Work on several major projects set to begin in 2012 in Henderson

In 2012, the city of Henderson is expected to see some new projects open or begin development, from trails and parks to major complexes and centers.

Union Village, the multibillion-dollar health, retail and community center, is expected to start developing on land near U.S. Highway 95 and Galleria Drive.

According to Union Village p artner David Baker, the master planning and engineering studies have been completed.

“We anticipate acquiring the property in May or June,” Baker said. “We anticipate the ground breaking to take place in the September-to-October time frame.”

Baker added that architectural plans are under way .

The center is expected to have state-of-the-art health technology and facilities, which could include a new St. Rose Dominican Hospitals location.

Baker said they still are working on agreements with potential health care tenants.

Union Village also is tasked with securing private investors to help with financing the project.

“We have several commitments on financing for the health care portion of the project and are in discussions for the other portions,” Baker said.

Developers Shawn Hassett and Ben Howell plan to build a 22-acre water park near Gibson Road and Galleria Drive, near Union Village.

“We feel the project’s location is great,” Hassett said. “Everyone along the (U.S. Highway) 95 has pretty easy access.”

Hassett said it is possible that the park might open by this summer. However, the project still is trying to secure financing, so the opening could be pushed back to summer 2013.

Because the developers are still trying to meet with investors and banks, Hassett said they are keeping the cost estimate “fairly quiet” until things are negotiated.

Hassett went before the Henderson Planning Commission Nov. 10. The commission approved a conditional use permit and a height variance for 100 feet.

The project came out of Hassett and Howell’s desire to see another water park in Las Vegas. The former Wet ‘n Wild park closed in 2004.

“We are both family men,” Hassett said, “and having lived here so many years, we have learned there are limited things you can do with your kids during the summer. This is a great amenity to all of Las Vegas.”

If the park opens , it would operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends and some weekends in the spring and fall.

Another potential development is t he Las Vegas National Sports Complex, a stadium project that was announced in September 2011. The project is in discussions to be built near t he M Resort and Las Vegas Boulevard, east of Interstate 15, with the hope of breaking ground this summer.

“We are still finalizing everything,” said Lee Haney, a representative with the Las Vegas National Sports Complex.

Developer Chris Milam proposed that the complex be built in Henderson. During a presentation to the Henderson City Council, Haney said the first phase of the project would include an entertainment arena with 18,000 seats and a 22,000-seat stadium.

The development is estimated to cost $1.35 billion and be built on in 485 acres owned by the Bureau of Land Management . The developer would need to purchase the land.

“We are happy with the progress so far, and everything seems to be moving forward,” Haney said.

Haney said the company has had numerous conversations with investors to help finance the project.

As far as city-sponsored projects, Henderson is scheduled to have three this year.

The McCullough Hills Trail is estimated to be completed by the spring . The project is being funded through the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act and will cost about $2 million. When completed, the project is expected to be a six-mile trail connecting Anthem to Mission Drive through the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area.

Horizon Crest Park, formerly known as the Mission View Park project, is expected to begin construction in February near the corner of Annet Street and Horizon Ridge Parkway. The proposed 11-acre park is expected to include a basketball court, public art, a viewing platform, a dog park, a playground area, open turf area and educational kiosks on saving water and energy efficiency.

The park also is expected to include a trail head connecting St. Rose Parkway with the Sloan Canyon National Conservation Area. The city expects it to be finished by summer .

The project is slated to cost more than $4 million, which comes from funding from the SNPLMA.

Construction on McCullough Vista Park is expected to begin this year . The 6-acre park is slated to be at the northwest corner of Greenway Road and Mission Road.

The project is estimated to cost about $6 million, which comes from funding from SNPLMA. According to the city, the projected is expected to be finished in 2013.

Contact Henderson/Anthem View reporter Michael Lyle at mlyle@viewnews.com or 387-5201.