Skye Canyon previews models today

When it comes to real estate, active lifestyle communities have traditionally been designed for and targeted at the 55 and older homebuyer. Though one Las Vegas developer believes that appreciation for an active lifestyle knows no age boundaries: It's a state of mind. That is the thinking at Olympia Cos., developers of Southern Highlands and masterminds of Skye Canyon, a new 1,700-acre development in northwest Las Vegas that is a base camp for the great outdoors.

"Skye Canyon is a next-generation master planned community. It's a community for members of every generation who appreciate a balanced, active and vibrant lifestyle," said Olympia's vice president Chris Armstrong.

Located off U.S. 95 and Skye Canyon Drive (formerly Horse Drive), Skye Canyon offers residents easy access to recreation opportunities in Kyle and Lee Canyons, and borders Red Rock National Conservation Area. Many of the communities' neighborhood trails will link up with trails that are a part of the Conservation Area. Skye Canyon also offers a host of amenities that extended beyond outdoor sports, and that focus on cultivating a greater sense of community.

With designated bike lanes on all main roads and walking paths, Skye Canyon also offers unique features like a community bike shop, greenhouse, amphitheater and numerous community parks and play spaces. Skye Canyon's social hub will be its 8,142-square-foot community center featuring a concierge service, coffee shop, juice bar, stone fireplaces, fire pits, and open-air cantina and wine bar. There will also be a 9,633-square-foot fitness center with top-of-the-line fitness equipment, a large, oversized swimming pool and multiple amenities for children.

"A familiar scenario in Las Vegas is driving home from work, pulling into the garage and calling it day. Neighbors feel disconnected from one another. We've worked hard to help residents overcome that hurdle," Armstrong said.

The decision to focus on creating a community for outdoor and active lifestyle enthusiasts wasn't based only on Skye Canyon's proximity to Las Vegas' unique high alpine environment. "We looked at a lot of different types of research," Armstrong said. "And people's preferences for how they want to live and connect with their families and friends has shifted."

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 57 percent of Nevada residents are outdoor enthusiasts. The OIA also reports that 30 percent of Nevadans are trail running, hiking, backpacking or running and 21 percent are cycling and mountain biking. The National Association of Home Builders reports that the next generation of homebuyers (Generation Y, those born between 1980 and 2000) is looking to spend more time outside of the home gathering with friends in community spaces and enjoying the outdoors.

Skye Canyon is hosting its First Look Model Home Preview Aug. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring 10 model homes from Pulte and Woodside Homes. The grand opening of the master planned community is set for early next year. Visit www.skyecanyon.com for more information.