When a construction expert who had a hand in building some of the country’s most iconic structures—including New York City’s Hudson Yards and Chicago’s iconic Navy Pier—builds himself a family home, there is no doubt that the property will be designed to wow and stand the test of time.
And that is exactly what has come to the market in Henderson, NV, a tony Las Vegas suburb, where James Salter, the founder and former president of Construction Management and Development Inc., erected a grand multigenerational residence for his family.
Tucked away in the exclusive MacDonald Highlands neighborhood, the property—which is on the market for $7.99 million—sits perched on a hilltop, affording its residents jaw-dropping views over the Las Vegas Strip.
The dwelling, which is listed with Spenser McDonald and Laura Casanova of IS Luxury, unfolds over nearly 7,000 square feet, having been designed to accommodate not only Salter and his wife, but also his parents and his mother-in-law.
Salter is no stranger to expansive structures, having consulted on both the Hudson Yards and Navy Pier projects. But while his personal residence packs in plenty of drama—with enormous glass walls framing the Sin City Strip vistas—it also offers something that his commercial properties have not: a true sense of familial luxury.
“He worked and oversaw some of the largest resorts and projects in the world,” explains McDonald, noting that Salter’s work also included numerous Ritz-Carlton and Four Seasons properties.
“He wanted a home that was maintenance free and structurally secure. He didn’t cut corners or take shortcuts in hopes of making a profit. The home was framed with structural steel and poured-in-place concrete. It’s really unlike any other custom home in Las Vegas, from a quality standpoint.”
Just to excavate the lot took six months, followed by two years of construction.
No expenses were spared, including the usage of natural stone, custom cabinetry crafted in Spain, and smart-home automation.
On the main level is a kitchen with an integrated dining table, illuminated European cabinetry, and a wine display with floating racks and dual temperature-controlled refrigeration, so bottles are preserved and also within reach. Each of the bedrooms features access to the outdoors, with the primary suite boasting a private terrace, an eye-catching fireplace, and a spa-worthy bath.
Similarly, the living room—with its two-way fireplace, perfect for cozy nights in—blends in with the outdoors, with convenient access to a backyard with a lap pool, spa, firepits, a barbecue, and a gazebo.
Whoever buys this mansion will be the first to live in it. That’s because during the construction process, some family members died, so the home was no longer needed.
With five bedrooms, 8 baths, and a six-car garage, this would be the perfect family compound or could also function as a retreat for entertaining guests.
There’s also room to expand with a gym, office, wine cellar or additional bedrooms.
Another fun fact about the home is that it’s energy efficient and designed to stay cool during the warmer months, based on positioning the home due north and placing 63 solar panels on the roof.
In August, the bill was only $58 to heat an almost 7,000-square-foot home, says McDonald, adding that “there’s just under 3,000 square feet of deck space. You can be sitting out on any of the decks in the property and be shaded throughout the day.”
However, the outdoor pool is always in direct sunlight.
Through 12-foot-tall windows constructed from Low-E glass, which reflects heat and block UV rays, you can see Mount Charleston, Red Rock Canyon, and the Las Vegas Strip.
“The windows that he used are the largest windows that can be used in a residential home in Las Vegas,” says McDonald.
“MacDonald Highlands is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in all of Las Vegas. There’s a very well-established country club (DragonRidge Golf and Country Club) with world-class amenities, an incredible golf course, clubhouse, and tons of activities for members,” McDonald adds.
“We call MacDonald Highlands the Hollywood Hills of Las Vegas. You have beautiful custom homes built on the mountain to take advantage of views.”
What sets this one apart is that it’s within a short walk to the clubhouse and close to the front gate, unlike other homes in the community that are a 20-minute drive away. It’s also well-suited to a family, which was the original intention.
“The buyer profile we’re looking at is most likely someone who likes to entertain and wants a trophy property or a home that really makes a statement,” says McDonald. “We’re seeing a lot of our buyers coming from California and Washington, and even from the East Coast, seeking a better climate for taxes.”
The community attracts buyers seeking a primary residence as well as a vacation home.
Either way, Harry Reid International Airport is just a 15-minute drive away and, for private flights, Henderson Executive Airport is even closer. Accessing resorts, restaurants, and concert venues on the Strip is also a breeze—only 15 or 20 minutes by car.