Ramon Lakeview Villas 

Quorum Article - November 2003

Ramon Lakeview Villas is located on 10 acres of fee simple land at the corner of San Luis Rey and Ramon Road in Cathedral City. This was originally part of Palm Springs, until Cathedral City unified, when it went to Cathedral City.

This gated community comprises110 condominium units and was built out during the period 1980 - 1982 for the second home market. However, these days a large proportion of Lakeview owners are retirees and full time residents.

Eighty percent of the units are town homes and twenty percent are single story units. Sizes are 1,150 and 1,120 square feet, respectively. Car parking allocation per unit is an enclosed carport with one additional stall. When built the units sold in the $60,000 to $70,000 range. The current price range is $90,000 to $115,000. This is exceptional value in this market, and HOA dues are a very reasonable $220.00 per month.

Lakeview Villas is conveniently located for central Palm Springs and is close to the new Lowes home improvement center on Gene Autry Trail. There is a considerable amount of vacant land in the vicinity, which will no doubt see a lot of new building over the next several years.

Behind the gates the community is laid out in an oval surrounding a two-acre lake with fountains, waterfalls, a bridge, accent lights, koi and water fowl. There is a small clubhouse. On of two large pool and spa sets is located at each end of the lake.

A 5-member Board of Directors, supported by grounds and architectural committees, is responsible for Association operations. The Board is very proactive in its recognition of the needs of a mature community. It has just finished re-roofing the entire project with a polyurethane roof applied by Western Pacific Roofing.

The Board is now in the process of drawing up plans for the complete renovation of the entrance and guard shack. It has completed changes to the exterior lights in order to improve their efficiency and cut back on electricity. It is in the process of replacing the Association's oleanders with Carolina Cherries.

Notwithstanding its ambitious program of projects, the Association is well funded with a good operating budget and solid reserves. The HOA dues have only recently been raised to $220 from the $200 level, where they had remained for four years. Attention to detail and cost saving are hallmarks of the financial management of Lakeview. As an example, with the benefit of solar heating at the pools, there was no need to cut back on heating expenses during the energy crisis of two years ago.

When asked what they like best about their Association, Lakeview homeowners cite feelings of security, their enjoyment of high standards of maintenance, the peaceful lake environment, and low monthly dues.

Manager Jerry Uffelman compliments the Board as being completely solid in its insistence on incredibly high standards. Says Jerry, "They want everything to look pristine at all times. This actually makes it very easy to manage. The Board is very strong, stays on top of the rules and regulations, and enforces them."  

Desert Concepts Landscaping receives many compliments for its outstanding grounds maintenance at Lakeview. Don McIntyre Pool Service provides pool maintenance, Omega Lake Services provides a lake treatment program, and Gold Coast Enterprises Inc. provides management services.