Cliff May Homes in Charleston Heights, Las Vegas
Updated by Dr. Jan Duffy
Charleston Heights holds 147 ranch homes built in 1955 in Tracts 3 and 5, known locally as the Cliff May Homes. Burns Construction Company built them, and Vegas Realty marketed them with Cliff May and architect Chris Choate.
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Who was Cliff May?
Cliff May is widely called the father of the mid-century California ranch house. His homes are usually one room wide, with rooms strung together to connect inside and outside living.
Where are the Cliff May homes in Charleston Heights?
The City of Las Vegas study area is roughly bounded by Evergreen Avenue, Heron Avenue, Easy Street, Upland Boulevard and Idle Avenue, inside Charleston Heights Tracts 3 and 5.
Are Cliff May homes historic landmarks?
The city's Historic Preservation Commission researched the cluster in 2023–2024 to consider adding it to the City of Las Vegas Historic Property Register. Designation status can change, so confirm it for any address before buying or renovating.
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Buying or selling a Cliff May home
What to look for
Original exposed beams, board-and-batten siding, low gable rooflines and window walls toward the yard. Ask which features are original and which were replaced.
What to inspect
Seventy-year-old drain lines, electrical panels, roof decking and any asbestos-era siding or flooring.
How to market one
Lead with the design story and the 1955 tract. Buyers who want mid-century architecture search for it by name.
Source: City of Las Vegas Historic Preservation, "Be A Part Of Las Vegas History," Nov 29, 2023.