Avilla Buffalo Run
Commerce City, CO
Avilla Buffalo Run – A Pioneering Colorado Build-to-Rent (BTR) Community
Catamount Constructors, Inc., serving as the contractor, partnered with NexMetro Communities, the developer, to deliver the groundbreaking Avilla Buffalo Run project in Commerce City, Colorado—the first Build-to-Rent (BTR) community of its kind in the state. NexMetro spearheaded the development vision and planning, while Catamount managed construction, ensuring successful execution. This collaboration provided Catamount with valuable insights into the BTR market, paving the way for the company’s national expansion in this rapidly growing sector.
The NexMetro Avilla Buffalo Run development stands as an innovative example of BTR living. Spanning 12.5 acres, this 149,574 SF community features 123 single-level homes, with one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts, each offering a private entrance and backyard, unique attributes of BTR developments. Residents enjoy top-tier amenities, including a swimming pool, spa, dog park, fire pit, outdoor kitchen/lounge, and scenic views—offering an elevated living experience without the financial burdens of homeownership. As trailblazers in the BTR market, NexMetro brought a visionary approach to the project, setting the tone for innovation and excellence.
“This project required all of the project partners to be leaders, navigating the unique challenges of the newly created BTR market,” said Todd Hulseberg, Lead Superintendent, Catamount. “We approached it with the mindset of creating a cohesive neighborhood rather than a conventional rental development, setting a new standard for the Colorado market.”
Building Avilla Buffalo Run was more than constructing a community—it was about pioneering the BTR market in Colorado. In collaboration with NexMetro, Catamount introduced the BTR concept to key subcontractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders, building a shared understanding of its unique demands and significant potential. This project expanded Catamount’s expertise, solidified its construction leadership in the growing BTR market, and highlighted NexMetro’s visionary role in advancing BTR communities.
“To build like a neighborhood, we adapted our processes for a systematic approach, with careful attention to infrastructure, layout, and the integration of community spaces,” said Hulseberg.
The goal was to create a living experience that balanced the privacy and comfort of a single-family home with the benefits of being part of a larger community. This shift in mindset allowed Catamount to successfully navigate the project complexities, turning challenges into key processes in building a seamless, high-quality BTR development.
Catamount’s solution to these challenges was rooted in the ability to adapt quickly and implement effective processes that kept the project on track. One of the key elements of success was Catamount’s commitment to quality control, creating detailed checklists for each trade and phase of construction which ensured work met the highest standards before moving forward.
A key driver of Catamount’s success on the Avilla Buffalo Run project was its Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) culture, which fostered a deep sense of ownership and accountability across the team. With every team member personally invested in the project’s success, this shared commitment resulted in exceptional quality, seamless collaboration, and a relentless drive for continuous improvement.
This culture also facilitated crucial breakthroughs, particularly in managing relationships. By building strong partnerships with everyone from the client and design team to subcontractors, Catamount ensured alignment with the project’s vision and goals. This dedicated collaboration played a pivotal role in overcoming challenges.
“Our ESOP culture drove accountability and continuous process improvement such as implementing detailed QC checklists to ensure we met the client’s expectations,” said Hulseberg. “Leading this project and applying the lessons learned allowed me to provide valuable insights for two other BTR projects that began before this one was even completed.”
The project was a resounding success, showcasing the power of collaboration with NexMetro to pioneer Colorado’s BTR market and set a new industry benchmark. This success led to a lasting partnership, resulting in seven projects across four states. The collaboration spanned project management, construction, pre-construction, and a joint venture mentoring agreement, driving consistent growth and results. The experience reinforced key lessons in planning, manpower, and communication, further solidifying Catamount’s leadership in nationwide BTR construction.
“Buffalo Run was a turning point for us—it was the project that really tested our capabilities and shaped how we approach BTR,” said Chris White, Project Executive, Catamount. “The challenges we faced taught us invaluable lessons that have become the foundation of our approach moving forward. Looking back, it’s clear that the success of Buffalo Run didn’t just impact our bottom line—it helped us build the processes and relationships that will fuel our growth in this sector for years to come.”
The Avilla Buffalo Run project provided vital insights that have become part of Catamount’s core approach to BTR construction . The company’s ability to manage complex projects, streamline processes, and work collaboratively with stakeholders has set the foundation for future success. As Catamount continues to expand its BTR portfolio, the lessons learned here will inform every new project, ensuring they meet the same high standards and create lasting value for renters and developers alike.
