By LYNETTE HAALAND, Four Points News
The community center in the heart of Steiner Ranch is one step closer to undergoing a major multimillion-dollar expansion as the board approved the next step to seek funding.
The Towne Square expansion at 12550 Country Trails Ln. will add more than 12,000-square-feet. Plans include larger community rooms, a fitness center, upgraded interiors and appliances, and an additional parking lot.
During the monthly board meeting of the Steiner Ranch Master Association on July 20, funding for the Towne Square expansion project was discussed.
SRMA board member Lawrence Spinetta noted that conditions for getting a loan now for the Towne Square expansion are favorable.
“This is an authorization to apply for the funding… anticipating (applying for) about $2 million,” Spinetta said.
Several board members agreed that terms are favorable right now and getting a short-term loan with the current low interest rates is a good step to be able to start the project. During the discussion, the possibility of a 5-year, term loan at 3% interest rate, or something similar, may be available.
“It’s a good time to be borrowing money,” said Shaun Cranston, the newest SRMA board member who joined after being voted in at last week’s meeting. “If you try to save up to do the infrastructure, you’re not going to get there. It’s the appropriate time in a low-borrowing environment for this very ambitious plan.”
The motion was made to apply for a loan of up to $2.2 million for the Towne Square expansion project and the motion passed.
Towne Square construction plans include an expanded community room with a capacity of 300 guests, an upgraded kitchen, a library/hang-out space for residents, a coffee bar, a recreation room with pool and ping pong tables, and a media room.
Other changes to the Towne Square center include expanded restrooms, relocation of mechanical and expansion of the HVAC system, and additional parking for 46 more vehicles at the south of the soccer field area.
Future plans for Towne Square include an 8-lane, regulation, lap pool and a skate park but they are not part of the scope of this initial project. Additionally, construction of a new dog park is nearing completion.