Sun City board votes to remove Fountain View bar

The board meeting minutes for Wednesday, May 24, had the following motion recorded: “Approval of Prairie Lodge Bar Area Removal/Remodel: Board reviewed a recommendation from the Facility Advisory Committee for the removal of the counter island and utilities in the FountainView atrium area and to restore the floor to match the other side of the room with ceramic tile and carpeting. Roger Lambert motioned to authorize the Executive Director to execute agreements to remove the counter island and fixtures and then to purchase and install carpet and tile in the area for a not to exceed the cost of $12,264.75, seconded by Jim Sanecki and by roll call vote (7-yes, 0-no), the motion was approved.”

Michael Ciffone, a Sun City resident, spoke on July 26 during the time allotted to residents under Illinois statute 765 ILCS 160/ Common Interest Community Association Act.

Ciffone said, “I learned a few weeks ago that the bar/counter in the Welcome Center is to be removed and presumably replaced with a table, which I believe is a mistake. I had talked to a board member about the issue and was told to bring it up at the next Board Meeting, July 26.”

Ciffone questioned the board’s recent decision to remove the bar and counter area in the Fountain View area.

“I did not receive any response from either staff or any board members. I also heard the current board is not interested in reviewing their decision as they have not received comments or heard any feedback concerning their vote to remove. So now it’s our opportunity to give them our feedback, whether positive or negative,” he said.

Ciffone reached out to residents posting on Wildflower Lake. “The lodge, designed by an architectural and interior design firm, was designed with many architectural features creating an interesting, warm and beautiful facility, which included the bar/counter area. For some reason, someone has decided to remove this amenity,” he said.

His post generated over 100 comments from residents. Most residents were not aware of the decision.

Ciffone said “Not sure as to why there was no community discussion or input to remove something of such character. Amenities should be added, not removed, from within the Lodge, especially something of such high value. The bar area adds character and creates ambiance, the same as the fireplaces throughout the Lodge; although the fireplaces do not have functionality, as they don’t heat the building. The bar has both functionality and character, someone just has to be creative to use the space. Once the bar is removed, you lose all options for future use.”

Ciffone called the counter area an architectural gem.

Jan Welch agreed. Welch is the President of Interior Motives and has over 40 years of experience in interior design.

“I am a resident of Sun City and have lived in the Huntley area since 1986. I not only work in residential homes but have consulted in business, working with the re-design of the Huntley School district and the Huntley Library. I have been in Huntley since the beginning of the Sun City and now I am a resident. The counter island makes the room interesting. It adds ambiance to the lodge. It is an architectural gem,” Welch said.

Welch is an NCIDQ Certified interior designer. The certification requires a minimum of six years of specialized education and work experience as well as passing the three-part NCIDQ examination.

Suggestions from residents have included serving donuts and coffee. Ciffone suggested using the $1200 to destroy the bar be used to fund the amenity. Others suggested charter club events and hoped that the board allow reservations to be made to reserve the area for meetings and get-togethers.

The association has not yet applied for a permit for the removal of the bar. The Village of Huntley does require a permit for that work to be completed. Ciffone suggests that residents who would like this iconic bar to remain to send a “Talk to the Staff” form to the board members.

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