American West is quite proud of the fact that we are a local, family owned builder who has been building homes in the Las Vegas valley for 25 years and who plan to continue making the dream of a new home come true for our homeowners for many, many more years to come. Our homeowners insist that there is an “American West difference” that contributes to the enjoyment of their new home and neighborhood. It is unmistakable and definitely sets us apart. 

We have learned a lot about our homebuyers and our communities over the years and implement that knowledge into all of our neighborhoods. Like our homebuyers, we care about investment value and want our neighborhoods to mature beautifully. 

The American West difference starts with Larry Canarelli, president of American West. He is a builder who cares about Las Vegas and is deeply involved with every step of the building process. As Larry states, “I put my name on every home American West builds. I’m proud of that. Knowing from our homeowners that they’re pleased with their home brings the greatest delight to me as a home builder.” 

We combine unmatched value, the best locations, well-planned communities and the newest amenities to create the American West difference. These factors all support why we have won so many awards and why 43% of our homebuyers are repeat customers and referrals. We also include a lot of features in our homes that are considered upgrades elsewhere. We continually study custom homes and include these specific features in our homes. American West is the only homebuilder in Las Vegas that offers a 3-story home with an included elevator. 

The American West difference is further enhanced by buyer involvement with their homes. Buyers are given the luxury to plot their home, select their homesite, choose their home’s color scheme, pick their exterior design and choose their front yard landscaping. Our homebuyers are fully involved in the customization process inside and outside their homes because it creates great pride in the community. 

From innovative design and superior construction, to homeowner satisfaction, our homes offer exceptional quality and the best value per square foot of any home builder in Southern Nevada. We realize your new home will be a reflection of your family’s personality and values, so it’s with a sense of commitment, honor and pride that we build every American West home.

4,770 Square Foot 3-story with an Included Elevator

August 24, 2009 – A moan can be heard from children across the valley (although the cheer from the parents may be muffling the sound). It is back to school time. As much as they may want to deny it, summer vacation is officially over and another school year has begun. The kids may think that the day is stressful but for all those parents preparing their kids for school we know you have it a bit harder.

To try and help alleviate your stress a bit, we would like to offer you these helpful hints:

Making the First Day Easier

• Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
• Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. You’ll see old friends and meet new ones.
• If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

Backpack Safety

• Pack light – a backpack should never weigh more than 10 to 20 percent of the student’s body weight. (Where was this helpful hint when I was in college? My Shakespeare book definitely felt like it weighed 10 percent of my body weight. I still have nightmares about lugging that thing around).
• Organize the pack to make use of all compartments and pack heavier items closest to the center of the back.
• Choose a pack with wide, padded shoulder straps and a padded back.

Travel to and from School

It’s estimated that 24 million students nationwide start their school day with a trip on the school bus. Whether they walk, ride the bus or travel by car, teach your kids these few tips to ensure they get to and from school safely.

Tips for School Bus Riders

• Do not play in the street while waiting for the bus
• Carry all loose belongings in a bag or backpack and never reach under the school bus to get anything that has rolled or fallen beneath it. .
• Move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic after getting off the bus.

Tips for Pedestrians or Bike Riders

• Never walk alone – always travel with a buddy. Try and find a friend, or make a new friend in the neighborhood to walk to school or ride the bus with.
• Respect traffic lights and street signs.
• Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
• Avoid loose fitting clothing that could get caught in spokes or pedals.

Tips for Car Drivers and Passengers

• Make sure young children are in safety seats at all times, and that the seats have been properly installed.
• All children under 13 years should ride in the rear seat of vehicles.
• Remember that many crashes occur while novice teen drivers are going to and from school. You may want to limit the number of teen passengers to prevent driver distraction. Do not allow your teen to drive while eating, drinking, or talking on a cell phone.

Developing Good Homework and Study Habits

• Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.
• Set aside ample time for homework.
• Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
• Supervise computer and internet use.
• Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her.

Some Inspirational Quotes

The best teachers teach from the heart, not from the book. ~Author Unknown

You learn something every day if you pay attention. – Ray LeBlond

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder. – Ralph W. Stockman

An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest. – Benjamin Franklin

The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a learning process. – Jiddu Krishnamurti

Education’s purpose is to replace an empty mind with an open one. – Malcolm S. Forbes

We wish all the students and parents the best of luck as you set off on this new adventure.

One of the many things American West is known for in Las Vegas is our neighborhoods. We do not build in a lot of master plan communities. Instead, we develop our own neighborhoods. We were the first to build in Green Valley, the first to build in the northwest with the development of The Lakes and we also engineered the development of Whitney Ranch and El Capitan Ranch along with so many others. This tradition has continued with Silverado Ranch, Coronado Ranch and Highlands Ranch. The best part about our neighborhoods is that our homeowners receive all the benefits of master plan living without having to pay any additional SID or LID fees. 

Our Coronado Ranch neighborhood has become one of the most sought after locations in the southwest. Our homeowners appreciate the incredible convenience of Coronado Ranch. The neighborhood schools are just a short bike’s ride away. We are thrilled to welcome the brand new Southwest Career and Technical Academy to the area which will be opening in August 2009. Your children will be zoned for the brand new Fine Elementary which opens in August 2009, Canarelli Middle School (named in honor of our company president and his wife), and Sierra Vista High School. You’re just seconds from the 215 Beltway and minutes from Southern Nevada’s recreational playgrounds. There is a plethora of shopping and dining choices. Coronado Ranch is always a warm welcome home. 

The homes built by American West within Coronado Ranch are the centerpiece of all this planned community has to offer. American West gives new meaning to value and style and this is seen in the variety of home designs located within Coronado Ranch. Our 3 communities (Kingsbridge, Promontory and Woodbridge) have home designs ranging from 1,486 to 4,770 square feet with up to 6 bedrooms. Just step into one of the homes and discover the distinct architectural style that is American West. Notice all the innovative and spectacular design features – they are in every nook and cranny. You are discovering why American West has been awarded the BEST BUILT HOMES IN AMERICA. 

No other builder has taken the needs and wants of Las Vegans to heart as has Larry Canarelli. Under the direction of this visionary founder, Coronado Ranch has been crowned the jewel of the southwest. Live like royalty in Coronado Ranch!

Woodbridge - The Elizabeth

Twenty five years ago today, a man saw his lifelong dream start to take shape when American West first opened its doors. American West originated with a young man of modest means whose family dreamed of owning a home. His goal became providing homes to families like his own. That man is Larry Canarelli and he has devoted himself and his company to building homes for the families of Southern Nevada. 

As a local, family owned company, we take great pride in the over 72 communities we have built in Las Vegas and the more than 15,000 families who have moved into an American West home. Every American West employee lives in Las Vegas and this has allowed us to be a part of our homeowners lives long after we hand them the keys to their new home. It is thrilling to see many of these families buy their first home from us and as their family grows watch them continue to move up to another American West home. A home built by American West is much more than four walls, a roof and a foundation. It is becoming a part of the American West family and knowing that your new home is built by a company who has been a part of Las Vegas for 25 years and who plan on being here for well beyond another 25 years. 

Larry attributes the success of American West  his dedicated employees, subcontractors and to our homeowners. Nobody could ask for a better lifelong ambition than to help make the dream of a new home come true for the families of Las Vegas. We send a heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped contribute to our success over the past 25 years and here’s looking forward to the next 25 years!

American West is joining forces with Nevada Energy to increase energy efficiency in our communities through the Energy Plus New Homes Program.  The program certifies homes with energy-efficiency standards that exceed both state building codes and the well-known Energy Star program. 

“American West is committed to building quality homes that our buyers are proud to own. Our homes will be certified Energy Plus,” said American West President Larry Canarelli. “It’s responsible building and American West is proud to participate.” 

So how does the Energy Plus New Homes Program beat Energy Star guidelines? New homes are rated on the EnergySmart scale developed by the U.S. Department of Energy. The scale is based on the Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index that evaluates a home’s energy consumption. While Energy Star homes must meet a score of 85 on the scale, Energy Plus homes are certified at 70. In this case, the lower the score, the higher the efficiency. 

Energy Plus Homes are approximately 30% more energy efficient than code-built homes.  More efficient homes save you money and reduce your energy carbon footprint. 

All of American West’s energy-efficient features are included in our homes. These features include: Carrier® 14-SEER natural gas heat and electric central air-conditioning with Puron®, the environmentally sound refrigerant; R13 insulation in exterior walls and R30 in ceilings;  energy-efficient radiant-heat barrier roof sheathing; PROInstaller E2S Complete Weatherproofing System; fully-insulated, fiberglass, front-entry door; vinyl-framed, dual-paned, Low-E windows and sliding glass doors; 50-gallon, quick-recovery, natural-gas water heater; and water-conserving Moen faucets and showerheads.

“It’s an impressive list of energy-conserving products. These products are in addition to the building practices and products we already utilize to meet Energy Star standards and they come at no extra cost to the homebuyer,” said Canarelli. “Our homes are twice as energy efficient as a home that only qualifies as Energy Star.”