Terra West Communities has announced the new name it is giving the former Vista Verde development along Rio Verde Drive at 172nd Street.

The 850-acre master-planned community is now known at Tegavah.

The property was purchased last fall by Brookfield Residential Properties and JEN Partners, with TerraWest Communities, LLC serving as the new developer charged with breathing new life into the community hit hard by the recession.

The repositioning of the community starts with the new name. Tegavah was inspired by the Yavapai word for the “gathering place.”

The community’s new design and marketing teams met with Karen Ray, the Fort McDowell Indian Nation cultural director, who shared some of the tribe’s history with this piece of land.

“The tribal leaders used to gather on this very spot and families hunted on this land,” said Ray, who worked with tribal elder Shirley Bennett to ensure the anglicized version of the word met with tribal approval.

“That kind of unique and very organic connection to the land is empowering from a development perspective,” said Mike Jesberger, principal of TerraWest Communities.

“The natural beauty combined with a Native America history makes this a truly special destination that people will want to call their home.”

The Sonoran Desert Tegavah property is bordered by the Tonto National Forest, with captivating views of the Four Peaks Mountains to the east.

With the Verde River across the road, wild mustangs, soaring eagles and roadrunners are often spotted in the community.

The on-site golf course, Vista Verde Golf Club, will transition to Tegavah Golf Club. The rolling terrain course is open to the public, providing a rewarding desert golf experience with extraordinary views. Tee times are available at www.obsports.com.

Planning is under way for the community amenities, including a lifestyle and social gathering place, pool and new pro shop.

TerraWest Communities is currently meeting with various quality home builders to purchase multiple lots and create neighborhoods within Tegavah. Custom home sites will also be available. A community website is being designed and will launch in February – www.Tegavah.com.