Parents follow daughter to Siena

When Frank and Margaret Giancaspro moved to Siena recently, they not only became the first residents of Portofino Villas, they also became part of a growing trend of multigenerational families residing in Siena. The Giancaspro's daughter Johanna and her husband, John LeVecci, were already residents of the adult community in Summerlin.

All are natives of New Jersey.

"After enduring the third of three blizzards in one winter, we all knew it was time to head for the sun," said John LeVecci, a software company executive. "We have enjoyed Siena so much and we wanted our folks to be a part of it, too. I thought this was the perfect place for my in-laws to enjoy their retirement years."

Johanna LeVecci, who works for a mortgage company, enjoys the low-maintenance lifestyle.

"We were living in a large house with a pool and the upkeep was becoming a real chore," she said. "We took a tour of Siena and not only did we find a house we both liked, we also found all of the amenities we were looking for with none of the upkeep."

Although the Giancaspros are still settling in at Siena, they look forward to being active members of the community.

"This is the third adult community Frank and I have lived in, however, not a single one has been able to compare with the amenities available here. Being at Siena is like living at a world-class resort every day," said Margaret Giancaspro, who plans to participate in the arts and crafts program.

Frank Giancaspro can often be seen on the community's 18-hole, par-72, daily fee golf course.

"I've already played the course several times, and I'm looking forward to many more days on the greens," he said.

A permanent 13,500-square-foot clubhouse is under construction and expected to open in June. It will feature a pro shop; the Siena Bistro, a full-service restaurant with indoor and patio dining; and banquet facilities.

Both couples plan to dine in the new clubhouse.

"We eat out every week and it's going to be wonderful to not have to leave the community to enjoy a great meal," John LeVecci said.

Siena Golf Club is open to all ages, however Siena residents are given special rates and preferred tee times.

Ground will be broken this summer for a permanent 40,000-square-foot community center, which will serve as the hub of all social activity at Siena. It is expected to be completed in spring 2003. The temporary social center houses a computer lab, billiard and card rooms, and a sewing center. A full-time activities manager is on-site.

Additional amenities include a health and fitness center with an indoor swim pavilion with a 25-meter pool, spa, outdoor pool and spa, and lighted tennis and bocce courts. Also featured are exercise rooms, cardiovascular and weight-training equipment, private saunas and steam rooms, a wellness center overseen by Summerlin Hospital, and a full-service beauty salon and day spa.

Paul Smith, senior vice president and Siena project manager, said Sunrise Colony Co. specializes in the development of resort-style communities.

"At Siena, we've taken our company's legendary resort community concept and applied it to an adult community, where at least one resident of each home must be no younger than 50 years of age," Smith said. "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."

Portofino Villas are paired homes that are available in four floor plans. They measure from 1,040 to 1,378 square feet with one or two bedrooms and 1 1/2 or two baths. Prices range from $144,500 to $169,700.

Each villa features a private entry, rear yard with covered patio, two-car garage with painted interior, individual curbside mail service, an 8-foot single-entry door with covered porch, built-in appliances, recessed lighting in the kitchen and balanced power. The master suite contains a walk-in closet and dual vanity.

Homes in the 665-acre community are priced from the $140,000s to the $650,000s. Six Italian-themed collections offer a combined 18 single-story floor plans, ranging from 1,040 to 3,100 square feet. Each plan offers three exterior designs and customizing options, including select plans with courtyard fireplaces and casitas with separate entrances. Interior designers are on-site in the design studio.

To tour the model village, take Sahara Avenue or Interstate 215 west and turn left on Town Center Drive. Take Town Center south to Siena Monte and turn left. The sales office and model homes are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunrise Colony Co. is also developing Red Rock Country Club in Summerlin.

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