The Ridges records big lots, sales

Nearly 70 luxury homes are under construction in The Ridges, Summerlin's exclusive custom-home neighborhood surrounding Jack Nicklaus' Bear's Best Las Vegas golf course along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley.

According to Roger Pettiford, who has overseen sales of custom home sites within the village since 1998, strong custom home construction activity has helped the luxury area to maintain its reputation as the Las Vegas Valley's most desirable address.

"The Ridges continues to retain its appeal for a number of reasons," he said. "A drive through The Ridges reveals a spectacular showcase of the valley's most impressive and stunning custom residences. Home to community leaders, corporate executives and successful professionals, The Ridges offers sanctuary to those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the city while still providing close proximity to all that Las Vegas offers -- from world-class dining to shopping, entertainment and nightlife. It's easily the best of two worlds.

According to Pettiford, the homes embody a rich desert contemporary style designed to blend into the village's natural surroundings.

"The Ridges' design standards ensure that all custom homes adhere to standards in harmony with the environment, while still allowing for visionary architecture and design. The result is a stunning community that enhances the area's natural beauty."

Located adjacent to Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area, the area immediately west of the village is protected from future development, creating a peaceful and quiet ambiance on elevated topography that overlooks the valley.

"There are scores of scenic spots in The Ridges that offer views of the Las Vegas Valley to the east and the dramatic ridges of the Conservation Area to the west," Pettiford said.

Ridges residents enjoy a Summerlin address that affords them access to the community's abundant amenities, including more than 100 parks, more than 150 miles of trails, special resident social and athletic events and programs, 22 public and private schools and more than a dozen houses of worship.

Two landmark sales in The Ridges also underscore its success and appeal as a luxury planned community.

A custom lot in The Ridges in Summerlin sold March 13, 2008 for $9 million, which translates to nearly $3 million per acre, or about $61 per square foot -- the highest price ever paid in The Ridges for a custom lot.

In July 2007, a completed and furnished custom home in Promontory at The Ridges sold for $7.85 million, or $1,047 per square foot, setting the record for sales per square foot in the Las Vegas Valley.

"It's hard to dispute that kind of proof. The Ridges is the place to build a custom home in Southern Nevada," Pettiford said.

To date, nearly 280 custom lots have been sold in The Ridges.

The custom neighborhoods of Arrowhead, Promontory, Rimrock, Redhawk and The Pointe are sold out, while Falcon Ridge has only a few remaining lots available for sale and Azure is actively selling.

Custom lots in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s to more than $1 million. Lot sizes range from one-quarter to 1 acre, with a limited number of larger lots more than 1 acre in size.

Summerlin began to take shape in 1990 and is located along the western rim of the Las Vegas Valley.

The master-planned community encompasses 22,500 acres with about 9,000 acres still remaining to accommodate future growth, including the community's urban core of Summerlin Centre.

For more information about Summerlin, visit summerlin.com. For information on The Ridges, visit theridgesinsummerlin.com or call 255-2500.