We had a bunch of free JetBlue tickets available, so my wife and I decided to use them all in one shot with a family trip to Puerto Rico. Because we took Vela (our 21-month-old daughter) as well as my mother, we had to find a place that could accomodate everyone.
Luckily, I found a great deal on an oceanfront condo that was for rent by owner. Gotta love the Internet!
Anyway, when we got there we found a place that was better than we expected. Brand new complex, nice appliances, beautiful grounds, etc. Only one thing was askew — it seemed like nobody was there except us.
Here’s what we learned later — the 122-unit complex was initially 100% sold, before construction even began. Now, because of the housing market and credit crunch, only SIX of the 122 units have been purchased!
Meanwhile, the development company is in bankruptcy, and most of the units are just sitting there unfinished. Great news for people looking for cheap beach rentals, but pretty lousy for the few people who went ahead and bought.
It’’s interesting to see just how far, and deep, this housing crisis is going. And based on what I saw at that development, it’s nowhere near a bottom.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Gotta link, I would like to check it out.
Sure do … http://www.haudimar.com/
Nice place, eh?
Too bad they somewhat destroyed the natural sand dunes to build it. It does have nice views though.
Sorry, It looks hideous…No soul, clinical, detached…Looks like every other development you see around in a lot of countries. Is this Puerto Rico?? Just an opinion.
Nilus Mattive Reply:
April 15th, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Hey, I didn’t say I bought it Aaron! LOL. Merely that it was a heck of a place to rent for a few days.
I mainly agree with you, though I’m typically a fan of modern structures.
If the first law of architecture is being a good neighbor, I can’t say the designers followed that principle when they built this. Particularly as it relates to the environmental impact, which I mentioned in my original post.
And now, as it sits mostly empty, it’s clearly a symbol of the overdevelopment that occurred because of easy financing.
Still, I would gladly stay there again for less than a night at my local Ramada. =^)
Apologies if my reply was a little strong. I’m from the UK
Well yeah the rental cost is a nice bonus, I agree with the cheap finance thing and some blame must lay at the feet of local planners. They have a duty to take care of the surrounding environment. Such a shame to see this…
It looks like its been dropped from the air. Some sympathetic blending into the landscape? and I think heavy architectural planting would remove some of the hard lines somewhat..Where’s my spade? lol