Union Park will be the first project in Nevada accepted as part of the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED for Neighborhood Development program, said Steve Rypka, a board member of the Nevada chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council.

Rypka, Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman, Las Vegas City Manager Doug Selby and Rita Brandin of Newland Communities made the announcement Thursday.

"This reflects the direction Las Vegas is trying to go," Goodman said.

For the first time, neighborhoods will be able to get certified under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design designation. Nationally, 238 projects are part of the pilot program.

Individual buildings have been able to earn LEED certification for being environmentally friendly in areas such as water efficiency, energy use and construction materials.

Molasky Corporate Center, next to Union Park, is seeking LEED certification.

Until recently, the city land, a former rail yard designated a brownfield because of spilled fuel and other hazardous debris, has sat vacant as plans have been proposed and dropped.

This time, officials said, the plans are for real.

Construction has started on the Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, a building designed by architect Frank Gehry.

A performing arts center is planned for the area. And the city has agreements with several developers planning to build offices and hotels.

A California developer has proposed for the land a massive jewelry center that would include retail space and offices for jewelry and gem companies.

Newland Communities, the city's consultant on the project, plans to build housing on six parcels

The first will have about 180 midrise units and retail space, with prices ranging from $375,000 to $1 million.

"This is going to be a real neighborhood, where people can walk to the store and there's a sense of community," said Brandin, who is vice president and development director for Newland.

The rating program will evaluate communities on criteria such as neighborhood designs, green construction and energy conservation.