On the drawing board

A temporary sales office has opened for Metropolis, a 65-unit high-rise residential development to be built on the northeast corner of East Desert Inn Road and Debbie Reynolds Drive.

Developer Randall Davis and Spencer Partnership Architects, both Houston-based, have said the 1920s-themed structure will "create a new standard for high-rise living in Las Vegas."

"I am very excited to come to Las Vegas because it is such as fast-growing city. The people there have a very sophisticated city and Metropolis is a very sophisticated building," Davis said from his Houston office, adding he has been visiting the city for more than 20 years.

Luxury lofts and flats are available. The lofts measure from 930 to 2,666 square feet with 19-foot, 6-inch ceilings, while the flats range from 2,244 to 4,679 square feet with 10-foot, 9-inch ceilings. Units are priced from $400,000 to $1.7 million.

Davis said the units will compare in style and floor plan to his luxury condominiums in Houston.

"They (loft condominiums) are designed for people who want something a little more exciting and avant-garde," he said. "Since I have sold over 300 in Houston, I would have to believe there will be a demand for this product in Las Vegas, especially given this price point. The average price is $150,000 to $200,000 less than my competition and I complete the unit."

With the exception of paint, Davis said he provides completed interiors with a range of flooring, cabinetry and lighting selections.

Interior amenities will include stainless steel appliances; wine chillers in most plans; spa tubs and oversized showers; wiring for high-speed Internet, cable television and multiple phone lines; walk-in closets; and balconies/ terraces.

The lofts feature exposed metal ducts, "which can be enclosed and dry-walled if the buyer wants a softer finish," while the flats feature crown molding in the living rooms, he said.

Resident amenities will include a fitness center, swimming pool, private wine room with a caterer's kitchen, and concierge service.

From its location, nearly all of the units will have unobstructed views of the new Le Reve golf course. Davis said the view will be "spectacular. It's like living on the golf course."

As with his Texas projects, the building's exterior will be "reminiscent of some historical style." Wanting to avoid contemporary, plain high-rises, Davis said Metropolis will have an art deco look. Among his other developments were those with "an old-Chicago look ... crowned with gargoyles," another that resembled an early 20th century New York apartment complex, and one that "looks like a building off the Champs Elysees in Paris."

Davis expects his buyers to be "upper-middle to upper-income individuals in Las Vegas" along with California residents looking for second homes.

A September ground breaking is planned.

The sales office at 360 E. Desert Inn Road is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

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