Le Cordon Bleu opens in Summerlin

Summerlin's first private college, a culinary arts institute with Parisian roots dating to 1895, has opened in The Crossing Business Center. More than 300 students are currently enrolled in various classes that are scheduled to begin throughout the year, according to Jennifer White, president of Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas.

"The demand for specialized culinary training is reflected in our strong enrollment figures," White said. "Las Vegas is home to several of the nation's most renowned restaurants, making the local culinary industry an extremely competitive market. Le Cordon Bleu educates students in all facets of the culinary industry, from food preparation to restaurant management, making its graduates among the most well-versed professionals in the industry."

The college signed a 13-year, build-to-suit lease for 45,000 square feet, with a 15,000-square-foot expansion option with The Howard Hughes Corp., developer of Summerlin. The school features various production and instructional kitchens with multimedia capabilities, classrooms, a library and administrative offices. A 10,000-square-foot fine dining restaurant with seating for 125 will open in spring 2004.

In addition, the school will begin offering community classes in the evenings and on weekends beginning this fall, according to Susan Roe, director of education.

"Le Cordon Bleu significantly contributes to the cultural and educational amenities offered in Summerlin," said Larry Brocato, executive vice president of Hughes Corp. "We are extremely proud to have the only stand-alone Le Cordon Bleu facility in North America right here in Summerlin."

The school offers a 15-month, hands-on training program that instructs students in more than 450 specific culinary proficiencies, culminating in the awarding of a diploma. Career Education Corp., the world's largest provider of culinary education, operates the college.

Summerlin aligns the western edge of the Las Vegas Valley and is comprised of villages.

It is home to eight golf courses, 107 neighborhood and village parks, more than 100 miles of trails, 16 schools, houses of worship, shopping centers, medical facilities, cultural facilities, business parks and nearly 150 model homes.

Single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums are priced from the mid-$100,000s to more than $700,000.

Custom-home sites in The Ridges are priced from the $500,000s to more than $1 million, and predesigned custom homes are priced from $2.1 million.

Apartments offer monthly rents starting from the high $700s.

For more information, visit www.reviewjournal.com/realestate and click on the Summerlin link.

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