A new master plan: Providence

Ground has been broken for Providence, a 1,200-acre master-planned community in the northwestern valley. Among the invited guests at the ceremony were government officials, builder representatives and a group of third-graders, who led the guests in reciting the pledge of allegiance.

Providence, a development of Focus Property Group, is located near Interstate 215 and Hualapai Way. Plans call for 7,500 single- and multifamily units in 36 subdivisions, as well as 16 acres of commercial development over the parcel. Also featured will be paseos, parks, trails, thousands of trees, as well as statues and plaques throughout the community that are designed to educate and inspire.

John Ritter, chief executive of Focus, said Providence will reflect a "commitment to community."

To demonstrate, during the ceremony he donated $10,000 to Spread the Word Nevada Kids to Kids program on behalf of Providence and Focus. Additionally, Landtek, the developer's land division, donated $500 toward the purchase of books. Pardee Homes donated hundreds of new and gently used books it collected through an employee book drive, and pupils at Merryhill Elementary School donated Scholastic book credits.

Spread the Word Nevada founder Laurie Porter stepped up to the podium to explain the organization's mission: to put books in the hands of at-risk children, teaching them the value of reading and learning, and the unlimited potential of themselves.

Ritter said planned events within the community will include storytelling festivals, writing workshops for children and seniors, and partnerships with local organizations that promote literacy.

More than $8 million in infrastructure work is under way at Providence, bringing sewer, power and telephone lines to the site.

"This initial investment is just the beginning of what will be taking place to make Providence ready for its residents," Larry Bross, chief executive of Landtek, said. "Soon we will begin developing a 27 million gallon water reservoir and pump station and a 5 million gallon interim water tank. When complete, the infrastructure improvements will include seven miles of water lines, 12 miles of public roads, four miles of sewer lines, and 12 miles of power and telephone infrastructure in addition to the planting of about 3,900 trees and the creation of two public parks."

The home builders are: Astoria, Avante, Beazer, Juliet, KB Home, Kimball Hill, Lennar, Meritage, Pardee, Picerne Development, Pulte, R/S Development, Ryland, Toll Bros., US Home, Warmington Nevada and Woodside.

A community information center is expected to open by mid-2005.

Focus Property Group encompasses Focus Commercial Group and other affiliates. It has been involved in transactions exceeding $4 billion and holds a portfolio valued at more than $1 billion.

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