St. James Condominium Residences
By Kathy Borsuk
Artwork by Reelization, Inc.

While the Grace Bay “Cold Coast” is inundated with new condominium developments, there are few alternatives for people whose preferences lie beyond the beach and towards the other pleasures offered in the Islands.

St. James Condominium Residences seek to fill this niche.

The oceanfront property is located on an ideal part of the Leeward Going Through channel at the far eastern tip of Providenciales. This excellent location creates for every residence unobstructed views of the vibrant green shoreline of Little Water Cay and Mangrove Cay and the vivid ocean blue beyond. From St. James’ private boardwalk dock, owners will have easy access to the north and south shores of Providenciales, opening a year-round world of water and boating activities.

St. James condominiums offer rare value on an island where prices seem to rise with each high tide. The project will be built to luxury market specifications, yet is competitively priced. Best of all, the 8 1/2 acre site is spacious and private, with plenty of breathing room for residents.

I spoke recently with Richard Sankar, real estate agent for St. James, who explained that he is so enthusiastic about the project that he plans to live there himself. Richard is typical of the owners St. James is expected to attract. He says, “Condominiums grow more appealing every year, as lifestyles change, people travel more frequently, and generally lack the time to care for a home. We also anticipate strong interest from recreational boaters and, of course, retirees (early and otherwise) who are looking for a part-time second home. The St. James is the kind of place where you can get to know your neighbors, because its emphasis will not be on short-term vacation rentals.”

The project comprises only 44 suites of two- and three-bedroom configuration. There are two, four story buildings, built along 550 feet of waterfront and boasting several unique features. Stretching along the shoreline is the boardwalk with attached docking for owners’ boats. Adjacent to the waterfront is a palm-lined park area with a beautiful crescent-shaped pool, with both a stair-accessed shallow end and an Olympic-length lap lane. Curling around the pool is a sunning terrace, gently shaded by Roman-style pergolas and small islands of greenery which extend into the pool itself.

The buildings, described by architect Jeff Lee of the local firm OBM Limited as “Mediterranean with elements of Caribbean style,” are accessed via a tree-lined asphalt avenue leading 300 feet from the main roadway past a security gate. The road splits toward each building at a cascading fountain roundabout.

Buyers can choose suites on each floor from various sizes and layouts, ranging from the “Windsor” — 1,661 sq. ft. with 2 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths–to the majestic “Knightsbridge”–2,650 sq. ft. penthouse level with 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. Each suite includes covered balconies on two sides, while the “Stratford” penthouses have two additional open verandahs for sunning. Floor plans are spacious and carefully designed to ensure privacy and enhance livability. All suites feature central air conditioning, nine foot ceilings with fans in bedrooms and living rooms and high-end appliances and cabinetry. Master baths boast Jacuzzi whirlpool tubs. High impact glass in windows and doors avoids the need for separate and unsightly storm shutters while providing added safety.

Accenting their airy blue- and green-hued views, interiors sport sleek shades of gray with chestnut accents. Residences are not sold pre-furnished to allow owners the flexibility to customize, but suggested furniture and design packages will be available.

The experienced Caribbean developers thought long and hard about the project and, working alongside the architect, created one of the best building designs on Providenciales, while providing high-end quality and amenities that are yet to be rivaled. Jeff Lee says, “The developers had a number of objectives, one of which was to have low unit density and to provide for a spacious, landscaped park environment. There were also concerns that the features be practical for people who plan to live here for most of the year. The air-conditioned gym is full sized and the tennis court is flood-lit for night play. They also required that the design include two elevators in each building–a unique approach that limits waiting–and a porte cochere that is centrally located in front of each building, creating ease of access for owners and guests.”

Other thoughtful features include large storage lockers in a separate building (so as not to restrict space in the living areas) and a fenced “pooch park.” There is also a peaceful spa garden and dipping pool where residents can go to relax or have treatments done by the on-call massage therapist. Walking paths span the park-like grounds. On-site management and maintenance services will keep owners worry-free.

The St. James’ distinctive location is destined to attract nature lovers. Located across the shore is Little Water Cay–home to the Turks & Caicos Rock Iguana–and neighboring Mangrove Cay, a protected nature preserve, with birds and marine life of all kinds.

St. James residents will have a front seat view–from their suites, within the grounds and from the boardwalk–of every aspect of the natural Turks & Caicos environment. Early risers will be treated to ethereal sunrises, while the upper floor suites will boast views of the entire Caicos chain and spectacular moonrises, as well.

Construction is expected to start in early 2003, with local firm BCQS Ltd., construction and property consultants with offices in the Turks & Caicos since 1974, chosen as project managers. Dempsey & Company, the country’s longest established legal firm, provides legal representation. St. James sales and marketing is exclusively handled by Richard Sankar, Ron Burton and Gino Pacitto of Prestigious Properties Ltd., a pioneer in the TCI real estate market and the country’s largest real estate firm.

Potential owners can view a virtual reality tour of the property to help them visualize the St. James’ anticipated charms. Pre-construction prices were still in effect at press time and Sankar anticipates strong early sales as the marketplace recognizes the rare opportunity the St. James offers. For more information, visit www.StJames.tc.