Custom homes dot hillsides at MacDonald Highlands

During the past 10 years, developer Rich MacDonald has seen his MacDonald Highlands custom-home community take shape in the hillsides of the McCullough Mountains in Henderson. At buildout, the 1,200-acre community will feature 17 neighborhoods.

"It is truly exhilarating to drive through the gates and see all that MacDonald Highlands has become," said MacDonald, president of MacDonald Cos. "It's nice to drive into the community at night and see families coming home. It shows a real sense of community, which is so important to me as a developer and a resident of MacDonald Highlands.

"We currently have 70 custom homes in various stages of approval, so we will see even more dramatic changes as these homes are constructed in the coming months. In addition, we also plan to release a new phase of custom-home sites with true hillside locations in the near future."

Eight custom neighborhoods are under development, and among them offer views of the city, mountains and DragonRidge Golf and Country Club, the community's central amenity. These lots are priced from $179,000 to more than $2 million. Most recently, half-acre home sites with views of the golf course and city were released in the Bent Green neighborhood. Semicustom homes are available at Stonehaven, a Toll Bros. neighborhood.

The golf course was designed Jay Morrish and David Druzisky, and incorporates the natural slopes and arroyos of the mountains. Ground is expected to be broken next month for a permanent clubhouse with a pro shop, exercise facility, swimming pool, and casual and fine dining. A temporary clubhouse is open and tee times are available.

MacDonald Highlands is hosting the 2002 Street of Dream luxury housing event, at which four showcase homes are open to visitors. MacDonald said more than 25,000 people have toured the homes since the show opened May 4.

"These homes are exactly what we envisioned for MacDonald Highlands, with great use of the hillside location and stunning designs that make the most of the skyline views while blending in with the surrounding environment," he said. "I love ... talking to people after they've toured a house to gauge their response. I think people are impressed and excited by what we're doing up here."

The show runs through June 16.

Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for senior citizens and children ages 4 to 12; and free for younger children. Show hours are from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Ticket sales stop at 6:30 p.m.

MacDonald Highlands is a guard-gated community that is planned to include three parks encompassing about 10 acres with tennis, basketball and volleyball courts; play areas; and picnic facilities. Five miles of fitness trails are also planned.

To visit the information office at 1700 W. Horizon Ridge Parkway, Suite 100, take Interstate 215 to Valle Verde Drive then go south to Horizon Ridge Parkway.

The office is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

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