Waterfall Project
April 17, 2025 UPDATES:
After inspecting and adjusting the installation of the new lights the Master Board decided to upgrade the lights installed inside the lower pond. Because these lights will be about four feet underwater, which will cause a diffuse reflection and refraction, a different type of light is required. The lights need to be installed before the pool is filled and the waterfall turned on. It is estimated the new lights will be installed in the next two weeks.
April 2, 2025, UPDATES:
The rebuilding and repairing of the waterfall, walls and ponds are now complete. The new sign has been installed. Currently the new programable LED lights are being installed. The new lights will be along the upper wall of the waterfall, in the pond areas and used to enhance the new landscaping. As the lights are installed they will be inspected at night and adjusted as necessary. After the pools are filled and the waterfall activated the lights will be reevaluated and adjusted as necessary.
Bland's design engineer and branch manager visited the site and are creating unique designs to enhance the appearance of the waterfall. The landscaping will occurring during the spring planting in May. Bland will be providing credits for the Master Association to use for the enhancements.
Waterfall Renovation and Enhancements Project
The Master Board has consistently kept homeowners informed of the waterfall through our newsletters and open Zoom meetings. As many of you are aware, the waterfall was one of the first structures built in The Palisades more than two decades ago in 2003. While it has served us well over the years, it now requires renovation.
After thorough research, due diligence, planning and replanning, the Master Board is pleased to announce the upcoming Waterfall Renovation and Enhancements Project. The project is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2025 and is expected to be completed in March 2025. This is one of the first major projects we are undertaking as a community, with a focus on long-term sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and enhancing the community’s appeal.
Background of the Project
The issues with the waterfall became evident when we had to shut it off due to damaged water supply lines, which were caused by construction vehicles during the rebuild of Grand Palisades Parkway – North. Upon further inspection, we discovered the poor condition of The Palisades sign, which had suffered significant corrosion from 20 years of exposure to running water. The sign was even beginning to buckle and could potentially fall off if the water was turned back on.
The Master Board has consistently kept homeowners informed of the waterfall through our newsletters and open Zoom meetings. As many of you are aware, the waterfall was one of the first structures built in The Palisades more than two decades ago in 2003. While it has served us well over the years, it now requires renovation.
After thorough research, due diligence, planning and replanning, the Master Board is pleased to announce the upcoming Waterfall Renovation and Enhancements Project. The project is scheduled to begin in mid-January 2025 and is expected to be completed in March 2025. This is one of the first major projects we are undertaking as a community, with a focus on long-term sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and enhancing the community’s appeal.
Background of the Project
The issues with the waterfall became evident when we had to shut it off due to damaged water supply lines, which were caused by construction vehicles during the rebuild of Grand Palisades Parkway – North. Upon further inspection, we discovered the poor condition of The Palisades sign, which had suffered significant corrosion from 20 years of exposure to running water. The sign was even beginning to buckle and could potentially fall off if the water was turned back on.
Work on the waterfall was temporarily delayed until a meeting between representatives from the Master and Residential Boards and Lennar executives in July 2024. During this meeting, Lennar was asked to fund the sign replacement and repair the water supply lines. However, because the waterfall had reached the end of its service life and funds for its replacement were already allocated in the reserve fund, this request was denied. It was one of the only requests that was not approved during the negotiations. Despite this, Lennar agreed to repair the water supply lines and the damaged irrigation system.
Planning the Project
Since the sign is a unique structure, considerable time was spent searching for a replacement. Merely painting the sign was not an option due to the extensive corrosion. The initial sign we found was a flat, brushed stainless steel design; however, we felt it did not align with the aesthetic we wanted to project for The Palisades.
After successfully locating the fabricator, we were able to order a custom replacement sign, built to the same specifications as the original. Due to the custom fabrication process, it would take a few months to complete as all parts had to be specially made and materials sourced.
Next, the Master Board issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) to solicit bids from vendors for work on the wall and updates to the electrical components and lighting. During this phase, we discovered additional repairs were necessary to ensure the waterfall’s long-term functionality.
In addition to caulking gaps between the stones, we found that vertical tiles were separating from the wall. This issue was due to the natural aging of the waterfall, not a result of lack of maintenance. These tiles will need additional work to be properly reset.
Given the project’s budget constraints, the Master Board engaged in several discussions on managing funds effectively. During these conversations, we realized that we had a reprieve from a proposed 2026 expense of $127,650 for replacement of the asphalt pathway along Grand Palisades Parkway. This work had already been completed during the rebuild of GPP – North and will not be needed again for another 20 years. This windfall allowed us to safely allocate funds towards the waterfall restoration.
Executing the Project
The contracts for the new sign, stone, pool, and electrical work have been finalized. Here is what you can expect:
- The new sign is currently being fabricated.
- The old sign will be removed in January 2025.
- On January 13, 2025, work will begin on the wall and pool.
- Scaffolding will be erected to allow workers to access all areas the waterfall.
- Electrical work will be conducted concurrently with the waterfall renovation.
- The waterfall rebuild is expected to be completed in March 2025.
- Landscape enhancements will take place in the spring.
Monitoring the Project
Throughout the project, the board will oversee regular on-site meetings with the construction crew to monitor the progress, ensure work is on track, and resolve any issues that may arise.
Closing the Project
As this is the first major project for our community, the Master Board will compile a Project Closeout Report. This report will serve as a reference for future boards and will include a long-term maintenance plan for the waterfall.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we worked through the planning and due diligence required for this project.