The Collection Draws Opposition from Neighboring One Waterfront Tower

The Collection is a new luxury high rise condominium tower in Kakaako that will be marketed and developed by Alexander and Baldwin.  Located on the corner of Ala Moana Boulevard and South Street, the tentative plans for The Collection calls for 397 units in a 400 foot tower, an additional 54 units in a four-story building, and 16 townhouse units in a three-story building.  Fronting the main streets of the 3.3 acre lot would be several retail shops and restaurants.  It is anticipated that one-bedroom units will start at about $375,000, the two-bedrooms in the high 500,000s and three bedrooms will start at about $750,000.

However, owners of the the adjacent One Waterfront Towers condominium are telling the Hawaii Community Development Authority that the project should not be approved.  President of the AOAO for One Waterfront Towers, George Beavin, stated, "I don't believe this size of a building belongs where it is (planned).  We already have a high tower."  C. Bell, another owner in One Waterfront Towers, added, "Don't block us in from our sunsets.  Don't take away from us what we paid for."

It should be noted that the plans for the 400 foot tower exceed the state guidelines for the minimum separation distance between buildings.  Under the Hawaii Community Development Authority rules, the slim side of towers must be at least 200 feet apart.  The Collection will be 249 feet away from One Waterfront.  The Hawaii Community Development Authority will make a decision regarding permits for The Collection on July 17.

Source: Honolulu Star Advertiser, 6-20-2013, www.staradvertiser.com
Posted by Jeff Uyemura-Reyes, Broker-in-Charge, REALTOR®
Global Executive Realty, LLC
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