Smoketree Racquet Club

Quorum Article - May 2001

The Smoketree Racquet Club is a 128-unit condominium project located in the heart of Palm Springs at the base of the “canyon area”. Located in close proximity to a major shopping center, it makes this unique property one that is also tenant-friendly, as there are many people who have spent the “seasonal” months in the Association for many, many years. The property was built in 1979-1980.

This year’s Board of Directors has taken it upon themselves to address many of the issues that face older Associations in our desert, in terms of tending to defer maintenance and improving the physical property itself. The sales market in the development has steadily improved even with some of the evident deferred maintenance, which is being addressed by a special assessment of its members to refurbish streets, roofs and exterior painting. Property values have risen dramatically in the last several years in accordance with the economy which Board member and local real estate guru Don Keating credits to the economy and Smoketree’s ideal location, which is close to everything, both walking or by car.

The pool area at STRC is exquisite and was the first piece in the refurbishment puzzle that was undertaken last summer. With one of the largest commercial pools and decks in Palm Springs, these improvements (roughly $70,000.00 worth) impacted the community in a positive way immediately. IN addition to the pool, decking and spa refurbishments, the Landscaping Committee headed by President Mike Livingston has enhanced the area with a colorful floral pattern and the addition of many aesthetically enhancing (as well as safety improvement) lighting additions, all highlighting the natural surroundings of the center of the complex, which is the focal point of the community.

There were several other safety and aesthetic enhancements made this year, which are noticed and appreciated by all. River rock was added to enhance the look of the building and surrounding landscaping. This feature also helped improve the age appearance of the property and make it look newer and in line with the themes being utilized by current developers in newer properties. Lights were added as well as several strategically placed exterior flowerbeds that give enjoyment to all as they can be seen coming and going through each entrance. In addition, hedging was added around the perimeter of the property to help improve the perception of security, which has been a concern in the past, due to the fact that the complex is not gate-guarded. There is a park area at the southwest corner of the property that was improved simply by the removal of much overgrown shrubbery and the addition of lighting. There is a gazebo suitable for picnics and social gatherings and the area is now much safer with these plants having past their useful lives, now removed.

The administrative affairs have been handled for the last two years by Personalized Property Management after having an on-site system for many years. “Having the expertise of PPM and our Manager Tony Maranino on the property, has helped lend organization to a system that was long thought of by its members as “haphazard”, says Livingston. An example of this administrative progress show directly in the accounts receivable which has gone from some $12,000 just a year ago, to zero today. In addition, the Board is in the process of re-stating its governing documents and architectural policies. Safety and energy conservation issues have been attended to as well.

In an attempt to be prudent, many vendors have been replaced in an attempt to “get the best bang for our buck”, including the additions of CAI members Light Bright for electrical repairs, Best Property Maintenance for Landscaping, Valley Pools for pool service and Carol Fulton of LaBarre Oksnee insurance for the master insurance policy coverages.

With these changes in place and in progress, the future looks bright for the Smoketree Racquet Club, which is still widely considered by local real estate personnel as one of the hidden jewels and best buys in the desert. Come by and see for yourself.