An area of prime real estate that was once slated as the backdrop for “Sunset Village” has a new purpose.

Sterling Ridge Nederland will be located in acreage near Sanderson’s Restaurant and will include a master designed community by Rick Harrison Site Design Studio, with homes priced from $150,000.

There will also be 24 acres of commercial and retail development adjacent to the gated community, with U.S. 69 South as frontage.

Engineering plans are expected to be completed by the end of October and official groundbreaking set for spring 2009.

Sterling Ridge will also sport hiking and biking trails, a large common area with a water park and a gazebo for community events, along with other green areas to enhance the aesthetic beauty of the area, according to a press release.

Albanese Cormier Holdings, developers of Sterling Ridge Nederland, realized the need for additional quality housing within the City of Nederland and the Nederland ISD, and have taken steps to make this a reality.

“The Nederland Economic Development Corporation has made this project a pleasure for our company to undertake,” Mike Albanese said, “and having owned several business ventures in Nederland for years, I know how well the City of Nederland works with both residents and business owners to insure a great quality of life in Nederland.”

The up and coming development is far different from what previous city leaders had sought several years ago. In June 2005, Rick Williams was at the helm of the Nederland Economic Development Corporation. WalMart, one of the cities largest retailers, pulled up roots and relocated across the city boundary in Port Arthur taking with them precious tax dollars.

The Ritter Group bought the former WalMart property which became Heritage Town Center. Meanwhile the Candlewood Suites project was well underway and the vision for Sunset Village was still new.

The project was to have numerous retailers and at least one entertainment venue for a cost of $40 to $50 million.

The developer announced he hoped to have at least the entertainment venue and one large retailer completed by September 2006.

But Hurricane Rita struck in September 2005 possibly squashing those plans.

For information about Sterling Ridge, call 727-7195.