LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority has named two new affordable housing developments after community organizers and civil rights champions, honoring their legacies of service and activism, according to a release.
According to officials, the organization approved the naming of the communities during their Jan. 15 board meeting.
The release said the Beals-Henderson Pointe, located at 5901 W. Duncan Drive, was named in honor of community organizers Alversa Beals and Essie Henderson.
“The mission of the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority is to provide safe and affordable housing that fosters independence, self-sufficiency, and community pride,” said Lewis Jordan, executive director of the Southern Nevada Regional Housing Authority. “The renaming of these communities honors individuals whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on housing and community development in Southern Nevada.”
The Gholson Landing, located at 2601 Sunrise Ave., was named for Thomas Gholson, a former deputy executive director of the Las Vegas Housing Authority, the release explained.
The two developments will deliver 201 new affordable apartment homes once construction is complete. Beals-Henderson Pointe is slated to finish in April, while Gholson Landing is expected to be completed in July. According to officials, both developments were created through a public-private partnership with The Michaels Organization, a national residential real estate firm.
Officials say the communities will serve households earning between 30 percent and 80 percent of area median income, with funding from low-income housing tax credits and American Rescue Plan Act funding administered through the Home Means Nevada Initiative.
Honoring Civil Rights Legacies
The organization recognizes Beals and Henderson as influential Las Vegas community organizers who shaped opportunities for Black families in Southern Nevada. They say they both grew up in the Historic Westside and helped organize the landmark 1970 Storming Caesars Palace protest, which challenged discriminatory hiring practices and helped open access to union jobs and career pathways.
Beals dedicated her life to racial justice, housing equality and economic opportunity. Henderson advanced community empowerment through welfare rights advocacy and leadership with Operation Life, the housing authority said.
Gholson served as deputy executive director of the Las Vegas Housing Authority from 1990 to 1996. He once lived in public housing himself and dedicated his career to expanding opportunity through community-centered programs, the organization says.
Development Details
According to the release, Beals-Henderson Pointe features 80 apartments across six two-story garden-style buildings and a community clubhouse. The development offers a range from one to four-bedroom apartments, along with 148 covered/uncovered parking spaces, and 24 bicycle parking spots.
Gholson Landing, the larger development, features 121 rental units ranging from one to four bedrooms.
Both communities include extensive outdoor amenities such as playgrounds, dog parks, basketball courts, turf parks, barbecue stations, shaded seating areas, and pavilions.
Artifacts and photos from the lives of Beals, Henderson and Gholson will be placed on permanent display at their respective communities, allowing residents to learn about their contributions to the community.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for both communities will be held in the near future.
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