Del Webb banks on research

With several projects under way in the Las Vegas area, Del Webb offers a variety of housing options. Three of those projects are age-qualified, and open to buyers age 55 and older.

Extensive research goes into such developments, according to Dave Schreiner, vice president of active adult development for Del Webb. He said that a recent company survey of people age 50 and older showed that 59 percent plan to move to another residence for retirement, compared with 31 percent in 1999.

"This kind of information is critical when charting the future course of ... adult living," Schreiner said. "For example, seeing a huge increase in the number of people looking to relocate for retirement and interested in ... adult communities, we need to be ready with new communities that fit the wants and needs of this demographic when they are ready to move."

Locally, the developer targets the age-qualified market with Sun City Anthem and Solera at Anthem in Henderson, and Sun City Aliante in North Las Vegas.

Buyers can choose from 12 single-story floor plans at Sun City Anthem, which is part of the Anthem master plan. Homes measure from 1,496 to 3,175 square feet and are priced from the mid-$370,000s to the mid-$650,000s. Resident amenities include the 77,363-square-foot Anthem Center, which provides fitness, social and recreational opportunities. The center also houses Trumpets Restaurant and Lounge, which is open to the public.

A smaller recreation center is under construction and slated for completion in spring 2005. At 35,865 square feet, the facility will feature a fitness area, multipurpose room, woodworking shop, arts and crafts areas, billiards and card rooms, and a speaker's hall/performing arts center with auditorium seating and a raised stage.

Just south of Sun City is Solera at Anthem, a 385-acre development offering five single-story home designs. The floor plans range from 1,140 to 1,771 square feet and are priced from the low $300,000s to the low $400,000s. Interior highlights include two-tone paint, ceramic-tile flooring, ceiling fans, Corian kitchen counter tops and an appliance package.

Sun City Aliante is situated on 326 acres and is part of the Aliante master plan. Seven floor plans are available, measuring from 1,155 to 2,105 square feet. Prices start from the low $310,000s to the mid-$440,000s.

Lifestyle amenities include a recreation center, which is under construction and scheduled to open in spring 2005. The estimated $5 million center will feature a fitness area with equipment and instruction rooms, computer and hobby rooms, an indoor swimming pool and spa with locker rooms, as well as a sun deck with views of the public Aliante Golf Club and the Sheep Mountains. Outdoor amenities will include covered seating and lounge areas. The tennis and bocce courts are open for play.

Residents also can access Aliante's amenities, including its parks, picnic area, amphitheater, soccer fields, and tennis and volleyball courts. Retail development, a medical center and a hotel with gaming are planned.

Del Webb is also developing Club Aliante, a guard-gated community open to all ages within Aliante. It offers five single- and two-story designs ranging from 2,168 to 3,630 square feet and priced from the mid-$500,000s. The hub of Club Aliante will be a 5,200-square-foot fitness and recreation center with men's and women's locker rooms, an outdoor pool and spa, tennis courts, a basketball court and play areas. It is projected to open in May 2005.

All Del Webb homes are Energy Star certified and feature the Environments For Living building technology, which includes energy-saving features such as low-e windows and blown-in cellulose insulation. Environments For Living-certified homes include a three-year heating and cooling energy-use and comfort guarantee.

Del Webb is a subsidiary of Pulte Homes Inc., one of the nation's largest home builders.

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