Rhodes Ranch

Rhodes Ranch was developed by Jim Rhodes, who acquired {{convert|950|acre}} of land from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) in March 1996. The site was located in the southwest Las Vegas Valley. The land was appraised at nearly $9 million, and Rhodes purchased smaller properties in the area for $8 million, forming a contiguous parcel totaling {{convert|1330|acre}}.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Country life vanishes under the dust of development |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/may/25/country-life-vanishes-under-the-dust-of-developmen/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 25, 1996}}{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Southern Nevada: 'Dumping ground for land exchanges' |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/may/25/southern-nevada-dumping-ground-for-land-exchanges/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 25, 1996}} The proposed site for Rhodes Ranch was located several miles outside of development boundaries that had been set by the Clark County Commission. The nearest sewer and water lines were miles away, presenting an infrastructure issue. Rhodes ultimately had to run pipelines eight miles to reach the new community.

When Rhodes Ranch was announced in 1996, the area was rural and largely undeveloped. Residents in the area had concerns about the Rhodes Ranch project and how quickly it was proceeding. Rhodes initially sought zoning approval for 15,000 homes, retail and commercial space, and a casino. A total of 137 residents signed a petition for the county to designate the area as a rural preservation site, restricting homes to half-acre lots. Rhodes sought to annex portions of the proposed land into the Spring Valley Township, which would make planning easier while also negating the possibility of rural preservation status.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Foes saddle up for Rhodes Ranch fight |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jun/04/foes-saddle-up-for-rhodes-ranch-fight/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 4, 1996}}{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Union against granting waiver to developer |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/feb/05/union-against-granting-waiver-to-developer/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 5, 1998}}

Some complained that the Clark County Planning Commission granted a six-month permit for Rhodes to operate a gravel pit in the area even though zoning changes had yet to be approved for Rhodes Ranch. Approximately 145 residents appealed the permit for gravel mining in the area, which was meant to help prepare the land for a Rhodes Ranch golf course. In June 1996, the Clark County Commission postponed a decision on the gravel pit for three months, following the opposition from residents. The commission also allowed a two-week period for residents to review the Rhodes Ranch conceptual plan. Commissioner Bruce Woodbury believed that the project was proceeding too quickly: "We were told that not too long ago the application for the land was just privatized, and here they are already moving forward on a batch plant and massive development. We see all over the county a gradual expansion (of development), but this is not a gradual expansion. This is very rapid, massive development. The word leapfrog comes to mind."{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Residents win round one with commission |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jun/06/residents-win-round-one-with-commission/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 6, 1996}} The commission approved the concept plan later in the month, without the support of Woodbury. A study would be undertaken to determine issues such as roads and sewage lines.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Rhodes plan takes first step |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jun/20/rhodes-plan-takes-first-step/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 20, 1996}}

Rhodes ultimately received permission to process 250,000 tons of gravel at the site, on the condition that roads be paved by a certain date to prevent dust from being raised into the air.{{cite news |title=Pollution board gives Rhodes Ranch ultimatum to pave dusty roads |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/aug/15/pollution-board-gives-rhodes-ranch-ultimatum-to-pa/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=August 15, 1997}} Because of an error, Rhodes had gained the right to sell sand and gravel located on the property after he acquired it. Residents subsequently sued Rhodes and the BLM for the loss of money in gravel and sand sales.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Mineral rights lost in deal |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jun/18/mineral-rights-lost-in-deal/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 18, 1996}}{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=Keith |title=Landowners sue BLM over land exchange |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 28, 1996 |url-access=subscription}} The commission approved the final master plan in October 1996, with Woodbury casting the sole vote of opposition, saying the project was too large for the area.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Commission OKs Rhodes Ranch |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/oct/17/commission-oks-rhodes-ranch/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 17, 1996}}{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Opposition fades for Rhodes Ranch project |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/nov/21/opposition-fades-for-rhodes-ranch-project/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 21, 1996}} Rock blasting was necessary to prepare the land for construction, and nearby residents complained of dust from the blasting.{{cite news |title=Rhodes fined $3,000 for dust clouds |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/nov/21/rhodes-fined-3000-for-dust-clouds/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 21, 1996}} Air-quality officials prohibited construction crews from performing blasts on weekends and holidays, a decision that pleased local residents and that would prolong the construction period.{{cite news |last=Rogers |first=Keith |title=Weekend blast ban means project will take longer to complete |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=November 15, 1996 |url-access=subscription}} Residents later complained about late-night noises and bright lights, both a result of the gravel pit operations.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=County denies expansion of gravel plant |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/apr/03/county-denies-expansion-of-gravel-plant/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 3, 1997}}

Residents continued to oppose the project.{{cite news |last=Greene |first=Susan |title=Homeowners circling their war wagons |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=November 19, 1996 |url-access=subscription}} Despite the opposition, a development agreement was approved in December 1996.{{cite news |last=Greene |first=Susan |title=Huge housing tract approved |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=December 19, 1996 |url-access=subscription}} Simultaneously, the Clark County Commission approved a petition creating the unincorporated town of Enterprise, Nevada. The commission also approved the annexation of the Rhodes Ranch property from Enterprise into Spring Valley. The property consisted of five square miles totaling {{convert|1372|acre}}. Woodbury and Enterprise residents opposed the annexation, which was proposed by commissioner Erin Kenny,{{cite news|last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Commission creates town of Enterprise|newspaper=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 18, 1996|url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/dec/18/commission-creates-town-of-enterprise/|accessdate=August 22, 2020}}{{cite news |last=Greene |first=Susan |title=Enterprise Township formed in southwestern Las Vegas Valley |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=December 18, 1996 |url-access=subscription |quote=Board members later voted 5-1 to amend township lines so the new, 1,372-acre Rhodes Ranch housing tract will be part of the town of Spring Valley.}} a future resident in Rhodes Ranch.

In early 1997, the Clark County Board of Commissioners granted approval of final maps for two residential subdivisions, to be built by Rhodes Design and Development. The subdivisions would contain {{convert|29|acre}} each.{{cite news |last=Collier |first=Lynn |title=Commissioners approve two Rhodes subdivisions |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=March 12, 1997 |url-access=subscription}} Construction of the golf course was underway later that year.{{cite news |last=Collier |first=Lynn |title=Rhodes Ranch model homes attract buyers |url=http://nl.newsbank.com/sites/lvrb/ |website=Las Vegas Review-Journal |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=September 17, 1997 |url-access=subscription}}

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The Rhodes Ranch Golf Club opened on November 6, 1997, with little fanfare.{{cite news |title=No time for reflection |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Nov-01-Sat-1997/news/6343847.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 1, 1997 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000917125815/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Nov-01-Sat-1997/news/6343847.html |archivedate=September 17, 2000}} It was designed by Ted Robinson, and was open to the public. The 135-acre course featured eight lakes, and was the centerpiece of the Rhodes Ranch community.{{cite news |last=Hilderbrand |first=Brian |title=Rhodes Ranch won't stay valley's secret for long |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/nov/25/columnist-brian-hilderbrand-rhodes-ranch-wont-stay/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 25, 1997}} The course was later increased to {{convert|162|acre}},{{cite web |title=Rhodes Ranch Golf Club |url=https://travelnevada.com/discover/25936/rhodes-ranch-golf-club |website=Travel Nevada |accessdate=August 22, 2020}} and it includes more than 3,500 palm trees.{{cite web |last=Bowman |first=Bill |title=Rhodes Ranch Golf Club in Las Vegas is a par-3 paradise -- and more |url=http://www.lasvegasgolf.com/departments/coursereviews/lasvegas/rhodes-ranch-golf-club-10625.htm |website=Las Vegas Golf |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=October 27, 2009}} The community's entrance includes a "Rhodes Ranch" sign spelled out in giant letters like the Hollywood Sign.{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=The resurrection of real estate developer Jim Rhodes |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/2014/may/11/resurrection-jim-rhodes/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=VegasInc |date=May 11, 2014}} Rhodes Ranch became one of the most successful master-planned communities in the Las Vegas Valley.{{cite news |last=Wargo |first=Buck |title=Jim Rhodes: 'I wish people understood me better' |url=https://businesspress.vegas/real-estate/jim-rhodes-i-wish-people-understood-me-better/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Business Press |date=March 9, 2017}}

In 1999, Rhodes Design and Development Corporation proposed a hotel-casino for Rhodes Ranch, with 1,040 rooms, a shopping center, movie theaters, and a bowling alley.{{cite news |last1=Packer |first1=Adrienne |title=Rhodes Ranch hotel-casino planned |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/oct/26/rhodes-ranch-hotel-casino-planned/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 26, 1999}}{{cite news |last=Grimes |first=Shaunta |title=Resort casino design approved |url=http://www.viewnews.com/2000/VIEW-Feb-02-Wed-2000/SWest/12829094.html |work=View News |date=February 2, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030529233824/http://www.viewnews.com/2000/VIEW-Feb-02-Wed-2000/SWest/12829094.html |archivedate=May 29, 2003}} The following year, Rhodes sold property in Rhodes Ranch to Station Casinos, which has had plans for years to eventually construct a hotel-casino known as Durango Station.{{cite news |last=Berns |first=Dave |title=Southwest plot bought by Stations |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-25-Fri-2000/news/13034573.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=February 25, 2000 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010504012612/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/2000/Feb-25-Fri-2000/news/13034573.html |archivedate=May 4, 2001}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Showdown develops over plans for casino |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-20-Sat-2004/news/25311494.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 20, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041208183855/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Nov-20-Sat-2004/news/25311494.html |archivedate=December 8, 2004}}{{cite news |last1=Edwards |first1=John G. |last2=Knightly |first2=Arnold |title=Rhodes bankruptcy shows struggles faced by local homebuilders |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/housing/rhodes-bankruptcy-shows-struggles-faced-by-local-homebuilders/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 2, 2009}}

Construction of new homes continued into 2000.{{cite news |last=Levine |first=Phil |title=Battle raging over control of LV residential development |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jan/13/battle-raging-over-control-of-lv-residential-devel/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 13, 2000}} At the time, approximately 700 homes had been built in the community. Rhodes Design and Development sought to relocate a proposed drainage ditch so it would be built directly outside of the Rhodes Ranch project, rather than on-site. The company said the proposed relocation was sought for the sake of aesthetics, denying that additional homes would be built on the land. Residents and the county had concerns about the cost of relocating the ditch and the impact it could have on the design plans for a nearby school and park.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=Rhodes, county at odds over where to build flood channel |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1997/sep/16/rhodes-county-at-odds-over-where-to-build-flood-ch/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 16, 1997}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Developer knew site was slated for drainage ditch |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/feb/15/developer-knew-site-was-slated-for-drainage-ditch/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 15, 2000}} The presence of a drainage ditch would reduce the value of the property by $186,000, and Rhodes had been opposed to the ditch since 1997.

During 2000, commissioner Kenny, a friend of Rhodes, arrived unexpectedly at a staff member meeting to advocate for the relocation of the drainage ditch. Staff members later said they felt intimidated by Kenny to approve the relocation.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Kenny shows up at meeting, causes a stir |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/feb/21/kenny-shows-up-at-meeting-causes-a-stir/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 21, 2000}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Developer balks at high cost of moving channel |url=http://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/apr/12/developer-balks-at-high-cost-of-moving-channel/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=April 12, 2000}} County planners requested that Rhodes pay the cost of the relocation in the event that it were approved.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Rhodes may dig deep into wallet for ditch |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/mar/21/rhodes-may-dig-deep-into-wallet-for-ditch/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=March 21, 2000}} With Kenny's help, Rhodes won county approval for the proposal and was given three months to make the relocation happen.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Developer wins battle to have flood channel moved |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/may/04/developer-wins-battle-to-have-flood-channel-moved/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 4, 2000}}{{cite news |title=Flood channel still a thorn in Rhodes Ranch expansion |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jun/22/flood-channel-still-a-thorn-in-rhodes-ranch-expans/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 22, 2000}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Developer, county make progress on channel |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/jul/26/developer-county-make-progress-on-channel/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 26, 2000}} However, after months of meetings, the county decided to keep the ditch on Rhodes' property.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Developer loses fight to move channel |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/dec/28/developer-loses-fight-to-move-channel/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 28, 2000}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=County stands firm on flood channel at Rhodes Ranch |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/jan/18/county-stands-firm-on-flood-channel-at-rhodes-ranc/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 18, 2001}} The county compromised with Rhodes and agreed to make the flood channel more narrow than previously planned.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Ditch deal OK'd |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/feb/22/ditch-deal-okd/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 22, 2001}}

A 23-acre shopping center was added in 2004, to keep up with growing demand for retail and commercial space.{{cite news |title=Rhodes Ranch shopping center nears completion |url=https://nl.newsbank.com|website=Las Vegas Business Press |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=January 8, 2004 |url-access=subscription}} As of 2005, most of the golf course's clientele consisted of locals, with tourists accounting for the remaining 40 percent.{{cite web |last=Tucker |first=Brandon |title=Rhodes Ranch Golf Club offers a pleasantly tranquil challenge southwest of the Vegas Strip |url=http://www.lasvegasgolf.com/departments/coursereviews/lasvegas/rhodes-ranch-golf-club.htm |website=Las Vegas Golf |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=June 28, 2005}} Around that time, home prices at Rhodes Ranch averaged between $370,000 and $1 million.{{cite news |last=Shaffer |first=Mark |title=Megadeveloper refuses to sit still; Rhodes approach called aggressive |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/125670795/ |work=The Arizona Republic |date=February 5, 2006 |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |via=Newspapers.com |url-access=subscription}}

Rhodes Companies filed for bankruptcy in 2009. At the time, Rhodes Ranch was still being built out.{{cite news |last=Edwards |first=John G. |title=Rhodes expects to keep companies running |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/rhodes-expects-to-keep-companies-running/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 8, 2009}} The community had 314 finished home lots available for purchase, and another 1,993 undeveloped lots. Jim Rhodes had an option to purchase the golf course for $5.9 million as part of the bankruptcy reorganization plan. The course was worth an estimated $8 million.{{cite news |last=Edwards |first=John G. |title=Rhodes could keep golf course |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/rhodes-could-keep-golf-course/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 2, 2009}} Creditors led by Credit Suisse were owed $370 million, and they took over control of Rhodes Ranch in January 2010. Dunhill Homes, a newly formed company in Dallas, was named later that year to manage and further develop Rhodes Ranch.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Hubble |title=Startup to develop Rhodes assets |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/startup-to-develop-rhodes-assets/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 9, 2010}} As of 2012, the golf course hosted approximately 65,000 rounds a year.{{cite news |last=Meehan |first=Jim |title=Challenging, but playable: Rhodes Ranch has golfers coming back for more |url=https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/apr/06/challenging-but-playable/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=The Spokesman-Review |date=April 6, 2012}}

Century Communities purchased Dunhill Homes and acquired Rhodes Ranch in 2014.{{cite news |title=Century Communities buys Dunhill |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/century-communities-buys-dunhill/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 12, 2014}} By the end of 2015, Century Communities had more than 500 home lots left to develop at Rhodes Ranch, expected to take three years to construct and sell.{{cite news |last=Segall |first=Eli |title=Q+A: Homebuilder in Rhodes Ranch, Tuscany discusses state of market |url=https://vegasinc.lasvegassun.com/business/real-estate/2015/dec/11/q-homebuilder-rhodes-ranch-tuscany-discusses-state/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=VegasInc |date=December 11, 2015}} In 2017, Century Communities launched an effort to sell the golf course, which was struggling financially. Later in the year, the company proposed building 32 homes on {{convert|6|acre|spell=in}} of the golf course, reducing its par from 72 to 71. The proposal received opposition from residents.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Michael Scott |title=Residents criticize building homes on Rhodes Ranch Golf Course |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/southwest/residents-criticize-building-homes-on-rhodes-ranch-golf-course/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 15, 2017}}{{cite news |last=O'Neal |first=Nathan |title=Homeowners critical of proposal to build homes on Rhodes Ranch Golf Course |url=https://news3lv.com/news/local/homeowners-critical-of-proposal-to-build-homes-on-rhodes-ranch-golf-course |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=KSNV |date=November 15, 2017}} However, when the residents were given the option to buy out the remaining six acres from Century Communities, through their Home Owners Association, they voted unanimously to have the remaining six acres developed into homes instead of increasing their monthly dues.

Before Rhodes' acquired the land for Rhodes Ranch, the Clark County School District had held {{convert|70|acre}} through BLM. The school district agreed to give up its property for the Rhodes Ranch project on the condition that {{convert|10|acre}} be set aside for a possible future school, although Rhodes Ranch was initially being planned as an adults-only community.{{cite news |last=Schweers |first=Jeff |title=County, schools make deals on Rhodes Ranch |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1996/jun/11/county-schools-make-deals-on-rhodes-ranch/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 11, 1996}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Rhodes reaches accord on school site with district |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jul-09-Fri-2004/news/24276160.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 9, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030060118/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jul-09-Fri-2004/news/24276160.html |archivedate=October 30, 2004}} The Clark County Commission later exempted Rhodes from donating property to the school district, although by 1998, Rhodes had started selling homes to families of all ages, without notifying the county or donating land for new schools.{{cite news |last=Greene |first=Susan |title=Hitch in county procedures lets official move into new home early |url=http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Dec-11-Thu-1997/news/6583406.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=December 11, 1997 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20000918224113/http://www.lvrj.com/lvrj_home/1997/Dec-11-Thu-1997/news/6583406.html |archivedate=September 18, 2000}}

By 2004, there had three years' worth of meetings between Rhodes representatives and school district officials to determine an appropriate site for a school. Rhodes Ranch had 500 elementary school-age children as residents, and more than 1,000 were expected to reside there upon full completion. Children in Rhodes Ranch attended nearby schools, but the district stated that the community had enough elementary students to warrant a new school site. However, Rhodes had been hesitant to give up property for a school, instead suggesting eight nearby BLM sites, all of which were rejected by the school district. The district wanted a school site within safe walking distance, as school buses were not permitted to travel through the private streets of Rhodes Ranch.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=School district, builder at odds |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/May-17-Mon-2004/news/23862166.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=May 17, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040528215844/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/May-17-Mon-2004/news/23862166.html |archivedate=May 28, 2004}} Rhodes had set aside a {{convert|10|acre|adj=on}} property for a school as a last resort option, but preferred to save the land for more homes.

In June 2004, the Clark County Commission declined to approve permits for any new homes in Rhodes Ranch until a suitable site could be provided to the school district.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Developer Rhodes faces roadblock on school issue |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jun-05-Sat-2004/news/24039249.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 5, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030060018/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jun-05-Sat-2004/news/24039249.html |archivedate=October 30, 2004}} The district and Rhodes Homes reached a tentative agreement for a school site shortly thereafter. The site was located just outside Rhodes Ranch, on BLM land.{{cite news |title=Rhodes, county end school feud |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jun/08/rhodes-county-end-school-feud/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 8, 2004}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Rhodes, district agree on site |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jun-10-Thu-2004/news/24074577.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 10, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041106120545/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jun-10-Thu-2004/news/24074577.html |archivedate=November 6, 2004}} The property had no water access, but Rhodes agreed to spend up to $10 million to build the necessary infrastructure, including a pump station. Rhodes believed that the pump station could be finished in 2007, for a school opening that year. However, there were concerns from the Las Vegas Valley Water District that three years would not be an adequate amount of time for construction of the pump station.{{cite news |title=Water District key to Rhodes school site |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jun/10/water-district-key-to-rhodes-school-site/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 10, 2004}}{{cite news |title=Search continues for Rhodes school site |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jun/18/search-continues-for-rhodes-school-site/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 18, 2004}}{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Rhodes vows to get water to school site |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jun-18-Fri-2004/news/24130597.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=June 18, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050115155048/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jun-18-Fri-2004/news/24130597.html |archivedate=January 15, 2005}}{{cite news |last=Richmond |first=Emily |title=Tentative deal made with Rhodes on new school |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/jul/09/tentative-deal-made-with-rhodes-on-new-school/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 9, 2004}} After several more delays,{{cite news |title=Rhodes granted extension; Developer allowed to delay placing school |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-23-Thu-2004/news/24833519.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=September 23, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041213201838/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Sep-23-Thu-2004/news/24833519.html |archivedate=December 13, 2004}}{{cite news |title=County delays action on school at Rhodes Ranch |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2004/sep/23/county-delays-action-on-school-at-rhodes-ranch/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 23, 2004}} the county gave approval to the proposed school site in October 2004.{{cite news |title=Rhodes, county get approval to build school |url=https://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2004/oct/07/rhodes-county-get-approval-to-build-school/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 7, 2004}} The Forbuss Elementary School opened as scheduled in 2007.{{cite news |last=Richmond |first=Emily |title=Crowding squeezes classes out of a room |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2007/aug/13/crowding-squeezes-classes-out-of-a-room/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=August 13, 2007}}{{cite news |last=Takahashi |first=Paul |title=Back to year-round schools? District weighs options for crowded southwest valley campuses |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2013/jan/08/back-year-round-schools-district-weighs-options-cr/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 8, 2013}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://rhodesranchgolf.com/ Rhodes Ranch Golf Club official website]

{{Las Vegas Valley}}

{{Coord|36|02|39|N|115|17|14|W|region:US-NV_type:landmark|display=title}}

Category:Spring Valley, Nevada

Category:Planned communities in Clark County, Nevada

Category:Populated places established in 1997

Category:Golf in Las Vegas