Henderson approves 390-unit affordable housing project in West Henderson

A 390-unit attainable housing community is moving forward in West Henderson after the city completed a federal land transfer in two and a half years.

The city presented the project to the Henderson City Council in November 2023. Mayor Michelle Romero stated that such land transfers typically take five to eight years. City staff coordinated with the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Nevada Housing Division, and the Clark County Community Housing Fund to accelerate the planning and development process.

The city acquired the property at a nominal cost under the Southern Nevada Public Land Management Act. Section 7B of the Act allows the Bureau of Land Management to sell public lands to local governments at below fair market value for affordable housing. Ryan Chatterton, the Southern Nevada district manager for the Bureau of Land Management, confirmed that approximately 18.59 acres were sold for about $100 an acre. The appraised fair market value of the land was $13.65 million. Chatterton noted that the value of the land is measured in the opportunities it provides for future residents.

Ovation Development Corporation will develop the site, located near Las Vegas Boulevard and Larson Lane. The project is named Casara at West Henderson. The total cost of the development is $113 million. The community will include one, two, and three-bedroom apartments with utilities included in the rent. All homes are reserved for households at or below 60 percent of the area median income. An additional 42 homes are set aside for households at 50 percent of the area median income.

Jess Molasky, principal and chief operating officer of Ovation, described the development as workforce housing. He said the units are intended for people who staff hotels, hospitals, stores, and schools. Molasky stated that this is Ovation’s first affordable community with no age restriction. The site will feature a pool, courtyards, a fitness center, a play area, a dog park, a food pantry, and on-site resident services.

Construction is expected to begin soon. Officials estimate completion in 18 to 24 months. Romero said the collaboration between partners allowed the city to create tangible changes quickly. The project aims to provide stable housing for the workforce that keeps the city running.