Tuscany Village

The project was originally proposed by developer Jim Rhodes in 1995, under the name Palm City. It was initially planned as an age-restricted community with 2,600 homes. As years went by, the unbuilt project was redesigned as an all-ages community, and was downsized to 2,200 homes. Plans for a {{convert|3|acre|ha|abbr=off|spell=in|adj=on}} commercial building site were also scrapped. Added to the plans were a {{convert|10|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} elementary school, two parks, and trails and bike lanes.{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Valerie |title=Planning board OKs subdivision changes |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/jun/12/planning-board-oks-subdivision-changes/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 12, 1998}}{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Valerie |title=Palm City proposal takes step forward |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/sep/25/palm-city-proposal-takes-step-forward/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 25, 1998}} Palm City was meant as an affordable version of Rhodes Ranch, another community in the Las Vegas Valley. Like Rhodes Ranch, it would also include a golf course designed by Ted Robinson. Rhodes received approval from the city of Henderson in 1998, and he began grading the property that year. The site included the Stewart gravel pit, which had been abandoned since the 1980s. The former gravel mine accounted for a majority of the future community's land.{{cite news |last=DeFrank |first=Sean |title=Projects to get financial help |url=http://www.viewnews.com:80/1998/VIEW-Jul-29-Wed-1998/Henderson/7889983.html |work=View News |date=July 29, 1998 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/19991112040808/http://www.viewnews.com:80/1998/VIEW-Jul-29-Wed-1998/Henderson/7889983.html |archivedate=November 12, 1999}}

Most residents in the area initially approved of Palm City. However, the site for Palm City was located near sewage ponds and a longtime manufacturer of chemicals which had contaminated the land. Ground water was also found to have high radioactive levels, although Rhodes Design and Development Corporation planned to proceed with the project, as local officials had yet to declare a health concern. Residents became worried about the presence of chemicals, and also become concerned about the size of the Palm City project and the increased traffic that it would bring to the area. Another possible issue was that ground water would rise to the surface and flood yards in the future community.{{cite news |last=Snedeker |first=Lisa |title=Palm City advances despite concerns about ground water |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/dec/06/palm-city-advances-despite-concerns-about-ground-w/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 6, 1998}}{{cite news |title=Developer told to halt drainage of foul water |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/sep/03/developer-told-to-halt-drainage-of-foul-water/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 3, 1998}}{{cite news |title=New LV Wash committee to hear Rhodes' plan |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/dec/23/new-lv-wash-committee-to-hear-rhodes-plan/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=December 23, 1998}} In addition, state and local environmental officials said there was the possibility that the Las Vegas Valley's water supply would become contaminated if Rhodes was not careful. Palm City would be developed adjacent to the Las Vegas Wash, and officials stated that Rhodes would need a plan to prevent contaminated water from entering the wash.{{cite news |title=Officials: Development could contaminate drinking water |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/aug/31/officials-development-could-contaminate-drinking-w/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=August 31, 1998}}

Meanwhile, the city had concerns about a 26-building condominium complex that Rhodes wanted to include in the community, stating that his {{convert|13|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} site was not large enough to support the project.{{cite news |last=Miller |first=Valerie |title=Palm City condo plans reviewed |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1998/sep/28/palm-city-condo-plans-reviewed/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=September 28, 1998}} In 1999, a contractor on the project sued Rhodes, claiming that he refused to pay $150,000 for underground utility work. This came after the contractor filed a lien on the project.{{cite news |title=Rhodes Homes making progress on complaints |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/1999/jun/24/rhodes-homes-making-progress-on-complaints/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 24, 1999}} In 2000, Rhodes Homes sold the undeveloped Palm City land in a $30 million deal, after its lender became insolvent. The {{convert|521|acre|ha|abbr=off|adj=on}} site had been graded, but construction had yet to begin.{{cite news |last=Levine |first=Phil |title=Interstate woes lead to sale of big Henderson development |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2000/feb/02/interstate-woes-lead-to-sale-of-big-henderson-deve/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 2, 2000}}

Commerce Associates, the new owner, renamed the project Tuscany Hills. The project was approved by the Henderson Planning Commission in 2001. An 18-hole golf course was scheduled to open to the public in 2002, to be followed later in the year by completion of homes.{{cite news |last=Bristol |first=Emmily N. |title=Development set for Tuscany Hills |url=http://www.viewnews.com/2001/VIEW-Jan-20-Sat-2001/Henderson/15242604.html |work=View News |date=January 20, 2001 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010719080833/http://www.viewnews.com/2001/VIEW-Jan-20-Sat-2001/Henderson/15242604.html |archivedate=July 19, 2001}} The city also designated the site as a redevelopment area, making it eligible for city funding.{{cite news |title=Tuscany Hills project gets planners' approval |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/nov/16/tuscany-hills-project-gets-planners-approval/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 16, 2001}}{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=850 acres targeted for redevelopment in Henderson |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2001/feb/21/850-acres-targeted-for-redevelopment-in-henderson/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 21, 2001}} Tuscany was expected to provide $263 million in new tax revenue for Henderson over a period of 30 years. Aside from Tuscany's {{convert|525|acre|ha|abbr=off}}, the redevelopment area also included {{convert|325|acre|ha|abbr=off|disp=preunit|surrounding }}, for a total of {{convert|850|acre|ha|abbr=values}}. The redevelopment deal created controversy over city ethics, as two minority owners in Commerce Associates also sat on the Henderson Redevelopment Advisory Commission, and they resigned only weeks prior to the deal.{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Critics say OK of Henderson subdivision crosses ethics line |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jun/03/critics-say-ok-of-henderson-subdivision-crosses-et/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 3, 2002}}{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Call for ethics review eased |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jul/03/call-for-ethics-review-eased/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 3, 2002}}

In June 2002, a majority stakeholder in Commerce Associates sued his business partner in the company, claiming that he diverted millions of dollars from the company for his own uses.{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Partner sued over alleged funds diversion |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jun/03/partner-sued-over-alleged-funds-diversion/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 3, 2002}}{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Settlement sought in Tuscany dispute |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jun/24/settlement-sought-in-tuscany-dispute/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 24, 2002}}{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Hubble |title=Henderson Tuscany Hills community hits legal snag |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Oct-29-Tue-2002/business/19946169.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 29, 2002 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20030110144427/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2002/Oct-29-Tue-2002/business/19946169.html |archivedate=January 10, 2003}} A month later, Henderson mortgage executive Tom Hantges filed a civil lawsuit alleging that the redevelopment agency broke state laws. The Tuscany project had been approved for redevelopment funds because a portion of the property was classified as an abandoned mine. However, aerial photographs showed that little had remained of the gravel pit, as Rhodes had cleared most of it out. City officials stated that the site still qualified as a blight.{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Lawsuit filed over money for Tuscany project |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jul/11/lawsuit-filed-over-money-for-tuscany-project/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 11, 2002}}{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Tuscany development trade delayed again |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jul/17/tuscany-development-trade-delayed-again/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 17, 2002}}{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Judge: Tuscany dispute will move to Carson City court |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/jul/30/judge-tuscany-dispute-will-move-to-carson-city-cou/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=July 30, 2002}} Henderson mayor James B. Gibson said, "It has to be a priority of the city to reclaim that land and a lot of the surrounding land and it's no easy task given the industrial uses that were prevalent on much of that area."

Managing partners at Commerce Associates stated that Hantges' lawsuit was part of an effort to force a settlement in an unrelated racketeering suit that the company had filed against him.{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Suit against Tuscany dismissed |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/oct/31/suit-against-tuscany-dismissed/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 31, 2002}} The city requested that the suit be dismissed,{{cite news |title=Fate of Tuscany development awaits judge's ruling on suit |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2002/oct/24/fate-of-tuscany-development-awaits-judges-ruling-o/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 24, 2002}} and a district judge later ruled against Hantges, stating that his lawsuit was filed nearly a year after a 90-day deadline for such action. Hantges had also been concerned about a conflict of interest regarding the redevelopment agency, although the Supreme Court of Nevada ruled against him as well, stating that there was no such issue as the board members recused themselves from discussions and voting.{{cite news |title=Advisory boards not governed by state ethics laws |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/jun/24/advisory-boards-not-governed-by-state-ethics-laws/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=June 24, 2005}}

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The United States Environmental Protection Agency evaluated nearly {{convert|400|acre|ha|abbr=off}} of evaporation ponds, located west of Tuscany. The agency concluded that there was no risk posed by the former ponds, which had previously been used to dispose of chemical wastewater. However, there was concern about a nearby Good Humor-Breyers ice cream factory, which used ammonia as a coolant. More than {{convert|99000|lb|kg}} of the chemical were stored at the facility. In the event of an accidental ammonia leak, a toxic plume would extend up to {{convert|2300|ft|m}}, well within range of Tuscany. Studies were taken in 2003 to determine whether the Tuscany plans would need to be altered to avoid a health hazard. City officials said they had not previously considered conducting such studies. Because the site used to be a gravel pit, much of Tuscany was built at least {{convert|40|ft|m}} below street level, a fact that would work in favor of the community in the event of an ammonia leak, as the chemical would rise into the air.{{cite news |last=Packer |first=Adrienne |title=Ammonia fears threaten Henderson development |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-24-Thu-2003/news/21178256.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 24, 2003 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041228203141/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-24-Thu-2003/news/21178256.html |archivedate=December 28, 2004}}{{cite news |last=Bristol |first=Emmily N. |title=Vote freezes housing project planned near ice cream plant |url=http://viewnews.com/2003/VIEW-Mar-26-Wed-2003/anthem/20924898.html |work=View News |date=March 26, 2003 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20040129190047/http://viewnews.com/2003/VIEW-Mar-26-Wed-2003/anthem/20924898.html |archivedate=January 29, 2004}} A final report in 2003 found that Tuscany would not need to be altered because of the ammonia threat, allowing the project to proceed.{{cite news |last=Kulin |first=Dan |title=Report: Ammonia threat will not affect Tuscany |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/may/12/report-ammonia-threat-will-not-affect-tuscany/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=May 12, 2003}}

The Tuscany golf course contains {{convert|150|acre|ha|abbr=off}}. Because of a lack of surrounding infrastructure, the developers had to bring in water and sewer lines.{{cite news |last=Bristol |first=Emmily N. |title=Tuscany Golf Course: Build a better golf course |url=http://www.viewnews.com/2002/VIEW-Feb-08-Fri-2002/Henderson/18023494.html |work=View News |date=February 8, 2002 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20021123063302/http://www.viewnews.com/2002/VIEW-Feb-08-Fri-2002/Henderson/18023494.html |archivedate=November 23, 2002}} The course had been completed in early 2002, but it sat un-used for more than a year as the opening was delayed by the lawsuits, as well as permit problems. The slow construction of roads and parking lots was another factor.{{cite news |last=Iole |first=Kevin |title=Idle Tuscany dresses up, waits for June 1 opening; Staff confident 15-month delay almost over |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-02-Wed-2003/sports/21016830.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=April 2, 2003 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041229011020/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2003/Apr-02-Wed-2003/sports/21016830.html |archivedate=December 29, 2004}} The golf course eventually opened in 2003,{{cite web |title=Tuscany Redevelopment Area |url=https://www.cityofhenderson.com/redevelopment/redevelopment-areas/tuscany-redevelopment-area |website=City of Henderson |accessdate=August 22, 2020}} and is the centerpiece of the community.{{cite news |title=Residents extol city view from Tuscany Residential Village homes |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/residents-extol-city-view-from-tuscany-residential-village-homes/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 7, 2007}} It was designed to resemble an Italian vineyard.{{cite news |last=Jensen |first=Jeff |title=Tuscany a course with a classic flare |url=http://hendersonlibraries.sobeklibrary.com/HL00005296/00001/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Henderson Home News |date=February 10, 2005 |page=17}} Home construction had yet to begin at that time.{{cite news |last=Libby |first=Jeffrey |title=Tuscany project clears hurdles |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2003/jan/09/tuscany-project-clears-hurdles/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=January 9, 2003}}

In 2004, Jim Rhodes purchased the Tuscany Golf Club from Commerce Associates. He closed it for renovations to restore the previous design intended by Robinson. It reopened later that year.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Hubble |title=Southfork Pointe work moves toward completion |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Mar-08-Mon-2004/business/23347649.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=March 8, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041030002204/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Mar-08-Mon-2004/business/23347649.html |archivedate=October 30, 2004}}{{cite news |last=Iole |first=Kevin |title=Tuscany back on track following renovation |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jul-22-Thu-2004/sports/24365373.html |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=July 22, 2004 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20050526081411/http://www.reviewjournal.com/lvrj_home/2004/Jul-22-Thu-2004/sports/24365373.html |archivedate=May 26, 2005}} Rhodes Homes also took over the residential aspect, now known as Tuscany Village. Construction of homes was underway in 2005,{{cite news |title=Granting of cable franchise irks Cox |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2005/nov/12/granting-of-cable-franchise-irks-cox/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=November 12, 2005}} and the community opened that year.{{cite web |title=Tuscan architecture highlights Tuscany Residential Village |url=http://www.rhodeshomes.com/files_news/Tuscany%2003-26-05.html |website=Rhodes Homes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20051025002323/http://www.rhodeshomes.com/files_news/Tuscany%2003-26-05.html |archivedate=October 25, 2005 |date=March 26, 2005}} There were 168 homes built by 2006.{{cite news |title=Cox connects as Henderson delays cable decision |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2006/feb/15/cox-connects-as-henderson-delays-cable-decision/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=February 15, 2006}} The community's architecture is based on the Italian region of Tuscany.{{cite news |title=Community taking shape at Tuscany Residential Village |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/uncategorized/community-taking-shape-at-tuscany-residential-village/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=October 13, 2007}} The golf course was praised.{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Murray |title=Tuscany ready to make splash on Vegas golf scene |url=http://www.lasvegasgolf.com/departments/coursereviews/henderson/tuscany-golf-club.htm |website=Las Vegas Golf |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=July 1, 2003}}{{cite web |last=Larsen |first=Rebecca |title=Best of Las Vegas 2003 filled with great courses |url=http://www.lasvegasgolf.com/departments/features/vegas-golf-best03.htm |website=Las Vegas Golf |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=December 13, 2003}}{{cite web |last=Bowman |first=Bill |title=Tuscany Golf Club: Savor your next round of golf in Las Vegas like a fine wine |url=http://www.lasvegasgolf.com/departments/coursereviews/henderson/tuscany-golf-club-10751.htm |website=Las Vegas Golf |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=November 24, 2009}} As of 2007, the facility hosted 46,000 rounds of golf annually,{{cite web |title=The Business of Golf |url=https://www.unlv.edu/sites/default/files/24/The-Business-of-Golf.pdf |website=Vegas Golfer |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=April 2007}} and it was named by Golf Magazine as the number-one course in Las Vegas.

File:HouseViewTuscanyVillage.JPG

In 2009, Jim Rhodes filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and agreed to turn over Tuscany to his creditors. Residents of Tuscany welcomed the news of Rhodes' departure, as they felt that he had mismanaged the community's homeowner association (HOA). In recent years, the HOA had seen frequent changes in its board presidents and community managers, and residents alleged that community upkeep had been neglected. Empty home lots were also spread throughout Tuscany. Only 700 of 2,000 homes had been built in the community up to that point.{{cite news |last=Twitchell |first=Jeremy |title=Tuscany ready for change after Jim Rhodes' departure |url=https://lasvegassun.com/news/2009/oct/19/tuscany-residents-jim-rhodes/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Sun |date=October 19, 2009}} Creditors led by Credit Suisse were owed $370 million, and they took over control of Tuscany in January 2010. Dunhill Homes, a newly formed company in Dallas, was named later that year to manage and further develop Tuscany.{{cite news |last=Adams-Ockrassa |first=Suzanne |title=Rhodes' bankruptcy deal ready for judge's review |url=https://kdminer.com/news/2009/dec/07/rhodes-bankruptcy-deal-ready-for-judges-review/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Kingman Daily Miner |date=December 7, 2009}}{{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}} In 2014, Century Communities purchased Dunhill Homes and acquired Tuscany Village.{{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}}

In 2015, the golf club was sold to two golfers who renamed it as Chimera Golf Club. They also made various improvements and reopened an outdoor bar and grill.{{cite news |last=Asay |first=John |title=Duo breathes new life into old course revamped as ritzy Chimera |url=https://www.reviewjournal.com/local/local-columns/john-asay/duo-breathes-new-life-into-old-course-revamped-as-ritzy-chimera/ |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |work=Las Vegas Review-Journal |date=November 19, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Bittman |first=Elizabeth |title=Course Spotlight: New Chimera Golf Club |url=https://www.snga.org/2015/07/27/course-spotlight-new-chimera-golf-club/ |website=Southern Nevada Golf Association |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=July 27, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Bowman |first=Bill |title=Chimera Golf Club: Different name, same challenges for popular Vegas course |url=http://www.lasvegasgolf.com/departments/coursereviews/chimera-golf-club-henderson-nevada-15640.htm |website=Las Vegas Golf |accessdate=August 22, 2020 |date=January 15, 2016}} At the time, Century Communities had approximately 450 vacant home lots left to develop at Tuscany Village, with residential construction expected to continue into 2019. Some home lots were developed by Lennar.{{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}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.tuscanyhomeowners.com/default.php Tuscany official website]
• [https://chimeragolfclub.com/ Chimera Golf Club official website]

{{Las Vegas Valley}}

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Category:Geography of Henderson, Nevada

Category:Planned communities in Clark County, Nevada

Category:Populated places established in 2005

Category:Golf in Las Vegas