delivered on time, on budget, and with exceptional attention to detail.
Whether you are considering a custom home or a major renovation in Boulder, Ellis Builds offers a steady, experienced partnership focused on quality, clarity, and lasting value.
Interested in what’s possible for your home? Contact us to start a conversation, or explore more of our custom home and renovation stories.