EVstudio Wins Gold in the 2025 NAHB BALA Awards for Best Infill Community
EVstudio is excited to celebrate a major achievement in the 2025 Best in American Living Awards (BALA). The firm earned a Gold Award for Best Infill Community for the Northside neighborhood in Buena Vista, Colorado. This honor reflects the team’s dedicated approach to thoughtful community design and strategic infill planning. You can view the official award announcement HERE.
This recognition highlights EVstudio’s role in shaping communities that balance character, function, and long‑term value. It also acknowledges the strong partnerships that brought the Northside neighborhood to life. Northside Holdings, LLC served as developer, and each consultant contributed skill, vision, and collaboration.
A Vision Rooted in Community Needs
Northside blends mountain living with accessible design. The site required an approach that respected the existing neighborhood while introducing a fresh identity. EVstudio responded with a plan that prioritizes walkability, human scale, and architectural cohesiveness.
Because the project sits within an established area, the team focused on smooth transitions and thoughtful connections. Street patterns support natural flow. Homes occupy sites with intention. Open spaces balance density with breathing room. Each decision reinforces community living while matching the unique Buena Vista landscape.
To explore more details and see additional project images, visit the Northside project page on our WEBSITE.
Collaboration That Strengthened the Design
Northside succeeded because many partners brought their best expertise to the project. Home and Design, based in Salida, Colorado, guided the interior design. Their work ensured that each home felt comfortable, functional, and aligned with the neighborhood’s style. Their material choices supported durability and calm mountain aesthetics.
Crabtree Group led land planning for the development. Their forward‑thinking layouts improved site efficiency and enhanced circulation. Their planning approach helped the project remain sensitive to existing infrastructure while promoting community identity.
The landscape design, crafted by Stubler’s Nursery, played an important role as well. Their team selected native and climate‑appropriate plantings, which strengthened the site’s environmental performance. Their work also created welcoming outdoor spaces that encourage gathering and connection.
Marketing support from Vistaworks helped tell the story of the neighborhood. They highlighted the project’s strengths and helped convey its value to future residents.
Project imagery, photographed by BV Art & Photo, brings the neighborhood’s character to life. Their photography captures the mountain backdrop, architectural rhythm, and inviting streetscapes.
A Gold Award That Reinforces Purpose
The NAHB BALA program honors the best residential design achievements each year. Earning a Gold Award places Northside among the most successful infill communities recognized in 2025. This distinction acknowledges excellence in planning, architecture, and collaboration.
The award also confirms the importance of infill development for growing communities. Northside demonstrates how compact design can respect place, enhance housing options, and protect natural surroundings. EVstudio approached each design decision with this mindset, ensuring a project that adds long‑term community value.
Looking Ahead
EVstudio remains committed to creating lasting, people‑centered places. Northside stands as a strong example of that mission in action. It showcases the impact of strategic infill design, quality collaboration, and thoughtful architecture.
We thank our partners and the NAHB BALA program for this honor. We look forward to shaping more meaningful communities across Colorado and beyond.
If you would like to discuss upcoming initiatives or learn more about our design work, we invite you to connect anytime.
