Canyon Shores

Quorum Article - September 2005

Canyon Shores is a 202-unit guard-gated condominium community located on approximately 10 acres of fee land on Cathedral Canyon Drive in Cathedral City. It is adjacent to the White Water River, whence its name.

It is close to the new shops, restaurants, Sheraton Hotel and Mary Pickford theater on Highway 111. Canyon Shores residents can also enjoy public golf at Lawrence Welk, which is just across the street, and at the nearby Cimarron and Desert Princess resort membership facilities.

The development of Canyon Shores took place in five phases during 1985-87 and is a reminder that there are real estate busts as well as booms.  Howard Bank of New Jersey backed the project and went bankrupt in the late 80’s. Three different builders were involved, although all used the same architectural style.

The original market for Canyon Shores was weekenders and second homebuyers.  It is now primarily baby boomers. Since there are no age restrictions, they bring their children and grandchildren with them. So there are also a lot of families in the community.

There are four 3-bedroom, two 2-bedroom and two 1-bedroom models at Canyon Shores. They range in size from 1,080 to 1,850 square feet and are arranged in 26 two-storey buildings. There are four, nine or ten units per building. Prices range from $195,000 to  $305,000. The market is currently very strong with units active on the market for only 60 days on average. Approximately one third of the Canyon Shores owners are full time residents.

The facilities include a 12,000 square foot clubhouse with an exercise room banquet rooms and sauna. There are five swimming pools, seven spas, and five tennis courts, four of which are lighted. A tennis pro is available on site year-round.

Canyon Shores residents enjoy the charm, seclusion and quiet of immaculately kept and lush landscaping that features five lakes and connecting streams. At the same time, being equidistant between them, they can also enjoy easy access to the busy city attractions of both Palm Springs and Palm Desert.

Keeping the mature landscaping at Canyon Shores fresh, green, and attractive is the product of proper maintenance and the result of a joint effort by Management and a proactive landscape Committee.

The same care and attention has gone into other aspects of the conservation and preservation of the Canyon Shores infrastructure. For example, about three years ago the HOA installed long lasting fluorescent light bulbs on the porches. All of the outdoor lights are fluorescent. All pumps, including those serving the water features and pools are on timers and shut off at night to save electricity. Additionally, about four years ago the complex was re-roofed with foam and also painted out with elastomeric paint.

Five Board members govern the Canyon Shores homeowners association. Says one of them, “Canyon Shores is one of the nicest developments in the valley for the quality of living at an affordable value. Also our manager Caroline does an excellent job at being aware of the needs of the homeowners. She resolves problems on a timely basis and does our daily bookkeeping as well. A very thorough job.”

The Board and homeowners clearly appreciate the benefits of having an onsite manager, even in a relatively small community. Canyon Shores has enjoyed onsite management eight hours per day and five days per week for the past ten years. Communication is essential for the smooth operation of an HOA and the convenience of homeowners having their questions answered in a timely manner is an essential part of this.

For her part, Association Manager Caroline Rosenthal, says, “The membership and its Board of Directors work effectively together for the common good of the Association.”

The Board and Caroline are assisted by, among others, James Lamb (for gates), Springs Painting, Western Pacific Roofing, attorney Gen Wangler, Joel Glassman, CPA, and Asphalt MDs. Association dues are a modest $300 per month.