West Park inspires Cirque performer

Cirque du Soleil lead performer Karl Baumann said he discovered the maintenance-free home and pedestrian-friendly neighborhood he was looking for at William Lyon Homes' West Park Courtyards, a new townhome development in Summerlin Centre.

"I wanted something that would look and feel great with little maintenance. There had to be a park nearby, a coffee shop I could walk to and a bookstore in easy reach. West Park Courtyards provides all of that and then some," Baumann said.

When he's touring with Cirque du Soleil's live music concert Delirium, Baumann said he enjoys leaving his hotel and having immediate access to stores and restaurants.

West Park offers a similar way of life for the Juilliard graduate and former New Yorker. "West Park is the perfect mix of an urban environment and a natural setting. The community is really special because Red Rock is opposite all of the retail conveniences."

Following each tour, Baumann comes home to the 1,706-square-foot two-story townhome he purchased. The floor plan offers three bedrooms and as many baths. It includes a two-car attached garage, covered entry and private courtyard. Structural variations allow for a great room or den on the first floor in lieu of the third bedroom.

"The courtyard is like a garden. It's all so simple to maintain -- perfect for me. I like having neighbors nearby and enjoy the coziness that surrounds me." Baumann said he found his floor plan conducive to securing a roommate. "The layout, amenities and surrounding beauty made it really easy to find someone to share the place," he said.

West Park Courtyards' standard interior amenities include granite kitchen counter tops, raised-panel interior doors, fireplaces in family and living rooms, security alarm prewiring and Cat-5 wiring in selected areas.

"All of the little things make a tremendous difference. I really enjoy the amenities I received," said Baumann, who likes to relax when he's not on the road.

"I have a very exciting life and a rewarding job. This community really allows me to unwind and rejuvenate for my next tour. I always wanted to live in Summerlin, and now I do."

Four two-story townhomes range from 1,706 to 2,452 square feet. Layouts offer three bedrooms and two or three baths. Every floor plan includes a private courtyard and two-car attached garage. Flexible room options allow for a den, loft, retreat or exercise room, based on home design. Prices start in the upper $300,000s.

West Park Courtyards' sister development, West Park Villas, offers two- and three-story townhomes ranging from 1,556 to 2,048 square feet. Prices start in the low $300,000s.

West Park is planned to include a centrally located park with a tot lot and swimming pool. The community offers easy access to Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, and Summerlin Centre's pedestrian-centered entertainment, dining and retail areas.

Home buyers can tour model homes at West Park Courtyards and Villas from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, except Monday when the sales centers open at noon.

To visit, take the Las Vegas Beltway to Charleston Boulevard. Exit west and turn left on Plaza Centre Drive to the models. For more information, call 233-6344 or visit lyonhomes.com.