Lennar plays key role in North Las Vegas growth

The U.S. Census Bureau named North Las Vegas the second fastest-growing large city in the country for the decade 1990 to 2000; and that was before the expansion of the Las Vegas Valley zoomed into high gear.

North Las Vegas continues to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States with more than 1,000 new residents moving in each month. By 2020, the population is projected to top 500,000.

"We made a very definitive statement, even before the boom years, to commit a lot of our resources to developing communities in North Las Vegas," said Roger Seaholm, Lennar's vice president of sales. "Early on, we were developing value-priced, luxury-style communities that offered more amenities and larger square footage. We were the first builder (as U.S. Home) to feature homes with a three-bay garage."

Lennar currently offers seven communities in North Las Vegas. All are priced from the $300,000s and feature single- and two-story homes ranging from 1,645 to 3,000 square feet.

"The amenities and included upgrades in our homes are the same no matter where the community is located," Seaholm said.

Two of Lennar's North Las Vegas neighborhoods, Walnut Grove and Coldwater Ranch, are located within The Villages at Sierra Ranch, a master-planned community. The community encompasses 90 acres with four parks totaling 12 acres. Amenities include soccer fields, sand volleyball courts and walking trails with exercise stations.

Both neighborhoods are Energy Star-certified and provide the Lennar selection of amenities at no additional cost, Seaholm said.

Every home features a full stainless-steel appliance package, including a refrigerator. Granite kitchen countertops and raised-panel oak cabinetry are also standard features, as well as a washer and dryer and full window coverings throughout the home. Prewiring for phone, cable TV and ceilings fans and structured CAT-5E wiring also are included.

Walnut Grove at Commerce Street and Tropical Parkway offers two-story floor plans that measure from 2,217 to 2,530 square feet with three to four bedrooms, 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 baths and two-car garages.

Coldwater Ranch is located at North 5th Street and Tropical Parkway and features five single- and two-story homes ranging from 1,678 to 2,695 square feet.

The two-story Aspen model at Walnut Grove features three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths in 2,217 square feet. Highlights include a porch entry that opens to a great room with a media niche and raised fireplace. Another of the home's features is a main-floor library raised two steps above the great-room floor level. Upstairs, the home features a loft with built-in linen storage cabinetry and a built-in desk. The master suite includes two walk-in closets and a bath. The additional bedrooms and the laundry room are also on this floor.

At Coldwater Ranch, the Big Sky model is a 2,450-square-foot, two-story design that includes four bedrooms, three baths and a three-car garage. The main level is highlighted by a porch entry, formal living and dining rooms and a family room with adjoining kitchen, which is highlighted by bay windows.

A glass sliding door opens to the backyard patio. The kitchen also includes a walk-in pantry and island. A family room fireplace is a standard amenity. A bedroom and full bath also are located on the main floor.

The second floor features a loft, two secondary bedrooms and the utility room. The master suite features a double-door entry, bay-window retreat and bath with a walk-in closet.

To visit the Welcome Home Centers for Walnut Grove and Coldwater Ranch, take Interstate 15 to Craig Road, exit west to Commerce Street, then go north on Commerce to Tropical Parkway and follow signs.

The sales office and model homes are open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Monday when they close at 3 p.m. For more information about Walnut Grove, call 639-3503. For details on Coldwater Ranch, call 649-9120.

For information about Lennar neighborhoods throughout the Las Vegas Valley, visit lennar.com.

Founded in 1954 and headquartered in Miami, Lennar currently builds homes in 18 states.