Aquarius Town Hall MeetingDecember 18, 2014, 7 PM
CASCADE ROOM
FIRST MEETING WITH CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD
Agenda Topics:
cteproff@MiamiHerald.com
South Florida has seen its share of head-turning landmarks.
A giant backyard middle finger erected by porn-king Al Goldstein. An island monument adopted for XXX-rated movie shoots. An eye-bending mural on the side of the Fontainebleau. The spinning center-field sculpture at Marlins stadium.
The giant bronze thing rises from a plain asphalt parking lot at Gulfstream horse track and sits amid a bustling neighborhood of homes and businesses. And as workers put the finishing touches on the sculpture, some people stop for selfies, others shake their heads, still others gape in awe.
The Pegasus was shipped in pieces from China and Germany and will be ready — except for the shooting water — in time for the start of racing season on Saturday.
Naturally, people are curious as they see the progress — especially since the area’s new eye-catcher looms over the lot and can be spotted from apartment balconies, City Hall and from busy U.S. 1 on the border of Broward and Miami-Dade.
The $30 million Pegasus was put together over the last year and is nearly complete. Landscaping and waterfall should be done by summer 2015. A theater — showing the story of the Greek mythological character — and a Ferris wheel may follow.
“At first I didn’t know what it was, then as it started to take shape I could see what it was making out to be,” said Allyn Alford, who lives in a nearby condo and can see it from his balcony. “I just don’t understand the point of it.”
The point, project manager Guenter Czany said, is to show that good prevails over evil.
“People may wonder what it is now,” said Czany from inside his work trailer office, covered with pictures of the sculpture from every stage of construction. “But it will become a landmark.”
Gulfstream officials have high hopes for the mythical creature.
“The statue is like no other in the world,” said Tim Ritvo, president of Gulfstream Park and chief operating officer of The Stronach Group, the property owner. “It will enhance and help brand the city and Gulfstream Park.”
On a recent weekday, a couple visiting from Costa Rica stopped their car in the street in front of the sculpture and posed for a selfie.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” said Jorge Méndez, who was with his wife, Elena Alvarez. The couple traded spots for pictures and tried to take several together.
“We want to show people,” he said.
Dale Raftery, who lives in Northeast Miami-Dade, pulled into the parking lot, sat on the hood of his car and stared.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” said Raftery, who visited after hearing from a friend that the Pegasus was nearly complete. “A lot of work went into that.”
Czany, whose Germany-based company Strassacker handled the project, said amazing work went into the project. It started with an idea from Gulfstream’s owner Frank Stronach. The idea — having a giant Pegasus to represent the track — then went from paper to clay and Styrofoam.
Czany said that when he first heard what Stronach was imagining, he thought it was “impossible,” and “crazy.” But working with a company in China, Strassacker came up with a plan to make the idea a reality.
Chinese engineers used a grid to create the horse and then cast the sculpture out of hundreds of tons of bronze. It was cut into pieces and packed in 26 shipping containers, then placed on a boat for a nearly six-week journey to America.
Meanwhile, the steel framework was created in Germany, which included a lot of precision, Czany said. That was also packaged and sent to Hallandale Beach by boat.
In March, the building began. The South Florida branch of the Swedish company Skanska is handling the construction of Pegasus, which is being paid for by Gulfstream.
To help put the pieces back together, 40 Chinese workers came to Hallandale Beach. With the help of translators, the horse began to take shape. A special crane was brought in to lift the heavy head and wings into place.
Some say the piece just doesn’t fit with the area. Homes to the north look up to the anatomically correct horse’s rear. Diner customers across the street see it from the side.
“It’s jarring to the landscape,” said Emil Hubschman of neighboring Aventura to the south. “They should have reached out to the people who live in the area.”
But Ritvo said it’s part of the overall plan for Gulfstream, which is growing around the current race track, casino and complex of shops and restaurants. Soon construction will begin on the Gulftsream Park Tower, a 182-unit apartment building. Two new restaurants recently opened in the Village and a bowling alley will open in the winter. Work has begun on the owner’s steakhouse and market.
Pegasus Park will be a landscaped area where people can get up close and personal.
“The statue is iconic,” Ritvo said.
Not for everyone.
Said Andy Harris, a Realtor: “Nothing says ‘Welcome to Gulfstream Park’ better than a horse stomping on a lizard that was made in China.”
This article includes comments from the Public Insight Network, an online community of people who have agreed to share their opinions with the Miami Herald and WLRN. Become a source atMiamiHerald.com/insight.
What: Pegasus slaying a dragon
Idea conceived: April 2011
Dimensions: 110 feet tall, 115 feet wide, 200 feet long
Materials: Pegasus, 330 tons of steel and 132 tons of bronze; dragon, 110 tons of steel and 132 tons of bronze
Journey to Hallandale Beach: Hundreds of bronze pieces were packed in 26 shipping containers and sent by boat which took about six weeks. The steel was packed in 23 containers and also sent by boat.
Nuts and bolts: 18,000 screws
Workers: More than 200, including four translators
Cost: About $30 million
Construction: Took about eight months and is nearly complete. The landscaping and water feature should be completed by summer 2015.
OTHER SOUTH FLORIDA LANDMARK SCULPTURES
Good or bad, there or already gone, there are several sculptures or landmarks across south Florida that get attention.
Here’s a look at a few:
▪ Miami Marlins stadium is home to the $2.5 million home-run sculpture designed by Red Grooms and featuring colorful clouds, flamingos, seagulls and palm trees.
▪ Al Goldstein, a photographer and pornographer, erected an 11-foot tall raised middle finger in the backyard of his Pompano Beach home that was visible to boaters in the Intracoastal Waterway.
▪ The giant beige-colored arch that can be seen from the Palmetto Expressway is a reminder of Modernage Furniture that used to be at 1200 NW 167th St.
▪ Standing 53-feet tall, the Brickell Avenue Bridge statue depicts the history of the Tequesta Indians, Miami’s first inhabitants.
▪ The Flagler Memorial on Monument Island honors Florida Pioneer Henry Flagler. The 110-foot sculpture served as the backdrop for an online porn video produced by RealityKings.com
approved November 2014
Printer Friendly PDF format file 2015 Maintenance Fees Nov 20 2014
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Aquarius Condominium Association2751 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida 33019
Phone: (954) 921-7924 Fax: (954) 921-9768 www.aquariuscondo.net e-mail: aquariuscondo@comcast.net .
October 12, to October 18, 2014
– In the north tower we replaced two ballast now all the lights are working.
– This week the painter started prepping and painting the chiller room, next week he will start the north tower domestic pump-room.
– After the pump rooms are done I want the painter to start-up again on the columns in the garage.
– This week we started doing scheduled maintenance on the rooftop exhaust fans, we should be done with the south building next week.
– We had to open more of the ceiling in the restaurant for the fresh air fan installation.
– In the south building storage room we started fixing the ceiling at the entry way.
– In the pool pump-room we cleaned the strainer and back flushed the filters.
– On the pool deck we removed some of the old furniture and brought up some new.
– Next week I want to do a coil cleaning on the lobby unit and change the rooftop filters.
Jeff Levine
Chief Engineer
Aquarius Management
Have A Wonderful Week!
Message from the Board of DirectorsSeptember 20, 2014
This year, needless to say, has been quite busy. In an effort to reduce costs, the Board has researched, reviewed credentials and interviewed Contractors, Building Architects, Landscape Architects, Engineers, Paver Companies, Glass Railings specialists etc. for various jobs needed for our West Deck repairs. The major work is being performed by “Construction Specialists Incorporated”. This company is doing excellent work. On a weekly basis, one or two members of the Board meet with ACG (our engineers coordinating all aspects of the West Deck renovation), CSI (our construction company), and architects to monitor progress.
1. West Deck Glass Railings
The Board has agreed to have CSI take on the Glass Railing project (as per approved wind
codes).
2. Twenty Year Membrane Warranty and West Deck Pavers
We also selected a very reputable firm (Carlisle) that will give us a “Twenty Year
Warranty” on a rubberized membrane that will be applied to the entire West Deck. An additional topping will go over the membrane, some flashing, sand and then the pavers will finish off the deck. The integrity of this “membrane” is perhaps the single most important aspect of the West Deck repair. While the Board has selected a reputable paver firm, we are hiring our Engineer to supervise the paver application. Carlisle has approved the selection of our Engineering Firm to supervise the paver installation.
3. West Deck Pool
It should be noted that the West Deck pool, having been left to the elements (salt air,
rain) for several years, required major unanticipated additional repair. In fact, the West Deck Pool needed to be almost entirely redone. Concrete on the base of the structure has been poured. Our engineer will determine whether the cement has cured (approximately 7 to 14 days) enough, so that cement may be applied to the walls of the pool. As the pool project progresses we will provide further updates.
4. West Deck Bathrooms
The Bathrooms on the West Deck are in a location more pleasing to the eye. However, building codes change, and new codes require additional reinforcement with structures above the deck.
5. Main Lobby
You, of course, have noticed that the entire Lobby area is closed. In an effort to address some significant leakage in the lobby area, our Engineer brought to the Board’s attention a need to replace almost all of the Cast Iron water lines that are located above a
large part of the Lobby ceiling. So that you’re aware, all water lines inside the building must be Cast Iron. Unfortunately in years past, when repairs were made to correct leakage, a number of these Cast Iron water pipes were removed and replaced with PVC, then joined to the existing Cast Iron pipes. Those repairs did not meet established building code! The PVC piping was even painted black to match the Cast Iron. We have made arrangements to make sure that these repairs meet Code and are now Cast Iron. Needless to say, the extent of repair in our Lobby area is much more than expected. Continued Lobby updates will be forthcoming.
6. Painting Estimates
The board has secured several “building painting estimates”. This, in itself, is going to be a major job. However, when complete, our buildings will look much better. As we progress with the painting project, you’ll receive further updates.
7. Garage Main Entrance
Our apologies for the extended closing of the Main Garage Entrance. The West Deck pool shell required unexpected reinforcement and support from below as it has been exposed to the elements for a number of years. In addition, our Pool contractor did not secure necessary permits in a timely manner that were required in order for our General contractor to proceed with pouring a concrete base for the pool. All permits have now
been secured. All permits have been approved by a Hollywood City Inspector, and our General Contractor will proceed with the pouring of a “red” cement. Once the concrete base is poured, it will take between 7 and 14 days to cure. Our engineer will make that call. At that point, shoring will be removed from the Garage area, and the Main Entrance Gate will be open for use.
8. “Forty Year Inspection”
We have both Electrical and Structural Engineering reports at this time. The next phase will be to send the projects for Bid Estimates. Further information on these repairs will be forthcoming.
9. Maintenance
By now everyone should be aware that we have hired Jeff Levine, as Chief Engineer for
the Aquarius. On a weekly basis, Jeff shares everything that he’s accomplished to all unit owners that have provided an email address to the Management Office. Mr. Levine is mainly targeting our mechanical equipment to insure that it lasts a log time.
Currently, our buildings and essential equipment are being maintained
better than ever before. The general Maintenance Personnel are rarely seen as they are quite busy working to maintain important/expensive equipment (that has been neglected for years) and performing a number of “Common Area” repairs on a regular basis. We have also hired a “painter” who actually paints!
10. Security
We are all aware that our Security is lacking and needs to be improved. The Board is working on improvement in this area, as well as, possibly a new security team.
It is expected that extended hours and additional responsibilities for a Pool Attendant will be provided by Security very soon.
11. Assessment Funds/Trump Funds
“Trump Funds” at the start were approximately: $1,600,000.00. Assessment
Funds levied for West Deck renovation, at this writing are approximately: $500,000.00. At this time, we have approximately: $900,000.00 remaining.
12. Residents are also lending support.
Some residents (Pam Ippolito/Teresa Marmolino) over the years have expressed
interest in a Beautification Grant given by the City of Hollywood. Applications were secured and delivered to the Management Office. Unfortunately they were not acted upon. Currently, Robert Lebovitz, Roy and Nancy DiMaria, Bob and Linda Satz have been
researching the Hollywood Beautification Grant Program and have supplied applications, letters of intent and authorization to the Management Office. Of course, the City of Hollywood must approve our plan to beautify our buildings (street view). An architectural plan and estimates must be submitted for the project. Additional updates will be forthcoming as this project progresses.
13. Recognition
The Board would like to extend its gratitude, on behalf of all Aquarius unit owners, to
our legal team who has labored numerous hours reviewing various contracts to make certain that they benefit the Aquarius to the fullest extent possible by law.
Every Member of the Board of Directors is involved in the West Deck renovation. Our major concerns are:
1. Enhancing the appearance of our buildings
2. Complying with established building codes to ensure safety and structural integrity for
years to come
3. Trying to make every dollar count, given our limited budget
*This message and all future construction updates will be posted in several building locations, mailed to all unit owners, be visible on Channel 93 and sent out to all unit owners that have provided an email address to the Management Office.
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Dear Unit Owners: On Wednesday February 26, 2014 the Association will be visited by members of the City of Hollywood Fire Department who will perform the annual fire safety inspection of the property. The fire inspectors will begin their work on Wednesday and will complete their work on Thursday the 27th. In addition, representatives of Premier Fire Alarm and Integration Systems will be performing the annual fire sprinkler testing and certification to include the back flow preventers.
This will begin Wednesday morning and will take several hours to complete. Alarms may sound while the system is placed in test mode. You may receive telephone calls from residents that are not aware of these tests being performed. Please inform them of the test and that an announcement will be made when the testing is complete.Thank you for your continued participation in your Association.
Brian Seidler, LCAM
Property Manager
For the Aquarius Condominium Association
Aquarius Condominium AssociationBRIAN SEIDLER, PROPERTY MANAGER
III. Meetings Held:
VII. Tasks for next week:
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Lobby Ceiling Collapse December 2013
Letter from ACG Engineering to the President of the Board reporting Lobby Ceiling Collapse received January 13, 2014. CLICK HERE for the letter in .pdf format.
AQUARIUS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION, INC.DISTRIBUTION TITLE METHOD
Roman Kisler President E-Mail
Arkady Chase Vice President E-Mail
Emma Smith Treasurer E-Mail
Esther Levieyv Secretary Hand Delivery
Norman Raven Director E-Mail
I. Administrative Items:
• 1/06/14: Letter received from unit owner in the North building for the Board President.
• 1/6/14: Resolution passed unanimously by the Board at a duly called, noticed and held meeting. Amendment to the association Declaration of Condominium items XX and XXX prepared by association attorney Peyton & Bolin will now be sent to the members in accordance with Florida Statutes giving 14 days advance notice.
• 1/7/14: Letter of vehicle violation sent to a unit owner in the South building. A car reportedly belonging to his son has been stored in the west lot for a period of time with no license plate. This is a violation of the governing documents.
• 1/7/14: Letter of multiple violations sent to a unit owner in the south building regarding modifications to their unit underway without association approval and city permits. The unit owner is believed to have been sneaking the contractors into the property through the resident’s vehicle gate.
• 1/8/14: Written request received from a unit owner to review correspondence including legal opinions from the association attorney.
• 1/10/14: Update received from Alliance regarding collection efforts on six (6) active units.
II. Service Projects/Work Orders:
• PM updating Preventative Maintenance manual. Spreadsheets updated and fresh photographs taken of the equipment. Items not previously in inventory added with inspection sheets created for each piece of equipment.
• 01/06/14: Parts are in for the reconfiguration of the cooling tower plumbing to eliminate the cavitation noises in the upper part of the buildings. Airstron is scheduled to make these repairs Wednesday 1/14/14 if the weather cooperates.
• 1/6/13: Plumbing repairs began in a corner unit of the south building.
• 1/7/14: South building lower lobby electrical repairs continued. Drop ceiling grid expected to be completed by Wednesday 1/14/14.
• 1/9/14: Sliding glass security door in the north lobby out of service due to water penetration. Service call placed.
• 1/10/14: South lobby glass doors out of service due to computer system outage.
• 1/10/14: Fractured black pipe found in the north part of the main lobby area.
• 1/11/14: Annual roof inspection to be performed Saturday weather permitting.
III. Meetings Held:
• 01/6/14: Board of Directors meeting held to approve minutes from past meetings and to discuss a resolution to the governing documents to change the responsibility of repairs from the unit owners to the association.
• 1/8/14: Candidates night was held in the Cascade Room with 9 of the eleven candidates speaking on their visions for the future of Aquarius.
• 1/9/14: A town hall meeting was called to educate unit owners on how to complete their forms for the annual meeting and to hear more information.
IV. Management Recommendations:
• Board to determine which contractor is to perform the deck waterproofing once demolition of the wear slab is completed.
• Board to determine if a whole building asbestos report should be performed to accommodate the request by the County.
• Board to determine which pool contractor is to perform the west pool renovation once the waterproofing of the upper pool deck is completed.
• Consider updating the Rules & Regulations last ratified in 2009.
VII. Tasks for next week:
• Continue inspections of common areas for work orders.
• Complete demolition of the valet area for the removal of the stucco soffit ceiling.
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