Sandroc 

Quorum Article - November 2004

The Sandroc complex is located on lupine lane at shadow mountain drive, one-half a block south of fabulous El Paseo drive.  Built in 1972 by Durco Construction company, Inc. of San Diego, as the "perfect desert condominium for you!" The complex consists of 44 townhouse-style units in a rough quadrangle of five residential buildings.

Approximately half of the units still belong to original owners.  El Paseo drive, the "Fifth Avenue of the Desert" offers residents shops, stores, and countless excellent restaurants within easy walking distance of Sandroc.

Sandroc displays an interesting use of tile and stucco influenced by early Pueblo Indian design.  The specially designed common walls between units are 10 inches thick, fully insulated and soundproofed for utmost quiet.  Some 45% of the land area is devoted to green belts and open space creating an appealing and uncrowded atmosphere for residents.  Night-lighted walkways meander through park like settings with seasonal flowers, shrubbery and pleasant shade trees.

Sandroc social life is centered around an elaborate, centrally located recreation complex that includes a very large, heated pool, a tension-easing spa and a 2,000 sq.ft. clubhouse with a billiard room, full kitchen facilities and a cozy reading loft.  Adjacent to the clubhouse is a separate poolside building with an elegant lounge and massive fireplace which provides for a more intimate atmosphere for impromptu get-togethers.  Sandroc also offers two lighted tennis courts for owners and guests.

All of the units at Sandroc have two floors.  There are 8 "walk-through" units of approximately 1500 sq. ft. and 36 single-entry 1300 sq. ft. units available in four models.   Each unit has two marked parking spaces (one under roof) in the nearest of three lot to the unit.   Guest parking is available in all three lots.   Sales have been brisk (as is the case throughout the desert!). When units have come on the market, recent prices have ranged from $170,000 to $200,000.

The Sandroc board of directors continues to work closely with its management company, Desert Management and its current liaison, Maggie I. Monahan, as it has for more than ten years.  During this period of time, Sandroc has been helped to institute efficient procedures that have allowed their reserves to grow to the level considered "prudent" by their reserve study firm and by C.A.I.

Homeowner responses at board meetings clearly indicate that the owners appreciate the time and effort spent by board members is much appreciated.  Specially noted have been references to "sound fiscal management", "the willingness to listen and respond", and "the thorough attention given to the landscaping and maintenance needs of the property".  

Current Board of Directors President, Jim Greulich said recently, "We continue to try to keep clear channels of communication open with all owners and residents.  We cannot "fix" a problem of which we are unaware and are grateful for every bit of input that we can get.  Together, everyone at Sandroc will help keep our condos one of the garden spots of the community."

Maggie Monahan adds that the aspects of Sandroc that she finds most appealing are: 1) The distinct townhouse style of the buildings so rarely found in the desert; 2) The recreational amenities found in the complex, which are far and above those offered by most homeowner associations. All this and the warmth of the clubhouse fireplace to wile away those chilly winter nights with a friend and a buddy; 3) last but not least the close proximity to El Paseo, that distinctive fashion lane riddled with hot restaurants and entertainment.