Cathedral Springs

Quorum Article - July 2002

Cathedral Springs occupies approximately 14 acres on Landau Boulevard between Baristo Road and McCullum Road in Cathedral City. It is a gated condominium community comprising 248 units.

The developer was Irv Green, who built the project out between 1986 and 1989. This was a time when the market was in one of its "hot" cycles. Mr. Green would run a large advertisement in the Los Angeles Times each week, aimed at the second home market, and would sell as many as eleven units in one day. As to the current market, realtors consider Cathedral Springs to be ideal for second homes, income property, and starter homes. This makes for a definite "mix" of residents. The market for this small to midsize community is strong enough to support an onsite real estate office, staffed by Debbie Grief of Fred Sands Realty.

Cathedral Springs offers nine two and three bedroom models ranging in size from 802 square feet to 1,200 square feet in a two-story configuration. Prices currently range from $78,000 to $107,000. There is always a solid market for these moderately priced condos because of the attractive location of Cathedral Springs. It is minutes from downtown Cathedral City and Palm Springs, close to shopping and restaurants, across from Cimarron Golf Course, and handy for the airport and freeway. In addition the land is fee simple and, at $230 per month, the HOA dues are very reasonable.

Cathedral Springs boasts a surprising three clubhouses, each with a full kitchen and each with pool and spa. A fourth pool and spa set also has its own kitchen. Two lighted tennis courts complement the indoor facilities. Fountains, streams, and manicured grounds add grace to the complex.

When homeowners are asked for their opinion of Cathedral Springs and what they think makes it different, responses are always positive, like "It’s a real quiet and friendly neighborhood," or "Unbeatable value," "So well maintained and such a reasonable price for a gated community on fee land."

Seven busy Board members run Cathedral Springs and do the work typically handled by committees in other homeowner associations. On site manager Jim Brooks handles the day-to-day operations of the community.

Although Cathedral Springs is a mature community, consistent management with foresight has kept at bay those issues normally associated with aging developments, such as overgrown shrubs and trees. Even the energy crisis of last year left the community unfazed. The Board did shut down the heat to two of the pools but this was not well received. So wise budgeting has since enabled all pools to be heated.

A solid team of vendors supports Manager Jim Brooks. Don McIntyre’s company maintains the pools. Field’s Electric maintains the lighting and electrical systems. Duran’s handles pest control. Greenview Landscaping keeps the property immaculate. And KW Construction deals with construction issues.

Says Jim Brooks, "Maintaining a good working relationship among the manager, the president, and the board of directors keeps everything blended together well. " Jim concludes that what makes this community different is that everything runs smoothly and the amenities are excellent value for the dues. It certainly sounds like it to us.