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Designing for Livability

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Risewell Homes is ranked among the top 25 homebuilders in the United States, this is for good reason. In May 2025, an acquisition brought together and unified two builders, New Home Company and Landsea Homes, into what is now Risewell Homes. The company launched on Dec. 1, 2025 as a new, national brand, built on decades of combined experience and trust of more than 20,000 homebuyers. 

“Our goal is simple: To deliver a homebuying experience rooted in trust, care and long-term relationships,” said Jeff McGovern, Risewell Homes President of the Colorado Division. 

Risewell Homes operates in 11 markets across seven states, building across suburban, urban and mixed-use settings and offering homes for every stage of life. Through their Insignia program and EVO Home Tech platform, Risewell Homes offers flexibility for clients to personalize their homes with curated design and smart technology. 

The Aurora Highlands Community in Colorado is a prime example of the builder’s dedication to adaptable design and high-quality homes. 

Photography by Nordy Photography

A Carefully Crafted Community 

The community was designed for upscale livability, its location carefully selected to inspire both connection and convenience. It is located in close proximity to the Denver International Airport, downtown Denver and the Rocky Mountains. The community features public art and parks throughout, with plenty of open space to encourage outdoor living. Plans for a future water park, a medical campus and annual events are set to inspire connection, another firm belief of the builder. 

“Aurora Highlands represents everything Risewell Homes stands for: Thoughtful design, quality construction and a deep commitment to how people want to live today,” said Matthew R. Zaist, President and CEO of Risewell Homes. 

The community is a blend of several architectural styles, including Modern Prairie, Modern European Farmhouse and Modern Nordic, creating a visually rich yet cohesive streetscape. Clean lines, contemporary materials and balanced proportions give each home a modern, upscale presence. Large windows, covered entries and integrated garages create a visually-striking curb appeal. 

The project came to fruition during a unique time, the merging of two companies into one organization. McGovern noted that aligning teams and processes, while still adhering to design standards, during the launch of a new brand was both challenging and rewarding. The overlapping process required immense focus and strict discipline. 

Photography by Nordy Photography

Efficiency Meets Elevated Construction

Each home is integrated with advanced smart technology for more efficient energy use, including smart thermostats and automated lighting. The connected systems optimize energy efficiency and water use without sacrificing comfort.  

Beyond technology, Aurora Highlands’ homes were built with modern, high-performance construction practices. These include energy-efficient windows and enhanced insulation that support year-round well-being. 

Open floor plans create an expansive atmosphere that feels luxurious, yet grounded in simplicity. Large windows were added to almost every room in the homes, reducing the need for light usage in the daytime and allowing natural light to shine throughout, further improving overall efficiency while elevating design. 

“[The Aurora Highlands] is not just a single project, but a long-term platform for how we intend to deliver quality homes to our customers,” said McGovern. 

Photography by Nordy Photography

Designed for Every Stage in Life 

The community is made up of one-and two-story, single-family homes, ranging in size from approximately 2,043 to 3,022 square feet. Some of the homes were built with finished basements that provide additional living space. The builder designed the Aurora Highlands with multigenerational design in mind, meticulously created for clients to permanently settle, with additional options for family expansion. 

Depending on the configuration, floor plans include three-to-six-bedrooms and two-and-a-half to four-and-a-half bathrooms. Each home in the community is designed to enable various family needs and lifestyles , offering a dedicated flex space in every floor plan. Such floor plans were designed specifically for this community with a dedicated mission to deliver move-in-ready convenience. 

Neutral color palettes inspire tranquility and encapture contemporary, modern design. Dark, wooden cabinetry creates a breathtaking, stark contrast in the modern, minimalist-inspired kitchen. While the kitchen is meant to inspire luxury living, the builder prioritized functionality in the space. 

Through Risewell Homes’ Design Studio, homebuyers have the opportunity to personalize their homes, adhering to the builder’s standard to continuously design homes for how people live today. 

Risewell Homes opened its model homes and began sales at the Aurora Highlands on Jan. 10, 2026. The community is expected to reach full build-out in the spring of 2028. 

“This community brings together distinctive architecture, modern floor plans, smart technology and meaningful amenities in a location that truly supports both everyday life and long-term growth,” said Zaist. 

Photography courtesy of Nordy Photography. 

By Taylor Moore. She is the Assistant Editor at Builder and Developer and can be reached at taylor@builder.media.

This story is featured in our May issue of Builder and Developer. Read the print version here

This story is posted on our Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn


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