Desert Bloom debuts in Summerlin

     Special to Real Estate
      Todd Nigro, vice president of Nigro Associates, believes his company has successfully met the challenge of providing something new in housing for buyers in Summerlin. That something, he said, is a "hybrid of multifamily and single-family living" that is featured at Desert Bloom, the builder's new neighborhood in The Arbors village.
      Homes can be built on conventional home sites or on lots built around a courtyard drive.
      "We researched many developments like this in the Southern California and Arizona markets, but when we brought the idea to Summerlin, there really were no specific guidelines for a project of this kind," Nigro said. "It took more than two years and a considerable amount of effort to get the project approved, but it was worth it as it enabled us to offer something that is truly new and unique in this market.
      "The central courtyard layout of the homes at Desert Bloom is interesting and presents a number of special benefits.
      "Homeowners will drive up a shared courtyard driveway that leads to four homes. This arrangement enhances security and privacy because it essentially takes the homes off the street. It also makes the overall land plan more appealing, because you do not have a situation where the street consists of rows of houses side-by-side with concrete drives and garages at the forefront."
      Desert Bloom is ideal for small households, Nigro said.
      "(It is) designed to provide singles and couples of all ages with the luxury of detached-home living, the convenience of nearby recreational opportunities and minimal maintenance responsibilities," he said. "Through offering six distinctive floor-plan choices, we feel that we have something to offer for virtually any ... single or couple.
      "For example, our larger, single-story models are perfect for (buyers) seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle, but not wanting to sacrifice spaciousness for convenience.
      "These are buyers who are looking for a somewhat smaller and more manageable home than their former residence, yet they still need ample space for their larger furnishings. Our smaller plans are perfect for (buyers) seeking the ultimate in carefree living, and our intermediate models will work very well for singles, couples or two people who are interested in sharing a home."
      A grand opening celebration was held last Sunday, with festivities that included a pet adoption event sponsored by the builder. Representatives of the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals set up a booth for visitors to get acquainted with several cats and dogs in search of new homes. Throughout the day, several prospective buyers -- and cats and dogs -- found new homes, Nigro said.
      Four single- and a pair of two-story floor plans are available, ranging from 1,100 to 1,650 square feet with two or three bedrooms. The largest plan, can be expanded to 2,000 square feet. Homes are priced from $119,490. Select home sites offer views of the valley.
      Features include great-room designs, 9-foot ceilings in the living areas, media niches, ceramic-tile entries and counter tops, oak cabinets in a choice of finishes, and raised-panel doors.
      Landscaping is provided on all sides of the homes, and is professionally maintained. All homes are large enough to accommodate a patio.
      Shared amenities include a recreation center with a kitchen, and a landscaped area with a pool, spa, and patio with a fireplace.
      The neighborhood is being developed adjacent to Arbors Park.
      To visit, take Summerlin Parkway to Town Center Drive, head south to Alta Drive and go west. The sales office is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
      Nigro Associates is a family owned and operated company based in Las Vegas. The firm has more than 20 years' experience building residential and commercial properties in Southern Nevada.