COLUMN: ANC chief leads developer in new direction

I recently met with John Kilduff, president of American Nevada Corp. and he's one of the truly great guys in Southern Nevada.

Kilduff came to the valley as chief financial officer of The Howard Hughes Corp. and also ran Summerlin during a period when it was between leaders. A couple of years ago, American Nevada made Kilduff an offer he couldn't refuse and he moved to the Henderson-based corporation.

American Nevada built Green Valley, Green Valley Ranch and is working on Seven Hills. It recently joined with Del Webb Corp. in bidding for land the Bureau of Land Management was selling in North Las Vegas.

The price paid by the joint venture was $47.2 million for 1,905 acres. The venture then had to put together a preliminary plan that was approved by the North Las Vegas City Council. A final plan is in the works.

Kilduff indicated that a lot of blood, sweat and tears went into the deal and much midnight oil was burned putting together the preliminary plan.

Of the total acreage, some parcels must be set aside for parks, walking paths, fire stations and schools, leaving about 1,300 developable acres. That land is divided into residential, age-restricted residential and commercial.

Kilduff said the land acquisition in North Las Vegas is coming at an opportune time for the corporation because it will be able to move its personnel and material from the Green Valley area construction sites without having to lose time or people.

Work is winding down at Green Valley Ranch Station casino, which is south of Interstate 215 at Green Valley Parkway. Indications are the casino will open in December and will be a source of entertainment for nearby residents, with restaurants, movie theaters and the ubiquitous gaming.

Nearby, American Nevada Corp. is putting up a village that will feature high-end condominiums above boutiques in a pedestrian setting that will feature gourmet restaurants. Kilduff said the village will provide the type of environment that will prove attractive to residents who want a more urban feel to the suburban development.

It's not all work for Kilduff. His family and church are a great part of his life and he believes in total immersion when involved with either. The new bishop of the Diocese of Las Vegas has the benefit of the expertise Kilduff has gained with his longtime active involvement in the Catholic Church. Among other areas of volunteerism, Kilduff is part of a group that is looking for land to accommodate the growth of the church in Southern Nevada.

The community has benefitted greatly from the presence of John Kilduff.

A side note: I was out of town much of July, so I've been trying to catch up on the comings and goings of the real estate industry.

It was with great sadness that I received news of the death of Marjorie Chism, who was in the home-building business with her late husband, Hank Chism. There was a time when Chism Homes was one of the major players in Southern Nevada.

The industry was deeply affected by the passing of Hank and has been hurt again by Marjorie's death.

Carmel Hopkins, real estate product manager for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and Las Vegas Sun, can be reached at 380-4574. Her e-mail address is Carmel_Hopkins@ lasvegasnewspapers.com. Snail mail is P.O. Box 70, Las Vegas, NV 89125.

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