Siena's busy lifestyle delights collector, artist from Chicago

Every day is like a vacation at Siena, according to residents Gini and Dan Maxime. The couple, who formerly resided in Chicago, discovered the guard-gated, age-qualified community nearly three years ago.

"When we came to visit friends of ours, we stopped by the model park. We were very impressed and we kept coming back. But when the fitness center opened, that was the hook that drew us in," Dan Maxime said. "Prior to our move to Siena 16 months ago, Gini and I lived in another gated golf community, and we had wonderful neighbors whom we miss very much. However, at Siena we didn't miss a beat. The people we have met and befriended make us feel like old friends. We just love it at Siena -- great homes, fantastic amenities and wonderful neighbors."

Maxime is retired from the Chicago Water Department, and has had an interest in political memorabilia since 1957.

"When I got involved in politics, I started to collect items on a casual basis," he said.

Maxime's collection includes campaign buttons and posters, bumper stickers, banners, autographed photos, ribbons and handbills, all of which he describes as "colorful and nonpartisan." Maxime enjoys sharing his collection with fellow political historians and neighbors.

Gini Maxime is an art specialist at a local elementary school.

The Maximes purchase the Como 6150 plan and had it modified to include two hobby rooms: one for Gini Maxime's art studio, and the other for her husband's political museum and library.

Six Italian-themed collections feature 18 single-story floor plans, ranging from 1,040 to nearly 3,200 square feet. Homes are priced from the $150,000s to the $390,000s, plus home-site premiums.

Each plan offers three exterior designs and a range of customizing options that may include courtyard fireplaces and casitas with separate entrances. A design center is on-site to assist buyers.

Siena is a 665-acre development of Sunrise Colony Co., and is located within the Summerlin master-planned community.

"Within its guarded gates, private streets and patrolled neighborhoods, Siena's residents have access to an unparalleled variety of recreational and social activities to enjoy including golf, swimming, dancing, bocce ball, tennis, craft clubs, social organizations and much more," sales executive Jimmy Jones said.

Resident amenities include a 39,000-square-foot social center that is under construction and expected to open this summer. Meantime, an interim social center is available. Also open is a health and fitness center with an indoor swim pavilion, as well as an outdoor pool and spa. Summerlin Hospital Medical Center oversees the wellness center. A beauty salon and day spa are also available.

Siena Golf Club is an 18-hole, par-72, daily-fee championship course complemented by a clubhouse and pro shop. The course is open to players of all ages, however, Siena residents are given special rates and preferred tee times.

The community will comprise about 2,300 homes when completed.

To visit, take Sahara Avenue or Interstate 215 to Town Center Drive and go south to Siena Monte Avenue. The sales office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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