The City Park ADU Residence
Project Overview
The homeowners wanted a flexible, private living space that could comfortably support guests or long-term rental use on an urban Denver lot. Prenvalley designed and built a two-story ADU with an integrated garage, full kitchen, and multiple bedrooms, creating a space that functions like a true home. The project required thoughtful planning to balance access, privacy, and efficiency within a compact footprint. What makes this ADU special is its scale and livability, offering far more than a typical accessory dwelling unit.
Project Details
Size: 2,000 sq ft
Location: Denver, Colorado
Architectural Design: Prenvalley Builders
Our Approach
Prenvalley approached this ADU with a focus on efficiency, durability, and long-term flexibility, treating it with the same care and precision as a primary residence. Through a fully integrated design-build process, the team coordinated zoning, structure, and systems to maximize livable space while maintaining privacy and performance. The result is a well-crafted ADU that feels intentional, comfortable, and built to last.
Project Highlights
2,000 square feet across two levels
Three bedrooms plus a dedicated office
Integrated 2.5-car garage
Open kitchen and living layout
High-performance envelope and durable finishes
In-unit laundry and efficient storage
Designed for long-term rental flexibility
Results
The completed ADU delivers a comfortable, full-scale living experience that functions more like a primary residence than a secondary structure. Thoughtful planning, durable construction, and efficient systems resulted in a flexible space that supports long-term living, rental use, and lasting value.
Project Goals
Create a flexible, full-scale living space suitable for long-term rental or guest use
Maximize usable square footage on a compact urban lot
Integrate a garage without compromising livability or design quality
Support privacy, comfort, and everyday functionality
Deliver a durable, efficient ADU that performs like a primary residence
Common Questions about Accessory Dwelling Units
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This varies quite a bit throughout Colorado based on your city’s specific zoning guidelines. Our team are experts with zoning rules throughout the state and can provide you with a detailed breakdown of what’s possible.
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We usually get asked how much an ADU costs per square foot but this is the hardest metric for an ADU since the cost per square foot parameter can vary drastically based on the size. This is due to the fact that ADUs are small compared to normal homes and the cost per sq. ft. can vary dramatically due to the economy of scale factor. Also, most of the ADUs we build have unfinished garages which complicates that metric even further. We’ve found that ADUs in Denver can vary on average from $250k to $450k based on size, finish level, and site constraints.
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As of right now the average ROI ranges from 4 to 7 years until you begin seeing a net positive on your ADU investment which is based short term renting the space over that time. The problem with ADUs in Colorado is that there aren’t many comparables when appraisers are valuing these spaces so they are typically appraised at a lower value than they were built for. As more ADUs are built and sold with their primary homes, these numbers will improve so this ROI is very much temporary. As of now, ADUs are considered a long term investment and are definitely worth the consideration if you’re looking to hold onto your home for the long run.
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In our experience thus far, the scale of an ADU hasn’t been proven to be built better or more cost effective in a modular format. The modular ADU on paper seems like a great idea but all of the companies we’ve seen provide them are at a comparable price point if not higher and quality issues can occur due to manufacturing, delivery, and assembly issues. We view ADUs as custom small homes that need to be built with care and craftsmanship which can easily be lost in a mass manufacturing process.
