Awards and Recognition
Humbled, Grateful, and Proud to Serve Our Community
We have been recognized by a number of prestigious local and global organizations, and we are beyond grateful for their support. Take a look at some of our awards and accolades.
For the 3rd year running, Sterling Ranch is the top-selling Denver-metro master-planned community, and finished in the top 50 best-selling master-planned communities, nationwide, 2022: Zonda (formerly Metrostudy)
Sterling Ranch does it again! As it continues to grow, more and more home buyers are flocking to Sterling Ranch to make this remarkable community their home. For the third year in a row, Sterling Ranch claimed the top spot as the Denver area’s top-selling master-planned community in 2022 and ranked within the top 50 of the best-selling communities nationwide. The home sales data from Zonda is clear — Sterling Ranch is the most sought-after master planned community in the Denver Metro area!
Ranked In Top 50 best-selling master-planned communities in the US: John Burns Real Estate Consulting
In 2021, Sterling Ranch staked its place on the prestigious “Top 50” list put out annually by the consultants at John Burns. Ranked 46th among top-selling master-planned communities in the nation, with an impressive year-over-year growth of 20%, Sterling Ranch is proud to be one of only three master-planned communities in Colorado — and the only community in the Denver-metro area — to earn this recognition in 2021,
2nd year running — Top-selling master-planned community, 2021: Zonda (formerly Metrostudy)
With strong year-over-year growth, Sterling Ranch cemented its reign as the Denver area’s top-selling master-planned community in 2021. Sales data from Zonda (formerly Metrostudy) show the thriving community’s positive outlook for future growth as it continues to open distinctive, Colorado-inspired villages.
Top-selling Denver-Metro master-planned community, 2020: Metrostudy
Sterling Ranch is a unique community with impressive, life-enhancing amenities, and homebuyers have taken notice. According to sales data from Metrostudy, Sterling Ranch was the Denver-Metro’s #1 selling master-planned community in 2020.
Visionary Award: Denver Business Journal Real Estate Champions
Harold Smethills, chairman of the Sterling Ranch Development Company, received this highest award from the Denver Business Journal for his visionary leadership in real estate. He accepted it gratefully as he was among other top contenders.
National Industry Award: American Cultural Resource Association
American Cultural Resource Association (ACRA) — the largest national archeological association in the United States — presented the Sterling Ranch Development Company with this prestigious award for our farsighted planning and protocols. Historically, it was the first time this award went to a private sector company and the first time it went to a developer.
Innovator in Preservation, Sustainability, and Technology: CenturyLink
Sterling Ranch proudly accepted this recognition from CenturyLink, one of world’s largest telecommunication companies and Internet providers, for being Colorado’s first one-gig+ fiber Internet community.
Outstanding Master Plan: Denver Business Journal Real Estate Champions
Sterling Ranch received this award from the Denver Business Journal, celebrating Denver’s most important, impactful, creative real estate projects.
Distinguished Friend: Vanderbilt School of Engineering
Philippe Fauchet, Dean of the School of Engineering, presented this award to Harold Smethills, Sterling Ranch cofounder, for excellence in character, distinction of professional stature, and qualities that exemplify the values of Vanderbilt University.
Women Who Soar
Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce / Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
Every year, the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce — now called the Northwest Douglas County Chamber and Economic Development Corporation (EDC) — honors women who accomplish great things in the community and inspire others to find their own purposes. Sterling Ranch cofounder Diane Smethills was honored at this event for her eagle-eye focus on community, connectivity, and partnerships in the South Denver area.
Denver Business Journal Power Book Industry Leader in Residential Real Estate
Denver Business Journal’s Power Book awards recognize thought leaders in a variety of industries. Nearly a decade ago, Harold Smethills, chairman of Sterling Ranch Development Company and cofounder of Sterling Ranch, was recognized and honored as such a leader for his impressive achievements in real estate.
Excellence in Innovation: Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce
Sterling Ranch received recognition from the Highlands Ranch Chamber of Commerce for innovation in design and development of master-planned communities, specifically in sustainability and technology.
Chair: Northwest Douglas County Chamber & EDC
Sterling Ranch cofounder Diane Smethills proudly served as chair of the Northwest Douglas County Chamber & EDC, championing local businesses big and small, for five years (2012–2017).


