The West Bay Club is attracting investors west of central Grace Bay.

By Kathy Borsuk

A stroll along central Grace Bay’s heralded beach these days reflects its burgeoning popularity, as condominium developments seem to sprout like dune grass along the sugar-sand shores. While each project is upscale and well designed, some Providenciales investors seem ready to “head west” to explore new territory.

The market is responding to this interest, combined with the lack of vacant beachfront property on the “Gold Coast,” with development moving west from central Grace Bay towards Turtle Cove, stretching along the shoreline tracing the local community of The Bight. Here, the ocean sparkles with the same luxurious turquoise luster, sunsets glow with the latitude’s trademark pink-purple sheen and the white-sand beaches are especially wide and welcoming. It’s a place where you can take a deep breath and say “ahhhhh.”

Anchoring development here is the West Bay Club, a distinctive condominium community marked by its exceptional location, elegantly functional design and well chosen amenities – mirroring the extensive experience of all involved.

West Bay Club lies on a gentle curve just west of the elegant Turks & Caicos Club hotel. Here, the beach is distinctively wide, with views stretching for miles along Providenciales’ acclaimed north shore. The site spans 3 1/2 acres, with 320 feet of beach frontage, and will be home to 46 residences on five floors, along with a pavilion/reception building. Nestled between the buildings is a large, landscaped pool/patio/garden enclave, its highlight a spherical infinity pool with views to the sea through a dramatic archway. A few steps beyond, a path traces the way to the Bay’s incomparable sand and sea; the only detours are temptingly private sunning areas and a tranquil water garden. Owners and guests will find in the graciously curved Pavilion a complete fitness center, spa, bar and lounge with indoor/outdoor seating, reception, owner’s lounge, lobby, reception and offices.

Turks & Caicos aficionados associate the words “Simon Wood Associates” with exceptional architecture of enduring quality. The West Bay Club’s design follows suit, being distinctive but restrained, with the owners’ enjoyment and value of foremost priority. Architect Simon Wood says, “The challenge here was to allow each residence to share in the extraordinary setting.” His firm met the challenge with an innovative design where all residences are direct beachfront, maximizing views with huge oceanfront terraces and expansive glassed walls. In fact, West Bay Club contains nearly twice the windowed area of other condominiums, virtually inviting seaside vistas to be an integral part of each home.

Within a variety of one, two or three bedroom floor plans, each residence shares spacious dimensions, high ceilings and exceptional livability. Sophisticated master suites overlook the ocean and include ultra-luxurious ensuite bathrooms. Media/communications centers are state of the art and all finishes are of the highest quality – stone counters and vanities, stone floors, stainless appliances and top of the line hardware. For those who choose the rental program, many residences offer the flexibility and value of lock-out suites, with owners’ closets and storage areas.

Although surrounded by unspoiled seaside and national park, West Bay Club is close to a variety of shops and restaurants. Access is via Lower Bight Road, recently paved and upgraded with sidewalks, bike paths and street lighting.

Of West Bay Club’s 46 residences, as of the start of construction in May, 2006, 30 were sold. This tremendous response speaks not only to the project’s carefully planned balance of sophistication and livability, but also to the trust invoked in investors by the impeccable credentials of the development team.

The project is funded by McAlister/Togant Real Estate Investment Fund of Charleston, South Carolina, with Bruce Miller as development manager. He explains the solid foundation on which the project was based, “The basic plan was based on our extensive experience with waterfront developments in the United States. Because the location was untested, it was crucial to offer clear value and distinctiveness. We also knew that, although we have more previous development experience than most, we would be scrutinized because we were newcomers to the Caribbean.” He adds, “We knew what an outstanding product needed to be and we had to determine how to produce that product here. It was essential to find and retain the best talent.”

“The best talent” is a constellation of some of the Turks & Caicos most respected and established firms. Miller explains, “We were impressed by Simon Wood’s previous work and his grasp of what we were trying to accomplish. We believe the design is wonderful! Joe Zahm, (of Connolly Zahm Properties, a leading local real estate firm specializing in high-end condominium sales) provided us with right-on guidance during the planning process and his firm continues to do an excellent job of representing West Bay Club. TDMG Concordia is, in our estimation, clearly the most respected construction firm in the Islands and we have great confidence in them. Both we and our owners benefit from the direction and documentation provided by Miller Simons O’Sullivan as legal council. As in previous projects, the key to success is assembling the most qualified team and listening to them.”

Of West Bay Club’s initial investors, Miller describes them as “sophisticated, both from a lifestyle and investment standpoint.” All have owned or evaluated multiple real estate assets. So far, plans are mixed – some plan to live at West Bay Club; for others it is an investment purchase.

Prices for West Bay Club residences currently range from $600,000 to $1.8 million, with expected increases this summer now that construction is progressing rapidly. The project is anticipated to be completed by early 2008.

For more information, contact Connolly Zahm Properties at telephone 649 941 3900, email sales@czproperties.com or visit www.TheWestBayClub.com.