Sunrise Villas 

Quorum Article - April 2004

Sunrise Villas HOA occupies a prime location on fee simple land in South Palm Springs between Sunrise Way and Cerritos Drive. Built-out during 1972 – 1973, its developer was Bill Bone of Sunrise Company, who went on to the construction of well known clubs in the Coachella Valley, such as Sunrise Country Club and Monterey Country Club.

Sunrise Villas is walled but not gated and has a great feeling of quiet security and seclusion, while at the same time being very close to the down town action of Palm Springs. It is just one block north of the Smoketree shopping center and is known in the real estate community as a desirable south end complex.

The community comprises 239 condominium units in just two models of 1,350 and 1,650 square feet, providing two and three bedrooms respectively. The buildings are single story white stucco with combination flat and pitched roofs. The pitched sections are in a distinctive light green tile. There is generous greenbelt and many units enjoy excellent mountain views. Facilities include eight swimming pools, three Jacuzzis, and two tennis courts.

Sunrise Villas units are in high demand and attract prices in the range $180,000 to $250,000. The proportion of full time to part time residents is approximately 40/60.

 Sunrise Villas is a mature community and faces the challenges of constant maintenance and upkeep that go with it. The Association has just completed a major flat roof replacement project and is getting prepared to address the pitched roofs.

A seven member Board of Directors governs the Association. It has worked hard to achieve and maintain financial stability and is conscious of the need to control costs. For example, in dealing with energy issues, the Board determined not to heat five of the eight pools. Association dues are a very reasonable $287 per month. A moderately active group of committees assists the Board as needed.

Sunrise Villas has adopted CAI's "Rights and Responsibilities for Better Communities" program. This is a series of 42 principles and practices designed to help association-governed communities promote harmony, enhance communication and reduce the potential for misunderstanding and conflict. One of the goals of this program is to foster a strong dense of community and to cultivate a neighborhood where all residents feel comfortable and content.

It is central to the "Rights and Responsibilities" program that while on one hand homeowners have the right to honest fair and respectful treatment by community leaders and managers, on the other hand homeowners have a responsibility to read and comply with the governing documents and meet their financial obligations to the community.

Homeowners like the financial stability of the Association and the way the property is maintained. And they love its central location and the fact that it is on fee simple land. Says one Board member, “Sunrise Villas is just a great place to live.”