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Last Updated: Feb 6, 2017 - 2:32:04 PM |
TURNBERRY TOWNHOMES RIBBON CUTTING - The $34 million eco-friendly Turnberry Townhomes development inside the secure community of Charlotteville in western New Providence opened March 19. Over 50% of the 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath, 2,000 square foot homes have already been sold. Pictured during the ribbon-cutting ceremony were investor Dana Wells, Senior Partner, Graham Thompson & Co., Carmen Massoni, Founder and President, Bahama Islands Realty, investor and project director Dale Bronstein, Kendal Wright, MP, Clifton, Loretta Butler Turner, MP Montagu, Minister of State for Labour and Social Development, Sandy Wells and Michael Anderson, representing investor Royal Fidelity Merchant Bank and Trust. Photo by Roland Rose for DP&A.
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Nassau, Bahamas - More than 400 people turned out for the official opening of Turnberry Townhomes, a $34 million development of 80 residences surrounding a park, March 19 and an open house the following day, a strong indication according to one leading realtor that the mid-range real estate market in The Bahamas is heating up.
“The response we had to the opening of the townhomes has been nothing short of amazing,” said Carmen Massoni, founder and president of Bahama Islands Realty, out of breath, leading groups of two and three families on tour throughout the day Saturday. “The way the opening of the development has been received is a reflection of the quality of the product and a strengthening of the real estate market, particularly at the mid-range price point.”
At the official opening on Friday night, Clifton MP Kendal Wright called Turnberry Townhomes “a beacon for The Bahamas,” commending its environmentally-friendly construction, the vision of its developers and the efficiency with which it was built. He recalled standing on a pile of rubble when Turnberry first began, trying to see that vision. Tonight, he said, he understood. “This is it,” he said. “This is the place, this beautiful community.”
Built on eight-plus acres inside the 75-acre club development called Charlotteville on Windsor Field Road east of Lyford Cay, the development is designed so residences enjoy a common green area with large, free-form swimming pool, tennis court, beach volleyball, life-size chess game and covered gazebo.
Exterior and interiors were built to eco-friendly standards, according to investor Dana Wells, a senior partner at Graham Thompson & Co. law firm and an investor.
“This is a remarkable development in many ways and certain aspects of the project bear mentioning,” Wells told the audience that also included Montagu MP Loretta Buterl-Turner, Minister of State for Labour and Social Development. “The site comprises 8 acres of land and when the number of units is factored into the maximum density equation the result is approximately 10 units per acre, well below maximum. Minimum density has allowed us to accommodate the water features you see before you and privacy for all units.
“The project was commenced in the fall of 2007 and all 40 structures representing over 160,000 square feet were erected in 42 weeks. For those of you who think you have suddenly been afflicted by hearing impairment, I repeat the buildings were erected in 42 weeks.” During peak construction periods, Wells said, more than 150 Bahamian workers were employed on site.
“The project represents an investment of over 30 million dollars and I am obliged to say that my other partners have put a few dollars in as well,” he laughed, then seriously described sophisticated construction methods.
“The exterior walls of the buildings are made of steel imbedded in poured concrete which far exceeds the strength and durability of a cement block wall.
“It is smart business to build environmentally conscious and we have made an effort to reduce the carbon footprint of the development in the following areas: The common area lighting draws about the same power as 60 – 100 watt light bulbs and the majority of the bulbs used are compact fluorescent light bulbs that consume 75% less energy and last 10 times as long as regular bulbs. All buildings have the compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout. All attics are sealed for maximum efficiency of cooling. The buildings are virtually maintenance free and will probably never require painting. The development is on a complete sewage collection system installed and functioning. The development site has been elevated and a complete storm drainage system has been installed to handle heavy rains. The pool has a salt chlorinating system, which in effect makes its own chlorine.”
Wells also echoed Massoni’s belief that the positive reception to Turnberry was inspired in part by resurgence in the real estate market.
“This project,” he said, “was built during one of the worst recessions in recent history and demonstrates the confidence of the stakeholders in the resilience of the Bahamian economy.” Turnberry Townhomes was funded by Royal Bank of Canada. Three-bedroom, 3.5 bath homes start at $549,000 turnkey.
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