| Business & Outdoors Island Princess - Opulence on Okaloosa Island |
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| "The Island Princess is
the most luxurious condominium to be built on Okaloosa Island in the
last twenty years," says Jerry Wallace, listing agent for the 137
unit complex scheduled to be completed by mid-October. "Where most buildings have laminated countertops, we've put in Corian. Other complexes have plain concrete walkways while the Island Princess has porcelain exterior tile on all walkways and balconies. The kitchen appliances are upgraded as are the bathrooms," stated Wallace, an agent with Re/Max Coastal Properties. According to Wallace, the concept for the Island Princess has been in the works for four years. It took two years for him to acquire the property from a Louisiana physician. The planning, design and construction took another two years. "I've been in the business for twenty-odd years and I've never seen anything like it," said Vic Deal, one of the project's developers. "An independent inspection company recently proclaimed the construction to be superior with phenomenal finish work," continued Deal. The seven story Gulf front condominium was designed by Reggie Moore, a Destin architect. Delta Construction Management of Niceville is overseeing the construction of the unique design. The building consists of a poured in-place concrete and steel structure with stucco exterior. Of the 137 units, 118 directly face the Gulf of Mexico while 16 have unobstructed side views of the Gulf and overlook the Sea Shore Beach Walk County Park. Prices of the 3 bedroom 3 bath 1,347 sq. ft. units range from $199,900 to $319,000; 1,089 sq. ft. 2 bedroom units vary from $240,000 to $261,900. At this time, all of the 887 sq. ft. one bedroom Gulf front units have been reserved. "This is the best purchase price for a Gulf front condo in the area," said Wallace. "Comparable units in Destin sell for $20,000 to $100,000 more." According to statistics provided by Wallace, 3 bedroom units originally sold for $253,900 and have recently resold for $319,000, a gain of almost 26 percent in the 16 months they have been on the market. Two bedroom units have appreciated almost 28 percent. |
Amenities of the Island Princess include nearly 500 feet of Gulf
frontage with scenic dune walkover, a heated 1200 sq. ft. Gulf front
swimming pool and spa, adult game room, video arcade for youngsters, a
portico covered entry and 94 parking spaces on two levels. Only a
few of the reserved covered parking spaces remain available to purchase
for $12,000. There will be a centrally located lobby on the first floor with an on-site management and rental office. Anchors Resorts Realty of Destin has been selected to handle the on-site rentals. Bob Fowner, currently of Shoreline Towers, will be the condominium association manager. The units are equipped with state of the art features. The kitchens are outfitted with white General Electric appliances including a larger than usual 25.7 cubic foot side by side refrigerator with icemaker, self-cleaning oven, built in microwave oven with hooded vent, dishwasher and garbage disposal. A handy breakfast bar separates the kitchen from the dining and living rooms. Each unit has a spacious balcony, owner's closet, ceiling fans and is pre-wired for cable and telephones in all bedrooms and living areas. There are ceramic tile floors in foyers, kitchens, breakfast bar and bathrooms. Cultured marble tubs were chosen for the master bathrooms and all vanity tops. Just eight developer units remain available for purchase directly on the Gulf, ten are available on the side. Some resales are available. Angela Parkhurst is a real estate agent with Anchors Resorts Realty in Destin and specializes in the sale of condos and beach property. She can be reached at (850) 585-3993 or emailed at Ang4Destin@aol.com. She can be visited on the internet at Angela4Destin.com. |