Association Spotlight (8)
Los Angeles, California 
2412 Clark Avenue Condominium is a two-unit condominium project located near LAX – Los Angeles International Airport in Southern California.
The project was built in 1985 and converted to a condominium project with formation of the Association in 1995. Many small projects of similar size exist in California; the result of local governmental units requiring the formation of associations as part of the permitting process in order to shift the burden of certain costs from the public sector to the private sector.
There are very few associations that can boast 100% participation by their members, but this is one of them. By default, both members of the Association serve on the Board of Directors.
Common areas consist of building structures and minimal paved surfaces and landscaped area. The Association has an annual operating budget of less than $1,500, and annual reserve contributions of approximately $2,000. The Association is self-managed.
Note from HOA Pulse staff – We have been asked if there are any specific criteria we’re looking for in selecting our Association of the Week. The answer is no, not really. As you can see from this week’s selection, this is the smallest possible size for an association. We have also featured associations that have several thousand members.
Having worked in the industry for many years and being exposed to many different types and sizes of associations, we simply have an interest in sharing the experience of discovery of new and different associations. Our goal is to provide a broad cross section of associations in type, size, and geographic location so that you, our readers, can also experience something new.
The first few associations we have profiled have been invited by us to share their association with us, because we found them to be interesting associations. We have some more great ones coming up. If you are aware of any associations that you would like to see profiled, please download the application form and have a representative of the association fill it out and provide it to us with some photos.
Stone Curves Association is a cohousing development located in central Tucson, Arizona. It consists of 48 condominium units, but clearly represents a unique lifestyle. Stone Curves vision statement says it all – “A cohousing community that fosters diversity, respect for the environment, and harmony with each other and our greater community.” 
Stone Curves is a self-managed association. For those not familiar with the concept of cohousing, Wikipedia defines it as “A type of intentional community composed of private homes supplemented by shared facilities. The community is planned, owned and managed by the residents – who also share activities which may include cooking, dining, child care, gardening, and governance of the community. Common facilities may include a kitchen, dining room, laundry, child care facilities, offices, internet access, guest rooms, and recreational features.” The Common House is the focal point of the community.
The Common House was beautifully and carefully designed to offer something for everyone to enjoy. On the ground floor is a library, a living room/TV room, office/computer room, a laundry room, a kids room, a sumptuous dining room, and a well-appointed kitchen, all surrounding a garden plaza. On the second floor of the Common House you will see an exercise room, craft room, teen room, plus three guest bedrooms. In addition, there is a lovely swimming pool and hot tub.
The design of the homes fits in well with Tucson's classic architectural style.
The Association recently a completed workshop/maintenance building and a children's playground complete with slump block tunnel and hillside slide and an enclosed dog run.
In keeping with the spirit of the community, this was constructed entirely by members of the Association. Consistent with the Association's vision, employing the principals of permaculture the project includes a community vegetable garden, herb garden, fruit trees, a chicken enclosure, and nine 1,000 gallon water cisterns that capture rare rainwater to use for irrigation and to minimize potable water usage. 
And, if you're wondering where the "curves" in the Association's name comes from, you need look no further than the functional and artistic design of the walls surrounding and within the community.
Briarcliffe Towne Homes Association is a lovely townouse development of 295 residential units, comprised of 39 separate buildings situated on 14 acres in the beautiful San Fernando Valley. Located 20 miles north of Los Angeles, this association is close to the lxuries the city offers.
The development boasts a refurbished pool, two tennis courts and lots of open green space. Recently, Briarcliffe adopted a new philosophy. "We Listen to the People, Management that Cares" and has proven to be effective in listening to their community and renewing community spirit. Two committees have recently been established. The Welcome Committee and Community Care Committee assist new members of the community and assist residents who may have special needs. Briarcliffe Towne Homes Association is truly a community filled with care and pride.
South Riding Proprietary, the Washington Metro Chapter CAI 2008 Large Scale Community Association of the Year, is a master planned development that maintains a small hometown feel while enjoying the sophistication of a Washington, D.C. suburb.
A non-stock, not for profit corporation, South Riding was incorporated in January of 1995 in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With a population of over 25,000 people, more than 6,000 homes are currently occupied with an expected total at build-out of over 6,500.
An exceptionally social community, members enjoy a carefully planned, professionally produced and well attended event almost every month. 
The Proprietary is managed by an onsite professional staff of 16. A nine member resident controlled Board of Directors manages the affairs of the Proprietary and active residents volunteer their time to serve on eight Proprietary committees and assist with special events. 
Community residents also benefit from an 18-hole championship golf course, superior public schools, and two shopping centers with restaurants, specialty stores and services.
Heritage Ranch Owners Association
Paso Robles, California
Heritage Ranch encompasses approximately 9,150 total acres with 2,104 single-family residential lots presently developed and 5,100 acres of dedicated open space. Open space consists of the many amenities along with undeveloped common area which is kept in a natural state consisting primarily of native grasses and oak trees. Heritage Ranch is located in the central coastal region of California, in San Luis Obispo County, along the southern shoreline of Nacimiento Lake. Nacimiento Lake's elevation at full capacity is 800 feet with 5,400 surface acres of water and a 16 mile pool length.
Heritage Ranch is managed through the Heritage Ranch Owners' Association which was incorporated in 1972. There are presently sixteen (16) separate tracts developed with a total build-out projected at 2,900 private lots. Amenities include a marina with 80 boat slips, a full equestrian center, two community swimming pools, several parks and a sports field, and several miles of equestrian trails throughout the community. The Association is accessed through four gates, and maintains approximately 15 miles of private roads.
A County fire station is located within the comunity, as well as a California Comunity Services District (with governmental powers equivalent to a city) that provides water and governmental services to the community. Deer, wild turkeys, and other wildlife roam freely throughout the community. This country living style is located approximately 13 miles west from Paso Robles, California with its more than 70 wineries. Further west is the town of Cambria and the famous Hearst Castle.
Camden at Harbour Pointe is a beautiful association nestled next to a nature preserve in Mukilteo, Washington. Mukilteo is a waterfront community located about 25 miles north of Seattle. These lovely townhomes were built in 2005 and consist of 103 attached single family 3-story townhomes.
This prestigious neigborhood is well located. It is minutes from the freeway and, for recreation, the Harbour Pointe Golf Course, which boasts amazing views of the Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains. Shopping and restaurants are easily accessible as the association is located within the Village Center community.
Boeing and other major employers are nearby, allowing access to a technology corridor.
Yellow Slicker Condominium Association is located in beautiful Park City, Utah.
This association consists of two buildings with four condominiums in each building. Common areas include a shared hot tub, laundry room, bike room and covered carport. The condo complex is in an ideal location for any time of the year. It sits high above Old Town with gorgeous views.
The eight Yellow Slicker condos are largely owner-occupied and the association is self-managed by a condo association board.
The condo's location puts residents within easy reach of all of the winter sporting activities plus the restaurants and galleries on Main Street. You can walk to the Town Lift, just two blocks away, and ski out on the Town runs, right to our street in front of the condo. You can walk to Main Street where there are many world-class restaurants and galleries. You can hop on a bus to Deer Valley or the Canyons Resorts, three resorts in one Olympic town.
Or if you prefer spring, fall, or summer, there is no place more lovely for a getaway. Golfing, mountain biking, hiking, are all at our doorstep. There are loads of activities for kids plus music and art festivals all summer long, including the Utah Symphony performances at the outdoor Deer Valley amphitheater.
The Spring Creek Associationis a private property owners association with 5,420 lots residential lots, commercial lots, and numerous recreational amenities. It is located just south of Interstate 80 near Elko, Nevada, which is roughly equidistant from Reno, Nevada, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Idaho Falls, Idaho. The Association is managed by an onsite staff of approximately 35.
It covers nearly 15,000 acres and is located near the base of the Ruby Mountains. In addition to the above amenities, the Association has a campground, sports complex, golf clubhouse, and several parks. Other facilities include a maintenance yard, the administration building, and 136 miles of privately owned and maintained roads. The Association is not gated, so all roads are open to the public. Consequently, the Association has entered into an agreement with the County of Elko under which it receives annual grants to assist in road maintenance activities. The public access to the roads and major facilities maintained by the Association allowed it to qualify for tax exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code, so it pays no taxes on interest earnings from its reserve fund. Outdoor Recreation and Spring Creek have become synonymous. Lamoille Canyon, Southfork Reservoir State Park, and the Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge are all within a short drive.
Commercial lots within the Association include a major grocery store, pharmacy, post office, credit union, dental office, barbers, beauty salons, hardware store, variety store, gas stations/convenience stores, pizza parlors, sandwich shops, variety of restaurants, lounges, gaming, fitness centers, legal services, pet grooming, car washes, florist, realty office, manufactured home sales, refuse collection services, propane services, feed store, auto sales, building and construction contractors with space still available for new businesses to locate and grow. Spring Creek is a family friendly community.
Association amenities include:
- - Marina Park with a 32 acre private stocked lake. This facility provides opportunities for fishing, canoeing, wildlife viewing, covered picnic areas with grills, open space and playground equipment.
- - An 18-hole golf course. Indoor and outdoor equestrian center known as the Horse Palace. The Horse Palace is well recognized in the equestrian world and hosts several large events each year.
- - A Trap & Skeet range complete with voice activated facilities.
- - An outdoor Rifle and Pistol range.
