NORTHWEST AREA: Community spirit blossoms at Lynbrook

By HOLLY IVY DE VORE

REAL ESTATE WRITER

Surrounded by empty desert and clusters of homes, the Lynbrook community in northwest Las Vegas is in its early stages of development, but has been in the planning stages for years.

"The concept of Lynbrook evolved starting in late 1997 and early 1998 and really came to fruition in the summer and fall of 1998. That is when we finalized the design and incorporated the deciduous trees, the pine trees, the water features, and the gates to give a sense of privacy and to (provide) a feel of the northeastern part of the United States," Kirk Brynjulson, manager of Kirkland Development, said.

"We started grading in March 1999, and we had the first model homes in December 1999 and our first occupancy in May 2000."

With about 50 of its planned 1,200 homes occupied, the 275-acre community is comprised of 11 neighborhoods developed by 10 builders. More than 45 floor plans measure from 1,024 to 4,000 square feet.

Prices start from the $110,000s to $300,000s.

Home sites range from 4,500 to 20,000 square feet.

Brynjulson said the community, which is scheduled for completion in 2002, was named "Lynbrook" to reflect its central amenity -- four neighborhood parks.

"The parks feature water features which flow into ponds and have a `brook feel' to them. It's not just a water feature with a fountain in the middle of it. We incorporate brooks in the parks. And the `lyn' is a pond at the bottom of a waterfall," he said.

The parks also feature gazebos, a grotto, water wheel, park benches and walking paths illuminated by gas lamps.

"The intent of Lynbrook is to give builders the opportunity to build affordable housing within a planned community, and we have accomplished that. The builders have been very accepting of this," Brynjulson said.

He also said the community, which is his company's first such project in the valley, stands out among others.

"From a master-plan standpoint, Lynbrook is not as big as Summerlin or Green Valley. So definitely as a homeowner you have a stronger sense of community because of its remoteness and its size," Brynjulson said.

These features appealed to Scott and Shawna Havens, who earlier this month moved into the Kimball Hill at Lynbrook neighborhood, built by Kimball Hill Homes.

"The day we bought the house was the first day we started looking for a home. We went out with our agent, and we fell in love with this house and the gated neighborhood," Shawna Havens, who works in a dental office, said. "This was the first place that we came to, and after visiting other neighborhoods, nothing compared to Lynbrook at all."

The family of four took advantage of immediate occupancy, and two weeks later moved into their 1,613-square-foot Versailles plan. Their home features three bedrooms, two baths, and a great room with a fireplace.

"We got a good price because we are in the first phase of construction. We can say that we are one of the first families here," Shawna Havens said.

Because they are the third family to move into their neighborhood, they have had the opportunity to meet all of their neighbors.

"We moved in on a Friday, and that Friday night the neighbors introduced themselves. It is so quiet here. That is one of the things that we like," she said.

"We also like the family atmosphere. We like that Lynbrook is in a quiet area, and we like that fact that it is gated. The neighborhood feels safe."

The Havenses also like the design of their home's great room and kitchen, the neighborhood park and their back yard, where their two children, 2-year-old Dillon and 5-year-old Nicholas, play.

"Everybody has been great to us here. I met the builder, and he had been very helpful in getting us in our home so fast. He even gave me his cell phone number and said if I needed anything to call," Scott Havens, a driver, said.

The community's rural location, which also appealed to the Havenses, has created challenges for the developer.

"We have had many challenges. The remote location has been challenging in getting the buyers out and to let them know that Lynbrook exists. But we've accomplished that, and we're averaging about 400 people visiting the project a week," Brynjulson said.

"Incorporating Lynbrook into the already existing community has also been challenging, and I think that this has been accomplished with as little interference with their lifestyles as possible."

Kirkland Development has also had to develop the community's infrastructure. In addition to building roads within the community, the developer has extended the water and sewer lines to the project, and recently completed an extension of Decatur Boulevard, north from Ann Road to the development.

Among the amenities the builder has developed are: a multi-use trail for hiking, jogging and horseback riding; three of four planned neighborhood parks; landscaping in the common areas; and gated entries.

Brynjulson said the community's builders and association are planning activities to promote community spirit. Last weekend they held a fall festival. A Christmas decorating contest, block parties and barbecues are planned.

The participating builders are: American Premiere Homes and Development, Beazer Homes, Desert Wind Homes, Developers of Nevada, D.R. Horton, John Laing Homes, Kimball Hill Homes, Pulte Homes, RL Homes, and Southwest Homes.

To visit, take U.S. Highway 95 to Ann Road, head east to Jones Boulevard, then go north about four miles to Farm Road and follow the signs. Models are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.S U N D A Y , O C T O B E R 2 9 , 2 0 0 0

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