It’s hard to believe that 100 years ago the population of Las Vegas was only about 1,500 and the area was known as a watering hole for those making their way out West. Die-hard optimists who looked past the rugged desert terrain and decided to call it home must have had a notion of the area’s possibilities. Such optimism and vision transformed “The Meadows” – the translation of Las Vegas – into the dazzling city we have now.

Today, with the population approaching two million, the Las Vegas Valley is one of the fastest growing areas and boasts one of the hottest real estate markets in the country, offering everything from single-family homes and luxury high-rise condos to city-style lofts and even beachfront property.

Beachfront property in Vegas? It’s no joke. In a city famous for emulating some of the world’s most amazing architecture and environments, why not create a European lakeside community? Ron Boedekker, a real estate prospector who owns and operates a Santa Barbarabased investment firm, has proved once again that if you have the guts to build it, people will definitely come.