Pinnacle Tower News
Nov 22, 2005
 
 
In the past few days there have been some interesting situations developing in the building and more news to report.  Some items will be revisited.
 
Elevators - breakdowns, getting stuck.  Just this past weekend at least 3 out of the 4 elevators were not working.  By Monday, construction workers were gathering on P1 waiting, waiting, waiting to get to their respective floors to work.  As of this morning the Freight elevator was still out of service and the floors in both of the north elevators are not properly protected from damage from furniture etc.  Some of the workers, staff and homeowners have been getting trapped in the elevators.  This obviously is a very serious safety issue.
 
Plumbing -
  • Toilets - Take as many precautions as necessary to keep your toilets unclogged.  Keep toilet plungers handy in all your bathrooms and use them immediately if needed to unclog a toilet.   The incident that damaged 1108 & 1007 last week only causes further concern and the need to be vigilant.
  • Water - Are you experiencing a water pressure flow problem in your unit?  If so we want to hear about it.  According to one homeowner there seems to be a stack problem affecting the 04 units in the building on the northeast corner.  Granules keep clogging the kitchen sink faucets to the point that water flow is almost entirely cut off and the faucet has to be taken apart and flushed frequently.
Locks - Have you experienced problems with your front door locks to your units?  If so you are not alone.  There have been at least two instances reported of people unable to get into their units because the lock has jammed.  I personally experienced this problem yesterday afternoon around 4pm.  Fortunately their were locksmiths in the building.  They were summoned to my unit by John.  Claudio, the locksmith, had to spend a half hour working on the lock and ultimately replacing a bad part.  If you are experiencing problems with your lock let John know immediately before you find yourself in a similar situation.  According to Claudio our door locks would retail for about $700 each !
 
Weather-stripping - Have you noticed a large gap under your front door to your unit?  That gap is there because weather-stripping has not been applied to our doors.  This is an item to mention on your punch lists.  It may also be required by law in case of fire.
 
Punch Lists - And speaking of punch lists - what response have you had regarding the deficiencies noted on your lists?  Homeowners have reported that following their initial walk through they have subsequently discovered more issues in their units needing attention.  Be sure to fill out follow-up service forms.
 
Lawsuits - some homeowners have already resorted to filing lawsuits against the builder.  And there is talk of a homeowners summit meeting to discuss the problems.
 
Communication - Communication continues to be the number one issue being discussed among homeowners in the building and those who have not yet closed on their units.  Phone calls continue to go unreturned etc.
 
Getting trapped in your bathroom - Yes - we have already had an instance where one of the homeowners on the 17th floor got trapped in her bathroom.  The pocket door collapsed and she was unable to move the door.  The drywall had to be cut out to repair & re-install the overhead track which apparently was secured with only small shipping screws.  And we are told that there was a sign on the back of the drywall stating that the shipping screws needed to be removed before installation and a packet of correct screws were included.  Oops.
 
Fire Extinguishers & Exit Strategy - Know where the fire extinguishers are located on your floor and know where your closest exit stairs are located.  This is very important.  Be prepared in case of an emergency.  As many of us already know - the Fire Dept was conducting tests and training in our building during the month of October.  Take the necessary precautions as needed incase of fire or other emergency.
 
Stay informed and be informed - Make sure that your neighbors visit www.pinnacletower.org to sign up for the Enews service.  Let your neighbors know about the website.
 
Now for some Good News -
 
Rich Walker's Nov Party was a huge success.  Rich's hospitality was greatly appreciated by all who accepted his invitation to his suite on the 20th floor.  The food and champagne was outstanding and our very own new resident Rudy, Pastry Chef for the Marriott, provided a beautiful and delicious desert tray.  (see photos below).  Grace Kwok made a surprise and unexpected visit to the party and was able to hear first hand from the homeowners.  Many thanks to the staff in the lobby for assistance in getting folks to the 20th floor. 
Rich will be hosting another Pinnacle neighbor party in his suite (2008) on December 17th.  To avoid overcrowding he asks that you attend from 9am - 10am if your last name begins from A-L, & 10am - 11am for last names M-Z.  RSVP 847-687-3333
 
That's it for this edition of the Pinnacle Tower News.  If you have items of interest to share just email me.
 
Have a great Thanksgiving everyone.
 
Pat McArron
www.pinnacletower.org
 

Pictures from The Party at Rich's Suite in November

click on each image for a larger view