By Matt Wiley
Cory Lake Isles just got a whole lot “beachier” since renovations have been completed at the community’s central Beach Club.
The interior of the community gathering spot had retained the same interior since its initial construction back in the 1980s, something that the Cory Lake Isles Community Development District (CDD) decided to change when it accepted a bid six months ago from Blue Waters Décor, an interior decorating company owned by Mylitta Butler.
With eight weeks and a $90,000 budget, Butler, a Cory Lake Isles resident, was able to redesign the interior of the clubhouse from its dated look into a brightly painted, lavish meeting place with what she describes as a “Bahamas feel.”
Butler explains that the nearly 4,000-sq.-ft. facility was in disarray when she took on the project, with wallpaper peeling off in many areas.
“I felt very invested in the project,” she explains. “My company was lucky enough to receive the contract. I wanted to design a place that not only the community, but also my family and friends could come to and enjoy.”
To do so, with the help of subcontractor Tom’s Installation & Repair, Butler decision called for the gutting of the Beach Club’s two restrooms and kitchen, replacing the tile and mirrors in the restrooms with updated décor and installing porcelain tile flooring, granite countertops and wood cabinets in the kitchen. The kitchen bar has been adorned with bamboo, to continue the tropical theme.
The aging carpet on the floor of the rest of the Beach Club was replaced with professional laminate wood flooring. The wallpaper was replaced and overhead beams were painted to look like dark wood, instead of the white that covered them for so many years.
The large window that looks out over the community’s 165-acre lake has been covered with a 3M film to help provide shade and cut back on energy bills. Butler says that she was told that meetings were previously difficult to hold at the Beach Club because of the amount of sunshine that would pour through the window during sunset and blind attendees.
In addition, the previously open room now has 12 different seating areas and even a spot for kids to play.
“We wanted to design a place that would be an ‘extension of home,’” Butler says. “Kids need to feel like they have their own space.”
The kids corner is equipped with two “train tables,” as well as other toys and a TV with a DVD player.
“(The Beach Club) is fabulous,” says Cory Lake CDD chairwoman and local Realtor for Florida Executive Realty Judi Beck. “It’s over the top. There’s absolutely no comparison (to what was here before).”
Beck explains that the CDD had come up with a concept, but unanimously agreed to let Butler take charge of the project. “She transformed it into a wonderful space for the community,” Beck says. “It’s very functional for gatherings and special events.”
From a real estate point of view, Beck says, the Beach Club will have a positive impact on the community and home values, as many appraisers compare amenities at other communites to the revampedCory Lake Isles Beach House.
“I’ve invited other real estate agents and appraisers back to see the new Beach Club,” she explains. “There’s always a jaw-dropping, ‘wow.’”
The community received its first official look inside during the Beach Club’s Grand Opening on June 1, during which Beck says more than 200 residents attended, followed by a ribbon-cutting on June 5 that District 7 City of Tampa Councilwoman Lisa Montelione attended.
“When the idea was first proposed, there were several members of the community with questions,” Beck says. “Since it opened, I haven’t received one negative comment.”
The Cory Lake Isles Beach Club is located at 10441 Cory Lake Dr.
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