Siena applauds for `Gladiator'

Residents of Siena, a guard-gated, age-qualified village in Summerlin, give the Roman epic "Gladiator" thumbs up for this year's best picture Oscar. The Italian-themed community is hosting its second annual Oscar party tonight at its social center.

"It's been a long time since we've had a sword-and-sandals movie about ancient Rome," activities manager Kristyne Blake said. "We've been taking an unofficial poll; up here at Siena, it's a favorite for best picture, best director and best actor."

Residents will watch the Academy Awards on big-screen TVs, enjoy a three-course meal, take photos with a six-foot Oscar and pick Oscar winners for prizes.

"The Oscar party was one of our most popular events last year and the red carpet will literally be rolled out again this year," Blake said.

The 12,000-square-foot facility hosts many events throughout the year and is home to several clubs and classes on topics ranging from computers to the Italian language.

A health and fitness center, which is decorated with 15-foot Italian Renaissance-style murals, has exercise equipment, a wellness center, saunas, steam rooms, massage rooms and a 25-meter indoor lap pool. Outside, it has lighted tennis courts, bocce courts, a lap pool and swimming pool. There is also a fitness manager and a variety of fitness classes.

Residents also gather for group activities, such as visiting Siena, Italy.

One-third of the community's 1,900 homes will be built along a championship golf course that winds through the village. Residents receive special rates and preferred tee times on the daily-fee course, which is open to all ages.

The 665-acre village offers roving 24-hour security, a palm-lined main road and a Tuscan tower at the entrance.

It has five home collections named after Italian cities -- Milan, Como, Verona, Florence, and Trieste. The 14 single-story, detached floor plans range from 1,200 to 3,000 square feet and are priced from the $160,000s to more than $650,000.

To visit, take Sahara Avenue or Interstate 215 to Town Center Drive and go south, following the signs. Models are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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