GVR optimistic on Canoa Ranch Center

An optimistic Green Valley Recreation President Lou Lovat said Tuesday he expects construction to start on the long-delayed Canoa Ranch Center before summer’s end.

He said the contractor, T.L. Roof will extend the contract signing date until June 15. That agreement to build phase one was due to expire May 31.

“We’re moving ahead. We’re on the verge of getting it done,” Lovat told members of GVR’s board of directors at their May meeting.

Board member Leon Lies also said he was optimistic about progress.

“This is the closest we’ve ever been to get things going,” Lies said.

The center at the south end of Camino del Sol at Canoa Ranch Road is more than five years overdue and some residents have protested the delay at rancorous meetings and by threatening to picket.

About 20 GVR members who indicated they’re angered by the delay attended Tuesday’s meeting. Several spoke of their frustration, saying they were promised a center when they signed to build their houses years ago.

Part of their signing fees went into an escrow account to build the center.

Lovat said he expects a groundbreaking by Sept. 10, at either Canoa Ranch or at Las Campanas Center. A project there is also overdue.

Lovat said he expects more details will be explained at a special GVR board meeting Tuesday, May 29, at 1 p.m. at West Center.

Estimated cost of the Canoa Ranch center is $5 million.

The contract for T.L. Roof phase one is about $3.8 million.

In late March, Jeff Grobstein, Meritage Homes regional president, presented a letter of understanding worth $2.8 million to GVR. There’s already $1 million in escrow.

Construction of phase one is expected to take up to a year.

The 14,000-square-foot phase one will house an indoor pool and fitness center.

Part of the delay was ascribed to ongoing discussions between Fairfield Properties, the land owner, and Meritage, the builder of the houses. Disagreements about their financial participation delayed those talks.

Grobstein came to Green Valley March 21 to hand over the letter of credit to GVR.

Other things planned at Canoa Ranch center also include an outdoor pool, courts for recreation and rooms for meetings and clubs.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749