GF Development has submitted plans to Lyon County for Traditions North, a residential community in north Dayton that developers say balances much-needed housing with a commitment to open space preservation, historic stewardship and long-term community benefit.
The planned community would be done over three phases with a build-out of approximately 350 homes in north Dayton off of Highway 50 East. The size of the homes is still to be determined but lots sizes will run from 6,000 to 12,000 square feet, which are average with typical subdivisions of this size, according GF Development.
The proposal is scheduled to go before the Lyon County Planning Commission Feb. 10, 9 a.m. in Yerington. If approved, the development could move forward in 16 to 18 months.
Of the approximately 230 acres that make up the Traditions North site, around 80 acres would be permanently preserved as open space, according to the developer. This includes a 10-acre land donation to Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity, a local nonprofit dedicated to restoring and protecting the historic Sutro Tunnel — one of Nevada’s most significant engineering and cultural landmarks.
The donation would builds upon the nonprofit’s existing 27.94 acres, expanding the Sutro Tunnel Portal Park to 38 acres, significantly enhancing its long-term preservation and public access potential, the developer said.
Helaine Jesse, Director of the Friends of Sutro Tunnel Charity’s major gift campaign, praised the contribution, stating she “cannot believe the generosity of GF Development.” She added that preserving the most visually prominent portion of the site, visible throughout Dayton, is “incredibly important to keeping the Sutro Tunnel’s impact on the community intact.”
Jesse also noted the distinctive tunnel soil — often mistaken for tailings — is one of the site’s most charming features and a key reason so many feel connected to the project.
Greg Francis of GF Development learned about the Sutro Tunnel project during the planning of Traditions North and was struck by its importance to the region’s mining and Gold Rush history, according to Jesse, noting that as someone who values local history, open space, and outdoor access, he saw the land donation as an opportunity to help preserve a unique part of Nevada’s heritage for future generations.
GF Development is not formally tied to Friends of Sutro Tunnel’s fundraising efforts, but supports their work and intends to stay involved, she said.
Jesse emphasized the donation doubles the charity’s footprint, positioning the Sutro Tunnel Portal Park to grow into a site of regional importance.
The donated land will be preserved in perpetuity for open space, historic restoration, and public enjoyment, expanding the protected Sutro Tunnel corridor and supporting ongoing educational and recreational opportunities, she said.
Housing is intentionally clustered, allowing the project to meet local housing needs while preserving open land, protecting historic resources and enhancing community character, according to the developer.
The developer says the project aligns with Lyon County’s long-term planning goals by focusing on development in areas served by existing infrastructure while conserving scenic and culturally significant lands. Trails, natural buffers and preserved open spaces are integral to the community design.
