Marina Palms North residents are living through a big construction project. It’s inconvenient but necessary. Finishing that project can be the launchpad that Marina Palms North needs to strengthen its position in the luxury market, with better services and amenities. Meeting that goal is David Fellows’ top priority and it’s why he’s running for another term on our homeowners’ association board.
About David
David and his wife, Gloria, have lived full time at Marina Palms North since 2018. He has served as Board President since December 2023.
David has worked in construction for more than 40 years, overseeing operations on residential high-rise, mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional projects across South Florida and Boston.
With a bachelor’s degree in Building Construction, David has held executive positions at several firms and steered more than $2 billion in projects to completion — from field operations to preconstruction, budgeting, and contract negotiation. This work has included leading the $850 million construction of Brickell City Centre and its two luxury high-rise condominiums.
He later drew on those decades of industry insight to establish a consulting business that protects investors and condominium clients from being overcharged. David was asked to join the Marina Palms North Homeowners Association Board of Directors as its president in 2023 to help oversee what is likely the largest construction project in its history — all as a volunteer.
David FellowsBoard President Resident since 2018
About the Construction Project
Why are there scaffolding and work crews at the building? This is the final stage of a process (referred to as “558”) that started several years ago. “558” refers to a Florida statute that creates a procedure for building developers and condo associations to address construction matters that are identified in engineering studies.
The building is now carrying out the state-mandated repairs, as well as other improvements, identified through that process. The work includes structural repairs to post-tension cables — the steel cabling that runs through the concrete slab on every floor — along with repairs to the building’s stucco façade, waterproofing, window caulking, and paint.
This work protects more than the integrity of the building. It protects and strengthens our property values. Across South Florida, too many buildings have watched unit values fall and dues climb because necessary maintenance was deferred or simply never done. Marina Palms North is taking the other path.
Completing this project is the launchpad for what residents want and deserve: better amenities and services, a more recognizable brand that distinguishes our building from the South Tower, and more predictable association dues.
Completing this project quickly, under budget, and to high standards has been David’s focus every day since he joined the board. Now it’s time to get the job done.
The Receipts
David knows that to invest in the experience that Marina Palms residents want and deserve, we cannot and should not overpay for basic services. He's led efforts to protect your money — nearly $2 million in savings to date.
$1,500,000
Construction Contract
David helped negotiate the construction contract itself, saving the association $1.5 million off the original proposal.
$177,000
Contract Renegotiation
David helped restructure the project manager's contract for the 558 façade, stucco, and repair project, saving residents $177,000.
$175,000
Flooring Work
David helped identify subcontractor resources for flooring work throughout the building, reducing prior proposals by over $175,000.
$130,000
Water Meter Refund
David identified an unexplained increase in the water bill and asked the City to inspect the building's meter. It was defective; the City refunded the association $130,000.
$40,000
Internet Contract Savings
David helped renegotiate the Hotwire contract, increasing internet speeds from 150 MB to 1 GB at no added cost; the door-fee credit to the association is estimated at $40,000.
Improvements
David has also worked with the board and staff to:
Install new front landscaping
Improve security by replacing the outdated fob system with building-wide facial recognition
Launch new food and package delivery services
Purchase the commercial unit on the first floor, protecting property values and adding new amenity space
David's Priorities
Residents deserve a consistent approach to finish the construction and repair project quickly, continue saving money, and protect our property values. With your support, David will work to:
01
Finish the Construction Project
David's first priority is to complete the construction project on schedule and to high standards, hold the contractor to account, communicate effectively with residents about the project's progress, and save money. We cannot afford to go back to the drawing board or hit the reset button.
02
Strengthen Our Market Position
With continuity of leadership, the construction project is on track to yield savings of $1.5 to $1.7 million. Residents can then recommend how those funds are used — to improve amenities and services, and to offset future dues increases. Finishing this project well is the first step toward strengthening our building's position in the luxury condominium market.
03
Protect Your Investment
David will work for commonsense security and maintenance, and for rigorous contract negotiation so residents get the highest quality for every dollar spent. He will focus on improvements that add to the building's long-term value.
A Letter from David
Dear Neighbor:
My name is David Fellows, and I write to respectfully ask for your vote in the upcoming election. My wife, Gloria, and I have lived at Marina Palms North since 2018. In 2023, I was asked to join the association's board as its volunteer president to help oversee the largest construction project our building will likely ever experience.
This work includes state-mandated structural repairs to post-tension cables — the steel cabling that runs through the concrete slab on every floor — along with repairs to the building's stucco façade, waterproofing, window caulking, and paint. With your support, my top priority over the next year will be to provide the continuity of leadership necessary for the successful completion of this project.
40 Years of Construction Experience
Projects like the one we're living through now have been part of my professional life for more than 40 years. I've worked in senior-level construction management and real estate roles, including leading the $850 million construction of Brickell City Centre and its two luxury high-rise condominiums. I then took these decades of industry insight to establish a consulting business, working to protect investors and condominium clients from being overcharged.
Nearly $2 Million in Savings to Date
As your board president, I bring that same expertise directly to our building — as a volunteer. Over the past two years, I have worked with other board members and our talented staff to restructure the contract for the company that oversees our construction contract, saving $177,000. I reduced the cost of flooring work by $175,000 and then helped negotiate the construction contract itself — saving $1.5 million off the original proposal.
With continuity of leadership, the construction project should be on track to yield savings of $1.5 to $1.7 million. Residents can then recommend whether these funds are used to enhance amenities; stabilize the yearly escalation of our monthly maintenance fees; offset potential future assessments; or improve services, maintenance and security — all of which will protect the value of our building and strengthen its positioning in the luxury market.
Investing in New Amenities
Meanwhile, we have enhanced our building with modern amenities while reducing the rate of growth for our maintenance fees. For example: we installed new landscaping at our main entrance, replaced the outdated fob system with building-wide facial recognition, created new food and package delivery services, and purchased the commercial unit across from the club room to provide a new amenity space for residents. We are also negotiating a new Hotwire internet contract that will increase speeds from 150 MB to 1 GB, at no additional cost, while saving $40,000.
Strengthening Our Position in the Luxury Market
I know that you do not want to live in a construction zone. My wife and I don't, either. But finishing this project correctly and quickly — with a careful eye on costs — is the first step toward renewing our building's appeal in the luxury condo market and strengthening our property values for years to come. Please visit votempn.com to learn more about my plans and to share your thoughts. You can also email me at dfellowsmp@gmail.com or call me at 786-350-0074. Thank you for your consideration and for the trust you've placed in me.
Respectfully, David Fellows
Estimado vecino:
Me llamo David Fellows y le escribo para pedirle respetuosamente su voto en la próxima elección. Mi esposa, Gloria, y yo vivimos en Marina Palms North desde 2018. En 2023 me pidieron que me uniera a la junta de la asociación como su presidente voluntario para ayudar a supervisar el mayor proyecto de construcción que probablemente vivirá nuestro edificio.
Este trabajo incluye reparaciones estructurales exigidas por el estado a los cables postensados — el cableado de acero que atraviesa la losa de concreto de cada piso — junto con reparaciones a la fachada de estuco del edificio, impermeabilización, sellado de ventanas y pintura. Con su apoyo, mi máxima prioridad durante el próximo año será brindar la continuidad de liderazgo necesaria para completar con éxito este proyecto.
40 Años de Experiencia en Construcción
Proyectos como el que estamos viviendo ahora han sido parte de mi vida profesional durante más de 40 años. He ocupado cargos de alto nivel en gerencia de construcción y bienes raíces, incluyendo la dirección de la construcción de $850 millones de Brickell City Centre y sus dos condominios de lujo de gran altura. Luego aproveché esas décadas de conocimiento del sector para fundar una empresa de consultoría dedicada a proteger a inversionistas y clientes de condominios de cobros excesivos.
Casi $2 Millones en Ahorros Hasta la Fecha
Como presidente de su junta, aporto esa misma experiencia directamente a nuestro edificio — como voluntario. Durante los últimos dos años, he trabajado con otros miembros de la junta y con nuestro talentoso personal para reestructurar el contrato de la empresa que supervisa nuestro contrato de construcción, con un ahorro de $177,000. Reduje el costo del trabajo de pisos en $175,000 y luego ayudé a negociar el propio contrato de construcción, ahorrando $1.5 millones sobre la propuesta original.
Con continuidad de liderazgo, el proyecto de construcción debería generar ahorros de entre $1.5 y $1.7 millones. Los residentes podrán entonces recomendar si esos fondos se destinan a mejorar las amenidades; estabilizar el aumento anual de nuestras cuotas mensuales de mantenimiento; compensar posibles evaluaciones futuras; o mejorar los servicios, el mantenimiento y la seguridad — todo lo cual protegerá el valor de nuestro edificio y fortalecerá su posición en el mercado de lujo.
Invirtiendo en Nuevas Amenidades
Mientras tanto, hemos mejorado nuestro edificio con amenidades modernas y al mismo tiempo hemos reducido el ritmo de aumento de nuestras cuotas de mantenimiento. Por ejemplo: instalamos nueva jardinería en la entrada principal, reemplazamos el sistema obsoleto de llaveros por reconocimiento facial en todo el edificio, creamos nuevos servicios de entrega de comida y paquetes, y compramos la unidad comercial frente al club room para ofrecer un nuevo espacio de amenidades a los residentes. También estamos negociando un nuevo contrato de internet con Hotwire que aumentará la velocidad de 150 MB a 1 GB, sin costo adicional, con un ahorro de $40,000.
Fortalecer Nuestra Posición en el Mercado de Lujo
Sé que usted no quiere vivir en una zona de construcción. Mi esposa y yo tampoco. Pero terminar este proyecto correctamente y con rapidez — cuidando los costos — es el primer paso para renovar el atractivo de nuestro edificio en el mercado de condominios de lujo y fortalecer el valor de nuestras propiedades en los años venideros. Le invito a visitar votempn.com para conocer más sobre mis planes y compartir sus ideas. También puede escribirme a dfellowsmp@gmail.com o llamarme al 786-350-0074. Gracias por su consideración y por la confianza que ha depositado en mí.
Respetuosamente, David Fellows
Prezado vizinho:
Meu nome é David Fellows e escrevo para pedir respeitosamente o seu voto na próxima eleição. Minha esposa, Gloria, e eu moramos no Marina Palms North desde 2018. Em 2023, fui convidado a integrar o conselho da associação como presidente voluntário para ajudar a supervisionar o maior projeto de construção que nosso edifício provavelmente já viverá.
Esse trabalho inclui reparos estruturais exigidos pelo estado nos cabos pós-tensionados — o cabeamento de aço que atravessa a laje de concreto de cada andar — além de reparos na fachada de estuque do edifício, impermeabilização, vedação das janelas e pintura. Com o seu apoio, minha maior prioridade no próximo ano será garantir a continuidade de liderança necessária para a conclusão bem-sucedida deste projeto.
40 Anos de Experiência em Construção
Projetos como o que estamos vivendo agora fazem parte da minha vida profissional há mais de 40 anos. Atuei em cargos sêniores de gestão de construção e do mercado imobiliário, incluindo a liderança da construção de US$ 850 milhões do Brickell City Centre e de seus dois condomínios de luxo de alto padrão. Depois, usei essas décadas de experiência no setor para abrir uma empresa de consultoria dedicada a proteger investidores e clientes de condomínios contra cobranças excessivas.
Quase US$ 2 Milhões em Economia até Agora
Como presidente do conselho, trago essa mesma experiência diretamente para o nosso edifício — como voluntário. Nos últimos dois anos, trabalhei com outros membros do conselho e com nossa equipe talentosa para reestruturar o contrato da empresa que supervisiona nosso contrato de construção, economizando US$ 177.000. Reduzi o custo do trabalho de pisos em US$ 175.000 e depois ajudei a negociar o próprio contrato de construção — economizando US$ 1,5 milhão em relação à proposta original.
Com continuidade de liderança, o projeto de construção deve gerar uma economia de US$ 1,5 a US$ 1,7 milhão. Os moradores poderão então recomendar se esses recursos serão usados para melhorar as áreas comuns; estabilizar o aumento anual das nossas taxas mensais de manutenção; compensar possíveis cobranças extras futuras; ou melhorar serviços, manutenção e segurança — tudo isso protegerá o valor do nosso edifício e fortalecerá seu posicionamento no mercado de luxo.
Investindo em Novas Comodidades
Enquanto isso, aprimoramos nosso edifício com comodidades modernas e, ao mesmo tempo, reduzimos o ritmo de crescimento das nossas taxas de manutenção. Por exemplo: instalamos novo paisagismo na entrada principal, substituímos o sistema antigo de chaveiros por reconhecimento facial em todo o edifício, criamos novos serviços de entrega de comida e encomendas e compramos a unidade comercial em frente ao club room para oferecer um novo espaço de convivência aos moradores. Também estamos negociando um novo contrato de internet com a Hotwire que aumentará a velocidade de 150 MB para 1 GB, sem custo adicional, com economia de US$ 40.000.
Fortalecendo Nossa Posição no Mercado de Luxo
Sei que você não quer morar em um canteiro de obras. Minha esposa e eu também não. Mas concluir este projeto corretamente e com rapidez — com atenção aos custos — é o primeiro passo para renovar a atratividade do nosso edifício no mercado de condomínios de luxo e fortalecer o valor dos nossos imóveis por muitos anos. Visite votempn.com para saber mais sobre meus planos e compartilhar suas ideias. Você também pode me escrever em dfellowsmp@gmail.com ou ligar para 786-350-0074. Obrigado pela sua consideração e pela confiança depositada em mim.
Respeitosamente, David Fellows
How to Vote
Voting is easy! You will receive a letter packet from the association. You can vote by mail or by e-mail. Follow the instructions in the packet and make sure to cast your ballot on or before Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The annual meeting will be held on August 26 at 6:00 p.m. in the Association's Club Room.
Questions? Ideas?
Reach Out Anytime
David has made himself available to residents throughout his tenure, and welcomes any question or idea.
