Walt Luce, Local Grad,

Randolph native Walt Luce hits one of the first official balls from the tee at a California resort planned and built by his firm. Luce, a 1962 graduate of what was then Braintree-Randolph Union High School. founded the development company, Mayer-Luce Development Group.

Turns Major Developer

Randolph native Walt Luce celebrated a milestone in his career June 12 with the ground-breaking ceremony at Tuscan Hills, a new golf course and home community in Desert Hot Springs, Cal.

Luce's company Mayer-Luce Development Group, is the developer of Tuscan Hills, a 505-acre golf club community featuring "single family, adult active, and condominium neighborhoods totaling approximately 2,000 units," the company said in a release.

The course is being designed by Tournament Players Design, led by World Golf Hall-of-Fame member Johnny Miller, who was present at the groundbreaking event, and hit the ceremonial first drive.

The event also included local government officials and other invited dignitaries.

Eighteen holes set dramatically in the mountains of Desert Hot Springs will create an atmosphere unlike any other in the valley, a spokesperson said. "The views will be breathtaking," said Elizabeth Jensen, Marketing Manager for Mayer-Luce Development Group "It will be a truly distinctive course, and a truly unique community"

Tuscan Hills will also feature a large, splendidly appointed clubhouse with a pro-shop.

Nearly every home site in the development will have views of the golf course, lakes, or nearby mountains.

p"We are excited to offer a remarkable mountain setting, coupled with a championship design by one of the finest golf architecture groups," said Luce, who is CEO, Mayer-Luce Development Group. "We want to create an unparalleled golf and community experience for our residents and our guests."

Tuscan Hills also lies only two hours from Los Angeles or San Diego.

This project was two years in the making, Luce told The Herald last week.

Luce was a 1962 graduate of what was then Braintree-Randolph Union High School.

His younger brother is Ed Luce, the new proprietor of Tewksbury's Corner Store.

Luce said that Mayer-Luce built more than 250 homes last year, plus 20,000 square feet of commercial space, a high end motor coach property with a golf course, and a large recreational facility. The firm, a $150 million a year company, employs 61, he said.

It is, he said, "a unique company specializing in the creation of pioneer communities and commercial centers in the desert areas of Riverside County. It is a company of integrity and standards, and has a reputation of honesty, self-improvement and dedication to a positive customer experience."

Randolph area folks who knew Luce might be interested in exploring the company's website at www.mayerluce.com.