The Amenity Authority Committee has decided that a restaurant will not be going into the old El Santiago building.
The AAC earlier this year bought the building, which has been vacant for more than two years. The AAC paid $350,000 to the developer for the building. District information shows it will cost upwards of $400,000 to renovate the building.
“Fortunately or unfortunately we bought the building. We own it. We would like to proceed with making it a facility for our residents,” AAC Chairman John Wilcox said at Wednesday morning’s workshop meeting.
Members discussed exploring the idea of setting up an open-patio/cafe concession area where residents could gather.
“I like your diagram with the cafe. It’s a good idea to have a place where people can sit and relax,” said Villager Bob Zick, noting he had spoken out previously in favor of a restaurant as a place for residents to gather.
The only concession stand operating at this time is at the softball fields.
“The district receives no revenue, but the district is appreciative of the fact that this mom-and-pop operation provides a service to the residents,” said District Manager Janet Tutt.
Members acknowledged they would be venturing into uncharted waters with the proposed concession-area service.
“No one may come forward. We have suggested it. We don’t know,” said AAC member Ann Forrester.
In addition, AAC Vice Chair Jo Weber said she wants to see more billiards tables in the renovated center. However, John Rohan of the Recreation Department said adding pool tables would require additional space. He said there are already 119 pool tables in The Villages.
The other AAC members said what they heard from residents in previous meetings was that they didn’t want pool tables in this particular facility.
