William Lyon’s West Park Villas revives classic style

Husband-and-wife entertainment directors Bill and Diane Renner call Palm Desert, Calif., their primary home, but their connection to Las Vegas dates back to the golden era of showbiz.

In those days, Diane Renner worked under the stage name "Robin Lynn" and had her own show called Robin Lynn and the Londonaires. Bill Renner made his name as a drummer, performing at one time for Johnny Carson. The purchase of a second residence in William Lyon Homes' West Park Villas at Summerlin Centre, is an occasion to recall the flash of the valley's entertainment roots and to celebrate its new growth.

"I remember singing in the old Aladdin and seeing Elvis Presley gambling in the casino," Diane Renner said.

"We were even with our great friend Tom Jones on his opening night at the Flamingo, back when he could jump five feet off the ground," said Bill Renner, who recalls the feeling of "one big family" among the era's performers. The Renners also count Petula Clark among their closest friends. "Diane and Petula were born in the same town in England," Bill Renner said.

The couple said it was an event to visit Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area in the 1960s, a natural wonder that's the western backdrop for West Park Villas. "We remember Vegas long before the days of Summerlin," Bill Renner said. "The way it's laid out, I consider it the greatest community in all of America. It's by far the best area in Las Vegas. We're happy to be part of it."

The couple purchased West Park Villas' Plan One, a 1,556-square-foot townhome with two master bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and a third-story mezzanine which Bill Renner has commandeered for the couple's baby grand piano.

The Renners have owned vacation homes throughout Europe and said it is the Plan One's layout that appealed to them. "The layout of our villa is very charming and European in nature. It reminds me of a home we owned in London," Bill Renner said. "We've always loved Las Vegas and it's good to be back in our old stomping ground. Our William Lyon Homes' townhome is the ideal second home for us."

The residences' two- and three-level layouts measure 1,556 to 2,048 square feet with as many as four bedrooms or two master suites and 3 1/2 baths. Some floor plans provide flexibility for a bonus room, tech center, loft, study or fifth bedroom. Each design includes a covered entry, attached two-car garage and open kitchen. Pricing begins in the low $300,000s.

West Park Villas' sister community, West Park Courtyards, is a collection of two-story townhomes measuring 1,706 to 2,452 square feet. The four floor plans offer up to three bedrooms and three baths. Each design includes a two-car attached garage. Structural variations, based on floor plan, allow for a den, loft, master retreat or exercise room. Townhomes at West Park Courtyards are priced from the mid-$300,000s.

Standard features at both communities include security alarm prewiring, CAT-5 wiring in selected areas, recessed lighting and raised-panel interior doors. Granite kitchen countertops and fireplaces in family and living rooms are included at West Park Courtyards.

West Park provides easy access to Interstate 215, the Las Vegas Beltway, and the shops, restaurants, entertainment venues and gaming destinations of Summerlin Centre.

West Park's landscaped park and aquatic area includes a large swimming pool, children's wading pool and spa, now open for residents. Homeowners also have use of a pet-friendly grassy expanse, tot lot and multiple barbecue areas.

In addition to Plan One, which the Renners selected, home buyers can choose from three other plans at West Park Villas. Model homes are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Monday when they open at noon.

To visit, take Interstate 215 to Charleston Boulevard. Exit west and turn left on Plaza Centre Drive to the models. For more information, call 233-6055 or visit lyonhomes.com.