We are shooting for year's end. Pretty aggressive, but this new contractor is flying and we are all expecting better turnaround times. The project is now priced at 4.2 million and we are excited about adding amenities and space. I suspect you know this R, but John Meeker in his memoir's claimed they (DEVCO) should never had built it. It's there and we want it to be yet another shinning star in our package. Between the 20 p-ball courts (8 under roof) and the padded walking track we look for huge numbers once it has been completed.
Awesome news E; hopefully you will settle in and find that "new way of life" to be everything so many of us have come to enjoy. I saw in the Assistant General Manager's report to the board the footings have been poured for the added fitness center space. The construction company we are using has been spot on at every turn and it is refreshing to see such positive progress reports from Jim Wellman. I'm excited by the prospects of how that tired looking corner at Union Hills and 99th Drive can bloom into one of our more attractive amenities. With a stucco reface on the building, the 20 pball courts, padded walking track, added horseshoe pits and half court basketball for the hoopsters, residents will be amazed how well received this project will be loved. And for good measure, the new electronic signage will be the cherry on top. It is long overdue and to see it finally coming together is just plain exciting to watch..
Bill: Marinette certainly will be a "shining star." I'm curious as to why John Meeker felt it should never have been built?
Good question R and in his memoirs he says they way overspent on the Bell project. Bell is easily the largest and most sprawling of Centers and Meeker was never shy on spending money when it came to doing things in a big way. Costs got out of hand there and to add to the intrigue was the fact they blew through the remaining lots in Phase 3 far more quickly than anticipated. If memory serves me they sold over 3000 homes in the last year and he says if they had had the land they could have easily sold 5000. The threatened lawsuit by residents to the north pushed him to throw up the most modest of structure. It was simply done to get them off his back and not have any ill will as he moved over to his newest project, Sun City West. That's another whole fascinating discussion as his hopes to have some kind of co-mingling of amenities was quickly dashed. Seems some Sun City residents didn't feel the love as a number of Sun City's finest jumped ship for the newer digs in West. The friction really put a strain on any hopes of it being a more cohesive relationship. But back to Marinette: I am so excited to see that center finally get the attention is so desperately needs. It's always looked like an afterthought on that intersection of 99th and Union Hills. The new signage that will be going in will be an endless reminder to all who pass just what an active lifestyle we have in Sun City. I love the security fence that will ring the perimeter of the walking track, basketball court and horseshoe pits. And, let's be blunt, the 20 court pickleball courts will be state of the art and with 8 under roof, it will be a showcase. Let's not forget the new windows and stucco job will only add to the stunning look of a complex too long forgotten. I would be remiss by not reminding readers, this project happened because of the long range planning committee. They were the ones who labored long and hard to convince board members it was the number one objective. It is proof positive Sun City works when we engage and involve residents at every level of operation.
