Siena likened to resort

For more than 30 years, Sunrise Colony Co. has specialized in developing resort-style communities, but the company altered its style a bit when designing Siena.

"At Siena, we've taken our company's legendary resort community concept and applied it to an adult community, where at least one resident of each home must be no younger than 50 years of age," said Paul Smith, senior vice president and Siena project manager. "Within its guarded gates and private streets, Siena's residents have access to an unparalleled variety of recreational and social activities to enjoy including golf, swimming, dancing, bocce ball, tennis, craft clubs, social organizations and much more.

"Included in the Siena association dues, which are currently less than $120 per month, our residents have 24-hour roving and guard-gated security, access to the community's state-of-the-art health and fitness center, the wellness center, the salon and spa, the community center and countless social amenities."

In addition, residents receive all the benefits of a country club membership without the additional financial obligation of having to own a membership, according to Smith.

Suellen Levy, a founding member of the community's Welcome Committee, enjoys an active lifestyle at Siena.

"There is just so much here to do I feel like a kid at camp," she said. "I was never this tired when I worked. I participate in so many things that even the dogs are worn out. But the great thing about Siena is you can do as much as you want or as little as you want."

Smith said about 900 homes have been sold to date.

"With fewer than 1,950 homes planned for its 665 acres, Siena was designed to offer our residents a quaint, village-like atmosphere with a density of a little less than three homes planned per acre for the entire community. Nearly one-third of those homes will front the Siena Golf Club ...," he said.

"We are constantly striving to ensure that our residents ... have access to the finest resort-style amenities available. Although construction is soon to begin on the nearly 40,000-square-foot Siena Community Center, we invested more than $1 million in our interim community center so our early residents would be able to enjoy social and community activities right from the start."

Ground will be broken in early summer on the community center, which is expected to open in spring 2003. It is planned to include a dome-shaped lobby and lounge, and a 17,600-square-foot grand ballroom that will host activities such as theater productions, political debates and evening entertainment. Also planned is a cyber café, business center, arts and crafts, and card and game rooms.

A golf clubhouse under construction is slated to open in May. The 13,500-square-foot facility will anchor the 18-hole, par-72, daily-fee course designed by Lee Schmidt and Brian Curley. Club amenities include a pro shop, full-service restaurant with indoor and patio seating, and banquet room for special occasions. The Siena Golf Club is open to all ages, and Siena residents are given special rates and preferred tee times.

In addition, the health and fitness center provides several pools, a spa, lighted tennis and bocce courts, exercise equipment, saunas and steam rooms. Also open is a wellness center overseen by Summerlin Hospital, and a full-service salon and day spa.

Six home collections are available, and offer a combined 18 single-story floor plans. The homes range from 1,040 to 3,100 square feet, and are priced from the $140,000s to the $650,000s. Three exterior designs are available with each plan, while select plans also offer courtyard fireplaces and casitas with separate entrances. Interior designers are on-site to assist buyers.

The newest residential offering is the Portofino Collection. Described by the developer as "paired homes," the collection is comprised of four attached floor plans, measuring from 1,040 to 1,378 square feet. Base prices start at $144,250 and range to $168,500.

Siena is located within the Summerlin master-planned community. To tour the models, take Sahara Avenue or Interstate 215 to Town Center Drive and go south to Siena Monte Avenue. The homes are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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