Quorum Article -
May 2001
The
Smoketree Racquet Club is a 128-unit condominium project located in the heart of
Palm Springs at the base of the “canyon area”. Located in close proximity to
a major shopping center, it makes this unique property one that is also
tenant-friendly, as there are many people who have spent the “seasonal”
months in the Association for many, many years. The property was built in
1979-1980. This
year’s Board of Directors has taken it upon themselves to address many of the
issues that face older Associations in our desert, in terms of tending to defer
maintenance and improving the physical property itself. The sales market in the
development has steadily improved even with some of the evident deferred
maintenance, which is being addressed by a special assessment of its members to
refurbish streets, roofs and exterior painting. Property values have risen
dramatically in the last several years in accordance with the economy which
Board member and local real estate guru Don Keating credits to the economy and
Smoketree’s ideal location, which is close to everything, both walking or by
car.
The
pool area at STRC is exquisite and was the first piece in the refurbishment
puzzle that was undertaken last summer. With one of the largest commercial pools
and decks in Palm Springs, these improvements (roughly $70,000.00 worth)
impacted the community in a positive way immediately. IN addition to the pool,
decking and spa refurbishments, the Landscaping Committee headed by President
Mike Livingston has enhanced the area with a colorful floral pattern and the
addition of many aesthetically enhancing (as well as safety improvement)
lighting additions, all highlighting the natural surroundings of the center of
the complex, which is the focal point of the community.
There
were several other safety and aesthetic enhancements made this year, which are
noticed and appreciated by all. River rock was added to enhance the look of the
building and surrounding landscaping. This feature also helped improve the age
appearance of the property and make it look newer and in line with the themes
being utilized by current developers in newer properties. Lights were added as
well as several strategically placed exterior flowerbeds that give enjoyment to
all as they can be seen coming and going through each entrance. In addition,
hedging was added around the perimeter of the property to help improve the
perception of security, which has been a concern in the past, due to the fact
that the complex is not gate-guarded. There is a park area at the southwest
corner of the property that was improved simply by the removal of much overgrown
shrubbery and the addition of lighting. There is a gazebo suitable for picnics
and social gatherings and the area is now much safer with these plants having
past their useful lives, now removed.
The
administrative affairs have been handled for the last two years by Personalized
Property Management after having an on-site system for many years. “Having the
expertise of PPM and our Manager Tony Maranino on the property, has helped lend
organization to a system that was long thought of by its members as
“haphazard”, says Livingston. An example of this administrative progress
show directly in the accounts receivable which has gone from some $12,000 just a
year ago, to zero today. In addition, the Board is in the process of re-stating
its governing documents and architectural policies. Safety and energy
conservation issues have been attended to as well.
In
an attempt to be prudent, many vendors have been replaced in an attempt to
“get the best bang for our buck”, including the additions of CAI members
Light Bright for electrical repairs, Best Property Maintenance for Landscaping,
Valley Pools for pool service and Carol Fulton of LaBarre Oksnee insurance for
the master insurance policy coverages.
With these changes in place and in progress, the future looks bright for the Smoketree Racquet Club, which is still widely considered by local real estate personnel as one of the hidden jewels and best buys in the desert. Come by and see for yourself.
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