Comedian finds Sullivan Square true to her roots

New York native Billie Schwartz said the first time she saw plans for the Las Vegas mixed-use development Sullivan Square, she immediately felt it was reminiscent of the neighborhoods she grew up in.

"I lived in three of the five New York boroughs," Schwartz said. "I was born in Brooklyn, moved to Queens and went to college in Manhattan. As your life progresses, you find you need different things in different stages. When I had children, I wanted a home in the suburbs. But when the kids left home, I definitely wanted to return to the city."

Schwartz said Sullivan Square is the best of both worlds -- city and suburban. "The perfect example for this type of living in New York is Manhattan Park West, with parks, shopping, entertainment, retailers and grocers. The key to Sullivan Square is that it has all these conveniences of city living with a touch of the suburbs." The stand-up comedian said she envisions herself bringing her laptop downstairs to a street café and working while she watches the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the pedestrian-centered development.

Schwartz purchased a condominium unit in Sullivan Square's Madison Tower I upon hearing that her cousin Nancy Johnson, a Las Vegas Realtor, had also purchased a unit.

"I certainly value her judgment and expertise," Schwartz said. "She can recognize a good opportunity when one comes about. I look forward to having Nancy as a neighbor and meeting all different types of people at Sullivan Square."

Upon completion, the project will consist of as many as 1,300 residences. First phase units range from 500 to 2,000 square feet with prices from the low $300,000s to $1.7 million. Traditional brownstones, Live/Work spaces and units within Madison I, the project's first high-rise condominium tower, are available. The neighborhood will offer mid-rise terraced condominiums, Chicago-style lofts and townhomes.

Amenities will include a 1.5-acre central park, dog park, workout facility and pool, and residents concierge.

Located at Sunset Road and Durango Drive just off Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, the development will anchor the valley's "West Village." The sales center is located at 8930 Spanish Ridge Ave. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. To visit from I-215 South, exit Russell Road and head north on Frontage Road. Turn east on Hacienda Road and south into The Park at Spanish Ridge. For more information, call 733-1108 or visit sullivansquare.net.