California Builders Hall of Fame
A Hall of Fame builder, a Central Valley legacy
Gary McDonald's induction honors more than five decades of building the finest quality homes and some of the most coveted communities in the Fresno–Clovis area.
Gary McDonald
From Florida concrete to Fresno's finest homes
Gary started his career in construction as a teenager in Florida, working with his best friend Robert Bond and Robert's father, a concrete company owner. After graduation, he and Bond joined the Navy.
Stationed at Lemoore Naval Air Base, Gary met Beverly Nichols, a Fresno girl. They married and settled here, where he earned his way through Fresno State pouring patios and taking construction jobs.
Early in the '70s, investments in several small Fresno County parcels launched his development career. Mentored by Oscar Spano, Gary became one of the finest and most prolific luxury homebuilders in the Central Valley — with projects including Woodward Park's Dominion, Lake Van Ness, Valerie Estates, The Masters Collection, Gary McDonald Homes at the Fort and Copper Ridge Estates.
As Chairman of the Board of Regency Bank and GM of its development joint venture, he oversaw more than 30 major projects and over 3,000 residential units.
Timeline
Fifty years of building
1970
The first homes
Gary begins real estate development and custom home building in the Central Valley, launched by investments in several small Fresno County parcels.
1970s–80s
Woodward Park & Lake Van Ness
Residences in the Dominion subdivision and, with Leo Wilson, Lake Van Ness — Fresno's premier lakefront community.
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Regency Bank
As Chairman of the Board of Regency Bank and GM of its development joint venture, Gary oversees 30+ major projects and more than 3,000 residential units.
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California Builders Hall of Fame
Gary McDonald is inducted into the California Builders Hall of Fame. Exact award name and year to be confirmed.
2020s
Copper River Ranch
Club View Collection, Willow Heights and The Fairways bring new plans to Copper River golf course.
2026
The Peninsula
22 custom lots along the 6th, 7th and 8th fairways — our newest community of distinction.
Community involvement
Giving back to the Valley we build
Gary has long been a champion of prudent growth and has witnessed Fresno's transformation from a farm-based economy to a thriving business hub. More about our community partnerships is coming soon.
Company values
What guides us
Integrity
We value our reputation and recognize it can only be maintained through the highest level of personal and professional integrity.
Customers
The customer's perception of the quality of our work is the defining criteria.
Associates
We treat our associates with the same respect and professionalism we give every valued customer.
Innovation
We value hard work, creativity and being receptive to new ideas and adaptive to change.
Partners
Our subcontractors and suppliers are integral to our success, and we foster open communication with them.