Construction on a small-eight-unit oceanfront condominium complex in South Sound has commenced.
Orchid Cove will offer six oceanfront units and two ocean-view units, all of which will be at least 1,757 square feet in area.
The thought behind Orchid Cove is to create a small development with a number of attractive amenities for residents to live, said realtor Michael Joseph of Re/Max.
‘We could have put more units there, but we didn’t want to sacrifice comfort and space just to maximize profits,’ he said. ‘It really was a juggling act to see what the market wanted and what was feasible.’
Located on the point where South Church Street turns a more easterly, the developers know heavy surf during storms could be a problem on the site.
‘One of our main sales points is that ground floor will be 10-feet, 6-inches above sea level,’ Mr. Joseph said.
Orchid Cove will also take other steps besides elevation to protect the complex from wave surge during storms, including impact resistant windows and doors, the building of a double-curved seawall, and the placement of the development’s pool on the roof of the two-storey building.
Mr. Joseph said the developers put a lot of attention into the finer details of the development. Some of the Orchid Cove’s unique amenities will include large private terraces with Jacuzzis; spacious open floor plans; and walk-in showers.
Architect Arek Joseph said Orchid Cove’s location was another important factor.
‘South Sound is no longer a place where people just rent for a couple of years,’ he said. ‘It’s a strategically located and beautiful place on the island where people choose to make their home.’
Mr. Joseph pointed out that Orchid Cove is close to schools and town.
‘It’s an up-market boutique complex that would be ideal for local young professionals.’
The prices are attractive, too, ranging from $675,000 to $849,000.
Another benefit of a small complex is a small strata, Mr. Joseph said.
‘It will be a very tight-knit group of residents,’ he said. ‘Only eight owners will have the benefit of an oceanfront condominium complex.’
Orchid Cove will be the first project on Cayman for developers Ben and Kelly de Shiffert.
‘This is the first building we’ve built here, but we’re not new to this,’ Mr. de Shiffert said, adding that he’s built in other places in the Caribbean.
Having the right development team is critical, Mr. de Shiffert noted.
‘Chalmers and Re/Max have been instrumental in getting us where we are today,’ he said, also praising BCQS and Apec Consulting Engineers.
Da Vinci Construction and Interior Furnishings will build the complex and handle some of the interior elements, Mr. de Shiffert said.
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