We want to thank Barbara Mancuso and Alma Johnson for inspiring the format that we adopted for these presentations. These smaller, less formal meetings proved to be more enjoyable and informative than the stiff, structured and crowded Board meetings we have all experienced. Generous food and drinks were served at no cost to the residents, which encouraged everyone to stay, mingle and get their personal questions answered. We hope other opportunities similar to this will be hosted in the future to insure improved and constructive communication among all owners.

To bring everyone up to date, Joan Weinberg explained the process used by the PDM Decorating Committee to select Paula Greenberg Interiors, Inc. as the decorator for our building. Beginning early in 2004, the Decorating Committee, consisting of 5 residents and Chaired by Joan and Harriet Healy, interviewed and considered four separate Decorators/Designer’ presentations. Notices were posted for residents to attend Decorating Committee meetings to hear the decorators’ proposals, to get their questions answered and for the Committee to get feedback on the presentations. The Committee visited projects previously completed by the designers and spoke with clients and suppliers who have worked with the designers for references. After much evaluation and discussion, Paula Greenberg Interiors, Inc. was unanimously selected by the Committee to be the design group of choice. This decision was based on the following: Paula Greenberg Interiors is licensed and a respected member of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), they have extensive experience in Condominium renovation, and their design team has the ability and attitude that the Committee believed would enable them to work well with the PDM Board. The Committee formally made this recommendation and presented Paula Greenberg and her team to our Board of Directors at a board meeting on Nov. 9, 2004 where they were approved as our decorator. Now over a year later we have their recommended plan design for our building.

Each of the three presentations consisted of approximately 90 minutes of detailed explanation of what had been selected and why things were decided upon. Although nothing has been etched in stone and we are sure there will be some changes from the original design boards, it gave everyone a good idea of the design process and ideas. The “look” is what is described as Transitional. It is neither contemporary nor traditional. The plans include refurbishing and using much of our existing furniture where economically appropriate, but it still allows the designer to give an up-dated and fresh, clean look to our public spaces while respecting our budget constraints. Ms. Sullivan also explained how important it was to have a new up-to-date building in respect to our insurance costs and to meet the ADA and fire retardant requirements.

It was explained that three of the major expenses are a must and are considered maintenance items, not decorating. They are changing the ceiling tiles as well as installing new grids for these tiles, new carpeting throughout the building including all the corridors, removal of all wallpaper and painting all interior walls, trim and doors.

Playa del Mar Decorator Storyboards

If we adopt the Decorators’ recommendations we will see the following changes. The outside lobby desk will have a half round extension to allow for a new security system with accent molding and a matching soffit for extra lighting. The crown molding throughout the inside lobby will be refinished to a medium wood tone and the banks of elevators on each floor will also be accented with wood surrounds with the same wood tone.

The selection of new furniture and fabrics all have been selected for easy maintenance, durability and timeless style. All new seating areas have furniture that is on legs, up off the floor for easy floor cleaning and eliminating damage to the bottom of the sofas. Along with that, there would be wood trim edging at the top of the seating areas, to allow for long term wear. The fabrics utilized in the card rooms are waterproof, stain resistant and antimicrobial, again for longevity. The color scheme is timeless, and works beautifully with our new elevators. The tropical feel often requested by owners will be achieved with select accent pieces and artwork.

All the chairs, credenzas and tables that are scheduled to be reutilized in the Lobby, Ocean Lounge, Library, Card Rooms, etc. will be redone using the latest process of bringing the finish down to the original wood and then treated, to eliminate chipping, before staining and refinishing. The Decorator is proposing not to use any wallpaper, but to use molding accents, with alternating colored paint for additional detail and dimension to the walls, allowing for easy damage repair. All materials, furniture, and new lighting fixtures to be used are to code and manufactured for commercial use.

After hearing and seeing the presentation and learning the reasons why and how the decorator arrived at their recommendations, the majority of those in attendance gave very positive input and seemed to be quite pleased with the Decorators’ plan designs. There still needs to be a Board meeting for the Board to review the recommendations and decide on which items in the scope of work we will proceed with in the near future. Ms Sullivan explained that it could take as much as 120 days for some of the items to be ordered and delivered. So it is expected that all of our outside work will be completed before embarking on any interior remodeling changes.

The attached form which will serve as an opinion survey was distributed at each presentation. This form includes the Decorators’ estimates for 14 general items included in their proposal. The first three items are the maintenance items mentioned above which must be completed as soon as possible after the outside construction work is finished. Ms. Sullivan explained that the ceiling tiles and carpet prices quoted are time sensitive. Excellent pricing for both was locked in by the Decorator on our behalf in October, 2005. These will not be available much longer. If we delay, the prices for these materials could more than double.

Items 4-14 are items contained in the plan design that could be under taken on a phased basis over several years or all at the same time depending on the opinions of the majority of PDM owners. The Board is asking for all PDM owners to voice their opinions. The form includes a survey section. The space for the unit number and signature must be completed for the opinion to be registered. Owners are encouraged to use the reverse side of the form for any comments or suggestions. The forms are to be returned to the PDM office to the attention of Lucille Fannin as indicated on the form. The results of the survey will be published in the PDM newsletter which will be mailed to all owners and posted on the PDM website at PlayadelMar.net.

So, in conclusion we would like to thank all those who took their time to attend these presentations and give their input.

We would appreciate all owners filling in the opinion survey included in this package and returning it to the PDM office as soon as possible so that it can be reviewed and considered along with all the others.