As construction continues at Grandview, the new 58-residence high-rise tower underway within the gated Waterside neighborhood at Bay Beach, homebuyers are recognizing the financial and aesthetic benefits new construction offers compared with renovating their current residence.
Al Zichella, vice president of London Bay Development Group, said a recent client assumed it would be 50% more expensive to purchase a new home in Grandview compared with renovating his current Fort Myers Beach condo. After working with the Grandview sales team, the true cost was calculated to be less than 10%.
“Oftentimes, homebuyers don’t realize the cost of a total renovation, which would include demolition internal to the unit, often approaches the cost of a new unit,” said Zichella. “But the new unit will have greater equity potential, having been built to the latest standards and styles in its entirety.”
The advantages of buying new construction reach beyond price. For Southwest Florida residents, safety is a consideration – especially during hurricane season.
“New construction is built to the latest building code – and Florida’s building code is one of the strictest in the country,” said Zichella. “The code has been updated at least three times since the last building was constructed in Waterside, which means Grandview offers the utmost in hurricane protection and less chance of damage from storm events.”
Aesthetic elements and convenience are also factors.
“New construction allows buyers to personalize their homes before occupancy, and they get to enjoy their new home sooner,” added Katie Brady, sales executive for Grandview at Bay Beach. “Everything is brand new, while renovations may need to incorporate older components that will eventually need to be replaced.”
Homebuyers can view the selection of top-rated options and interior designer finishes that will be offered in Grandview residences at London Bay’s Selection Studio, which showcases the latest trends in the building industry – including up-to-date technology that’s often missing from dated high-rises.
“The latest technology is built into the entire building at Grandview, with services like cell-boost, telecom, entertainment and data, as well as safety features,” said Brady. “Renovating an aged unit cannot add these whole-building systems unless the condo association votes and agrees to install them – usually at a substantial cost to current residents.”
For Grandview, London Bay Development Group collaborated with Suffolk Construction, one of the top contractors in the country who recently completed the new Seminole Hard Rock Guitar Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, and Curts Gaines Hall Jones Architects, one of the leading architectural design and planning firms in the Southeast.
Fresh common areas and amenities are also important to discerning homebuyers who like to entertain at home. At Grandview, elevated waterfront living comes alive in “The EL,” its upscale, on-property amenities hub accessed by a floating staircase curving from the first-floor lobby. A club room with bar and fireplace takes its cues from the natural surroundings with a design that weaves cerulean blues, turquoise and citrine green with glints of silver and dark undertones. A catering kitchen will be available to those enjoying the EL’s covered outdoor area. A trellis-covered fireplace with a built-in television, bar area, and grills will combine with casual seating to create an outdoor living space. A wide oval turf area will serve as the center for a trio of fire pits with comfortable seating, while a pergola will connect the three spaces and create a terminal viewpoint that showcases views to the Bay.
Grandview residents will enjoy a fitness center with state-of-the-art strength and cardio equipment, a yoga studio, and men’s and women’s changing rooms. Two luxuriously appointed guest suites will offer privacy and access to the building’s lounge areas and amenities.
Situated just two miles north of Lovers Key State Park, Grandview is minutes from the beaches and vibrancy of downtown Fort Myers Beach, and in close proximity of the world-class shopping, dining, golf and cultural experiences of Naples.
Beyond Grandview, residents will have access to Waterside amenities, including a resort-style pool and spa, tennis courts, walking and jogging paths, a private open space, a fishing pier and walkable beach access.
Anticipated to welcome its first residents in summer 2021, Grandview offers residences starting from the low $1 Millions.
