Longtime Henderson developer shifts gears

A longtime Henderson developer plans to shift gears from planned communities to infill and redevelopment projects throughout Clark County. Rich MacDonald, president of MacDonald Cos., and his wife, Claire, co-owner of MacDonald Properties, also plan to spend more time with their family, as well as more time on the golf course.

"I've certainly enjoyed the challenges of developing in Henderson, but I've spent years traveling and studying architecture and development all over the world, and I want to have a chance to utilize some of those learned concepts in a venue where they might make more economic sense," said MacDonald, who has developed more than 3,500 acres of land in the city.

"We built a beautiful home on the world-class golf course (DragonRidge Country Club) that we also built, and we'd like to enjoy it along with the other residents of MacDonald Highlands," where 85 percent of the infrastructure has been completed and about 200 custom lots remain for sale.

"While MacDonald Highlands will always be given special attention due to the uniqueness of the site and the great detail and thought I've put into it, the majority of the work is completed," MacDonald said. "(It) is now being recognized as the premier luxury hillside community in the valley, and its future is assured."

MacDonald developed the MacDonald Ranch master-planned community, and was instrumental in providing various educational opportunities for its residents. A Montessori school is located just outside the gates of the MacDonald Highlands village, while the Sunridge village contains Warren Walker Middle School, Hillcrest Academy and a Catholic school, in addition to Lamping Elementary, which was built on land donated by MacDonald.

"Contributing to the educational choices available in MacDonald Ranch has been especially rewarding," he said. "Our MacDonald Foundation for the Arts and Humanities has also awarded thousands of dollars directly to Henderson public schools."

Sunridge at MacDonald Ranch is built out, and The Canyons at MacDonald Ranch is fully entitled and pre-sold.

MacDonald said city planners initially doubted his efforts in developing commercial and residential properties in Henderson.

"Reflecting on the last 30 years in Henderson, it is interesting to note that many of the people with whom we've done business through MacDonald Properties have literally become millionaires. When we were selling properties at $11,000 to $15,000 per acre some 15 years ago, city of Henderson planners were saying that nothing would ever happen in southwest Henderson. History has certainly proven them wrong.

"Today's prices are in excess of $200,000 to $300,000 per acre, and higher for commercial use. It is gratifying to have participated in the creation of wealth for so many people. That is, after all, what this country is about -- working to improve your family's well-being."

The MacDonalds have put their office properties and various commercial parcels on the market, and are preparing to donate a 300-acre public trail park on the east side of MacDonald Highlands.

"We expect everything to be completed well before year-end," MacDonald said. "And 2004 will see the implementation of our new plans to move toward infill and redevelopment investments."

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