Randall Presley
Randall Edward Presley (1919–2012) was a real estate developer who has been called "one of California's top home builders."[1] He was responsible for developing over 160 communities in Maryland, Virginia, Illinois, New Mexico, Arizona and California.[2]
Career
Presley was born in
Seeing the rapid growth of Southern California he moved to Newport Beach in 1963 with his family.[1] "His success was based in part on 'smart land-buying strategy' and the designing of complete communities with a variety of housing and amenities such as golf courses or tennis courts, The Times reported in 1984. At the time, the company had about 40 projects underway in California, Arizona and New Mexico. One of his developments, the equestrian-oriented Nellie Gail Ranch in Laguna Hills, has been called 'the Beverly Hills of Orange County.'"[1][4] In June 1969, the Presley Development Company became a publicly traded company.[2] Another part of his success was the quality of his homes "'What you do is set the standards and make darn sure they’re followed!", he is quoted as saying.[3] A third factor was honesty in advertising. "Presley ads listed the lowest and highest price in each subdivision and included quality maps that showed where properties truly were."[1]
In December 1984 Presley merged his company with the
Randall Presley died at age 93 on April 12, 2012 at Hoag Hospital in Orange County from "complications arising from pneumonia."[2]
Philanthropy
Presley "funded the construction of the Cecil B. DeMille Research Room at USC's
Ahwatukee
One of Presley's significant projects was
In 1973, one resident encountered Presley at the Ahwatukee Recreation Center:
[He] took her hand, looked her in the eyes, and asked softly, "Are you happy here?" When the [resident] enthusiastically answered in the affirmative, Presley's smile made further words unnecessary.[7]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g Nelson, Valerie J. (April 26, 2012). "Randall Presley dies at 93; one of California's top home builders". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved Feb 19, 2019.
- ^ a b c d e f Collins, Jeff (Apr 22, 2012). "O.C. homebuilder Randall Presley dead at 93". Orange County Register. Retrieved Feb 19, 2019.
- ^ a b c Gibson, Matty (Apr 27, 2012). "Randall Presley: Ahwatukee visionary". Ahwatukee Foothills News. Retrieved Feb 19, 2019.
- ^ Marshutz, Scott (October 25, 2008). "An island of calm amid the bustle of the O.C." Los Angeles Times. Retrieved Feb 19, 2019.
- ^ "Presley Will Receive City of Hope Award". Los Angeles Times. 7 April 1985. Retrieved Feb 19, 2019.
- ^ Basheda, Lory (May 5, 2013). "Movie royalty lives, gives in O.C." The Orange County Register.
- ISBN 978-1467140317. Retrieved Feb 22, 2019.