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May 2005 – Issue 5.0
Pages: MISSION - FORUM -FLYER - BROCHURE Archive: NOV03 - DEC03 - JAN04 - MAR04 - MAR05 - APR05

Clubhouse-Go-Round

One resident called it an albatross. Whatever it is there seems to be an aversion to it. Numerous boards, committees and volunteers have put in time and money over the years, only to fall short of the mark of getting it open. Why can't we just get'r done, you may ask. Well, unfortunately, the clubhouse continues to be a moving target.

Each time we are on the verge of completion, it seems someone intervenes and changes direction. The latest accompanied the arrival of the Developer, and circumvented a five year plan which would have the place open now. First it was the promise of a grand plan which would be all things to everyone - restaurants, exercise, you name it. Once the plans were underway, funding evolved to be "in exchange for lots". This means the community pays with its assets. But the ball was rolling and the grand plan went out to bids, and came back at (surprise) $1.3M. We understand now that this figure is actually a stripped down version and that the original estimate was higher.

Nevertheless, the $1.3M figure became the "number to beat" and speculation arose that a brand new structure could be built to better service the community at a comparable price. Yeah...Uh huh... Well, negotiations ensued in executive session and voila, an announcement was made at the January Town Hall meeting. Undaunted by the hostile reception, the executive task force continued on to the extent that today, to the surprise of many, there are actually plans drawn up for a replacement club house. We need to attend more board meetings...

The developer presented revisions to the proposed plans at the April 26 board meeting. Analysis of features reveals that the new replacement design is functionally identical to the existing structure. There is a large meeting room, a small meeting room, kitchen, storage, restrooms and a deck. There is a deliberate avoidance of any discussion of funding at this time as the plan goes out for bids.

Are we being led down the garden path, distracted from the practical solution and blindly head off in yet another direction? Intuitively, the practical solution is to simply do what is necessary to open the building. If reports are correct, we should have enough money to do the necessary plumbing, carpentry and electrical. We don't need a new exterior, it was done several years ago. We don't need a grand staircase because the upper and lower levels are used for different functions. We don't need a restaurant kitchen or an exercise room initially - these can be added later. The existing stairway can be designated a service stairway and walled in to mitigate code issues. Painted concrete block walls is cheaper and more durable than paneling, and is common in public buildings. All that is really needed on the upper level is restrooms, a floor, plumbing, light and heating. right?

Well, apparently its not that easy to find someone to do the work. Contractors are generally geared up for new construction and few if any want to touch a renovation. Some may recall the difficulty some years ago getting bids on the roof. Disinterest is compounded by a building boom and there is no shortage of new work. So why should a contractor commit to restoring some old dusty building, when there is lucrative work available from the ground up. Those who do bid, are likely to bid high.

The shame of it all is that the clubhouse is an elegant old structure. Those who have been inside can easily imagine a large holiday gathering in the main hall, with a roaring fire in the massive stone fireplace. They just don't build them like this anymore.

The board however, would be remiss if it did not investigate all options. Replacement, of course is one, and in the end it all comes down to money. If it is truly cheaper to replace the building, maybe it should be pursued. But the renovation option should not be arbitrarily discarded, and should be viewed in light of the aesthetics of the building. The new plan may be energy efficient, but lacks the spacious feel inherent in the existing buildings main hall. Ultimately, both options need to be presented to the community along with cost detail as justification for the final choice. Above all, demolition should not start until there is community consensus and a final replacement commitment is signed.