Inside Chipeta Hollows: A New Approach to 55+ Living in Grand Junction

What if your next home offered more than a beautiful floor plan? What if it also gave you less to maintain, more opportunities to connect with your neighbors, and the freedom to lock the door and leave for a few months without worrying about what you'll come back to?

That's the idea behind Chipeta Hollows, a new 55+ community taking shape in Orchard Mesa, where BOA Builders is bringing a different approach to homeownership to the Grand Valley. In the latest episode of Fresh Foundations, a series on The Full Circle Podcast focused on new development and construction in Western Colorado, Kerry Seriani sits down with Heather from BOA Builders to talk about the vision behind Chipeta Hollows, the thoughtful design of its homes, and how the community is being built around the needs of today's homeowners. Whether you're approaching retirement, looking to downsize, or simply thinking ahead about where you want to live in the years to come, Chipeta Hollows offers an interesting look at how new construction is evolving in Grand Junction.

BOA Builders: More Than 40 Years of Building in the Grand Valley

Chipeta Hollows may be one of BOA Builders' newest projects, but the company has a history that stretches back to approximately 1982.

Originally founded by members of the Bosco and Orland families, BOA began with smaller commercial projects before moving into residential spec home construction. Today, Wendy and her husband, Charlie, lead the family-owned business, having taken over in 2014.

According to Heather, that family-owned approach continues to shape the way BOA operates. Wendy and Charlie remain actively involved in the business, with a focus on homeowner satisfaction, innovation, and building relationships throughout the community.

The company's mission centers on three principles: durability, innovation, and collaboration. That means building to high standards, implementing proven technologies that improve home performance, and working collaboratively with homeowners, subcontractors, and the broader team. Energy efficiency is another major priority. Heather explains that BOA invests in third-party certifications and building technologies designed to improve efficiency beyond simply meeting minimum building code requirements. Features discussed in the episode include advanced ducting systems, heat pump water heaters, and attention to the building envelope. For homeowners, the goal is straightforward: a comfortable home that's designed to perform well over time while helping manage utility costs.

What Is Chipeta Hollows?

Located in Orchard Mesa near B 1/2 Road, Chipeta Hollows is an 88-home, 55+ community designed to offer something different from a traditional subdivision. Rather than focusing solely on individual houses, BOA Builders wanted to create a neighborhood where residents could connect, participate in activities, and look out for one another. That vision led the company to partner with Epcon Communities, whose home designs and community concepts helped shape the development. The result is a neighborhood built around a combination of private living spaces, shared amenities, and intentional design. As Heather explains in the episode, the idea is to create a place where neighbors become familiar with one another. If someone regularly attends a weekly card game or pickleball gathering and suddenly doesn't show up, other residents may notice and check in. It's a simple concept, but it speaks to something many people value as they get older: the opportunity to maintain independence while remaining connected to a community.

Thoughtful Home Design: Privacy, Natural Light, and Flexibility

One of the most distinctive features of Chipeta Hollows is its courtyard-style home design. Instead of relying entirely on traditional front-to-back layouts, many of the homes are organized around private courtyards. Large windows face these outdoor spaces, allowing natural light into the home while maintaining privacy from neighboring properties. On the opposite sides of the homes, higher transom windows bring in additional light without creating the direct window-to-window views that can occur in more conventional subdivisions. The result is a layout that prioritizes both natural light and privacy. The homes also feature a variety of finishes and design options. Buyers can select flooring, paint colors, hardware, fixtures, and other details to make their homes feel personal. Depending on the floor plan and available options, buyers may also be able to add features such as fireplaces, larger sliding glass doors, bonus rooms, or a second story.

BOA combines Epcon's floor plans with its own design preferences and construction standards. Heather specifically mentions details such as avoiding wire closet shelving and incorporating technology intended to improve home performance. The community offers six floor plans, with base layouts ranging from approximately 1,336 square feet to larger configurations that can exceed 4,000 square feet with additional space. Not every home follows the courtyard layout. The Gladstone and Rockaway plans offer more traditional front-to-back living and backyard configurations, providing additional choices for buyers with different preferences.

Designed for Aging in Place

A major part of Chipeta Hollows' approach is making it easier for residents to remain in their homes as their needs change. According to Heather, the homes are designed without steps between the main living areas, garage, and courtyard. Wider doorways and corridors also help accommodate mobility aids such as walkers and wheelchairs. These features can make a meaningful difference over time. A home that works well today may become more difficult to navigate after an injury or a change in mobility. Planning for accessibility during construction can help reduce the need for major adjustments later. The community's design also recognizes that aging in place isn't only about the home itself. Having neighbors nearby, shared gathering spaces, and amenities within the community can help residents maintain social connections and participate in activities close to home. And while Chipeta Hollows is marketed as a 55+ community, Heather explains that its appeal can extend to families thinking about long-term living arrangements, including adult children who want to live near their parents. For some buyers, the goal may be to simplify their lifestyle. For others, it may be to plan ahead and find a home that can adapt as life changes.

Energy Efficiency That Can Make a Difference

Energy efficiency is another major focus at Chipeta Hollows. Heather notes that BOA uses building practices and systems designed to reduce energy consumption, including attention to air leakage, heating and cooling equipment, water heating, and overall construction quality. She estimates that utility bills for these homes can often fall below $100 per month, although actual costs depend on factors such as personal comfort preferences, usage, and utility rates. That distinction matters. Energy-efficient construction can help reduce consumption, but no single utility estimate applies to every household. For buyers comparing new homes, it's worth asking builders which efficiency measures are included, whether third-party certifications are available, and what performance information can be shared for the specific home. At Chipeta Hollows, BOA's focus on efficiency is part of a broader effort to create homes that are comfortable, practical, and designed with long-term ownership in mind.

More Than a Home: Amenities Built Around Community

Chipeta Hollows is designed to bring residents together through shared amenities and activities. The planned community features discussed in the podcast include:

• A clubhouse: A central gathering place for residents, classes, and social activities.
• A swimming pool: An additional recreational amenity planned as the community develops.
• Pickleball courts: Space for residents to stay active and connect with neighbors.
• A fitness area: An opportunity to exercise without traveling to another facility.
• A dog wash and planned dog park: Features that help accommodate residents and their pets.
• Walking paths: Space to get outside and enjoy the neighborhood.
• A golf simulator: Another recreational option for residents.

Heather describes strong interest in the community's opening events, including the model home and clubhouse grand openings. BOA has also hosted activities such as a cooking-for-two class, illustrating how the clubhouse can become more than a shared building.

Amenities can be attractive, but their real value often comes from how residents use them. For buyers who want opportunities to socialize, stay active, and build relationships with neighbors, a community designed around gathering can offer something different from a conventional neighborhood. As the development progresses, some amenities are still being completed, so buyers should confirm the availability and timing of individual features.

What Does Lock-and-Leave Living Mean?

For many buyers considering a move later in life, freedom and flexibility are just as important as the home itself. Chipeta Hollows is designed to offer a lock-and-leave lifestyle through its homeowners association. Heather explains that HOA services are intended to include front-yard landscaping, community landscaping, front-yard irrigation, and snow removal when accumulation reaches the specified threshold for walkways and driveways. That can make it easier for residents to travel, visit family, or spend extended periods away from home without worrying about routine exterior maintenance. Residents remain responsible for their private courtyards, but these spaces are largely designed as paved patios, which can reduce the amount of yard work required. For buyers moving from a larger property, this type of arrangement may be appealing. Instead of maintaining a substantial yard or managing exterior chores throughout the year, they can spend more time doing the things they enjoy. As with any HOA, it's important to review the governing documents, fees, services, and maintenance responsibilities before purchasing.

What Buyers Should Know About the Building Process

Chipeta Hollows is still in its early stages of development, which gives prospective buyers an opportunity to learn about the community while it continues to take shape. Heather explains that the typical process begins with a purchase contract, followed by a design appointment where buyers select finishes and options. Once those selections are finalized, the plans move into permitting before construction begins. She estimates that the building process can take approximately six to seven months once the home is moving through the planned stages, although permitting, weather, scheduling, and design decisions can affect the timeline. BOA also offers an online design center that allows buyers to begin exploring options ahead of their formal design appointment. Additional homeowner services discussed in the episode include a one-year and 10-year structural warranty arrangement, along with appliance registration assistance intended to make moving into a new home easier. Buyers should confirm the exact warranty coverage and terms directly with the builder. For anyone considering new construction, understanding the timeline, available options, and responsibilities at each stage can help make the process more manageable.

What's Next for BOA Builders?

Chipeta Hollows represents a new direction for BOA Builders, which had not previously developed a 55+ community.

Heather says Wendy and Charlie have become enthusiastic about the Epcon model and the opportunity to create additional communities focused on this stage of life. The goal is to continue building attractive, thoughtfully designed neighborhoods that support safety, comfort, energy efficiency, and connections between residents. As Grand Junction continues to grow and its housing needs evolve, communities designed around aging in place and lower-maintenance living offer another option for buyers exploring their next chapter.

For people who want to remain in the Grand Valley while simplifying homeownership, that approach may be worth a closer look.

Take a Closer Look at Chipeta Hollows

Sometimes, finding the right home means rethinking what you actually need from a neighborhood. Chipeta Hollows brings together intentional home design, energy-conscious construction, shared amenities, and a community-focused approach to 55+ living. It's a different option for buyers who want to plan for the future without giving up the comfort, privacy, and personal touches that make a house feel like home. As Heather recommends in the episode, one of the best ways to understand the community is to visit in person, walk through the model homes, and explore the clubhouse. To hear more about the story behind BOA Builders and the vision for Chipeta Hollows, listen to the latest episode of Fresh Foundations on The Full Circle Podcast, featuring Kerry Seriani and Heather from BOA Builders. Thinking about buying a new construction home in Grand Junction or exploring your options in the Grand Valley? Contact The Christi Reece Group. Our team can help you learn more about local communities, compare your options, and find a home that fits the lifestyle you're looking for.