Anyone know what is going on at El Santiago?

[jebartle]

Lots of hammering and construction? New tenants? Asked the starters at El Diablo and they did not know....

[graciegirl]

I am guessing El Santiago is a restaurant?

[nitehawk]

Your right - again --

[chuckinca]

I believe it closed about 6 months ago.

I am waiting for the Paradise Club Bar and Grill to reopen!


.

[ladylake1]

Had been discussion about expanding rec center there. Last word was not going to happen. Will be interesting to see what is going on as I live in Santiago.

[BritParrothead]

I have 2 sets of friends who live right next door to El Santiago, spoke to them last night, and they had no clue what was happening.
Very sad, it was such a nice, friendly place.:sad:

[nitehawk]

the place was very loud and the food was terrible -- maybe friendly

[janmcn]

Isn't this facility owned by the VCDD? If so, why isn't this information made public? I saw nothing on their website about the Santiago Club.

[BOMBERO]

Isn't this facility owned by the VCDD? If so, why isn't this information made public? I saw nothing on their website about the Santiago Club.

You're joking...right?:rolleyes:

[Army Guy]

There was something a while ago after the current lease expired, that stated it would not longer be an eatery. Was being made into just a Rec Center.

Army Guy

[buggyone]

the place was very loud and the food was terrible -- maybe friendly


I always like El Santiago Club. The margaritas were the best in The Villages, the food was always good - not fancy - but very good. And it was the perfect place to go for an ice-cold pitcher after a round at El Diablo. Now, we have to drive over to Glenview for the pitcher.

[KYWildcat]

I just signed a purchase contract on a house in Santiago that is probably maybe a pitching wedge shot from this facility. I looked at the building this past Sunday and had been reading about its demise in the TOTV. I had my fingers crossed that it will be back as an "oasis", especially for me! I would certainly support it.

[downeaster]

For more info: https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/what-will-fate-santiago-building-44523/ and https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/villages-florida-general-discussion-73/el-santiago-club-history-39271/

[Jim 9922]

History is that unless it is classified as a "Country Club" it will be "sold" to the CDD at an exorbitant price and converted to another under-utilized pool/ping pong hall. Another deal for IRS to challenge. The prices "paid" per square foot makes these some of the most expensive pool halls in the country!

Rest in peace past wonderful neighborhood centers with food, bars, "light" live entertainment and lots of active neighborhood patrons; Silver Lake and Chula Vista. Usually 30 to 50 cars/carts in the parking lots all day long, then; VS maybe 5 or 10, now. It is a shame that the CDD's won't continue to operate them on lease as resturants and maybe even follow the wishes of many of its residents.:sad:

Just think what would happen if they knocked down one of the pool halls and built AN INDOOR SWIMING POOL. Just dreaming.:22yikes: Maybe when the Developer stops developing and CDD's really become independent !!?.

[buggyone]

Why the heck would you want an indoor swimming pool in Florida? It is plenty warm all year round to use the outdoor pool.

[Jim 9922]

Why the heck would you want an indoor swimming pool in Florida? It is plenty warm all year round to use the outdoor pool.

I believe there are several past threads referring to the subject. A few of the reasons I remember seeing were;
-Avoid cold air weather in Nov- Feb. Can swim without wet suits.
-Protection from the sun for those with skin problems, past cancer, on medications, etc.
-Well lighted, bug free facility for later evening use.
-Allow continued pool use and protection during dangerous weather.

There are more but that can be another thread.

[janmcn]

History is that unless it is classified as a "Country Club" it will be "sold" to the CDD at an exorbitant price and converted to another under-utlized pool/ping pong hall. Another deal for IRS to challenge. The prices "paid" per square foot makes these some of the most expensive pool halls in the country!

Rest in peace past wonderful neighborhood centers with food, bars, "light" live entertainment and lots of active neighborhood patrons; Silver Lake and Chula Vista. Usually 30 to 50 cars/carts in the parking lots all day long, then; VS maybe 5 or 10, now. It is a shame that the CDD's won't continue to operate them on lease as resturants and maybe even follow the wishes of many of its residents.:sad:

Just think what would happen if they knocked down one of the pool halls and built AN INDOOR SWIMING POOL. Just dreaming.:22yikes: Maybe when the Developer stops developing and CDD's really become independent !!?.
I thought everything north of 466 had already been turned over to the CDD at an exorbitant price. Shouldn't the CDD be making the decision about the use of the building and advising the residents, who already paid for it? So much for operating under the "Florida Sunshine Laws".

[Jim 9922]

I assume the Developer still has the ability or pulls strings, one way or another, to control the CDD's. I have not researched it, but there is probably an agreement that requires the CDD to "buy" the property whenever offered by the Developer.
Absent a pre-existing agreement, lets postulate what would happen if the CDD refused the "offer" to purchase. It would seem the Developer would own a small piece of property and building in the middle of our recreational areas. Not too good for another home, maybe ideal for a restaurant/social facility? -- just thinking.

[graciegirl]

History is that unless it is classified as a "Country Club" it will be "sold" to the CDD at an exorbitant price and converted to another under-utlized pool/ping pong hall. Another deal for IRS to challenge. The prices "paid" per square foot makes these some of the most expensive pool halls in the country!

Rest in peace past wonderful neighborhood centers with food, bars, "light" live entertainment and lots of active neighborhood patrons; Silver Lake and Chula Vista. Usually 30 to 50 cars/carts in the parking lots all day long, then; VS maybe 5 or 10, now. It is a shame that the CDD's won't continue to operate them on lease as resturants and maybe even follow the wishes of many of its residents.:sad:

Just think what would happen if they knocked down one of the pool halls and built AN INDOOR SWIMING POOL. Just dreaming.:22yikes: Maybe when the Developer stops developing and CDD's really become independent !!?.

and the inmates run this place?

[jpharmat]

I loved going to El Santiago... both food and alcoholic beverages were good. It also had a fun atmosphere !

[janmcn]

and the inmates run this place?

I don't get it. Are you talking about the developer or the CDD?

[downeaster]

History is that unless it is classified as a "Country Club" it will be "sold" to the CDD at an exorbitant price and converted to another under-utilized pool/ping pong hall. Another deal for IRS to challenge. The prices "paid" per square foot makes these some of the most expensive pool halls in the country!

Rest in peace past wonderful neighborhood centers with food, bars, "light" live entertainment and lots of active neighborhood patrons; Silver Lake and Chula Vista. Usually 30 to 50 cars/carts in the parking lots all day long, then; VS maybe 5 or 10, now. It is a shame that the CDD's won't continue to operate them on lease as resturants and maybe even follow the wishes of many of its residents.:sad:

Just think what would happen if they knocked down one of the pool halls and built AN INDOOR SWIMING POOL. Just dreaming.:22yikes: Maybe when the Developer stops developing and CDD's really become independent !!?.

According to Sumter County property records the property already belongs to VCDD.

Maybe they tried to lease them but there were no takers. If the property was viable for a restaurant I would think they would have leased it.

I don't think the developer has any stake in the property north of 466.

[wendyquat]

According to Sumter County property records the property already belongs to VCDD.

Maybe they tried to lease them but there were no takers. If the property was viable for a restaurant I would think they would have leased it.

I don't think the developer has any stake in the property north of 466.

Why the heck would you want an indoor swimming pool in Florida? It is plenty warm all year round to use the outdoor pool.

Buggyone, have you ever been to The Villages in December or January?:undecided:

[BritParrothead]

a friend was playing golf Monday, popped in to El Santiago toask what was happening. The construction crew said did not know. But the bar is still in place and looks like it may be staying.

[Army Guy]

As some asked, yes all things North of 466 are now controlled by an ACC. I forgot what the letters stand for, but they are a very good thing to keep THE Villages what we would like them to stay. But getting back to the point, truthfully, I still think there is underlying influence from Developer to not have the old clubs, etc return so all have to go to the squares, which if you were at Sumter last night when Rocky was there, 2+ hour waits for all eateries. Me and the wife for totally enjoyed El Santiago and miss it. At least the old Head Cook is now at Hacienda.
Army Guy

[janmcn]

I still don't understand how the residents own the Santiago Club, but have no say in what happens to it or can't even find out what is going on. I'm sure we, the residents, paid a premium price for it. Does this represent taxation without representation? Anybody know?