On the shores of Lake Havasu, a fresh development is changing everything. Riviera is unlike anything the area has seen: a private marina, concierge toy storage, community pools, and a lifestyle that feels more like a resort than a neighborhood. Within this ambitious vision, designer and developer Evan Gaskin has claimed a handful of coveted plots, each one a chance to bring his signature LA-inspired style to the desert.
At $6 million, his first Riviera property is setting a record and pushing the market into uncharted territory. Listing broker Scott Grigg of The Grigg’s Group Powered by The Altman Brothers notes that the brokerage focuses on pushing the boundaries of what’s possible, and this listing is a prime example of that vision in action.
“Lake Havasu has transformed into a true destination. A few years ago, $1 million was considered high end. Now we’re seeing $2–3 million homes consistently, and Evan’s property is the first to push past $6 million. It shows Havasu is ready for ultra-luxury,” says Scott.
For Evan, this house is more than a listing- it’s the culmination of decades of grit and creativity, of lessons earned the hard way, and of a journey that began with sketches scrawled on napkins in diners and glove compartments across Los Angeles. He’s also no stranger to the spotlight, having appeared on multiple episodes of Million Dollar Listing LA, underscoring his long-standing ties with the Altman Brothers and Scott Grigg.
“If you build it, they will come. Lake Havasu has been waiting for this.”
He would know. Evan has been coming to Havasu since he was little. He remembers being six years old, staring at the London Bridge as crews reassembled it stone by stone, every block numbered, each one a testament to persistence.
“I’ve been waiting to do something here, and now the time is right.”
But the road here wasn’t simple. In the mid-1990s, Evan was running a thriving post-production equipment rental company in Los Angeles serving Hollywood movers and shakers. But September 11th, everything changed.
“Within a week, my business dropped 95%. I had to change my path to support my family.”
That pivot led him to building. At first, almost by accident- a garage he tore down, a guest house he dreamed up… sketches that barely resembled drawings.
“My drawing skills were like a kindergartner’s,” Evan says. “But I knew what I wanted.”
He bought his first flip in Encino for $300,000, remodeled it on credit cards, and sold it eight months later for a $7,500 profit.
“A lot of work for little money, but I loved it.”
His next project in Toluca Lake netted $55,000. Then came a sprawling 6,000-square-foot house in Encino Hills.
“I realized the architect wasn’t understanding what I wanted, so I started drawing over his plans. I’d call out stains for the wood, show pictures of cabinets, and sketch right on the paper. And I had fun. My wife and I were a team. Nothing gave me more joy than showing her what I designed and getting her approval.”
Together, they pushed bigger and bolder, sometimes blowing past budgets because Evan refused to compromise on design.
“I knew design and construction. That’s a powerful combination.”
The validation came when actor Martin Lawrence walked through one of Evan’s homes in Sherman Oaks.
“He told me he had 100% trust in my capabilities. When it was done, Martin invited me over. He popped a two-foot bottle of Ace of Spades champagne and thanked me for not just building a house, but making it a home. The most defining moment of my career.”
Word spread. Evan began designing for musicians, athletes, and moguls. Thanks to NDAs, you’ve likely seen many of his projects featured in national TV shows without ever knowing his name. That’s by design.
“I don’t let clients pick me- I pick them. I don’t chase jobs, and it’s not always about the money. I’ve become the silent, masked man of top design working quietly behind the scenes for the most discerning in the world.”
Within the industry, his peers have taken notice. Evan won an award from Coverings, one of the largest conventions in the world for tile, flooring, and exterior coverings.
“To be recognized by designers at that level meant everything.”
But behind the projects and the high-profile clients, Evan’s story carries a profound personal layer. His wife, his partner in life and design, passed away from cancer.
“She was my everything. Losing her was the hardest thing I’ve ever faced. But in everything I design, I carry her with me in every detail.”
That resilience- the drive to create beauty out of loss and a legacy for his children- carries into Evan’s work today. And nowhere is that more visible than Lake Havasu.
“For years, the houses here made me cringe; boxy homes with no inspiration and no soul. I knew I could bring LA’s refinement and sophistication to Havasu.”
Scott Grigg says that vision is exactly what the market needs.
“We’re seeing consistent year-over-year appreciation, limited inventory near the water, and strong demand from out-of-state buyers.”
Simply step inside. Glass entry doors draw your eyes straight through to the lake, with chandeliers casting a warm glow overhead. Inside, custom oak walls and subtle cork textures turn surfaces into art.
The family room flows into a chef’s kitchen, where hidden-paneled appliances and a massive island invite conversation, while floor-to-ceiling glass keeps the water always in view. The bar is a centerpiece, with bronze mirrors and backlit shelves designed to make you linger.
In the master suite, soaring shelves, wood-paneled ceilings, and soft light create a sense of permanence and calm.
“Consider the bathroom your personal wellness spa.”
Outside, an 800-square-foot veranda stretches over a curved pool and a Jacuzzi powered by sixteen jets. The view is endless… desert, lake, and sky.
Keep in mind- Evan isn’t stopping here. He has nine more lots in development, each with its own identity and reshaping what Arizona waterfront living can mean.
“Lake Havasu, once defined by numbered bridge bricks and Spring Break lore, is stepping into its next chapter.”
And Evan is determined to be the one holding the pencil… or the napkin… sketching it into existence.
To make an offer, contact Scott Grigg: thealtmanbrothersgriggsaz.com
gaskindesigns.com
“If you build it, they will come. Havasu has been waiting for this.”