Mountain's Edge developer, builders agree to water-wise plan

Mountain's Edge was designed to embrace topography, environment and history. As such, the 3,000-acre community will be developed with attention to water and energy conservation, and will provide a tribute to the explorers and others who first visited the area.

In an effort to save water, the landscape incorporates drought-tolerant and desert-friendly trees, plants, shrubs and ground coverings in common areas. In addition, the nearly two dozen participating home builders have agreed to install similar plantings, in lieu of turf, in the front yards of their homes.

"It's time to acknowledge the fact that we live in a desert and, to that extent, we wanted Mountain's Edge to incorporate that lifestyle into its development," John Ritter, developer and chief executive of Focus Property Group, said. "We are confident we can create an environmentally friendly community that is as aesthetically pleasing and vibrant as any other in the valley, if not more so. The range of materials we'll use and the creativity in terms of sculpting the land, will result in a truly beautiful celebration of the desert."

The focal point of the community is Exploration Peak, which has an elevation of 2,846 feet. Ritter said more than 10,000 native plants and shrubs were included in the revegetation of the land on and around the peak.

"We did not wait for the Southern Nevada Water Authority to implement drought guidelines throughout (Clark County) for us to design the landscape features of Mountain's Edge," he said. "Since we purchased the final parcel that would be our community, we adopted the stewardship of the desert and we looked at making Mountain's Edge environmentally friendly."

As further evidence, homes will be available that are at least 30 percent more energy efficient than federal standards require. The savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of building envelope upgrades, high-performance windows, controlled air infiltration, upgraded heating and air-conditioning systems, tight duct systems and upgraded water-heating equipment.

Part of the site's heritage is that it contains a portion of the Old Spanish Trail. In recognition, each park within Mountain's Edge will be named for an explorer or early settler. Additionally, the home finding center features displays that identify the area's native plants and animals, as well as its relation to the mining industry.

To visit the southwestern valley community, take Interstate 15 to Blue Diamond Road then head west to Buffalo Drive.

Retail and recreational development is planned, as are four elementary schools, two middle schools and a high school.

The 21 participating home builders are: Amstar, Astoria, Avante, Beazer, Chartered, Concordia, Desert Wind, D.R. Horton, Juliet, KB Home, Kimball Hill, Lennar, Meritage, Pardee, R/S Development, Storybook, Toll Bros., Trophy, US Home/Lennar, Warmington Nevada and Woodside.

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