The “Globe Project” taking place at the main entrance to Leisure World is beset with problems. Over two years ago, several residents who wanted to keep the iconic original globe met head-to-head with their opponents who wanted something new and more in keeping with the active lifestyle of today’s seniors to greet them at the front gate. These residents, I’ve called them “globophiles” and yes, I confess to having been one of them, did their homework on the existing structure gathering news articles, photographs and stories from residents in the surrounding communities. We then went before the Orange County Historical Commission that on July 13, 2013 wrote the following to the Golden Rain Foundation, “We encourage the GRF board to make every effort to preserve and celebrate this iconic landmark.”
The support of the surrounding communities was at an all-time high. The City of Seal Beach would be celebrating its 100th birthday in 2015 and Orange County was set to celebrate its 125th anniversary in 2014! John Moorlach, our county supervisor, wrote to Randy Ankeny and the Golden Rain Foundation President on February 5, 2014 as follows: Congratulations! The Globe at Leisure World has been selected for recognition during the Orange County’s 125th birthday celebration!”
These letters were intended to be shared with the residents of Leisure World, not filed away in a bottom desk drawer. It was not until over a year later on March 5, 2015, that GRF Executive Director Ankeny announced that the globe would get a facelift. “The Golden Rain Foundation Board of Directors has come to the rescue with a $184,270* restoration project that will completely renovate the globe.”
On March 23, 2015, workers covered the globe with a tent to sandblast the structure. Work stalled in mid-April when the continents reportedly slid off the frame rendering them beyond repair. Since that time no actual work has been performed on the globe. Residents were assured, however, that all parties involved were actively seeking the best costs to replace the continents. Replace? Suddenly we are told that we are replacing rather than restoring the continents.
Finally, at the July 5th, 2015 meeting of the Physical Property Committee, it was decided to spend $23,893.60 to conduct a poll of all of the shareholders in Leisure World to ask whether they wanted to have a globe at the entrance or not. Such a poll had been suggested over a year ago before any decisions were made about the globe. A poll conducted now, however, will be far different from one that might have been conducted and was even suggested over a year ago. Money in excess of $40,000* has already been spent on the project. The once iconic globe or what is left of it has been encased in a large white cocoon for months.
The grand total for the removal of the globe is now: $273,653.60. This is an aggregate figure and includes the poll, “other items,” and the landscaping. The actual removal of what is left of the globe is a mere $14,715-$37,260. The inclusion of landscaping and lighting costs of approximately $100,000 – $150,000, fails to note that landscaping and lighting will need to be done whether there is a globe or whether there is no globe.
If we continue on the path of building a new globe, estimates are in the $350,000 range, but even that figure depends on whether any of the debris left from the original globe is salvageable. Whether or not this figure includes the poll, “other costs,” and the landscaping and lighting is unknown.
The once iconic structure that beckoned visitors to Leisure World and Seal Beach is gone. Any attempt to “replace” the continents makes it a very expensive copy of the original. Even if it were rebuilt, it will no longer be seen for miles around. The landscape has changed as has the community. Attention should be given to a main entrance that is maintenance-free, conserves water and other resources and invites not only the residents of today, but those of the future.
* Approximate figure, actual cost should be available but has not been given to shareholders.
* The board had approved a capital expenditure of $164,270 for “Globe Entry Monument Repairs and Conservation” on Feb. 24, 2015. It should be noted that the board approved a change order for a paint upgrade on March 24, 2014 for $21,000 increasing the total project budget to $184,270.
Editor’s note: On Wednesday, Aug. 18, the Finance Committee voted to recommend to the Golden Rain Foundation Board that the continents on the globe be replaced.
Margie Meigs is a Golden Rain Foundation shareholder who lives in Mutual 2, Leisure World Seal Beach.
