Aurora's newest waterside masterplanned community, Southshore, named "National Masterplanned Community of the Year"

Southshore, a waterside masterplanned community in southeast Aurora, is celebrating its appearance on the national stage. The community, which overlooks the Aurora Reservoir, was recently named the "National Masterplanned Community of the Year," by the National Sales & Marketing Council of the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB). Southshore is the first Colorado community to receive this designation.

The award was presented at "The Nationals," a black-tie ceremony, attended by more than 1,000 people during the NAHB's annual conference in Orlando, Fla. Southshore was judged by eight industry experts from throughout the country on a variety of criteria such as landscape design and community planning .

Developed by John Laing Homes and Village Homes, Southshore is the first Colorado community to win this coveted designation. Located near E-470 and Smoky Hill Road, the community celebrated its new status with a public ceremony attended by City of Aurora representatives, members of the Aurora City Council, Roger Reinhardt, executive vice president of the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver (HBA), developers, builders, architects and landscape architects, residents and others associated in the development of the community.

Susan Peterson, general manager of Laing/Village, LLC, the developer of Southshore said, "We're all still on Cloud Nine. This is such an honor to be recognized by our peers in the homebuilding industry. Southshore began with a great idea in 1999 by forward-thinking people at John Laing Homes and Village Homes. Its ultimate creation has been a professional and thoughtful collaboration by many individuals and organizations. For us to be recognized as the National Masterplanned Community of the Year brings us full circle from the community's initial vision. We especially appreciate the City of Aurora's partnership and support in our development. I think if you talk with any of our residents, you'll understand why they love living at Southshore."

Aurora Mayor Ed Tauer said, "Aurora's proud to have Southshore, the National Materplanned Community of the Year, in our great city. Southshore's not just great houses. It's the 21 st century model for bringing people, open space, entertainment and great shopping together in a vibrant package."

The HBA of Metro Denver recently recognized Southshore as the "2007 Community of the Year," and Southshore was the official host for the 2007 Parade of Homes, which attracted more than 93,000 visitors to the community last summer.

Southshore features five water-inspired districts with a variety of home options built by award-winning builders John Laing Homes and Village Homes. Southshore homes range in size from approximately 1,600 to 3,800 square feet and are priced from the $290s.

Southshore is located in the Cherry Creek School District and sits adjacent to the new Cherokee Trail High School and Fox Ridge Middle School. Southshore is close to Southlands retail center and minutes from Denver International Airport, the Denver Tech Center, Park Meadows Shopping Center and downtown Denver.

Southshore's 11,000-square-foot Lakehouse serves as the community's social and recreational center. It features YMCA programming, a wrap-around veranda with lake views, a community meeting room, gym and fitness studio, library and theater with stadium seating. Outside, the Lakehouse has Colorado's first saltwater infinity pool with views of the Aurora Reservoir.

Within the community is the private four-acre Senac Lake created for boating, fishing and waterside demonstrations and activities. The lake also was designed with the environment in mind. It collects and cleans rain water and irrigation runoff which is recycled for community irrigation, waterways and landscaping. Other community amenities include miles of hiking and biking trails and over 96 acres of open space, wetlands, greenbelts, parks and picnic areas that residents can explore.

To visit Southshore take E470 to Smoky Hill Rd, East to Arapahoe, left to the community. Or visit livesouthshore.com.