DIRECTIONS: From Turnpike, I-95 or US 1, exit Commercial Blvd. east to SR A1A, turn south and proceed approx. 1/2 mile to Flamingo Avenue, turn at traffic light toward beach. From south, take SR A1A off of Oakland Park Blvd. north to Flamingo Avenue, or just past it to main entrance driveway.
Valet parking is available at main entrance, or visitors may self park along north side of Flamingo Avenue, and west side of parking lot facing A1A, across from carports.
All visitors must be announced from main security desk. Deliveries must be made to garage level security office.
HISTORY: The Fountainhead, 1965-2006
Built in 1964-65 as a unique luxury condominium residence, The Fountainhead was a self-managed association until 2001. At that time, the Association engaged in a five-year experiment with corporate management companies, and has since reverted to an independent in-house manager. The Association retains Association Services for its bookkeeping.
ELEGANCE AND GENTLE ‘BON AMIE’
Descriptions by long-term residents and historical Association documents confirm The Fountainhead was originally a prestige, luxury condominium, built, according to a published history of Lauderdale by the Sea, at the “then-astounding cost of $5 million.”
A three-page in-house Fountainhead promotional circular from 1985 titled “Elegant Living” declared that the Fountainhead “has been known as the epitome in by-the-sea living … its reputation for elegance is widespread not only in Florida but throughout the country.”
FRONT YARD: View across the lawn from SR A1A to main entrance.
Today, the residents continue to enjoy the luxury amenities comparable to those of a five-star hotel. Earlier memories of glamorous cocktail parties, fashion shows and social events are resurfacing and committees dedicated to enhancing the Fountainhead's social calendar are busy with new ideas.
21st CENTURY REGENERATION
Many Fountainhead buyers in the early 21st century have conducted their own extensive six-figure apartment renovations.
Today's resident population represents a diversity of business and national backgrounds, and a rebounding income base. While some bargain-hunting was apparent during the devalued 1990s, the Fountainhead's fee structure proved a challenge to upward aspirations as well as speculative ownership--issues at the root of much debate over renovation & maintenance costs.
The Fountainhead's fees are no longer the exceptional examples they once were. Full-time 24/7 security and valet, as well as a full-service maintenance staff available to individual owners for some private services, are parcels of contemporary upscale condominium marketing--and represent a significant cost basis as well as community assets. Too, an amenity such as the full-service restaurant for a restricted (resident/guest) clientele is typically a cost rather than profit center, requiring a subsidy similar to a country club membership fee structure.
Through long-term re-examination, Fountainhead owners consistently have chosen to maintain those community assets as part of the community's regeneration.