Summerlin year in review

The year was highlighted by several exciting developments in the master-planned community of Summerlin.

“The year 2013 signaled a true turn-around from the recent economic slowdown, and Summerlin was no exception,” said Kevin Orrock, president of Summerlin. “Construction is now in full swing on The Shops at Summerlin; home sales in Summerlin far exceeded expectations; and homebuilders are lining up to purchase additional Summerlin acreage for future neighborhoods. The year was one of great progress.”

In a national 2013 midyear review, real estate consultant RCLCO ranked Summerlin ninth for mid-year home sales in master planned communities nationwide.

A building boom in three of Summerlin’s villages, coupled with neighborhoods nearing sellout throughout the community, set the year’s upbeat tone. Builders broke ground in four neighborhoods in The Paseos; they sold out developments in the Amado neighborhood in The Mesa; and they enjoyed a stellar grand opening weekend in The Ridges’ semicustom home neighborhood of Sterling Ridge.

In addition to home sales and developing neighborhoods, Summerlin expanded its list of family-friendly amenities. In May, Wet ‘n’ Wild Las Vegas opened in Summerlin’s still-developing southernmost village. Now the valley’s only water park, it was followed by the completion of a community park next door. The park joins a list of more than 150 others dotting Summerlin’s villages and includes a sprawling play structure and large picnic ramadas. The park will ultimately include an aquatic center that is open to the public.

Perhaps the biggest 2013 headliner of all in Summerlin was the resumption of construction on The Shops at Summerlin and its ever quickening pace of progress. The 1.6-million-square-foot regional retail center in Summerlin Centre will open in fall.

In September, officials with The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin, announced that Nordstrom Rack will join the list of more than 125 retailers, restaurants and entertainment venues slated for The Shops. Other previously announced anchor tenants include Macy’s and Dillard’s.

Summerlin’s top-notch schools shared the spotlight in 2013, too. According to a report released by the Nevada Department of Education, eight of Summerlin’s 12 public schools received five stars, the highest grade on the state’s new performance ranking scale.

Three of the community’s public schools received four stars. Overall, 10 percent of the highest performing schools in Clark County are in Summerlin.

“Summerlin isn’t just a community of homes, it’s a lifestyle,” said Danielle Bisterfeldt, marketing director for Summerlin. “This isn’t one of the most sought-after master-planned communities in the country just because of its beautiful and varied homes. People move here because of the high quality of life that comes as a package deal when you buy a home here. In fact, Summerlin is known for its hallmark quality of life. It’s the robust amenities, beautifully appointed landscaping and resident-only events and classes that make Summerlin the best place to live in Las Vegas.”

The Hughes Corp. launched the free Summerlin home-finding app in April. Now, homebuyers and Realtors can perform a customized search using their smartphone or tablet. Via this custom designed app, they can view maps, photos, floor plans, nearby amenities and videos of available inventory.

The Hughes Corp. also relaunched its proprietary Summerlin Certified Realtors program in 2013. The program, open to all Realtors, includes an educational seminar and the opportunity for agents to win Summerlin Realtor of the Year. Those who complete the course are named Summerlin-certified Realtors.

In addition to Summerlin’s many 2013 milestone developments, the community was a place of celebration.

Valley residents enjoyed several Summerlin events open to the public, including the Summerlin Half Marathon, Tour de Summerlin, Summerlin Art Festival and the Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, led for the first time by a sitting governor, Gov. Brian Sandoval.

In addition, the Best of Summerlin competition saw record-breaking participation. Hundreds of nominations poured in and more than 2,000 people cast their vote for categories such as best restaurants, retail businesses and recreational facilities.

“With more homes, retail venues, restaurants and neighborhood amenities slated to open in 2014, Summerlin will only continue to prove itself as one of the best master-planned communities in the country,” Orrock said.

For more information about Summerlin’s new homes and amenities, visit www.summerlin.com or download the free new home finding app by searching “Summerlin” in your app store.