Fallon Developer Reaches for the Sky

by Leanna Lehman —  Sky Ranch, a large scale Master Planned Community, is coming to the Lahontan Valley. The project was originally slated to begin before the 2008 economic downturn, however, the project was put on hold, along with several other development projects, as the housing market crashed along with the economy. Now that the area is showing steady growth and economic stability, Sky Ranch is once again back on the drawing board. Tim Tucker, originally from Reno, has purchased roughly 400 acres at the intersection of Wade and Moody Lanes. Directly west, lies the farm ground, desert, trees, and vast blue sky. That is about to change. Initially, Tucker purchased the land for the purpose of hunting and enjoying the high mountain desert landscape. Not always a developer, Tucker has long been an outdoorsman. Adamant about keeping the area wildlife-friendly and open, he plans to keep as much farm ground and the surrounding desert scape untouched as he develops his plans. Sky Ranch, considered a PUD (Planned Unit Development) when completed, will encompass over 300 acres of single and multi-family homes with an additional 100+ acres of common areas, trails, bike lanes, community parks, and recreational areas. Although overall sight plans are ready, Tucker is a long way from breaking ground. With several more regulatory assessments to be completed and County and State hurtles to jump, Tucker is hoping start moving forward within the year. “Several unforeseen circumstances delayed the project,” Tucker said, “ideally, we can break ground next summer.” The first phase of the project are anticipated to be multi-family structures. Apartments, town homes, and condos will occupy Village A, with about 480 units. The development will expand from there. If all goes according to plan, most of the single-family homes in Sky Ranch will be priced mid-range. As one of the early planners for Spanish Springs, Tucker is taking into consideration everything from traffic, roads, community needs, and making sure the project fits with Fallon’s hometown culture. Because of his experience with groundwater issues over the years, Tucker is taking great caution to make sure there is plenty of groundwater to support a development of this size. A large portion of the area is at a slightly lower elevation with the water table only a few feet below the surface, keeping the natural land scape healthy. The idea is that the water that is naturally available will support the common and recreational areas. However, alternatives will be in place as the depth of water fluctuates. According to Tucker, “It will be a water friendly development environment.” Several pieces still have to fall into place for construction to start. “A project of this scale requires a great deal planning and several things have to happen simultaneously,” explained Tucker. Additionally, Churchill County takes a major role in the process, making sure that all the needs of the community and surrounding homes and ranches are taken into consideration. Tucker’s goal is to make Sky Ranch a beautiful addition to the Fallon area, giving locals and newcomers the advantages of a Master Planned Community with the benefit of the surrounding public lands. On the far west edge of the property, Tucker has recently purchased additional land that happens to be home to over 600 fruit trees. Watered with both flood irrigation and an extensive drip system , the orchard produces a vast amount of fresh, organic, fruit. If all goes as planned, the Sky Ranch Home Owners Associations and its community will have their own community orchard. While the Sky Ranch project may be a bit down the road, Tucker is hoping it’s just what the area wants and needs. With the price of single family homes skyrocketing in surrounding areas, and major industry pushing residents toward Fallon, Tucker is confident that Sky Ranch will be a community that residents can both afford and enjoy.     Never miss a meeting or community event – keep an eye on the community calendar at https://www.thefallonpost.org/events/ If you like what we’re doing, please support our effort to provide local, independent news and contribute to The Fallon Post, your online news source for all things Fallon.