Del Webb
When considering those individuals who have impacted Southern Nevada, contractor, developer, gaming pioneer and philanthropist Del Webb is among the most significant. Dels impacts range from literally transforming and modernizing the gaming industry to introducing Southern Nevada to a new concept in retirement living and thus launching the active adult community for persons 55 and older.
In 1927, Del founded the Del E. Webb Construction Company. In the early 1930s, his business brought him to Southern Nevada. His first job in Las Vegas was the 1934 construction of a Union Oil service station near downtown.
One of Dels most monumental impacts was in the gaming industry. His involvement started in 1946, with the construction of the Flamingo Hotel. In 1961, Del purchased the Sahara Hotel, the Mint and the Lucky Casino to become the first publicly traded gaming corporation. Dels entry into gaming was lauded by the Nevada Gaming Commission, which hoped his name would bring other reputable businessmen to Nevada. It did. His friend and golfing partner, Howard Hughes, joined him, and the two were instrumental in polishing the image of Las Vegas. By 1972,
Del was the largest gaming operator and largest private employer in Nevada. Del was the first to bring nationally known sporting events to Southern Nevada, such as Del Webbs Mint 400, the Gold Cup Hydroplane Races and the PGA Tours Sahara Invitational. Del and a partner bought the New York Yankees in 1945. During the 20-year span in which Del owned them they won the World Series 10 times.
In 1988, the Del Webb Corporation brought the Sun City concept to Las Vegas with the construction of Sun City Summerlin, which is now home to over 15,000 residents. Del Webbs residential impact continues with Anthem, Sun City Anthem, Sun City McDonald Ranch, Aliante and Sun City Aliante.
Del had a vision for Southern Nevada and his legacy lives on through his innovative concepts, elegant communities and extraordinary passion.