Buz Koelbel
A third-generation Coloradan, Walter A. “Buz” Koelbel, Jr. graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 1974. After spending two years working in property management in San Francisco, he returned home and joined Koelbel and Company, a real estate development company started by his father two decades earlier. In 1985, Buz was named president of Koelbel and Company and oversaw its growth for nearly 40 years, maintaining and amplifying its stature as one of the most prominent family-owned real estate companies in the state.
Under Buz, Koelbel and Company developed numerous residential communities including The Preserve in Greenwood Village, the largest custom home community in the metro region; The Breakers Apartment Community (now TAVA Waters), the largest apartment community along the Front Range; Rendezvous Colorado, a 1,150-acre mountain community in Grand County; Cherry Hills Park, a custom home community that set the record price point for lot sales in the Denver region; and Pinehurst Country Club, Colorado’s first master-planned golf-course development. With help from his sons, Buz was able to significantly expand the company’s portfolio. Koelbel and Company completed 10 affordable housing projects during his tenure and was responsible for adding over 700 units of income-restricted housing, helping to address a critical shortage of affordable housing across the Front Range.
Buz also kept the company active in commercial development. He oversaw the development of Centennial Valley Business Park in Louisville, Catalyst HTI in RiNo, Pine Bluffs retail in Parker, Village Center – DTC, Centennial Promenade, and numerous other developments along the Front Range.
Buz contributed to numerous philanthropic and advocacy organizations, co-founding the Denver South Economic Development Partnership, the Common Sense Institute, and the High Line Canal Advocacy. He served as a board member for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the CU Real Estate Center. Buz was a tireless proponent for education, and the family’s foundation made significant financial contributions to the University of Colorado, the Arapahoe Library District, Sewall Childhood Development Center, Junior Achievement, the Denver Zoo, Rocky Mountain Public Media (KUVO Studio), Western Stock Show Association, Colorado Historical Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Colorado, and many more.
Buz led a purpose-driven life that was amplified by time spent with his family. He passed away in 2024 and is survived by his wife of over 41 years, Sherri, his 4 children, and 11 grandchildren.
Under Buz, Koelbel and Company developed numerous residential communities including The Preserve in Greenwood Village, the largest custom home community in the metro region; The Breakers Apartment Community (now TAVA Waters), the largest apartment community along the Front Range; Rendezvous Colorado, a 1,150-acre mountain community in Grand County; Cherry Hills Park, a custom home community that set the record price point for lot sales in the Denver region; and Pinehurst Country Club, Colorado’s first master-planned golf-course development. With help from his sons, Buz was able to significantly expand the company’s portfolio. Koelbel and Company completed 10 affordable housing projects during his tenure and was responsible for adding over 700 units of income-restricted housing, helping to address a critical shortage of affordable housing across the Front Range.
Buz also kept the company active in commercial development. He oversaw the development of Centennial Valley Business Park in Louisville, Catalyst HTI in RiNo, Pine Bluffs retail in Parker, Village Center – DTC, Centennial Promenade, and numerous other developments along the Front Range.
Buz contributed to numerous philanthropic and advocacy organizations, co-founding the Denver South Economic Development Partnership, the Common Sense Institute, and the High Line Canal Advocacy. He served as a board member for the Denver Museum of Nature and Science and the CU Real Estate Center. Buz was a tireless proponent for education, and the family’s foundation made significant financial contributions to the University of Colorado, the Arapahoe Library District, Sewall Childhood Development Center, Junior Achievement, the Denver Zoo, Rocky Mountain Public Media (KUVO Studio), Western Stock Show Association, Colorado Historical Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Colorado, and many more.
Buz led a purpose-driven life that was amplified by time spent with his family. He passed away in 2024 and is survived by his wife of over 41 years, Sherri, his 4 children, and 11 grandchildren.