Avante `gives back' at Lied Middle School

     Special to Real Estate
      Avante Homes believes its commitment to quality and community extends beyond simply building homes, according to David Ober, vice president of sales and marketing.
      "We're interested in helping create a better overall living environment," Ober said. "This means we must get involved beyond our own neighborhoods, extending our efforts into the surrounding community as well."
      One such partnership has been established with Lied Middle School, where financial donations have helped purchase items not covered in the school budget.
      Lied is adjacent to the builder's planned community of Meadow Ridge.
      "Many of our homeowners' children will attend school there, but our efforts ultimately benefit the surrounding community as a whole," Ober said. "Avante has been well-received by the community at large, and this is just one of many ways in which we're able to give a little something back."
      But the assistance received by the school is no small thing, according to Patrice Johnson, principal of Lied.
      "We're all extremely grateful to Avante Homes for everything they've made possible for our students," Johnson said. "Certainly we appreciate the financial contributions, but equally important is the fine example this sets for our young people. They hear too much and are affected too often by `big business' in a negative way. This example gives them an opportunity to experience firsthand the positive impact that a company with a community conscience can make. We look forward to a long and happy relationship with Avante Homes."
      Ober said he views the relationship as a win-win situation.
      "It just makes good sense. We search arduously for the best locations in which to build our homes. Doesn't it just make sense that we would want to extend that commitment and investment by helping to ensure the quality of life for our home buyers?"
      Meadow Ridge features a variety of styles in three neighborhoods: Ashbrook, Northbrook II and The Springs.
      "The village-like setting offers both variety and coherence," said Shannon Peterson, director of marketing for the builder. "The vast selection of floor-plan sizes, price ranges and lot sizes offers diversity while the common denominator is a carefully designed community setting."
      Peterson said the minimum lot size at Ashbrook is 55X110, "and we have even larger lots available. Spacious back yards are in great demand by many buyers, especially those with growing families. This additional room allows homeowners to incorporate pools, playground equipment, gardens or any recreational elements making home even more of a retreat."
      Three floor plans range from 1,535 to 2,008 square feet, and are priced from the low $130,000s. The homes include fireplaces and cultured-marble vanities, as well as a separate tub and shower in the owner suite. The homes feature finished garages.
      Northbrook II is a reprise of the one- and two-story floor plans sold in the builder's Northbrook neighborhood.
      "The original Northbrook was rated as the third fastest selling community in Southern Nevada during 1998," Peterson said. "Due to the tremendous demand for these homes, we've included them in our Meadow Ridge collection."
      One addition is the 1,264-square-foot Cedar, a single-story plan with three bedrooms and two baths in the split-bedroom layout.
      "Based on information gathered through our focus groups, we've determined which design elements are most important to home buyers. Among these are the split between the master and secondary bedrooms, a generous kitchen/family room space and a delineated entry. With these floor plans we've addressed all three," Peterson said.
      Priced from the low $100,000s, the homes range from 1,204 to 1,849 square feet. Kitchens feature oak cabinets and a pantry.
      The Springs, a gated neighborhood, features four one- and two-story floor plans ranging from 1,049 to 1,584 square feet, with as many as three bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. Prices start from the high $90,000s.
      Features include ceramic-tile entries, vaulted ceilings and plant shelves. The neighborhood has a park and playground.
      To visit Meadow Ridge, take Jones Boulevard to Tropical Parkway, then head east to Bradley Road. Head north, past Bullring Lane, and follow the signs.
      The builder also has single-family homes available at Emerald Ridge at Silverado Ranch in the southeastern valley, and at Aventura in The Canyons village at Summerlin.Sunday, April 4, 1999 aPage 1M