Arbors village leads in record year for Summerlin

     With 1998 new home sales up 40 percent over last year in Summerlin, the master-planned community is on its way to a record-setting year, largely due to its new The Arbors village, according to Stew Gibbons, vice president of community development for The Howard Hughes Corp., the parent company of Summerlin. The Arbors has accounted for half of Summerlin new-home sales during the last few months.
      "Situated along the community's western edge at the base of the Spring Mountain Range, The Arbors features both mountain and city views because of its higher elevation, slightly cooler temperatures and a greater variety of naturally occurring desert vegetation," Gibbons said. "Plus, the village offers a wide range of homes perfect for families, couples and singles."
      Homes in the village are priced from the mid-$80,000s to the low $300,000s and include entry-level and luxury single-family homes, as well as condominiums. The village is also home to The Arbors Tennis and Play Park, which features a tennis club for the exclusive use of Summerlin residents. The tennis facility includes five lighted outdoor tennis courts and a pro shop. The park also features a toddler tricycle track and playground called "Arborville."
      A 60-acre sports park, scheduled for completion in 1999, is under development adjacent to Palo Verde High School, which is also located within the village. The park is being built by the city of Las Vegas, Clark County School District and Summerlin. It will incorporate the high school's 42-acre campus that includes a football field, soccer field, baseball field, softball field, eight tennis courts and six outdoor basketball courts. The remaining 18 acres of the sports complex will include an Olympic-size swimming pool, locker facilities, a playground, picnic area, additional soccer field and two additional softball fields.
      Summerlin has ranked as the nation's top-selling master-planned community for five of the past six years, according to an independent survey by Robert Charles Lesser & Co.
      The master-planned community is unfolding in villages, each with its own park or golf course, including two Tournament Players Club courses, three Sun City courses and two Arnold Palmer-designed courses that are under development. It is also home to eight major village parks; more than 40 neighborhood parks; the 100-mile Summerlin Trail, which is 30 percent complete; a dozen public and private schools; business parks; shopping centers; medical centers; and more than 200 model homes.
      Homes are available in a variety of styles, including single-family homes, townhomes and condominiums, priced from the mid-$80,000s to more than $500,000.
      Custom lots are available in a variety of gated neighborhoods with lots ranging from one-quarter to three-quarters of an acre. The home sites are priced from $80,000 to more than $500,000. Predesigned custom homes built by Summerlin's Preferred Custom Builders are priced from $500,000 to $2 million.
      Apartments are also available, with monthly rents starting from the $700s.
      To visit the Summerlin Home Finding Center North, take the U.S. 95 Expressway to Summerlin Parkway, turn right on Town Center Drive and right again on Hillwood Drive. To visit the Summerlin Home Finding Center South, go west on Sahara Avenue, past Hualapai Way, and turn left on Blue Willow Lane. Both centers are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.