Boomers boost sales at Siena

Buildout may come sooner than expected at Siena, a guard-gated village within Summerlin, as about 800 of a planned 1,900 homes have been sold.

"Siena's sales have been amazingly strong, so we are ahead of our original projections," said Paul Smith, project manager at the age-qualified community. "I think that's partly thanks to the California baby boomers who are moving into Nevada in great numbers.

"Baby boomers want to stay fit and active, so our resort-quality recreational amenities are important to their lifestyle -- a championship golf course, lighted tennis courts, indoor and outdoor swimming pools. (Our) health and fitness center is the crown jewel of the community."

Federal law allows an age-qualified community to sell as many as 20 percent of its homes to buyers between age 50 and 55.

"Where to live in retirement is a decision on the mind of every adult past the age of 50. We have a lot of pre-retirees -- more than half are still working," Smith said.

Siena is a development of Las Vegas-based Sunrise Colony Co., which began building luxury golf club communities in the Palm Springs, Calif., area more than 30 years ago. One-third of Siena's homes will align its 18-hole, par-72 golf course designed by Schmidt & Curley of Scottsdale, Ariz. The daily-fee course is open to the public, with Siena residents given special rates and preferred tee times.

Additional outdoor amenities include a resort pool and spa, four lighted tennis courts and two bocce courts.

A 15,900-square-foot private health club features a 25-meter indoor pool and spa, cardiovascular and weight rooms, and sauna and steam rooms. Its day spa includes a beauty salon and there is also a wellness center sponsored by Summerlin Hospital and Medical Center. Full-time fitness manager Wayne Ireland serves as a personal trainer for residents and schedules classes ranging from aerobics to yoga.

A full-time activities manager is also on-site.

"Our activities manager takes full advantage of living in Las Vegas, from visiting art exhibits on the Strip to hiking together in the nearby Red Rock Canyon," Smith said. "Siena's social center has arts and crafts studios, a computer center and a full schedule of events and classes.

"Residents really are friends with their neighbors here. We also have a lot of singles, both men and women, who enjoy being part of the Siena family."

Buyers can choose from five Italian-themed collections of homes, all of which are single-story and detached. Fourteen floor plans range from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet and are priced from the low $160,000s to $650,000.

Each plan offers three exterior designs and a range of customizing options, including courtyard fireplaces and casitas with separate entrances. Professional interior designers are available to assist buyers.

Smith said Siena's location has also proved a selling point among buyers.

"Our 3,000-foot elevation gives us panoramic views of the city and slightly cooler temperatures," he said. "Because the rise is so gradual, it's hard to realize we are as high above the Las Vegas Strip as the Stratosphere tower."

To tour the model village, take Sahara Avenue or Interstate 215 to Town Center Drive and go south, following the signs. The homes are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

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