Vita -Living it up in Littleton
50+ Builder Media
October 15, 2019
Vita Luxury Apartments offer seniors active lifestyles in a mixed-use development in Littleton, Colorado
Since 2018, Vita Luxury Apartments has been one of Littleton, Colorado’s most pristine and accommodating active senior communities. Now after achieving a coveted LEED Gold-Certification, it is also one of its most sustainable and efficient.
The 159-unit, mixed-use development brings some of the latest and greatest multifamily housing trends to a specific market within this Denver suburb. Here, the 55+homebuyer can find contemporary designs and layouts, along with modernized amenities and walkable attractions.
Residents can also witness a concerted effort to deliver an energy-efficient and sustainable living environment that can be enjoyed for years to come.
Vita earned its LEED Gold-Certification status in July. Residents can enjoy sweeping views of the Front Range and Downtown Littleton.
Vita was developed by Zocalo Community Development with architecture handled by KTGY Architecture + Planning. It’s an addition to the diverse portfolios of Denver-Metro developments for both Zocalo and KTGY.
“As a vertically integrated general contractor and self-performing manager, Zocalo continues to seek ways to increase efficiency in development,” said David Zucker, LEED AP and CEO of Zocalo.
Vita was officially completed in May of 2018, and earned its LEED Gold-Certification last July. “By incorporating sustainable design and construction practices early in the planning process, issues like air leakage, acoustics, indoor air quality and the composition of building construction are never an afterthought,” explained Terry Willis, AIA, LEED AP and Principal in KTGY’s Denver office.
Photovoltaic solar panels generate clean electricity for Vita, reducing the development’s carbon output. Water is conserved through the use of high-performance sink faucets, showerheads, and dual-flush toilets that use about 34 percent less water.
All of this adds to the overall home experience that Zocalo and KTGY have successfully brought to fruition. As Vita adds to the overall quality of the Denver metro environment, it also adds quality to the lives of its residents.
Large low-e, high sound transmission class (STC) windows are used throughout the development and serve a dual purpose of regulating the building’s heat and maintaining a peaceful noise level. These windows have the ability to let plenty of sunlight through while keeping radiant heat out, making the internal temperature much easier to manage in any weather.
Furthermore, “with a high level of STC, noise pollution is reduced, which gives residents the peace they deserve,” Willis added.
Those who lease one of Vita’s luxury apartments won’t have to go very far for some of the best of what the Denver-metro area has to offer. In addition to the residences, nearly 11,000 square feet of the property is dedicated to neighborhood- serving retail and restaurant spaces.
“This new sustainable community celebrates a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle, unparalleled amenities, an on-site neighborhood eatery, and historic Main Street.” – Terry Willis, Principal, KTGY Architecture + Planning
Vita has three commercial spaces which are currently home to Windermere Family Dentistry, Fierce45 Fitness, and the newly opened Bacon Social House, a comfort-food restaurant with a rooftop patio overlooking Downtown Littleton and onto the Rocky Mountains.
The rest of the Denver area can be easily within reach thanks to Vita’s convenient downtown Littleton location. Residents are just one block away from an RTD Light Rail station. From there, it’s just a quick ride to the Denver International Airport or to any number of hotspots in downtown.
“This new sustainable community celebrates a pedestrian-friendly lifestyle, unparalleled amenities, an on-site neighborhood eatery, and historic Main Street,” Willis detailed.
Vita inspires community through features like craft areas with weekly events and social spaces.
Zocalo and KTGY took into account the desire many buyers have for convenience in location and access to reliable transportation.
“Many of today’s empty nesters are still working, so living near employers and/or transit allows residents to continue to work or volunteer,” Willis said.
Vita offers several ground floor live/work units for its more creative residents, and there is even a guest suite available to rent out when family comes to stay.
Vita is a prime example of how ideas of luxury and fitness can converge. With a wide range of amenities, any resident can find an activity or resource to fall in love with.
Animal lovers can take their four-legged friends to the community pet spa and enjoy the pet-friendly play park. There is also plenty of bike and walking trails, plus fitness and yoga studios. Cyclists can even take their bikes to the onsite maintenance and repair shop.
Vita is home to three commercial spaces like the newly opened restaurant, Bacon Social House.
Residents can take a dip in Vita’s saltwater pool or the hot tub, which stays open year-round. The outdoor relaxation can continue with the fireside lounge, outdoor kitchen and dining area, and even an amphitheater for entertainment.
“Residents can effortlessly entertain their guests or dine al fresco on their private balcony or patio as the sun sets over breathtaking mountain or city views,” Willis illustrated.
The sense of community is extended even further with additions like a community garden, kitchens, and craft rooms with weekly programmed events.
Sweeping, panoramic views of the entire Front Range and historic Downtown Littleton are available from multiple vantage points, and the development itself is a sight to be seen.
“The brick facades facing the neighborhoods present a dignified townhome expression, while the colors, geometric forms and rooflines of the train track’s side break-up the massing in a dynamic composition, expressive of movement,” Willis described.
So whether it’s for empty-nesters flying the coop, or simply eco-friendly individuals seeking modern, active-adult living; Vita is an ideal mix of sustainable design and multifamily luxury.
