Pardee wraps up `golden' year

Pardee Homes marked its 50th year of building homes in Southern Nevada this year, and the celebrations were many. Special events were held to honor the company's heritage, to demonstrate employees skills and teamwork, and to set the course for the future of home building.

As 2002 began, the builder hosted a reception that included several members of Nevada's political community who have lived in Pardee homes. Among the guests was Sen. John Ensign.

"There is no doubt Pardee builds great homes, but they also build communities that make a house a home," said Ensign, who has lived in three Pardee-built homes. "They bring family values into their business planning by building parks and constructing neighborhoods around quality schools."

Pardee has played a role in the development of Summerlin, Green Valley, Green Valley Ranch and Seven Hills, in addition to developing its own communities, which include Eldorado, Rancho Las Palmas, Nevada Trails and Shadow Mountain Ranch.

Last year also featured the construction of the 50-Hour House, a two-story, 2,046-square-foot home located in the Talavera neighborhood within Eldorado Highlands. With the help of the city of North Las Vegas and local contractor partners, the home was built within 50 hours, from pouring the foundation to completion.

Company CEO Mike McGee called the project a "remarkable" achievement.

"(It) is an exceptional example of what imagination, process analysis, teamwork and sheer stamina can produce. It was a fitting commemoration of our 50th anniversary in Southern Nevada, and an equally fitting reflection of the kind of people and commitment we have at Pardee," McGee said.

In recognition of the home's completion, Pardee donated 50 $1,000 scholarships to the Clark County Public Education Foundation.

As the year progressed, the builder committed to build only Energy Star homes, which are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than standard homes. Klif Andrews, vice president of community development for the builder, said Pardee is unique among its peers in making such a pledge.

"As part of our corporate commitment to the environment and to building earth-friendly homes, Pardee is proud to become the first large builder in the country to make all of its homes comply with the Energy Star program," Andrews said.

Pardee also introduced two new neighborhoods this year, Mandevilla in Eldorado Highlands and Stone Creek in Rancho Las Palmas. The company's rate of sales placed it among the top local builders.

The company also showed its support for the local community by sponsoring the second annual Northern Exposure 10K Race, and supporting The Shade Tree Shelter for homeless women and children. Pardee was named 2002 Home Builder of the Year by Shade Tree at its inaugural awards presentation.

"We've been busy," Andrews said. "And while it will be hard to top our 50th anniversary year, it won't be impossible. Everyone has worked hard to make the achievements of 2002 a reality, and I don't see anyone sitting back and getting comfortable. We've set our goals high for 2003, raising the bar yet again."

By the end of next year, Andrews said Pardee will have opened at least a dozen new neighborhoods in the Las Vegas area, and will have introduced the LivingSmart concept, which is designed to conserve power and natural resources.

Pardee Homes was founded in Southern California in the 1930s, and has since become the longest established local home builder with 13 neighborhoods open for sales. The company has built more than 25,000 homes in Southern Nevada.

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