Northwest parcel slated for housing

Erin Neff

Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 | 11:36 a.m.

American CityVista is moving ahead with plans to develop new housing in mature parts of Las Vegas.

Randy Reinhart, vice president of American CityVista's western region, said his company is completing a deal to purchase 32 acres of vacant land north of Washington Avenue and east of Rancho Drive.

"We're moving forward with engineering and maps and will probably close this summer," Reinhart said.

American CityVista is a joint venture with former Housing and Urban Development Secretary Henry Cisneros and home builder KB Homes.

Cisneros and Bruce Karatz, chief executive officer of KB Homes, along with Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman and city officials, toured a number of possible locations last October for their planned housing developments.

Reinhart would not comment on the terms of the land purchase and would not release the name of the property owner.

Clark County Assessor's records list the owner of the parcel as a living trust. The 34.45-acre property has an assessed value of $3.15 million.

The site, right behind El Mercado shopping center, has been strewn with litter and has been a pass-through for nearby residents and homeless people.

Reinhart said American CityVista will build single-family detached homes for sale at prices below the median cost for new homes. Goodman said he had heard the homes would sell for $95,000.

American CityVista has plans to develop "villages within cities" in older areas of cities nationwide.

The company's first project is in San Antonio, Cisneros' hometown. Las Vegas would be the second venture nationwide.

After the purchase of the property is completed, Reinhart said the company's plans will be submitted to the city's Planning Commission and City Council for approval. Construction is expected to begin in December or January of 2002.