• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Nevada Business Magazine

The Decision Maker's Magazine

Subscribe Now!

  • Subscriptions
    • Print
    • Mobile App
    • Email
    • Nevada News & PR Wire
  • Features
    • New This Month
    • View Issues
    • Cover Stories
    • Feature Stories
    • Industry Focus
    • Building Nevada
    • Special Reports
    • Meet the Decision Maker
    • Press Release Wire
    • Nevada Industries
  • Departments
    • A Matter of Opinion
    • Around the State
    • Business Indicators
    • Commentary
    • Commercial RE Report
    • Crossfire
    • Expert Advice
    • Face to Face
    • Free Market Watch
    • Inside Politics
    • Power of Attorney
    • Profit & Loss
    • Speaking for Nevada
    • Tech.knowledge.me
    • The Last Word
    • Vital Signs
  • Planning Calendar
  • Advertising
    • Advertising Info
    • Advertising Staff
    • Submission Requirements
    • Online Advertising
  • Events
    • NBM Events
  • About
    • About the Magazine
    • Contact the Staff
  • Connect
    • Business Directory
    • Press Release Wire
    • Business Calendar
    • Submit Listing
    • Post Press Release
    • Add Your Event
    • Sign Up
    • Log In
You are here: Home / Features / Sponsored Feature / Thomas & Mack Company Swims into Water Savings

Thomas & Mack Company Swims into Water SavingsWith Landscape Conversion

August 1, 2019 By Nevada Business Mag Leave a Comment

McCarran Center Office Complex

The “bathtub ring” around Lake Mead—indicating the high-water mark 130 feet above the current lake level—is a familiar sight for people living in Southern Nevada.

For Leslie Shurmur, the ring not only serves as a reminder of decreasing water levels in the lake—the source of 90 percent of our community’s supply—but it also has taken on a more personal meaning.

“I’m a distance swimmer,” said Shurmur, “and I do a lot of swimming in Lake Mead. Seeing what’s happening out there gave me the incentive to do what I can to help conserve our water, which is one reason why I took on this project.”

The project Shurmur tackled in her role as Portfolio Director with the Thomas & Mack Company was a commitment to convert thousands of square feet of thirsty turfgrass at the company’s McCarran Center office complex to water-efficient landscaping, as part of the Southern Nevada Water Authority’s (SNWA) Water Smart Landscapes Rebate program (WSL).

Through WSL, the SNWA rebates qualifying multi-family and commercial property owners $3 per square foot of grass removed and replaced with desert landscaping up to the first 10,000 square feet converted per property, per year. Beyond the first 10,000 feet, the Water Authority will provide a rebate of $1.50 per square foot. The maximum award for any property in a fiscal year is $500,000.

From 2009 to date, Thomas & Mack Company has completed 16 separate WSL projects, removing more than 84,000 square feet of grass at the center near Warm Springs Road and I-215. The conversion projects have saved more than 4.6 million gallons of water and have netted the company $185,000 in WSL rebates from the SNWA.

“The park was 20 years old and starting to look old and dated,” Shurmur said. “It was time to refresh it, and the conversions we’ve done have gone a long way toward doing that—as well as saving water.”

Areas once green with unused grass now bloom with colorful, desert-adapted flowers, trees, shrubs, and cactuses. Working with Par 3 Landscape & Maintenance, Inc., Shurmur developed a plan—with input from tenant employers—to create a landscape with a more appealing, park-like atmosphere.

“All of our plants are ‘bullet proof,’” Shurmur said, describing a hardy palette including red yucca, various cactuses and succulents, rock roses, and other perennial plant species that can survive our community’s hot summers and cold winters year in and year out.

Shurmur said the conversions resulted in the removal of about 70 percent of McCarran Center’s grass. “We’ve kept a few minor greenbelts to keep certain zones cool,” she said, such as break areas with outdoor seating and tables. “We’re experimenting with artificial grass in those areas, too, to see if it’s feasible to remove the rest of our grass.”

Not only did the old turfgrass guzzle water, but overspray and sheeting of water from irrigation systems, in time, caused extensive, unsightly damage to sidewalks. Shurmur said the company replaced long sections of the walkways with new concrete, further enhancing the facelift spurred by the landscape conversion.

Shurmur said a side-benefit of the conversions has been the reaction from those who work at McCarran Center. “Most of the tenants have not commented on the changes, which means they are not negatively impacted; rather, they continue about their business operations unfazed, which in the end is the ultimate goal of any owner. The tenants who value conservation are pleased with the effort.”

Shurmur, whose job responsibilities include overseeing Thomas & Mack Company’s property management, engineering, and maintenance departments, and pursuing the company’s long-term objectives, said other companies that may be hesitant to pursue a water-efficient landscape conversion should consider both the SNWA’s incentives and the long-term benefits of saving water and money.

“Whether you are holding your asset long term or positioning for sale, turf conversion adds value in the water savings and reduced maintenance,” she said. “Reduced operating costs contributes to tenant retention, curb appeal for leasing, and the bottom line cap rate. It’s the right thing to do if you are truly a community partner in Las Vegas.”

For more information about how WSL can benefit your business’s bottom line—and help you save our community’s most precious natural resource—visit snwa.com or contact a Conservation specialist at (702) 862-3740.

Filed Under: Sponsored Feature Tagged With: Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA)

Paul Krakovitz: Intermountain Healthcare

Edward Vance: EV&A Architects

Scott Arkills: Silver State Schools Credit Union

Terry Shirey: Nevada State Bank

Online Advertorials

Online Advertorials

SNWA’s Infrastructure InvestmentsHelp Secure Access to Water Supply

Bank of NevadaFunding Will Provide Nevada Students With Financial Literacy Education

Infrastructure InvestmentsAssure Our Community’s Water Future

Roseman’s College of MedicineAddressing the Physician Workforce Shortage

Advertise With Us

Advertise With Us. more details ►

Primary Sidebar

Get important updates from Nevada Business Magazine, directly to your inbox.
Subscribe

Wild at HeartEconomic Development in Rural Nevada

Industry FocusBankers

Residential NevadaMarket Shifts

Southern Nevada CCIMPassing the Torch to the Next Generation of Professionals

Nevada News & PR Wire

  • Registration for AngelNV Entrepreneur Bootcamp Opens Sept. 1

  • Renewable Diesel Plant Set to Launch Operations in Northern Nevada with Potential to Save 880 Million Pounds of Carbon Emissions Per Year

  • Hope Means Nevada and Silversummit Healthplan Launch Campaign to Connect Youth at Risk for Suicide to Mental Health Resources

  • Aha! Inaugurates New Nonstop Service Between Idaho Falls and Reno-Tahoe with Free Tickets for the First 100 Passengers

  • Food Hall Vendors Announced at Reno Public Market

  • NSB’s Private Bank Report Explores Trends in Wealth Growth

  • Nugget Casino Resort Earns Top Safety Designation from the Nevada Safety Consultation and Training Section

  • NVO Construction Hires Industry Veteran Aaron West as Chief Strategy Officer

  • TheOfficeSquad Opens Henderson Location, Now Serves Businesses in Southeast Las Vegas Valley

  • Downtown Reno Partnership Names New Executive Director

  • Northcap Commercial Arranges Sale of Nevso Cove Apartments for $16,280,000

  • Free Social Events, Wellness Workshops and Fitness Classes at Optum Community Centers

  • Don’t Miss Kamer Zucker Abbott’s Next Webinar!

  • Nawbo Southern Nevada Now Accepting 2022 Women of Distinction Awards Nominations

  • CAMCO Nevada Promotes Bree McRae to Regional Director of its Portfolio Division

  • CSN Launches Six New Programs

  • Las Vegas Area Home Prices Dip for Second Straight Month

  • Faith Lutheran Begins 2022-23 Academic Year with New Principal

  • Grand Sierra Resort and Casino Honors a Selfless Medical Assistant as the Most Recent “Grand Hero”

  • Downtown Reno Partnership Announces New Marketing Manager and Office Manager

  • Kamer Zucker Abbott Elevates Kaitlin Paxton to Partner

  • KPS3 Hires Chelsea Bosco as Designer

  • Lipson Neilson’s Joseph Garin and Megan Thongkham Named 2022 Mountain States Super Lawyers

  • Open Enrollment for Upcoming Miss Silver State Pageant

  • Move 4 Less Recognizes Dream Home Art Contest Youth Winners with Party and Prizes

  • LumiZen Wellness Debuts Premier CBD Products for People and Pets Alike

  • Celebrate International Coworking Day at The Coop and Test Drive the Coworking Experience for Free!

  • aha! Reports Exceptional Operating Performance for July 2022

  • ioneer Signs Binding Lithium Offtake Agreement with Prime Planet Energy & Solutions

  • The Problem Solver Show to Interview Man Who Discovered Third Body in Lake Mead

  • Aug. 18 NAIOP Southern Nevada Breakfast Presents “The Future of the Las Vegas Strip Is Here”

  • Pilots Revealed for 2022 STIHL National Championship Air Races

  • Preparing for End of Life Workshop

  • Las Vegas Attorney Offers Free Workshop on Protecting Children’s Inheritance and More

  • CVMC Welcomes Lisa McKinney, APRN to Ironwood Primary Care

  • Realtor Nate Strager Releases Weekly Market Update as Part of His Information Campaign

  • Entertainment and Supper Club Summer Schedule at the Stirling Club Continues to Sizzle

  • Community Leader Don Snyder Elected Chairman of the United Way of Southern Nevada Board

  • Lexicon Bank Sponsors Scleroderma Sprint Event, Fueling Efforts For A Cure

  • Optum Care Cancer Care Adds a New Physician

  • Southwest Medical Adds Three New Healthcare Providers

  • International Celebrity Vocal Coach Romeo Johnson Offers Vocal Lessons To Clark County Residents

  • Team From The Problem Solver Show to Sponsor Free Ice Cream and T Shirt Give Away For Kids

  • Las Vegas Orthopedic Surgeon Offers New Treatment For Limb Lengthening

  • TSK Celebrates O’Brien Middle School Redesign Ribbon Cutting in Partnership With Cumming Group

  • Godspeed Capital-backed Huckabee Architects Invests in TSK Architects

  • Dunkin’ Presents $4,000 to Cure 4 The Kids Foundation From Funds Raised on Iced Coffee Day

  • Nevada Bankers Association Announces 2022-23 Board of Directors

  • Annie Wagner of KPS3 Earns Certificate in Principles of Public Relations

  • NAR Tabs Nevada REALTORS®­ Leaders to Serve in National Leadership Roles

  • Kamer Zucker Abbott Attorneys Selected to the 2022 Mountain States Super Lawyers® List

  • Kamer Zucker Abbott’s Next Webinar: Balancing Employee vs. Employer Rights in Divisive Times

  • Henderson Chamber of Commerce Announces 2022 Board of Directors Additions

  • De Castroverde Law Group and Findlay Subaru of Las Vegas Award $10,000 College Scholarship to Allison Hill

  • Karma and Luck Supports Ukraine Through Donation to Doctors Without Borders

  • Support Local Students and Teachers During the Greater Schools Supplies Drive

  • KPS3 Welcomes Lauren Davis to Team

  • Las Vegas-Based Neteffect Named a Top Firm by Clutch

  • Bank of Nevada Welcomes Michael Pizzi as Managing Director of Commercial Banking

  • Following Nevada Osha’s Adoption of Heat Guidelines, There Are Free Resources for Employers to Protect Employees From Heat-Related Illness and Injuries

  • aha! Launches 50% Off End of Summer Super Sale – Book Now!

  • Evolution of Healthcare with RESET IV

  • Mark Wiley Group Announces Buck Hujabre as New President of Commercial Division

  • Jim Seebock Announces Run for Henderson City Council Seat Ward One

  • WestCor Announces New Director of Marketing and Business Development

  • Home At Last™ by Nevada Rural Housing Launches New 4% Advantage Down Payment Assistance Option

  • Tilt-up construction is complete at Mountain West Industrial Park

  • Grow with Google Provides Nevada Small Businesses With Tools to Reach Customers in Changing Economy

  • Facebook Launches New “Feeds” Tab Connecting Users More Than Ever

  • Trosper Public Relations Announces New Hire in Northern Nevada

  • Emerald Island and Rainbow Club Casinos Partner With Local Woman-Owned Spirits Company to Offer ‘Super Premium Well’ Vodka

  • Greater Nevada Mortgage Provides Down Payment Assistance for Eligible First-Time Homebuyers

  • Education Non-Profit CORE Names Jordan Ashley Berkowitz as Development Director

  • ioneer Signs Binding Lithium Offtake Agreement with Ford

  • Two attorneys from De Castroverde Law Group honored as 2022 Mountain States Super Lawyers Rising Stars®

  • Grow With Google Provides Nevada Small Businesses With Tools to Reach Customers in Changing Economy

  • The NCJFCJ Recognizes the Honorable Linda Marie Bell As the 2022 Impact of the Year Recipient at Annual Justice Innovation Awards

  • Broadbent & Associates, Inc. Donates to Local Youth Hockey Team

  • Goodwill® of Southern Nevada Spreads Mid-Year Cheer with Second Annual ‘Christmas in July’ Event

  • CALVPresenting Sept. 21 Educational Symposium for Real Estate Pros Featuring Cyber Security Expert Frank Abagnale of “Catch Me if You Can” Fame

  • Goodwill® of Southern Nevada Promotes from Within

  • STIHL National Championship Air Races Participating in “A Community Thrives” Fundraising Initiative

  • Northcap Commercial Arranges Sale of Mark & Daisy Apartments for $3,800,000

  • MDX Labs Expands Operations to Include Saturdays, in Response to Clark County’s Elevated Level of COVID-19

  • Downtown Reno Partnership Announces Key Performance Indicators for Fiscal Year 2021-2022

  • Meruelo Family Scholarship Awards $12,500 to Children of Grand Sierra Resort Team Members

  • aha! Inaugurates Nonstop Flights From Reno-Tahoe to Santa Rosa

  • Helix Electric Raises Over $24,000 to Benefit Reno Charities

  • 20 Recent CCSD Grads Offered Apprenticeships at Tesla

  • REMSA Health announces promotion of four leaders within the organization

  • TEDx Speaker at NCET Biz Bite Luncheon in Reno

  • The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges 85th Annual Conference Brings Participants to Northern Nevada From Across the Nation

  • Northcap Commercial Arranges Sale of 239 W. New York Ave Apartments for $1,015,000

  • LVR Announces Newly Elected Officers and Board Members for 2023

  • JA Worldwide Nominated for 2022 Nobel Peace Prize — Junior Achievement of Southern Nevada Celebrates Prestigious Honor —

  • aha! announces additional flying from Ontario, California to Reno-Tahoe for “Burners”

  • Optum Care Anesthesia adds two new health care providers

  • American Bar Association Appoints Lipson Neilson Shareholder Sandra D. Glazier as a Member of the Commission on Law and Aging

  • CALV President Angelina Scarcelli earns NAR leadership appointment

  • Pacific West Injury Law’s Attorney Visits Children At Sunrise Hospital As Mascot Blue Bear



 
Submit Your News & PR | Subscribe
Submit Your News & PR

Business Connection

Business Connection Portal

Log In Sign Up

Business Connection Portal

Log In Sign Up

Nevada Business Calendar

  • Kamer Zucker Abbott Webinar on Crossing the Line? Balancing Employee vs. Employer Rights in Divisive Times
    August 18, 2022 10:00 am

    More details...
  • Special Olympics Nevada Bowl for the Gold
    August 20, 2022 11:00 am

    Location: 1301 W Sunset Rd, Henderson, NV 89014, USA

    More details...
View Full Calendar ►

Nevada Business Directory

Featured Businesses
Find a Nevada-Based Business Submit Your Business Subscribe to the Nevada News & PR Wire

Nevada Industries

Architects & Engineers
Arts & Culture
Banking
Commercial Real Estate
Construction
Credit Unions
Economic Development
Education
Financial Management
Healthcare
Human Resources
Insurance
Law
Manufacturing
Marketing
Media
Mining
Philanthropy
Residential Real Estate
Rural Nevada
Sports
Tax Planning and Accounting
Technology
Telecom
Tourism
Transportation
Utilities

Footer

Subscriptions

  • Print Subscription
  • Mobile App
  • E-mail Subscription

Editorial

  • Features
  • Departments
  • Events

Advertising

  • Advertise
  • Submission Requirements

Connect

  • Contact
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Copyright © 2022, Business Link LLC dba Nevada Business Magazine and Nevada Business Journal. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions
Nevada Web Design services by Nevada Central Media using Genesis Framework by StudioPress

    *Your Name

    *Your Email

    Phone Number

    Company

    *Subject

    *Your Message

      *Your Name

      *Your Email

      Phone Number

      Company

      *Subject

      *Your Message

        *Your Name

        *Your Email

        Phone Number

        Company

        *Subject

        *Your Message

          *Your Name

          *Your Email

          Phone Number

          Company

          *Subject

          *Your Message

            *Your Name

            *Your Email

            Phone Number

            Company

            *Subject

            *Your Message

              *Your Name

              *Your Email

              Phone Number

              Company

              *Subject

              *Your Message

                *Your Name

                *Your Email

                Phone Number

                Company

                *Subject

                *Your Message

                  *Your Name

                  *Your Email

                  Phone Number

                  Company

                  *Subject

                  *Your Message

                    *Your Name

                    *Your Email

                    Phone Number

                    Company

                    *Subject

                    *Your Message