MacDonald Highlands to hold first auction today

Today the master-planned community of MacDonald Highlands will hold its first auction beginning at noon within the community at the private DragonRidge Clubhouse. Twenty custom lots will be auctioned off with prices starting at $300,000. In addition three estate homes, two specifically designed for showcasing development of hillside homes within MacDonald Highlands also will be auctioned.

"As I've stated in my ads, I'd rather give a discount to a future resident than continue paying interest to our bank," said Rich MacDonald, developer of MacDonald Highlands. According to MacDonald, "It's a great way for us to eliminate company debt and a great program for buyers."

MacDonald has hired Auction One Las Vegas to conduct the auction and said he sees more auctions in the future with lot prices increasing with each one. Anyone interested in making a bid needs to arrive early to register.

MacDonald Highlands has four custom-home neighborhoods under development with custom lots that provide choices for buyers. Each neighborhood features its own distinct topography and views. Buyers can choose from a variety of terrains including golf frontage, multilevel pads or hillside elevations with views of the golf course, mountain range and views of the Las Vegas skyline. These custom lots range from one-quarter acre to more than 2 acres.

MacDonald Highlands features DragonRidge Country Club, a secluded 18-hole course with its fairways, greens and tee boxes sculpted and carved by designers Jay Moorish and David Druzisky, who placed the golf course back into the canyons utilizing elevation changes throughout. The clubhouse features a gourmet steakhouse with views of the Las Vegas Strip, a separate mixed grill and lounge, a 10,000-square-foot ballroom seating more than 300 guests, a swimming pool, children's pool and golf pro shop.

MacDonald Highlands celebrated two new additions to the community. The new tennis and athletic center highlighting a 14,000-square-foot facility offers child care, an Internet café and a staff of personal trainers and fitness instructors available to teach classes in Pilates, aerobics, cycling and kick boxing. The center has locker rooms for members with sauna, steam, Jacuzzi and massage. Five new tennis courts, one with stadium seating, features programs for DragonRidge members and guests. Daily adult drop-in clinics are offered at levels ranging from beginner to advanced.

League teams in the U.S. Tennis Association is open. Also available is a junior program offering clinics ranging from the Pee Wee group to the high performance player looking to improve at a competitive level.

The second new addition is Nevada's only Jack Nicklaus Academy of Golf. The Academy features a number of new innovative technologies that provide detailed information for golfers looking to improve their game.

Upon completion, MacDonald Highlands will feature luxury residences amid 17 neighborhoods spread across 1,200 acres of mountain range. Three neighborhood parks encompass 10 acres and feature tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, play areas and picnic facilities. MacDonald Highlands is also planning five miles of fitness trails that will meander throughout the community and provide access to nature trails that lead deep into the surrounding McCullough Mountains.

To visit the community's information center at 1730 Horizon Ridge Parkway, take Interstate 215 to Valle Verde Drive and travel south to the corner of Valle Verde and Horizon Ridge. The sales office is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

For more information, or to schedule a private preview, call 614-9100.