PALM ROYALE

Quorum Article - September 2000

Palm Royale is a condominium development occupying 60 acres in La Quinta at the intersection of Washington Street and Fred Waring Drive. It comprises 354 one and two bedroom units arranged around golf course and clubhouse. The units range in size, approximately, from 760 to 930 square feet.

Construction has taken place over a relatively extended period from 1987 to 2000. Build-out of the final phase of the development has just been completed. While several different developers have been involved along the way, the common and unifying element is the 18 hole Ted Robinson designed executive golf course. All of the condos, which are arranged in 35 two story buildings, benefit from a view of the golf course and its lakes and waterscapes.

The most striking feature of Palm Royale in this strong sellers market is its affordability as a golf resort destination. Prices of individual units have ranged from $70,000 to $140,000 over the past 12 months. However, owners and their families enjoy unlimited golf included within their association dues, which are only $207 per month.

The Homeowner Association negotiated this very favorable golf package with Family Golf, the owners of the golf course and clubhouse facilities. Family Golf is a publicly traded company. The course is semi private. Membership in the club is open to the public. The clubhouse is 5,000 square feet and offers bar and dining facilities plus 4 lighted tennis courts.

The Palm Royale homeowner association has a 5 member board of directors, which is assisted in its duties by Jerry Uffelman of Gold Coast Enterprises. Desert Isles handle the landscaping and McIntyre Pools take care of the Association’s 6 pool and spa sets. Envirotech is responsible for pest control.

Palm Royale has just completed reconstruction work following settlement of a complex construction defects lawsuit. Building elements at issue in the lawsuit were roofs and upper patios. Problems addressed mainly involved moisture penetration arising out of workmanship rather than design. The reconstruction was completed under budget. Lead attorneys for the Association in the lawsuit were Fiore Walker Racobs & Powers.