Sun City Manor developer files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

A housing developer with plans to build homes behind Sunland Mortuary in Sun City has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Bill Pearson of the Sun City Home Owner's Association said SCHOA received a trustee's bill of sale, which shows NamWest had been sold to Bryan Cave LLP in Phoenix. NamWest, a Cave Creek builder, partially built the Montecito Estates in El Mirage before declaring bankruptcy.

No homes have been built in Sun City Manor, but walls, streets and some infrastructure were placed in the subdivision next door to the Maricopa County Sheriff's Posse office. Pearson said SCHOA has received some calls from residents who want to know about the status of the subdivision.

NamWest had agreed to pay SCHOA $500 for every home built, Pearson said, according to an agreement between the association and the developer.

NamWest didn't return phone calls from the Daily News-Sun.

Pearson also said many residents have complained about the upkeep of the property, which is scattered with weeds.

"It's actually beginning to look like a jungle back there and seem really shabby," he said.

The 140 homes that are supposed to be featured in Sun City Manor were to range from 1,568- to 1,822-square feet. Some units would have separate casitas and extra space for golf cars in the garage.

In 2005, NamWest opened Montecito Estates east of El Mirage Boulevard and north of Thompson Ranch and Greenway roads, but hadn't finished the subdivision before declaring bankruptcy.