Del Webb Corp. closes on stellar year

SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE

Del Webb Corp. had much to celebrate in Southern Nevada during the past 12 months, and expects 2001 to be equally exciting. The majority of the developer's accomplishments and announcements pertain to its Anthem master-planned community in Henderson.

In 2000, Del Webb garnered five Homer Awards from the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association; earned Builder of the Year honors from the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors; and ranked second in Las Vegas in the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 New-Home Builder Customer Satisfaction Study.

Del Webb's Homer Awards recognized its Sun City Anthem development, and included the award for "Home of the Year" for the Anthem model.

Steve O'Connor, vice president of sales and marketing for the developer, was delighted about the industry recognition.

"Del Webb is known for delivering the best lifestyle choices to their residents as well as unparalleled amenities in their communities," O'Connor said. "The Homer Awards demonstrated that Del Webb homes are of the highest quality craftsmanship and design."

Being named "Builder of the Year" was much deserved by the company, according to Irene Vogel, executive director of the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors.

"The honor is not only for a builder that delivers quality work and has a tremendous presence in the Las Vegas market, but it is for a builder consistently meeting the needs of the valley's Realtors," she said.

Del Webb's ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates 2000 survey was based on the developer's Sun City Anthem, Sun City MacDonald Ranch and Anthem Country Club communities. The survey showed many buyers were impressed by the "Del Webb concept" and the company's reputation.

Another achievement in 2000 was the opening in May of Anthem Center, a 75,000-square-foot recreation center situated on 20 acres within Sun City Anthem. The $30 million complex took about two years to build, and is the largest ever built by Del Webb.

Indoor amenities include a six-lane lap pool; spa; walking track; and three exercise areas adjacent to the track, which is located on the second floor and provides panoramic views of the Las Vegas Valley. Also featured is Trumpets Restaurant and Lounge, which offers fine and casual dining and is open to the public.

Outside, the center features a zero-entry swimming pool with a spa and lounge area, eight lighted tennis courts, seven bocce courts, two horseshoe pits, and a play area for visiting grandchildren.

"Anthem Center is a great testament to the Sun City lifestyle," Frank Pankratz, senior vice president for Del Webb Corp. and general manager of Sun Cities Las Vegas, said. "Everything this facility offers is a direct result of surveys Del Webb conducted to find out what Sun City residents want in a recreational facility."

Also new at Sun City Anthem was the company's announced construction of a second golf course, which is projected to open in late 2001 or early 2002. The new 7,050-yard course comes on the heels of The Revere Golf Club, which opened in April 1999, and the opening of the age-qualified community's first driving range, which is expected to open in late January.

Sun City Anthem offers 15 models, ranging from 1,080 to 3,009 square feet and more through the developer's Gold Key program. Homes are priced from the high $130,000s to more than $500,000.

Del Webb also announced this year that a Vons grocery store and a Longs Drug Store will anchor the Anthem Village Center, a 120,000-square-foot retail center to be built at the entrance to the Anthem master-planned community. Vons is expected to open for business by September 2001. The center will also feature restaurants, financial services and retail shops.

Another recent announcement introduced plans for Anthem Hills Park, which at 55 acres, will be the second largest park in the city of Henderson, according to a spokesperson. Del Webb will develop and construct the first phase of park at an estimated cost of $7 million. This phase will include a baseball field, two softball fields, basketball courts, a playground, roller hockey rink and skate park.

This year also saw the developer donate a 24-acre middle school site to the Clark County School District. The estimated value of the site is $2.5 million.

Mary Beth Scow, president of the school district's board of trustees, said the donation is "very significant" for the school district.

"We are thankful to the Del Webb Corp. for this outstanding donation, and we are appreciative of their civic goodwill and support for public education," Scow said.

To visit Anthem, take Eastern Avenue south, two miles past St. Rose Parkway, formerly Lake Mead Drive.

The sales office and model homes are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Real Estate home