Topaz Ranch Estates History
TRE in 2006
Read Sweetwater Notes' Article: Topaz
Ranch Estates' beginning
Topaz Ranch Estates (TRE) was originally developed by John Arden. He purchased the property for the community from the Fairview Ranch, a very large ranch in the area. His goal was to create a pristine retirement area where wildlife abounds. The roads were started in 1963 and were originally all dirt roads. The Topaz Ranch Estates General Improvement District (GID) was formed to maintain the roads. The land was divided up into mostly 1 to 3 acre "ranches".
The original intent of John was to have each home have their own domestic well for water production. However, home owners had difficulty developing productive domestic wells. He then started serving the Topaz Ranch Estates with his own wells. Later, Virgie Arden formed the Topaz Mutual Water Company. By 1978, there were 5 wells, well numbers 1-5. In 1985 the Nevada Public Service Commission (NPSC) identified improvements necessary to the water system in order for it to comply with the NPSC standards. Some improvements were made to the water system, but the improvements fell short of the requirements. In 1997, the GID acquired the utility and now manages both the roads and the water for TRE.
John created a place where one can still feel a sense of community and country living. In our very crowded world, this is a precious gift.
In 1972 Bob Arden got a hot-dog A-frame from Reno and put it at the corner of Albite Rd and Hyway 208. To get the building to the site, he had to cut off the top and then put it back together. It is TRE's historical landmark with it's red tile roof. Hopefully, it will always be there since it is how TREites find their way home!
In 2005, there were approximately 2,200 people living in Topaz Ranch Estates.
As of 2006, we still have lots of rabbits and birds. We all especially enjoy the Quail. Coyotes visit the locations near the BLM boundaries and bear, deer and mountains lions are seen now and then. It is a wonderful, affordable place to live.