34 | SUNRAYS JULY 2014
ONLINE:
SCTXCA.ORG
Editor’s Note:
This is the first in a
series of articles featuring some of the
first residents to settle in Sun City Texas.
W
hen most of us bought our
homes in Sun City Texas,
the amenities were all in—
the tennis courts, fitness centers, golf
courses, meeting areas, landscaping—
and for all of us, it was love at first sight.
But what was it like for the very first
buyers? We contacted some of our long-
time residents – we call them Pioneers
of Sun City – to find out just what they
saw as they drove onto the property.
It was 1992 when D.J. and Nathan
Corbell saw a small article in the
Austin American-Statesman
stating
that Del Webb was looking for land
to construct a Sun City in Texas and,
more specifically near the Pedernales
River. Immediately, the two contacted
Del Webb and asked to be added to the
mailing list for prospective buyers. They
retired in 1990 and, during their travels
in an Airstream trailer, they had learned
about Del Webb and knew that was the
lifestyle they wanted.
Del Webb held workshops in several cities
in Texas, so the Corbell’s next step was
to attend one of these seminars in San
Antonio. The company was asking for
input fromTexans about what they wanted
in a retirement community—amenities,
home style and floor plans. Following the
seminar, the Corbells were convinced that
this would be the place for them.
By 1993, Del Webb had given up the
land on the Pedernales River, and
began considering an area just west
of Georgetown, Texas. The Corbells
visited Georgetown, and liked the city
and the hill country that Del Webb
was considering for construction. They
were able to see the ranchland before
any construction began, including the
existing low-water crossing on Berry
Creek and the small pond it created. The
land had great potential, and they knew
they were looking at their future home.
It wasn’t until spring in 1994 that Del
Webb submitted their concept plan and
began the arrangements for utilities and
other agreements with the city. By fall,
the first Project Manager arrived on the
scene and, in October, work began on
the first golf course. In January 1995,
a Sun City Visitor’s Center opened in
Riverview Mall in San Antonio—it
looked as though it was finally coming
together! With that, the Corbells rented
an apartment in Georgetown, and even
The Pioneers of Sun City Texas
By Edna Heard
D.J. and Nathan Corbell were the first to buy a home in Sun City Texas. Above, they stand amid the construction of their
home at 107 Whispering Wind in 1995.
