As the Costa Rican construction boom matures, developers are faced with the challenge of diversifying their product to attract a more discriminating, educated consumer. According to the President of the Chamber of Construction, Jamie Molina, much of the housing demand in Costa Rica has already been met. The new client is looking for something that they want, not something they need. The new client is environmentally conscious, educated and looking for a great investment. They want their home to be a place of convenience, safety and tranquility –a refuge away from their busy work lives.

Rendering of a pool at the residential community El Dorado

One new development, Hacienda El Dorado seems to have keyed in to this particular audience. About 25 percent of the $25 million, 75-85 unit project has already been sold after two months of pre-construction sales.

So what sparked this immediate popularity? For one, the North American developers Grupo Rio Constructores have already made a good name for themselves with their first project, Residencias Los Jardines. They bring with them high-quality construction standards as well as sensitivity to the concept of a distinctive lifestyle development. Well-known architect Elias Robles designed both projects to maximize views and blend the homes in with the natural surroundings.

About 60% of the property (4 hectares) will be dedicated to green areas and tropical flower gardens. These areas will include walking and jogging paths, cook-out areas and three swimming pools. “The development is set up in a way that is conducive to social interaction. Dinners over at your neighbor’s terrace, a birthday party at a BBQ ranch, a poker night by the pool, etc.,” Kozak said.

Buyers will also have a great deal of flexibility when deciding on the design of their unit. Retirees may opt for a one-floor apartment, while a family may want a two-story 4-bedroom home. Each house can be completely personalized in the design of living areas, terraces, extra rooms, fitted furniture and appliances and other optional upgrades. There are a total of nine designs to choose from, each with multiple floor plans. Living spaces include single family homes, duplexes, 4-plexes, 6-plexes, 8-plexes and a building with 20 condos. All of the architectural design of the community blends in with the natural surroundings.

The gated community will be situated along the banks of the River Oro and will open in April 2009. It was designed for individuals and families that are looking for a luxurious, tranquil, comfortable lifestyle and to be in harmony with nature, while crafting friendships, sharing customs and perspectives with their neighbors. Homes have already been purchased by Americans, Canadians, Russians and Venezuelans

“The philosophy of the development is centered on the concept of community lifestyle, where luxury, security, quality construction and confidence in technology go hand in hand with peace, tranquility and nature and a wide range of services and commodities to facilitate the relationship between the residents,” Kozak said.

In the past homes were only marketed to the nuclear family with two kids and two parents. Developers are finally recognizing that their clients include a mix of such families, retirees, empty-nesters, single professionals, the home based knowledge worker and divorcees. Today’s purchaser sees a new home to be an investment and tends to do more research into quality of construction and developer reputation. They also place more importance on security and the environment and want ‘the whole package’.

On top of this, Hacienda El Dorado also targets an international client from all over North America, Europe and Latin America. They must take into account things such as bilingual communication and developing an atmosphere that promotes interaction between the diverse cultures.

“English and Spanish will be the main languages spoken in El Dorado, and written communication will be available in both,” Kozak said.

Among the services that they will offer to residents will be on site property management for maintenance and for leasing should an investor or part time resident want their placed rented. Exterior maintenance of all buildings as well as the gardens and common facilities will be done by the property management company. A list of maids and commonly needed service people will also be available.

Features will include nature paths along the shore of the River Oro, two private wells for reliability and good quality water, a water treatment plant, wheel chair accessible facilities, a new telecommunications system called Private Branch Exchange (PBX) that will give residents telephone access, cable TV, high speed internet having VOIP capability. The development will also include three pools, Jacuzzis, a barbeque area, gym, tennis and basketball courts, snack area, convenience store, events room, gated entrance and 24 hour security.

They also maintain high environmentally friendly standards including a 10-meter no-construction zone by the river, extensive environmental impact studies, protection of the local tree species, a black water treatment plant and the use of wood from managed forest lots. Home waste and garbage will be recycled with organic waste being composted.

The region of Santa Ana was carefully chosen due to its recent commercial boom and attraction to investors and developers.

“Before starting the development they took certain factors into account such as climate conditions, proximity and accessibility to heath centers, quality and availability of general services and infrastructure. Santa Ana offers everything just mentioned, some of the best restaurants, health services, schools and commercial centers, in an area of rapid economic growth and expansion,” Kozak said.

Construction for the community will begin in April 2008, with the first phase being delivered in April 2009, and phase two in February 2010.

For more information contact Jan Kozak at info@eldoradocostarica.com or visit www.eldoradocostarica.com.

This post's rating:

Related Stories

Filed under: Press Releases on January 3rd, 2008