Several areas in Sun City’s Prairie Lodge are being remodeled or updated this year, but residents probably are most interested in three of them.
They are 1) new rooftop temperature HVAC units above the Fountain View area, 2) new sewing and quilting equipment and furnishings in the Sewing Room, and 3) revisions to the Solarium.
Here’s the latest on the status of these three projects:
First, on April 12, the board of directors approved the spending of more than $252,000 to replace 11 RTUs (rooftop units) that control the temperature and air quality in the Fountain View activity areas and offices in the lodge. A contract was awarded to Tessendorf Mechanical Services in Gilberts.
“About seven years ago, we engaged a consultant to help us determine the condition of more than 40 units on the roof of the lodge,” said Dennis O’Leary, president of the association board. “This is the final phase of a multi-year effort to upgrade the ones that are in need of replacement. We will probably have to replace some others in a few years. The average useful life of these units is about 18 years.”
This work will probably be completed this summer, he said.
Secondly, work has begun on replacing sewing and quilting machines in the Sewing Room, used by the Sew ‘n Sews Charter Club. Three sewing machines and two quilting machines will be replaced/acquired at a cost of about $20,000, O’Leary said.
The project also includes new wall cabinets, new tables, and painting. The Sew ‘n Sews Club is providing expertise and recommendations to the board for this work.
Third, the board is exploring the feasibility of giving the solarium next to Jameson’s Restaurant a facelift. Being considered are a new, solid ceiling to replace the glass one, a new floor, painting, replacing a counter-top next to a sink with a quartz material, and new fabrics.
“Some residents have told us they don’t like sitting in the bright sunlight, and it has been difficult to control the temperature to a comfortable level in there,” O’Leary said. “Also, sunlight has done some damage to the fabrics to furniture and windows.”
No final decisions have been made yet on the solarium project.
Funds for all these projects are provided by monies in the association’s reserve that have been set side previously to replace association assets. The current reserve fund level is more than $12 million.
