Main Gate “Unsafe,” Demolition and Reconstruction Begin This Month
Century Village East’s main guardhouse has been declared unsafe by CVE Master Management, prompting a long-awaited demolition and reconstruction project set to begin the week of January 13th. The existing guardhouse, which has served as the community’s main entry point for nearly 50 years, is being replaced with a modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance security, functionality, and aesthetics.
"It has to come down," said Val Smikle, Executive Director of CVE Master Management. "If it was up to me, it would have come down years ago." Smikle candidly shared with residents that he often wished the aging structure had been knocked down by a hurricane, underscoring the urgent need for its replacement.
CVE Master Management has described the project as "necessary construction," pointing to the advanced age of the guardhouse and its inability to meet modern safety and operational standards. The new guardhouse will not only ensure a safer and more secure entryway for residents and visitors but will also streamline traffic flow with updated technology and enhanced traffic management systems.
During the construction period, the main gate will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic, but CVE Master Management has implemented several measures to minimize disruptions. The East Gate hours will be extended to 24/7, and the Plaza exit near the front gate will operate from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additional security personnel, equipped with portable tablets, will be stationed at the East and West Gates to expedite visitor processing and reduce wait times.
The new facility will also include a main security office, creating a centralized hub for all safety operations within the village. This upgrade reflects CVE Master Management’s commitment to maintaining a high standard of security while improving convenience for residents.
The timing of the project was chosen carefully to avoid weather-related delays during Florida’s rainy season and to minimize overlap with the anticipated expansion of SW 10th Street. Construction is expected to take six months, ensuring the new guardhouse is completed before the busy fall season when many seasonal residents return to the village.
Residents and visitors can be assured that emergency vehicles will continue to have unrestricted access to the main gate during construction.
As construction begins, the new guardhouse represents not just a safer and more efficient entry point but also a milestone in Century Village East’s ongoing commitment to progress and excellence.
