Valle del Sol
San Luis developer begins work on Somerton site
SOMERTON — Preliminary work is underway at the site of the first newly privately developed residential subdivision here in years.
The fourth phase of Valle del Sol also represents a return to the city for Nieves Riedel, a San Luis, Ariz.based developer who last completed a residential project in Somerton more than two decades ago.
Riedel, of Riedel Holdings, began work on the fourth phase last month after getting final approval from the city for the 49lot development, to be located on nearly 11 acres at County 17th Street and Bingham Avenue.
“I am very happy to be able to begin the project,” Riedel said, “because I consider Somerton my home. I grew up there with my family, I have very good memories of the community, and it gives me a lot of pleasure to contribute to its growth.”
Riedel has invested about $1.5 million in initial work on the fourth phase with the goal of having lots ready for home construction by the end of April.
Riedel last was involved in a residential project in Somerton more than 20 years ago, when her company developed the 65-acre Palo Verde Gardens subdivision in Somerton. Since then she has focused on building in San Luis, Ariz.
Apart from Valle del Sol, the other residential developments of size that have taken place in Somerton in recent years have been those done by Housing America Corp., a non-profit organization that helps qualifying low-income families secure federal financing to build self-help housing. City officials say a shortage of available land has served to limit the housing market in Somerton.
Riedel, who meanwhile is overseeing work in the third phase of the Santa Cecilia subdivision in San Luis, says she is looking for other development opportunities in Somerton.