Crystal Shores West
931 West Beach Boulevard
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Toll Free: 800-826-1213
Local: 251-948-2710
Fax: 251-968-5139
Property Manager Robert Gardner
rgardner@youngssuncoast.com
Department Manager Steve Whatley
swhatley@youngssuncoast.com
ANNUAL CRYSTAL SHORES WEST OWNERS MEETING
Please make plans to attend the Annual Crystal Shores West Owners Meeting, November 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. (location T.B.A.) We will be sending proxies and official notice by mail with more details.
Remember that all guests and visitors must have Parking Passes and Wristbands.
These are available in bulk from the Young’s Suncoast Office on Hwy 59.
Call Deborah Robinson (251) 968-3802 to make arrangements.
2018 Visitor Wristbands are “Sea Foam Green” and still are $1.00 each.
2018 Rental Parking Passes are now $20.00 each and must still be limited to 2 passes per rental.
Owner Parking Decals and “Blue” Wristbands are available from the office on property.
Complimentary Wristbands and Parking Passes for non-renting friends and relatives are also available from the office at Crystal Shores West.
Call Robert Gardner or Patsy Layfield (251) 948-2710 to make arrangements.
Crystal Shores West Board of Directors 2017 - 2018
Annual Meeting & Proxy
2018
ANNUAL CRYSTAL SHORES WEST OWNERS MEETING
Please make plans to attend the Annual Crystal Shores West Owners Meeting, November 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. (location T.B.A.) We will be sending proxies and official notice by mail with more details.
Remember that all guests and visitors must have Parking Passes and Wristbands.
These are available in bulk from the Young’s Suncoast Office on Hwy 59.
Call Deborah Robinson (251) 968-3802 to make arrangements.
2018 Visitor Wristbands are “Sea Foam Green” and still are $1.00 each.
2018 Rental Parking Passes are now $20.00 each and must still be limited to 2 passes per rental.
Owner Parking Decals and “Blue” Wristbands are available from the office on property.
Complimentary Wristbands and Parking Passes for non-renting friends and relatives are also available from the office at Crystal Shores West.
Call Robert Gardner or Patsy Layfield (251) 948-2710 to make arrangements.
2017
The Board of Directors has scheduled the Annual Meeting of the Membership of the Crystal Shores West Condominium Association, Inc., for Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. The meeting will be held at the Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr., Gulf Shores, Alabama.
We have mailed a proxy form for the November 11th meeting. But you can find one here.
To see what will be on the agenda you can view that here: Annual Meeting Agenda
Association Polices & Procedures
CSW Reminder of Rules & Policy 2018
ONE WARNING ZERO TOLERANCE EVICTION POLICY:
By direction of the President of the Crystal Shores West Condominium Association, this property is now a ZERO TOLERANCE ZONE for Spring Break misbehavior.
There will be only one warning. Eviction will result after the second infraction of our rules.
Association Dues
For information regarding Association Dues, please contact:
Deborah Robinson with Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals
Executive Assistant
251-968-3802
Annual Meetings, Board Meetings & Minutes
Condominium Legal Documents & Insurance
Newsletter
Operating Budget Overview
Crystal Shore West Project Updates
Crystal Shores West Project: Thursday, September 13, 2018
Crystal Shores West will be resealing and re-striping the front parking lot beginning Monday, weather permitting. We will open the parking deck for guests and visitors, not enforcing reserved parking except for owners in residence. This project should take no more than 2 or 3 days.
Construction is over!
We are still catching up on landscaping, and we have a couple of projects underway, but we are back to our normal operations, busier than ever, and getting more of those 5-Star Ratings on Google! I have some pool equipment to repair but all of the amenities are open and in use.
Crystal Shores West Project Update 2018.05.24
BUILDING RESTORATION
Weather has not cooperated with completion before Memorial Day Weekend as we hoped. Before the holiday hits us with 100% occupancy, and the tropics hit us with several inches of rain, we will have finished all but the west wall of the elevator tower. We will finish that last bit of painting when the weather clears. Concrete sills are being installed on the garage parapets. Jobsite cleanup will continue into Saturday.
We plan, as soon as the weather permits, to reseal the outdoor pool deck for a fresh new look! This should not inconvenience our guests.
In the Fall, we will also reseal the Parking Lot so that it looks as new as the building.
The spring cleaning of the landscaping is nearly complete, with lots of pruning and mulching finishing as the construction is out of the way.
PARKING
Nearly all of our parking spaces will be available once more for the Memorial Day Weekend. Soon, all but the storage trailer for the elevator project will be removed from the site.
WE HAVE RESUMED RESERVED PARKING IN THE PARKING DECKS!
Remember to track how many free passes you provided for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property. Extra vehicles can still park across the street.
When the weather clears after the holiday, we will briefly shut down P3 parking again (for 2 or 3 days) to finish painting the elevator tower. You will know as soon as we do!
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return. The new elevator flooring is working out nicely in Elevator #2, which is also running smoothly.
POOL
A lightning strike took out the spa bubble jet system. We are replacing two motors, but the spa is hot and clean! We must also replace the outdoor pool heater before we remove the pool divider for the summer season.
Crystal Shores West Project Update 2018.05.17
ENVELOPE RESTORATION
The painters are taking a break to accommodate the HangOut Music Fest. Weather permitting we expect substantial completion before Memorial Day Weekend! We have removed the scaffolding at the garage entrance. We still have stages on the elevator tower. Most of the parking lot is cleared.
One Week Look Ahead
Elevator Tower
Painting to be completed.
West Wall
Grill area to be restored. We will maintain the sheltered grill area under the ramp. Painting is finished.
Miscellaneous
Concrete sills to be installed on east and west garage parapets.
Jobsite cleanup.
PARKING
Parking is available in the garage, on P1 & P2, and across the street until the project is finished. P3 is still closed. Most of the parking lot is open. Courtesy guards are deterring trespassers in the lot and off the beach. We are limiting passes to two per unit, but this is no guarantee that parking is available, it only guarantees the permitted vehicle will not be towed. Reserved spaces are only enforced for actual owners on property, since construction has still restricted our available parking. Remember to track how many free passes you provide for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property.
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
Elevator #2 renovation is complete! We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return. The new elevator flooring was installed Wednesday night just in time for Hangout Fest! It looks awesome! The new floor is a brown aggregate bonded with epoxy and clear coated for durability. The material is guaranteed for 20 years and the easily repaired coating should stand up to a couple of years of extreme beach foot traffic. This material cleans up easily with soap and water but hides soiling between daily cleanings. We expect this elevator design, with it’s nautical grade doors and robust construction to become something of a standard for exposed elevators in a marine resort environment! Congratulations on another FIRST on the Alabama Gulf Coast!
Crystal Shores West Project Update 2018.05.09
ENVELOPE RESTORATION
The weather looks good and the painters will take a break to accommodate the HangOut Music Fest. We fully expect completion before Memorial Day Weekend and a return to another great summer on the beach!
Two Week Look Ahead
Elevator Tower
Painting.
West Wall
Painting to be completed.
Miscellaneous
Concrete sills to be installed on east and west garage parapets.
Jobsite cleanup.
PARKING
Parking is available in the garage and across the street until the project is finished. We will open up as much parking as possible for the Music Fest. Courtesy guards will help with car covers if needed. Remember to track how many free passes you provide for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property.
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
Elevator #2 renovation was completed and after the first day shakedown, has been running smoothly. She has a voice now, and announces the floors (her name is “Crystal”)! We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return. Neither we nor the elevator company were satisfied with the new elevator flooring, so we will replace it next week. Tuesday, 5/15, we will take the elevator out of service to install an epoxy aggregate floor instead. We are pressing to be finished and back in service BEFORE 3PM CHECK-IN on Thursday, 5/17, when we are expecting full occupancy! In the worst case, it will be returned to service the next morning, making for potentially long waits during check in.
Crystal Shores West Project Update 2018.04.26
ENVELOPE RESTORATION
So far, so good! People are impressed with the fully painted aspects of the building and the new look that is emerging! Restoration, weather permitting, will be substantially completed BEFORE Hangout Festival! Construction may take a break to accommodate the Festival crowd. We fully expect completion before Memorial Day Weekend.
Two Week Look Ahead
East Wall
Final cleaning of the pool deck will be finished.
(All pools remain open!)
Northwest Wall
Final painting to be completed.
Elevator Tower
Removal & replacement of damaged stucco continues.
Removal & replacement of sealants.
West Wall
Sealant work to be completed.
Painting underway.
PARKING
Parking is available in the garage and across the street until the project is finished in May. Courtesy guards will help with car covers on the property as needed. Remember to track how many free passes you provide for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property.
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
Elevator #2 was scheduled for inspection on April 26th, however, software issues took longer to resolve than expected. While the technicians could have gone forward with the inspection, they judged it best to wait until Monday, April 30th. We expect it to be returned to service by the close of business on May 2nd at the latest. Fortunately, we are in the lull between Spring Break and Hangout Fest and elevator demand is minimal. We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return.
OTHER NEWS
This winter was especially hard on the four Washingtonian Palms adjacent to the Parking Ramp. In that location, they were often beaten down by hard winds and had little chance against a hard freeze in the shade of the building. We removed them before they could be a life-safety hazard on the property and also improved our curb appeal at the same time! We plan, before Hangout Fest, to have pruned all the palms on the property and complete our spring spruce up tasks that were delayed by the ongoing renovation.
Crystal Shores West Project Update 2018.04.13
ENVELOPE RESTORATION
We have been advised that the restoration could be mid to late May before completion. We plan, weather permitting, to complete the project before Memorial Day Weekend. We will TRY for substantial completion BEFORE Hangout Festival (no promises)!
Two Week Look Ahead
East Wall
Painting is nearly completed on the south corner.
Final cleaning of the pool deck will be done at that time. (All pools are open!)
Northeast Wall
Painting completed.
Complete painting ramp exterior.
Northwest Wall
Install sealants.
Cut expansion joints.
Begin painting.
Elevator Tower
Erected scaffolding & moving swing stages.
Remove & replace damaged stucco.
West Wall
Stucco and sealant work will be completed.
Painting to begin.
PARKING
Parking is available in the garage and across the street until the project is finished in May. Courtesy guards will help with car covers on the property as needed. Remember to track how many free passes you provide for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property.
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
Elevator #2 has been re-scheduled for final inspection on April 26th, we expect it to be returned to service by the close of business on April 27th. We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return.
Crystal Shores West Project Update 2018.04.05
ENVELOPE RESTORATION
We have been advised that the restoration could be mid to late May before completion. We plan, weather permitting, to complete the project before Memorial Day Weekend.
PARKING
Parking is available in the garage and across the street until the project is finished in May. Courtesy guards will help with car covers on the property as needed. Remember to track how many free passes you provide for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property.
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
Elevator #2 is scheduled for final inspection on April 19th, at which point we expect it to be returned to service. We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return.
RENTER RELATIONS
We have enjoyed nearly full occupancy the last week of March and this first week of April. There have been some significant wait times for elevators during peak pedestrian traffic. After arrival, most renters settle in to the parking routine and have managed to have a good vacation. Making sure renters know in advance that Crystal Shores West is renovating and to expect inconveniences during their stay has been helpful. A few renters have been distressed to show up and discover the ongoing work upon arrival. Most renters have been sufficiently informed before arrival, and have been satisfied with various discounts in appreciation for their inconvenience. The Association maintains a Facebook Page and the Google My Business Page. While we still receive 5-Star Ratings, there have been a handful who have given us lower ratings. A couple of them did actually provide a review. We always answer professionally and provide an explanation that these are not permanent conditions and that everything will be back to 5-Star appearances and convenience in just a few weeks.
Crystal Shores West Project Update 2018.03.14
ENVELOPE RESTORATION
The weather has delayed our reopening of the Outdoor Pool deck. With high winds and rain last week, and more expected this weekend, it may be as late as Tuesday or Wednesday, the 20th or 21st, before we clear the deck. The hot tub is still available in the evenings and the Indoor Pool and beach are always open.
We have been advised that the restoration MIGHT not be finished as planned by early May, but that it could be mid-May before completion. We are still hopeful we meet the original estimate, but be advised that this date could be delayed.
PATIO FURNITURE
Please let your CSW Staff if help is needed returning furniture to the patios. The balcony painting will soon be completed on the 05 and 06 units. Additional painting “around the corner” on the 01 Units will resume, but this should not effect furniture or enjoyment of the balconies.
PARKING
Parking will be available in the garage and across the street until the project is finished in May. Courtesy guards will help with car covers on the property as needed. Remember to track how many free passes you provide for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property.
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
Elevator #2 will be restored to service in mid-April. We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return.
RENTER RELATIONS
BE SURE YOUR AGENCY ISN’T LEAVING YOUR RENTERS IN THE DARK!
Imagine driving with a family across several states only to find the beautiful building on the pictures is being renovated! Be proactive and don’t wait until a renter is angered by unexpected inconveniences. We still have guests arriving who have still NOT BEEN INFORMED that their vacation destination is undergoing renovations. Informing guests about potential issues (limited parking, slow elevator service, restricted pool access), has proven helpful in most cases. There are a lot of creative ways to make reasonable customers understand that there may be a bargain to be had in consideration for their inconvenience.
We expect FULL OCCUPANCY the last week of March and the first week of April. Make sure your renters know in advance that Crystal Shores West is renovating and to expect inconveniences during their stay.
CRYSTAL SHORES WEST PROJECT UPDATE: 03.09.2018
ENVELOPE RESTORATION
We are STILL on track to reopen the pool deck March 16th, despite losing 9 days to weather. FYI the Outdoor Pool will not be heated until overnight temps are above 60 degrees. This is usually after the Hangout Fest each year. The hot tub is still available in the evenings and the Indoor Pool and beach are always open. After next weekend, this will not be an issue.
PATIO FURNITURE
If patio furniture stored in the unit is an issue, let your CSW Staff know and we will move it somewhere else. The balcony painting will soon be completed.
PARKING
Parking will be available in the garage and across the street until the project is finished in May. Courtesy guards will help with car covers on the property as needed. Remember to track how many free passes you provide for a credit to your next purchase of passes. Wristbands must still be worn on property.
ELEVATOR RENOVATION
Elevator #2 will be restored to service in mid-April. We look forward to renovating Elevator #1 in the Fall, after peak tourism is over and before our Winter Guests return.
RENTER RELATIONS
Being completely upfront with the guests regarding any potential issues (limited parking, slow elevator service, restricted pool access), has proven helpful in most cases. There are a lot of creative ways to make reasonable customers understand that there may be a bargain to be had in consideration for their inconvenience.
We are anticipating virtually FULL OCCUPANCY the last week of March, Easter Weekend, and the first week of April. Reach out to your renters and make sure they know that Crystal Shores West is renovating and that there will, at that time, be a heavy demand on the one elevator and on the limited parking.
CRYSTAL SHORES WEST PROJECT UPDATE 03.02.2018 – 03.16.2018
CSW Project update 03.02.2018 – 03.16.2018
CRYSTAL SHORES WEST PROJECT UPDATE 02.23.2018
SPRING BREAK RECOMMENDATIONS:
Painting of all the balconies is on schedule and should be completed by March 16th. Work continues on the east end of the building, however, it should be finished and the Pool Deck cleared by March 16th. Elevator #1 repair is progressing nicely and it should be back in service by the last week of March. Parking, which is under control with the Winter Guests, could become problematic during Spring Break. We will continue to utilize the additional staff hired to aid in parking during the Spring Break. We are working on additional parking solutions across the street, but we need the help of every Owner renting their unit during this active season. The last week of March, we anticipate being fully occupied, with guests desiring to park more than one vehicle per unit.
We will have car covers for the spaces remaining in the parking lot and we will be parking as many vehicles as possible in the garage. Parking will be extremely tight! We have use of the gravel lot across the street and will be directing guests to park there as required. For that reason, in consideration of these inconveniences, we recommend that Parking Passes be given out for free (we still must have a Pass on each vehicle for security purposes), or that the cost is rebated. We will credit that number of free or rebated passes (which you have already no doubt purchased) toward your next purchase of passes.
Please forward the following message to your rental agents so that they can provide this consideration to your guests:
“The Association is recommending that renters not be charged for parking during the month of March and urge that they bring only one vehicle if possible. We still must require that parking passes be issued, however. Since you have already paid for these passes, the Association is asking that you rebate that cost to your renters in consideration of the inconvenience. Please track the free passes you issue (or rebate) and provide us with that information for a credit toward your next purchase of parking passes from our management team at Young’s Suncoast. (There is no change in wristband policy.)”
We also recommend a courtesy call to each of your renters during the term of this project to inform them of what they can expect to encounter during their stay this year.
Do not hesitate to contact us if you need any further information, and thank you for helping us help you and your guests!
Crystal Shores West: Two Week Look Ahead 02.21.2018
2/20/2018 – 3/6/2018
East Elevation: (est. completion 3/16)
Install new stucco
Begin installing sealants
North Elevation:
Install new stucco
Cut joints in framed wall
Install new sealants
01/02 Balconies (est. completion 2/26)
Complete coating
Punch
03/04 Balconies (est. completion 3/1)
Coat walls
Punch
05/06 Balconies
Pressure wash (2/27 estimated)
Install ceiling coating
07/08 Balconies (est. completion 3/7)
Pressure wash (2/20 estimated)
Install ceiling coating
Install wall coatings
Punch
*NOTE: all dates listed are subject to change due to weather. Most all of the new materials being applied in this restoration project are sensitive to wet weather. This not only includes rain but also includes high humidity and moisture when the building “sweats” (condensation).
CRYSTAL SHORES WEST PROJECT UPDATE 02.17.2018
ENVELOPE RESTORATION:
Painting of the 01 and 02 unit balconies will soon be finished. Painting of the 03 & 04 units is underway.
Beginning about 9:00 AM Monday morning, CSW Staff will assist in moving balcony furniture for the 07 & 08 units. We will work to accommodate guests as we make sure the way is clear for pressure washing to be done Tuesday and for furniture to be protected. Furniture that cannot be stored in the units will be labeled and stored in the breezeway alcoves or on the unused P3 Parking Deck.
Wednesday or Thursday, weather permitting, CSW Staff will assist in moving balcony furniture for the 05 & 06 units. Friday or Saturday, power washing will commence.
We are expecting rain and thunderstorms in the area Wednesday & Thursday. The chart below shows our best forecast for the work we will be doing. Progress on 01 & 02 balconies has been good, enabling us to move swiftly enough to skip 05 & 06 in order to use the stage already mounted for the 07 & 08 balconies, where it was staged for the caulking work.
| MON | Move Furniture | 07 & 08 |
| TUES | Move Furniture | 07 & 08 |
| WED or THUR | Power Wash | 07 & 08 |
| WED or THUR | Move Furniture | 05 & 06 |
| THUR or FRI | Move Furniture | 05 & 06 |
| FRI or SAT | Power Wash | 05 & 06 |
Our staff will help push furniture back onto the unit balconies as work is completed, which will include some touching up of the balcony decks.
We’ve not yet scheduled the cosmetic work for the rails and decks. We are also planning to replace the balcony lighting fixtures. These items are not a part of the scope of the envelope restoration and so we are pushing those costs down the road, but not so very far down the road. As we determine the best timing for that project we will keep you posted!
Crystal Shores West Project Update 02.09.18
ELEVATOR ENCLOSURES:
These modifications to the building are now essentially complete! What a difference they have made to the operation of Elevator #1 and to the comfort of guests waiting to ride! We are still looking at some cosmetic work to spruce up the original structures, but they are now operational and doing their job!
ELEVATOR RENOVATIONS:
Elevator #2 renovations continue and Elevator #1 has run without any downtime. We anticipate having both elevators running for the Spring and Summer and then completing final renovations on #1 in the Fall after Shrimp Festival during our time of least occupancy.
ENVELOPE RESTORATION:
Balcony caulking operations have continued and now we begin pressure washing the balconies of the 01 and 02 stacks. CSW Staff has assisted in moving balcony furniture, accommodating guests as we make sure the way is clear for work to be done and for furniture to be protected.
C-Sharpe is hosting a meeting at the South Baldwin Community Theatre, 9:00 AM Monday, 2/12/2018 with free coffee and donuts. We have invited all the occupants of the building to attend so that everyone present can be briefed on what we can expect for the next few weeks as restorations continue. Parking and vehicle protection will be a big part of the discussion, as well as the caulking, washing, and painting of the balconies. We will explain how occupants can get a car cover that will be used for the duration of their stay. Other concerns will also be addressed by David Sharpe and his team. We anticipate clearing the east end of the building by 3/16/2018 in time for Spring Break guests to enjoy the outdoor pool deck.
OTHER NEWS:
We have installed a picnic table (with the CSW Logo) under the ramp to provide a protected area for grilling and chilling during the renovation process! After renovations, grills will be returned to the grill deck and Crystal Shores West is expected to return to normal operations and vacation business as usual in June!
Crystal Shores West Project Update 01.30.2018
ELEVATOR ENCLOSURES:
Finishing touches have been delayed by weather. One of the Board Members accompanied the Property Manager, the contractor, and the engineer to note final details. The custom trim pieces that must be manufactured for the mailboxes are on back order. When these arrive, at a date to be announced, the mailbox cabinets will be permanently secured to the deck and central pillar. This has not stopped us from putting the mailboxes into service for our winter guests and owners. We hope all other aspects of this work will be completed by 2/6/18.
ELEVATOR RENOVATIONS:
The #2 elevator is currently down for scheduled renovations and will reopen in late March with new doors, floors walls and ceiling! The additional time and parts we elected to put into Elevator #1 to make it as reliable as possible has been successful so far with no mechanical failures to report.
ENVELOPE RESTORATION:
The skin of the building on the east end has been largely removed, and caulking is taking place. This takes time for each process, however, C-Sharpe has set up an “assembly line” type process where one group scales the building and takes the old down or verifies what’s left doesn’t need to be taken down. They are also working on sealing any exposed joints and openings at this time. Then, once they are completed with a large space, the next crew scales the building to replace the stucco and to seal joints. We have had some concerns and issues with the joint sealant either not working or causing issues when they add the new stucco (not adhering to the new stucco).
C-Sharpe and the architects are addressing this issue. It may be that C-Sharpe has to use one type of sealant for the time between taking the old off and adding the new, then removing the temporary seal before adding a more permanent sealant to the joints and openings, one that will work with the new stucco. High winds and hard rains may result in occasional intrusions as this project proceeds, however, all measures are being taken to ensure this doesn’t happen.
Dry out and interior restorations (such as carpet cleaning, and deployment of blowers and dehumidifiers) are underway in any units that have been affected. Additional temporary sealants have been added to exposed concrete surfaces to prevent or mitigate future intrusions.
Most vehicles affected by the unfortunate decision of the stucco subcontractor to take advantage of good weather on a Sunday afternoon, have been cleaned and we continue to monitor for others that may have been affected.
C-Sharpe has added additional communication protocols and meetings with their subs as well as a security guard on site while they are working to ensure no cars are allowed to park in any area downwind of ongoing stucco and paint applications. The crew may also be utilizing some of the Merrill Land space across the street, with approval to park and prep some of their work, leaving more spaces for CSW owners and guests to park.
OTHER NEWS:
Privacy fencing has been installed under the ramp to keep that area looking neat and tidy as we stage materials for Association projects, such as placing new sand fencing on the dune this winter. We have also moved a couple of the charcoal grills and will move the others when the grill area becomes inaccessible as renovations reach that end of the building. This could provide a good space to grill under cover. Time will tell if there are any issues with placing a couple of grills in this location.
The Association hosted a RENOVATION COOKOUT for our guests and owners on site to thank them for being such great sports as we undertake the renovations of our elevators and building exterior. More than a hundred were served and everyone had a great time!
CRYSTAL SHORES WEST PROJECT UPDATE 2018.01.09
Project Update 1.09.2018
We are making progress on all of our projects.
ELEVATOR ENCLOSURES:
Finishing touches are underway. A ground floor flood vent, an outgoing mailbox on P1, and trim for the mailbox cabinets on P1 are about all that we are lacking to call this a finished project. We plan to install oscillating fans at a later time to move the air when the temperatures climb in the spring.
ELEVATOR RENOVATIONS:
This week we are completing work to make #1 as reliable as possible until its renovation in the Fall. Next week, we shut down #2 and will reopen in late March with new doors, floors walls and ceiling!
ENVELOPE RESTORATION:
Resurfacing the East Elevation ran into a snag Monday 1/8/18. C-Sharpe’s normal procedures for temporarily sealing the windows and vents unsealed during resurfacing prep were insufficient for the storm that struck. Winds were so high that the backer rod was blown out of crevices, permitting rainwater to be driven into several units on the east end. Staff and guests responded quickly to stop the water flow. Emerald Coast came out with blowers and dryers and moisture remediation began immediately. C-Sharpe will work with Association Management to make every unit whole. Most units will only require minor touchups and cosmetic repairs.
OTHER NEWS:
We are discontinuing the practice of allowing owners to discard furniture and appliances on site under the ramp. Please make arrangements with delivery personnel, a local handyman, or scrap dealer, to take items from your unit for you if you cannot dispose of them yourself. Stop by our office on site for help in finding a handyman if you haven’t one of your own.
In a related development, privacy fencing will be installed this month under the ramp to keep that area looking neat and tidy as we stage materials for Association projects, such as placing new sand fencing on the dune this winter.
CSW PROJECT UPDATE 12 26 2017
As we enter 2018, we have 3 major projects underway that cannot be accomplished at any other time. This will mean a certain level of inconvenience to guests and owners possibly into the month of April. As you might imagine, it’s a delicate dance having all 3 contracting companies here at the same time doing their jobs. It will also mean an upgrade in the appearance of the building and in the operations of our elevators when complete.
Parking Level Elevator Enclosures
Completion of this project has been behind schedule. Hurricane Irma caused significant and unavoidable delays in the custom manufacture of the electric doors we ordered for the P and P1 Enclosures. This led to other rescheduling and delays as electricians and others had to move on to other jobs. We have been told they will now finish this work in the next two weeks without further delays.
New Mailboxes
As soon as the Gulf Shores Postmaster releases the new mailboxes in the P1 Enclosure, we will begin releasing keys to Owners and authorized guests. I had planned to wait until after that enclosure was completed, but the arrival next week of our Winter Guests means the contractors are just going to have to work around us.
Elevator Renovations
Board President Kris Bishop has insisted that Thyssen-Krupp delay shutting down the renovation of Elevator #2 this winter until they have reevaluated operations and maintenance of Elevator #1 to ensure its in the best posiable shape during the repair of E#2. While delays and brief interruptions of service are to be expected, Crystal Shores West is taking every step to make certain we have parts on hand for every reasonable contingency. #2 will be out of service for about 3 months, so we need #1 to be as reliable as possible! This phase of the project is scheduled to be completed in March. It will resume in the Fall of 2018 and should be completed before 2019.
Exterior Renovations
Work has begun on the renovations of the exterior of the entire building, beginning with the east wall, over the pool. The Hot Tub is available every day about 5:00 PM just as soon as work overhead has ended and the pool deck has been swept off by the construction crew. Access to the beach is still available through the indoor pool deck and under a protected path to the boardwalk. This project for the entire building renovation is scheduled to be completed in April.
Parking
For the duration of the Exterior Renovations, we are asking for everyone’s cooperation as we release Reserved Parking on the Parking Decks. We will certainly make an accommodation for any owner who needs their Reserved Parking upon their arrival. Guests are urged to use available areas on the Parking Decks and areas in the Parking Lot that are not blocked off. Debris from preparations, and then new paint on the walls, can fall and fly in unpredictable ways. For that reason, sectors of parking will be off limits to prevent damage to vehicles. This will change as work on the building exterior proceeds from east to west over the next four months. Construction workers have been asked to park their vehicles across the street for the duration of the project.
We will continue to update all owners by posting bi-weekly updates on the website, and via email. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we all work to improve Crystal Shores West.
Storm Update
TROPICAL STORM GORDON DAMAGE ASSESSMENT
We lost a tile from the spa and a trashcan lid. Both were found and recovered.
There is some litter on the grounds from the palm trees, which we hope to have completely cleaned up as soon as the weather clears.
Otherwise, the property came through Tropical Storm Gordon with virtually no damage whatsoever!
Please let us know if there are any issues found in your units, but we have found no water penetration into the building at this time.
TROPICAL STORM GORDON UPDATE
Preparations for Tropical Storm Gordon began at Crystal Shores West yesterday. Most of the pool furniture and corner balcony furniture was secured. The remainder will be secured today, as well as trash cans and all small loose items.
Our policy is to secure corner balcony furniture if we have a reasonable expectation of Tropical Storm force winds. The sheltered interior balconies are not affected and are only secured in the case of a definite hurricane wind forecast. Because of the speed of this oncoming storm, and the holiday weekend, the staff is not taking note of units that might otherwise be charged $50 for the Association providing this service. Gordon is on the house!
As of this update, the forecast is a 70% or greater probability of Tropical Storm force winds arriving early this afternoon. Rainfall amounts could be on the order of 4 to 6 inches.
While this is a moderate tropical weather event, we are wrapping up all reasonable precautions against property damage at Crystal Shores West.
You can help by letting us know about any unusual conditions, such as water penetration that occur in your unit, particularly if you own a corner unit. If you have guests who are sticking it out, they might still appreciate a call and your thanks for their fortitude!
Young’s Suncoast Realty & Vacation Rentals
3639 Gulf Shores Parkway, Suite 1 ~ Gulf Shores, Alabama, 36542 | Rentals: 800-826-1213 Sales: 866-515-4777 Local: 251-968-7158