Our History
Since 1958, the Farnsworth name has been associated with excellence in the development of planned retirement communities.
Ross Farnsworth
Founder of the Farnsworth Companies
In 1958, Ross Farnsworth and his father purchased 195 acres “way out in East Mesa” and called it Dreamland Villa. The idea was to offer an area where retirees could live and enjoy the carefree Arizona lifestyle. When Dreamland Villa was completed, more than 3000 homes had blossomed in the desert.
Craig Ahlstrom, Sr.
Chairman Springs Realty
In 1974, the Farnsworth’s opened Sunland Village. With its beautiful golf course, impressive recreation center, and wide clean streets, Sunland Village quickly showed what an active adult community should be. It was during this time that a new generation of Farnworth’s began working for the company. Son-in-law, Craig Ahlstrom joined the company, thus adding to the legacy and tradition of the Farnsworth Family.
Sunland Village East
Mesa, Arizona
In 1984, the Farnsworth’s opened Sunland Village East. In addition to the quality homes that were always built, a new type of housing was introduced, the popular Golf Course and Garden Condominiums.
Sunland Springs Village
Mesa, Arizona
In 1998, Sunland Springs Village, “The Crown Jewel” of the Farnsworth Communities opened. Nestled in the shadows of the famous Superstition Mountains, Sunland Springs Village soon became the standard by which all other senior communities were being measured.
Jeff Decker
President and Designated Broker
In 2004, Springs Realty was created as the vehicle to sell the new homes in Sunland Springs Village, with Jeff Decker as the Designated Broker.
Steve Coons | VP of Sales
Brad Ahlstrom | VP of Marketing
In 2014, the Resale and Property Management divisions were organized to continue the high standard of service associated with the Farnsworth Communities. A 4th generation of Farnsworth’s, Brad Ahlstrom and Steve Coons, grandsons of Ross Farnsworth, joined the business to continue the Farnsworth Family legacy.
