Amenities Center at Del Webb Downsized and Delayed
- Details
- Published on Tuesday, 08 November 2011 22:51
T
he centerpiece of the Del Webb community at Ave Maria - a lavish amenities center that was announced in March, 2010 - has been scaled back considerably although the original 39,000-square-foot structure is still being promoted in signs and sales literature.
Although Pulte Homes filed new plans with Collier County in late August for a structure that will be less than half the size and a third the cost, the developer has not announced any changes and a large sign across from the new Del Webb sales center, (right) as well as a display in the golf club pro shop, continue to depict the originally-planned building.
The large amenities center, called The Oasis Club, was originally announced in March, 2010, by Pulte's President for southwest Florida, Ryan Marshall, as part of a pitch to residents to agree to several substantial changes that Pulte wanted, including restricting sale of future homes in Del Webb to adults aged 55 and older and merging what was then called the BelleraWalk neighborhood into Del Webb.
Pulte's original plans for the structure were filed in March 2011 and called for a structure of 39,911 square feet that would cost about $5 million. Less than half a year later those plans apparently were scrapped and Pulte filed new plans for an amenities center and two satellite structures totaling 17,885 square feet and costing a total of $1,662,900.
Groundbreaking on the originally-announced Oasis Club had been slated for late 2010, so residents have known for some time that the project was delayed, but the exact nature of the changes and the eventual timing remain the subject of rumor and speculation. Residents say that they have heard that an indoor pool - still mentioned in sales literature handed out in early November - will not be built and other indoor space will be reduced.
Calls to Pulte officials seeking comment were either not returned, or executives who were reached refused to speak to The Ave Herald for publication. A salesperson at the Del Webb sales center acknowledged that the building would be smaller "in the first phase," adding that he could not comment on when or whether there would be another phase.
Residents at Ave Maria have become used to changes and delays in plans for the community, most of which have been attributed to an overall downturn in the housing market. Accordingly, many were surprised when in the midst of the downturn in March, 2010, Pulte announced such grand plans as part of what the developer then said was at $20-million investment in the Del Webb of Naples community in Ave Maria.
The expressed commitment of Pulte to invest in Ave Maria was important at the time, many residents said, to their agreement to go along with changes that included elimination of a separate pool, restaurant and manned gate originally promised to residents of BelleraWalk and the implementation of new age restrictions in Del Webb even though many families with children had purchased homes there because of the expectation that other younger families would follow.
Residents who spoke with The Ave Herald continued to express enthusiasm for Ave Maria, but suggested the developers should do a better job of informing people of what was going on.
"I understand that changes sometimes need to be made for economic reasons," said Roy Lenardson, who favored merging his BelleraWalk neighborhood into Del Webb, "but a little communication would be nice."
Official Pulte communications, including brochures and descriptions on websites, continue to list features of the Oasis Club that would be part of the larger facility, although all of Pulte's websites do carry disclaimers that the developer can change its plans at any time.
Del Webb resident Michael Mastandrea, who as a builder is familiar with how construction plans can sometimes change, said that he and his family love Del Webb and Ave Maria, where "we have beautiful homes, a magnificent golf course and an incredible town center."
"But we think Pulte and Del Webb have an obligation to be straightforward if significant changes are being made to what residents and prospective buyers have been advised about the amenities. We understand these are difficult economic times, but clearly an obligation exists to accurately inform people about what is being planned. The billboard by the entrance to the Del Webb sales center is promoting something that the developers have known for months will not be anything close to what is pictured."