Within six years, developers of Rapid City's newest subdivision hope to see 274 single family homes, 60 town homes and about 150 apartments built west of Elk Vale Road near Homestead Street.

Bob Drew and Rich Evans estimate at completion, new property values from the subdivision should exceed $75 million, thereby increasing the city's tax base, creating jobs and providing new homes next to Rushmore Business Park, which employees more than 2,200 people.

Site preparation has been done and lots are ready for building. Seven lots have been sold so far and some spec homes are being constructed for people to view. Located west of Elk Vale Road, the easiest way to reach Copperfield Vistas currently is to take Homestead Street near Don's Valley Mart and go west about a half-mile.

According to the developers, Copperfield Vistas offers opening price point homes with prices starting at $149,900 ranging to $220,000. They say the lineup of a dozen top-notch builders is literally a "who's who" of Rapid City home builders providing the widest variety of home floor plans to choose from in the area.

"It's a big deal. It gives you a lot of choice, a lot of design choices in what you're looking at in floor plans," Evans said. "They're each bringing their own looks and their own floor plans into this. The location's prime. Good access on Homestead Street over to Don's Supermarket and Elk Vale."

Drew said Copperfield Vista's location is its main attraction. It's close to shopping areas such as Cabela's and Rushmore Crossing, adjacent to the Rushmore Business Park which employs over 2,200 people and has a fantastic view of the Black Hills and Harney Peak.

"It's going to be a nice neighborhood. It's close to everything, comparatively," he said. "We're happy with it. We think people are going to love to live there."

When asked about the current gloomy national economic outlook, Drew said people were nervous throughout the fall but things are looking up locally.

"Since the first of the year, like the last two weeks, it's been amazing the groups of people that are coming out, wandering around, talking to Rich," Drew said. "He's just been inundated with people. Buyers are still watching their dollars pretty close, but they're looking. There's activity."