Many Villagers contacted Villages-News.com this week, curious about the abrupt dismantling of the Brownwood entry feature.
The removal of the entry feature is part of a $300,000 project funded through the Brownwood Community Development District.
After removal this past week by a crew, the previous structure at the entrance to Brownwood has been demolished and is being rebuilt. The familiar metal Brownwood sign has been removed and has been placed in storage. It will be mounted on the new structure.
The wood used in the Brownwood “old west” features has been a problem in the past.
In 2019, the Project Wide Advisory Committee agreed to spend $63,500 to replace rotting wood at the entry way to Brownwood Paddock Square.
In 2022, rotting wood at the bases of the windmill and water tower at the Brownwood square necessitated their demolition and reconstruction.
The negative experiences with wood at Brownwood have prompted The Villages to move toward sturdier, longer-lasting products like galvanized steel and composite materials.