Welcome to the La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club Renovation News Link

August 28, 2010 Lobby Renovation We are thrilled to announce that the Lobby renovation started August 23rd, 2010. It was a memorable occasion when General Manager Mr. Joe Najjar and President of the Board Mr. Willie Mosconi grabbed a jackhammer and chipped the first lobby boulder, as the demolition of the old indoor waterfall began, signaling the upcoming, much anticipated lobby renovation. The new lobby will feature a state of the art glass elevator and a new staircase, a modern front desk, beautiful glass artwork and more. This project also includes a new porter cochere and new aluminum window frames and is scheduled to be completed in approximately 5 months. A temporary Front Desk has been set up and is located next to the Minimarket. Please excuse our appearance as we enhance your home-away-from-home for your enjoyment. Mo< February 17, 2010 Renovation is in full swing and on schedule You will be pleased to know that we have successfully completed phase 6 and immediately started with phase 7 during the 1st week of January, 2010 and should be ready for use by the end of April, 2010. This places us over 50% of the total renovation project. With the start of phase 7 the General Contractor construction staging area was moved to the north side of the Resort. The fencing has also been moved, giving access to all patios for the Sunday to Sunday ground floor units. Although without a beautiful landscaping at the moment, the owners still enjoyed being able to sit outside on their patios again. The fencing is now blocking the access to all patios for the Saturday to Saturday ground floor units to allow the traffic of heavy equipment. Contrary to the Sunday to Sunday section that had to wait until the whole Sunday section was completed, these fences will be gradually removed as soon as each phase is completed. Unfortunately, we had to block off the complete access to patios of the ground floor Ocean Front units, 145E & 146E, for safety reasons. These patios will become available again by the end of October, 2010. We thank you for your understanding for any inconvenience this may cause. Going back to the topic of the landscaping, before going over to re-do the landscaping and since we think that this is the right moment to do this, we have approached an expert on that field to redesign the whole area. We are very excited for the final results and will keep you posted. On a different note, the Board of Directors has approved to start changing the balcony railings as of phase 7 and on. October 30th, 2009 New photos taken from the middle of the resort show the renovation progress begin made. September 29th, 2009 POOL ACCESS RESTRICTION The ongoing renovation has reached Phase 6, which marks the midway point of the 12-phase project at the Resort. Phase 6 renovations will affect some areas that have access to and from the pool area. As a result, we have extended the passageway for construction vehicles and material transport to include all “26” room numbers. As a requirement of the project’s safety codes, we have closed the south lobby landing exit to the pool area and the main walkway between the activities center and the game room. Owners and guests can only access the pool area, bar and restaurants via the north lobby landing. To help you navigate your way around the construction area, we have put up signage to direct you through these areas. We apologize for the inconvenience that this phase of the renovation may cause. We understand that the new route via the north lobby landing requires a bit more walking to access your favorite places at the Resort. Please keep in mind this new route is for your own safety and protection while we enhance and upgrade your “home away from home.” Phase 6 is the last part of the renovation that restricts patio use on the ground floor for Sunday to Sunday units. This section will be reopened by the second week of January 2010 and owners will have access to their patios as well as the south lobby landing exit and main passageway to the pool area. As we move to Phases 7-9, which encompasses the Saturday to Saturday units, the construction staging area will move to the north side of the Resort. With the start of Phase 7, all Saturday to Saturday ground floor units will not have access to their patios. When reaching phase 8 and 9, gradually the construction fence and passage way is moved from phase 7 and on to allow owners and guests access to the patios of those the ground floor units that are completed. We thank you for your cooperation during the renovation project. If you need any additional information, please feel free to contact us. July 24th, 2009 MORE ENHANCEMENTS While we are moving on with the replacement of the corridor tiles in the area of the renovated rooms, we are approaching the area of the lobby landings. During this process we will be enhancing the lobby landings as well. This entails removal of the existing tiles and replacing these. This is not a pretty sight at this moment but the end result is worthwhile the waiting for; not only for the new look but for safety as well since we will be placing nice anti-slip tiles. Photo 1 | Photo 2 July 13th, 2009 RENOVATION UPDATE – PHASE 5 HAS STARTED The renovations project is moving along nicely with the completion of Phase 4 and the recent stripping of 28 rooms to start Phase 5. Units 114A, 214A, 314A and 414A will be out of commission for weeks 26 through 37 with an expected completion date of Sept. 20, 2009. During weeks 26 through 38, units 116ABC, 216ABC, 316ABC, 416ABC, 118 ABC, 218 ABC, 318ABC and 418ABC undergo renovation and are expected to be completed by Sept. 27, 2009. Phase 6, which consists of 40 rooms, is scheduled to start on Sept. 27, 2009 and will continue over the course of weeks 39 to 51 (expected completion Dec. 27, 2009) impacting units 120ABC, 220ABC, 320ABC, 420A, 122ABC, 222ABC, 322ABC and 422ABC. During weeks 39 through 52 (Sept. 27, 2009 – Jan. 3, 2010), units 124ABC, 224ABC and 424ABC will be renovated. From Oct. 3, 2009 through Jan. 9, 2010 (weeks 40 -1), units 226BC, 326 BC and 426BC will remodeled. As a reminder for Sunday check-ins, as the renovated units of Phases 3, 4, 5 and 6 (located poolside on the ground level) become available for occupancy, the patios of these units will not be accessible. This area will be fenced off for the safety of all guests. This will be in effect until the end of December 2009 when we anticipate the re-opening of the patios. Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Photo 5 | April 1, 2009 RENOVATION UPDATE Information on renovated pool side ground level units Information on renovated pool side ground level units In keeping you up to date on the progress of the renovation project, we would like to advise owners of renovated ground floor units with a Sunday or Saturday check-in pattern, of the following: Sunday check-in day: As the renovated units of Phases 3, 4, 5, & 6 located pool-side on the ground floor level become available for occupancy, the patios of these units will not be accessible. This will be in effect until the end of December 2009 and for construction safety this area will be fenced off. Saturday check-in day: As the renovated units of Phases 7, 8, & 9 take place through end of 2010, patios affected by these phases will also not be accessible as noted above. In the case of the Saturday units, once phase 7 is completed and construction moves to phase 8, the patios of the units in phase 7 will become available for use. This will be the case also when construction moves to phase 9 that will then make the patios of phase 8 available. For phase 10 and on we will give an update based on the approved location of the construction staging area in due time. This inconvenience is due to safety issues plus to remain in compliance with our security codes and insurance requirements. We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. IMPORTANT: REVISED RENOVATION SCHEDULE-MARCH REVISED DATES PHASE 4 - 12 March, 2009 RENOVATION SCHEDULE REVISED The renovation project is going its way and not without challenges. Last December it was recommended to the Board of Directors that the chilled and hot water pipes needed to be replaced due to the risk of having to go back later for repair or replacement with consequences of damage to the new rooms. This was not part of the scope of work for the general contractor nor was there consideration taken for the additional time frame needed for these replacements. The Board has contracted another company to replace these pipes. The general contractor had to wait for this new company to finish replacing the pipes before they could close up the walls. This situation created a delay in the delivery of the units of Phase 3 and consequently moved the schedule of Phase 4 that could not be stripped for renovation due to the fact that most of these units were used to relocate those owners that could not occupy Phase 3. These water pipes run vertically through the building. Due to this situation, the units of phase 4 through phase 12 will undergo renovation from the 4th floor going down to the 1st floor as well as their delivery when completed for occupancy. Please review this newly updated renovation schedule below before making any travel arrangements to La Cabana and if in doubt with your travel dates, please communicate by e-mail owners@lacabanabrc.com We apologize for this inconvenience but this important decision had to be made to safeguard your renovation investment. IMPORTANT: REVISED RENOVATION SCHEDULE-MARCH REVISED DATES PHASE 4 - 12 IMPORTANTE: Horario actualizado de la renovación Plan de renovación fase 4 hasta 12 Dear Members, With a Renovation project of this scope comes some inconvenience, so in an effort to make the process as hassle-free as possible we're reminding you of the two options available if your unit is affected by the renovation. Deposit your week with Interval International. You can contact Interval International directly by calling 1-800-828-8200 or 1-305-666-1884 or visiting the company's website at www.intervalworld.com. Accept an Entitlement Certificate, that entitles you to a one-week stay (or multiple weeks for those who own multiple weeks) and which is valid for five (5) years from the start date of your week that was scheduled for renovation. The Entitlement Certificate replaces the week(s) that you were not able to use due to the renovation and enables you to return to your home Resort at any time based on availability. If you decide to send a guest in your place using the Certificate, you will still need to fill out the usual 'GUEST Authorization' form. To request any of the two above-mentioned options, owners must comply with their yearly financial responsibilities to the Cooperative Association (including maintenance fees and the renovation special assessment). If your unit is affected and you make travel arrangements before you speak with us, your unit will not be available - and we'll be unable to accommodate you. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO: We urge you to respond by e-mail to owners@lacabanabrc.com or by fax at 011-297-587-1483 as to which of the two options you prefer. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we try to accommodate all of our valued owners. We will continue to keep you updated on the renovation project, and we hope you share our enthusiasm for the future of our revitalized resort in the tropics. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions, concerns or comments. Sincerely, The Management Team La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club ARCHIVED RENOVATION NEWS December 12, 2008 The mentioned due date of December 15, 2008 on the bottom part of the Maintenance Fee invoice, is only applicable for the 2009 Maintenance Fee. The due date for the 2009 Renovation fee (Special Assessment) remains April 1st 2009, and the 2010 Renovation Assessment due date remains April 1st 2010. In the event the owner wishes to deposit or exchange their week with Interval International or rent out their week, the renovation assessment for that particular year has to be paid in advance. In the event the owner wishes to sell their timeshare, the total amount for renovation assessment and maintenance fee has to be paid in full. La fecha límite señalada del 15 de diciembre de 2008 que aparece en la parte baja de la factura de la Cuota de Mantenimiento, es únicamente aplicable para la Cuota de Mantenimiento del 2009. La fecha límite para la cuota de Renovación del 2009 (Cuota Extraordinaria) se mantiene para el 1 de abril de 2009, y la fecha límite para la Cuota de Renovación se mantiene para el 1 de abril del 2010. September 11, 2008 The units of phase 1 have been completed and are now being occupied. The stripping of the rooms in Phase 2 was done while the demolition works is in its final stages. Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Photo 5 | Photo 6 | Photo 7 | Photo 8 | Photo 9 | Photo 10 The photos below show the final room product: Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Photo 5 | Photo 6 | Photo 7 | Photo 8 | Photo 9 | Photo 10 | Photo 11 | Photo 12 | Photo 13 | Photo 14 | Photo 15 | Photo 16 | Photo 17 | Photo 18 | Photo 19 | Photo 20 | Photo 21 May 30, 2008 Update Photos of renovations on Block 1. Date of completion is scheduled for August 5, 2008. Photo 1 | Photo 2 | Photo 3 | Photo 4 | Photo 5 | Photo 6 | Photo 7 Photo 8 | Photo 9 | Photo 10 | Photo 11 | Photo 12 | Photo 13 | Photo 14 May 13, 2008 Update The room renovation project officially started May 1st, 2008! We will be keeping the membership updated as to the progress of this enormous undertaking through our website, our printed newsletter “Highlights” as well as our e-mail newsletter “Happenings”. To start with, we are able to supply you with an update on the Renovation Assessment collection. To date, 45% of the total renovation assessment remains to be collected. We would like to remind those owners that have opted for the three year payment plan and only paid the first term now, not to forget that you are still responsible for the balance. Either to pay the remainder balance between now and April 1st, 2009 or pay the second and last term as scheduled by due dates of April 1st, 2009 and April 1st, 2010. May 7, 2008 Update We have great news to report – the room renovation officially started on May 1, 2008! The project we’ve embarked on will substantially enhance your future vacation experience at La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club, so we’d like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for your understanding and compliance as we proceed with our twenty-first century ‘renaissance.’ One of the questions on all your minds is ‘Who was awarded the General Contractor bid for the renovation?’ Here’s your answer: Konstruktiva & Design N.V., a local contractor who has quite a bit of experience with similar projects in Aruba, and we’re confident they’ll do an excellent job re-shaping our ‘home away from home.’ The first phase of the renovation began on May 1st whereby for three days a crew of designated La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club associates completely stripped 36 rooms of all furnishings, bedding, etc. The three-day process of stripping the rooms entailed saving many items that we will use as replacements if needed in the balance of the rooms awaiting to be renovated. The rest of the old furniture and appliances have been stored in containers for sale first to La Cabana Beach & Racquet Club associates and then to the local market. Since May 1st and May 2nd were holidays in Aruba, the general contractor officially began work in the rooms on Monday, May 5th. To reiterate from previous correspondence, the Board approved the pre-purchase of time-sensitive materials such as tiles, cabinetry, granite tops and light fixtures for the first two phases of the project in an effort to avoid any delay in the renovation process. Each phase should take about 14 weeks to be completed. Safety is of paramount importance, so to avoid public access to the work space the general contractor has already sectioned-off the construction area. Keep in mind that the mesh blocking the construction area is only temporary, and that while the renovation process itself isn’t always attractive, the final result will be well worth it. To ensure that the renovation remains on schedule and runs smoothly, the Board of Directors has hired a project management company, BK Consultants, who will have a full-time person in Aruba to supervise and monitor the efforts of the general contractor. This project manager will also act as a liaison with the management team regarding any operational, financial or engineering matters that may arise. We are finalizing contacting owners in the second block whose units will be affected by the renovation and soon will be contacting owners in the 3rd phase. Please keep in mind that many owners whose units undergo renovation during their owned week will be offered the Entitlement Certificate. This certificate is valid for five (5) years from the start date of their week that was scheduled for renovation. If the owner decides to send a guest in their place using the certificate, the owner will still need to fill out the usual ‘Guest Authorization’ form. With the renovation in mind, it’s imperative that you keep us updated with changes to your contact information such as a new address, phone number or e-mail address. Communication between our staff and our valued owners is vital to the workings of our operation. If we don’t have your proper phone number, problems might be encountered with the use of your room. The last thing we want is for your stay in paradise to be stressful! So, when informing your friends and relatives about your new contact information, please make sure La Cabana BRC is also on your list of ‘people to tell.’ We will continue to keep you updated right here on the renovation project. We hope you share our enthusiasm for the future of our revitalized resort in the tropics.