Friday, February 25, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
History of Bel Mar
As we approach the Grand Opening of our Bel Mar office I thought it might be interesting to find out the history of Bel Mar. I really didn't think much of the "new" mall area. I've driven by it several times. I'm not from Colorado so I didn't know it has history. If you learn nothing else about me as your HP blogger you will know that I love to learn something new especially when it comes to history!
A little bit of history about the city of Lakewood, Colorado itself first. Lakewood was platted by Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loveland. As you probably know Loveland was the president of the Colorado Central Railroad. Loveland wanted to settle down in a new community after he retired from the railroad. He picked the area west of Denver along Colfax Avenue. Many wealthy residents of Denver chose this Lakewood district for their summer estates. Lakewood put itself on the map following the establishment of the Remington Arms Company ammunition factory in 1941. The arms company is now the site of the Denver Federal Center which is the largest concentration of Federal agencies outside of Washington, D.C. Lakewood was operating in part as a city for 80 years before it was incorporated in 1969. Lakewood is currently the 4th largest city in Colorado with a population of 141,943(2008 census reports).
Enter in now the Villa Italia Mall which was located in the area now known as Bel Mar. The Villa Italia Mall was located in the area of West Alameda and South Wadsworth Blvd. The land used for the mall was a part of the 750 acre estate of heiress May Bonfils-Stanton. The mall was the idea of Charles Stanton(May Bonfils-Stanton's husband) and architect Gene Shrewsury. The mall was completed in March 1966. It was the largest mall from Chicago to Los Angles that was anchored by J.C. Penny, Montgomery Ward and Joslins. The interior of the mall was decorated with columns from Colorado's old U.S. Mint Customs House, terra cotta tile, fountains and Roman statues. The mall felt the crunch of competition in the early 1990's. The City of Lakewood took charge in 1998 and purchased the land in a joint venture with Continuum Development. They were able to acquire the buildings and leases in 2001. The city rezoned the area so it could be used for mixed development instead of just an enclosed retail space. Demolition began July 15, 2001 on Villa Italia.
Now Bel Mar is an outdoor area that isn't just for shopping. You will find an urban community where you can find an apartment, office and many retail offerings. Keeping in the Italian heritage of the Villa Italia, Bel Mar still hosts an annual Italian Festival that usually takes place in the Fall.
Now you know a little of the history of our newest location in Bel Mar. So join us at our grand opening celebration taking place on Wednesday, February 23rd 4:30-7:00 PM. Call the office to RSVP. 303.629.4921
Written by,
Robin Wilkerson
HP Staff
*My facts came from Wikipedia(history of Lakewood) and the Mall of Fame Blog(history of the Villa Italia Mall)*
A little bit of history about the city of Lakewood, Colorado itself first. Lakewood was platted by Charles Welch and W.A.H. Loveland. As you probably know Loveland was the president of the Colorado Central Railroad. Loveland wanted to settle down in a new community after he retired from the railroad. He picked the area west of Denver along Colfax Avenue. Many wealthy residents of Denver chose this Lakewood district for their summer estates. Lakewood put itself on the map following the establishment of the Remington Arms Company ammunition factory in 1941. The arms company is now the site of the Denver Federal Center which is the largest concentration of Federal agencies outside of Washington, D.C. Lakewood was operating in part as a city for 80 years before it was incorporated in 1969. Lakewood is currently the 4th largest city in Colorado with a population of 141,943(2008 census reports).
Enter in now the Villa Italia Mall which was located in the area now known as Bel Mar. The Villa Italia Mall was located in the area of West Alameda and South Wadsworth Blvd. The land used for the mall was a part of the 750 acre estate of heiress May Bonfils-Stanton. The mall was the idea of Charles Stanton(May Bonfils-Stanton's husband) and architect Gene Shrewsury. The mall was completed in March 1966. It was the largest mall from Chicago to Los Angles that was anchored by J.C. Penny, Montgomery Ward and Joslins. The interior of the mall was decorated with columns from Colorado's old U.S. Mint Customs House, terra cotta tile, fountains and Roman statues. The mall felt the crunch of competition in the early 1990's. The City of Lakewood took charge in 1998 and purchased the land in a joint venture with Continuum Development. They were able to acquire the buildings and leases in 2001. The city rezoned the area so it could be used for mixed development instead of just an enclosed retail space. Demolition began July 15, 2001 on Villa Italia.
Now Bel Mar is an outdoor area that isn't just for shopping. You will find an urban community where you can find an apartment, office and many retail offerings. Keeping in the Italian heritage of the Villa Italia, Bel Mar still hosts an annual Italian Festival that usually takes place in the Fall.
Now you know a little of the history of our newest location in Bel Mar. So join us at our grand opening celebration taking place on Wednesday, February 23rd 4:30-7:00 PM. Call the office to RSVP. 303.629.4921
Written by,
Robin Wilkerson
HP Staff
*My facts came from Wikipedia(history of Lakewood) and the Mall of Fame Blog(history of the Villa Italia Mall)*
Friday, February 11, 2011
How to Get Stealthy Excercise
Here are 10 ways you can get stealthy exercise. You don't have to go to the gym and I doubt you'll know you are even exercising!
1. When you are going to park your car. Take a further parking place to give yourself a little walk(of course know your limits and park the furthest you are able).
2. Keep a pair of light weight dumbbells by the TV so while you are watching your favorite TV show you can strength train at the same time.
3. Walk that puppy around the block or play with that grandchild. You will be burning calories and having a great time!
4. Clean your house! Did you know vacuuming can burn 80 calories in just fifteen minutes!
5. Whenever possible take the stairs instead of the elevator.
6. Swing your arms when you walk. It will add a little cardio to that step.
7. Try chair sits. Sit on your chair and get back up. Do as many reps as you can but up to 15 would be beneficial
8. Do push ups anywhere in the house. Against a wall, counter, table. Try to do 2 sets of 10.
9. Increase your flexibility by sitting on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you, arms extended. Straighten your back , bend forward from your hips as far as you can go. Hold for ten seconds then release. Repeat at least 3 times.
10. Take a friend with you to the mall(Colorado Mills Mall is a good one) and join Mills Milers( a walking group with prizes). St. Anthony Hospitals Health Passport is located in space 134. Near Border's Bookstore.
During this heart health month make that promise to your heart that you will put some exercise in your day!
Robin
Friday, February 4, 2011
National Wear Red Day
National Wear Red Day
February 4, 2011
I knew this day was approaching. I knew I was called upon to wear red in support of heart health. I did my part and now I want to know how did this all get started and what is the purpose of this day? Here's what I found out.....
I went to this website sponsored by the American Heart Association. You can visit them too: http://tinyurl.com/37s3bn. I learned that the Go Red for Women campaign started in 2004 due to alarming statistics that the leading cause of death for women over the age of 20 was heart disease. Heart disease was once thought to be just something that struck men. The startling statics told otherwise. It is the goal of the Go Red for Women campaign to educate as many woman as possible about the risk factors and empower them to take charge of their health.
Cardiovascular disease has factors that can be detected early, prevented or minimized. Knowledge is the key to helping prevent a heart attack or stroke. Some important things you can do today is quit smoking, exercise regularly, see your doctor for those regular check ups, lose weight(if you are overweight), and reduce stress. You can assess your risk factors using this link: http://tinyurl.com/4756765 Your doctor can help you find resources to help you if you are need of help. You can also check out the Health Passport website for our Heart Health Fair coming up. We also have walking groups and excercise classes. www.myhealthpassport.org
Now you know what this great day is all about. Get out there and spread the word! And go ahead wear red today! Wear it for all the ladies you love in your life!
Written by,
Robin Wilkerson
Health Passport Team
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