Development hosts first look at homes near US 95 and Horse Drive

In no other area is economic revival more prevalent than in the northwest edge of the valley.

With construction crews working around the clock, Skye Canyon, at U.S. Highway 95 and Horse Drive, hosted its first-look model home preview for Pulte Homes and Woodside Homes Aug. 1.

Olympia Companies is developing the 1,700-acre master plan community with 9,000 homes.

"Over the last 10 years Las Vegas has really transformed into a mecca for outdoor recreation, which we can see from the increase of climbers, cyclists, runners and outdoor enthusiasts in the area," said Veronica Kawka, spokeswoman for Skye Canyon. "Skye Canyon really embraces this love of outdoor recreation, both through its location with close proximity to Lee and Kyle Canyon and its amenity offerings like designated bike lanes in the community, easy access to nature trails around the perimeter of the property and Skye Fitness, the fitness center for the community."

The upcoming community is one of the first master-planned communities to begin construction in Southern Nevada since the recession.

The community is located at the last exit along U.S. Highway 95 before Kyle Canyon Road, making it appropriately marketed as the basecamp for the great outdoors.

"We're located at the base of the Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area right next to Kyle Canyon and Lee Canyon," said Chris Armstrong, vice president of Olympia Companies. "This is the perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts. At the same time, we're only 30 to 35 minutes away from the far end of the valley."

Skye Canyon has opened 10 Woodside and Pulte Homes models for public viewing.

Available models include two- and three-story and one- and two-story Woodside Homes and one- and two-story Pulte Homes.

Most homes range from 1,700 to 3,820 square feet and start at $270,000.

Recently Century Communities was added to its list of homebuilders to construct 204 single-family homes with floor plans ranging from 1,700 to 3,600 square feet. Century Communities model homes are expected to open in December.

Planned amenities include an extensive hiking and biking trail system, bike repair shop, amphitheater, greenhouse and community parks within walking distance of every home.

In addition, Skye Center, an 8,142-square-foot contemporary rustic community center, is planned with a coffee shop, juice bar and outdoor fire pits for gatherings with friends and family.

Skye Fitness, a 9,663-square-foot facility, is set to include a swimming pool and splash parks among other amenities.

Both facilities are slated to open in early 2016. Schools and a potential casino are also planned for the future.

"We offer something for everyone here, whether you are single or have a family," Armstrong said.

The master-plan fee is slated to be $80 a month, and the HOA fee varies by division but is estimated to be around $40 a month, Armstrong said..

As of Aug. 4, five contracts were in the works with plans to move in its first residents by the end of 2015.

The community, which was previously called Kyle Canyon, was going to be developed by Focus Development, which lost the property due to foreclosure in 2008.

The master-planned community is estimated to take approximately 10 years to complete.

The site is also the home of the future Alyn Beck Memorial Park named for Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Officer Alyn Beck, who was shot and killed while eating lunch at a CiCi's Pizza in northeast Las Vegas last June.

According to the Outdoor Industry Association, 57 percent of Nevada residents are outdoor enthusiasts. After closely studying the active lifestyle of Southern Nevada residents, Armstrong said he is confident this area will appeal to most people.

"We want to create an area where people can connect and create relationships," Armstrong said. "What's missing in Las Vegas is a sense of community. Here people will be able to get together and know their neighbors."

For more information, visit skyecanyon.com.

— To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy