Inspired by their grandfather’s efforts, the McDonald brothers are creating a luxury community among mountain views and riverbanks.
In the 1930s the most productive salt mine in the United States was in Camp Verde. Although mining salt has ceased here, Salt Mine Road remains a popular path for residents, hikers and visitors. And soon, the developing community of Salt Mine Ranches will become one of the last irrigated subdivisions in the area.
About 71 years ago, Clarence Allen McDonald, known as CA, moved his family from Cordes Junction to Camp Verde. “My father came here to establish the first state maintenance yard in the Verde Valley,” said Randy Allen McDonald, CA’s son. At the time, CA was working for the Arizona Highway Department, now known as the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).
Running cattle on the banks of the Verde River, CA leased land and grew hay which led to McDonald Bros Construction. Randy worked the business while in high school. When CA died in 2009, Randy took over the business. “I became president and although I’m retired, I still hold a position today as vice president. Our oldest son, Brian, is now president and oversees all the operations of the company. Tanner, our youngest son, owns Triple X Construction. They are both working on the Salt Mine Ranches project.”
Salt Mine Ranches is adjacent to Randy’s home and he is excited about the development. “We have about 11 acres and we plan on building beautiful custom homes that match the surrounding scenery,” he said. “Each lot will be about one acre or a tad more and we will be keeping control of the kinds of homes built at Salt Mine Ranches. Buyers can pick a lot of their choice and then sit down with Tanner to discuss the design of their home.” A model home already has been built and is located on the first lot.
Both Brian and Tanner worked with their father and grandfather from a young age. “I learned how to operate heavy equipment before I got my driver’s license,” said Tanner. Meanwhile, Brian says he worked with his dad every summer while in middle school.
Together, the McDonald sons hope to make Salt Mine Ranches a dream come true for potential home buyers. “We grew up in the neighborhood, next door actually,” said Brian. “When we found out this land was for sale, we took the opportunity to purchase it.”
“I like to think that our grandfather CA would be proud to know that the roots he started in construction are continuing to grow,” said Tanner, who also is a full-time firefighter and paramedic at Copper Canyon Fire. “I have fulfilled two career goals and serving as a firefighter allows me to serve and give back to my community.”
“This project has also given us the opportunity to work together as a family,” said Brian.
Realtor Rob Witt of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services will be serving as their broker and listing Salt Mine Ranches. “I knew CA and we became friends before he passed away. We have done several projects together and he was a great man. It is an honor to be working on this venture with this family.”
The stretch of land that surrounds Salt Mine Ranch are mountain views, dotted with cottonwood, mesquite, willow and sycamore trees that lead to the Verde River, one of the last free-flowing rivers in the Southwest. The McDonalds are adamant about preserving the beauty of their development. Their tagline is, “Where luxury meets nature.”
To honor CA, the road through Salt Mine Ranches is named “Clarence.”
“We wanted to give recognition to our grandfather, the founder of our success,” said Brian. VVBN
By V. Ronnie Tierney, VVBN
For more information about Salt Mine Ranches, call 928-567-5180 or visit the website at www.saltmineranches.com.
Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography: Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Real Estate Agent Rob Witt, Triple X Construction owner Tanner McDonald and McDonald Bros Construction President Brian McDonald say the custom homes in Salt Mine Ranches will blend with the beauty of the area.