Rhodes lends hand to charity

Jim Rhodes, founder and president of Rhodes Homes, said his company has a long history of supporting local causes.

"Charity begins at home and as a native Nevadan, I believe that local charities need and deserve the support of businesses that have prospered in this great state," Rhodes said.

Rhodes added that Southern Nevadans have always opened their hearts to the less fortunate, particularly at Thanksgiving.

"Las Vegas is a city that always has been known for its charity," he said. "Most of the local philanthropy goes unnoticed, usually at the request of the donor."

One of his favorite charities is the Down Syndrome Organization of Southern Nevada, which honored him recently for his outright monetary donations and contribution of the Rhodes Ranch golf course for fund-raising events, as well as the turnout he generates for the nonprofit organization's other events.

Rhodes also helps endow the local chapter of the March of Dimes, serving as a presenting sponsor at two of its recent benefits.

Other recipients of Rhodes' philanthropy include HELP of Southern Nevada, Tee Off for Kids and the Public Education Foundation, Deaf Kids Kamp, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Great Strides Walk and Several Sources Foundation. He also built the first of four baseball fields at Desert Breeze Park.

The builder is developing Rhodes Ranch, a 1,375-acre golf course community that is projected to include about 9,000 homes upon completion. Two active neighborhoods at the guard-gated community are The Collection and Travina.

The Collection offers one- and two-story homes ranging from 1,467 to 3,042 square feet and priced from the mid-$400,000s.

Travina features two-story homes ranging from 1,720 to 2,255 square feet and priced from the high $400,000s.

Christy Stratton, vice president of marketing for Rhodes Homes, said many of the homes are built with standard features uncommon at other developments.

"For instance, the homes are built with 6 1/2-inch baseboards as standard, something that is typically unheard of in the industry," Stratton said. "Rhodes Homes are 100 percent built to Energy Star standards, a feature that helps to cut down on utility bills."

To visit the community, take the southern leg of Interstate 215 to Durango Drive, go south, and then follow the signs.

Rhodes Homes closed on 794 housing units in 2003, according to information provided by Home Builders Research Inc.

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