LOG HILL MESA, Aug. 21, 10:05 a.m. – “It’s certainly been a long time coming; you’ve got to be happy to be here. We finally had some democracy after so many years,” a jubilant Paul Stashick told the 75-plus club members in attendance at the Divide Club & Ranch on Log Hill Mesa on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 16.

Stashick, president of Equilibrium Resorts and the Strategic Real Estate Group, officially kicked off the ground-breaking ceremony for the 5,600-square-foot clubhouse when he and Divide Ranch & Club homeowners’ association president Dick Caldwell stuck two gold shovels into the ground. The complex will be situated to the east of the driving range of what used to be called Fairway Pines.

“You’ve been here longer than us and waiting longer than us,” Stashick told members of the Divide Ranch & Club. “It’s good for us and for you and that’s a win-win in our mind.”

The groundbreaking marks the official beginning of Phase I, which will include the clubhouse and pro shop.

“By late fall, we will be excavating and grading to finish the parking lot so that you won’t be playing in the mud,” said Stashick to applause. “By winter, you’ll have a back courtyard and shop.”

Stashick thanked the existing staff, which has been operating under “tough” working conditions. He also extended particular thanks to investor Gary Theraldson, who provided the funding to enable Equilibrium to acquire the former Fairway Pines Resort.

“We wouldn’t have had the first $15 million in capital without Gary Theraldson,” he said.

Newly hired Vice President of Operations and Lodging Jeff Powles will be the key “go to” guy and Kurt Sarber is construction manager of the project. 

“Kurt just came off a $200 million construction deal in Legacy Villas in Palm Springs,” said Stashick, adding that the Divide Ranch & Club is one of the most undervalued resorts “in the country today” and that they will be “bringing it to world class status.”