Refurbishment and infrastructure maintenance
Since 2001-2002, Isla de Oro has been undergoing a large refurbishment program. The first part, in 2001, was an upgrade of the tennis courts. Most of the rest of the work has now been done, including a restoration of the grounds (in 2003) and a complete upgrade of the electrical system which took place in 2004. Many parts of the club have also already been renovated, for instance the first aid station, parts of the bathrooms and changing rooms in the gym, and the storage area for our beach canopies, among other places.
The biggest job has been left for last: Infrastructure maintenance on the residential towers. This consists of the following -
CURING OR REPLACING CORRODED REBAR
Some of the rebar has suffered the effects of corrosion, causing it to expand, weaken, and causing the concrete to crack. This was studied extensively in 2004 and 2005, and in 2006 the work started on solving this problem. This work is currently underway. See pictures of the progress here.
NEW STUCCO, IN PLACES
Due to lack of maintenance under previous administrations, and the normal wear and tear of a seaside location, part of the stucco is now damaged. We are in the process of replacing this, starting with the elevator tower and with tower 1 and finishing with towers 2 and 3. See pictures of the progress here.
NEW PAINT
The towers are currently being painted. Since this work represents the biggest expense in the upgrade and refurbishment program, we are doing it slow so as to not cause undue financial burden on the owners. The current condo board wants to avoid the need for levying an assessment, so the work is being done with a somewhat limited cash flow. See pictures of the progress here.
During the period of the above work, HOA fees are higher than usual which is a direct consequence of the increased expenses involved in carrying out the work. However, this work is necessary in order to protect the physical infrastructure, and in order to achieve some of the other goals for the future. We also believe that it increases the property values and this is a major reason for doing the work.
FUTURE UPGRADES TO THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
When the new paint and stucco work is complete, on all 3 towers, we can tackle new projects to improve other parts of Isla de Oro. This could include a facelift of the gym or the restaurants, but no specific plans have been made yet in this regards. If you have suggestions or preferences as to what you would like to see done first, please let us know.
Of particular concern to the condo board is the El Dorado restaurant, located next to the tennis courts. This was formerly the most elegant of Isla de Oro's four restaurants, with tuxedo'ed waiters, a dance floor and live music. It is currently a ruin. The board has no plans for it, but having a ruin on the grounds is an eyesore so either we must renovate it (for whatever purpose) or else tear it down altogether.
