"Where the deer and the antelope play" says the old song "Home on the Range". I visited the Banning Lewis Ranch yesterday, and stopped by again this morning on the way back from Falcon to get this picture, taken from the development, with Woodmen Chapel east campus as a backdrop.

Banning Lewis is probably the most important new housing development to arrive in Colorado Springs in recent memory, maybe in our history. The prior residents of this vast tract, shown above, had lots of wide open spaces and area to graze. Sadly, they will not when this one is all over. Although they are hardly an endangered species here, it has always been a comfort to see the herds grazing on the eastern plains.

The first phase of this planned community has just closed it's first homes, and they may have all of 10 residents by the time this month is over, who will be enjoying the new clubhouse, outdoor pool, tennis courts, etc with very little competition. This development is unique from any other that I have seen from these perspectives:

1. The amenities are funded through a special tax district, not HOA dues, so that they are tax deductible, and don't require a lot of collection (or payment) hassles. For approximately $86 per month in taxes, each home gets access to the pool and clubhouse amenities, plus high speed (fiber optic based) internet, and cable television. I pay more than that for just my TV and internet now, so this is sounding pretty good.

2. They are building all the schools for this area as charter schools, using a consistent curriculum, and not waiting for school district 49 to decide when they are needed. The first school is already open, and has a waiting list, even though the neighborhood is not even built out, so schools will be a big draw here.

3. They are targeting fairly affordable price ranges initially, so instead of the $400k+ neighborhoods just to the north in D20, these are all starting in the $200's.

4. The lots, while not large, are being set up so that there lots of cul de sacs with access to walking trails, trading "personal" space for some nice community areas.

5. Unlike some of the communities farther east, this one is all on Colorado Springs city utilities, so they are both more affordable and reliable.

I came prepared to be disappointed, but came away impressed. This one should be a winner. For it's tremendous size, it has to be! Please give me call at 719-590-4768 if you would like a personal tour!