Appearing once again in Puerto Vallarta for the splashy inauguration of the upcoming Icon Vallarta, chairman and CEO Jorge Pérez of The Related Group sat down with me to discuss his plans in the area as well as his current focus.
“This isn’t our only project in Mexico,” he mentions, “as we just unveiled plans for major development in Mexico City. But this is the closest to my heart. I’ve been to Puerto Vallarta maybe seven times, and this feels much more like the soul of Mexico. I love it here, not only the sea, the mountains and the small-town feel of Puerto Vallarta, but the people make me feel very much at home.”
Icon Vallarta, designed in conjunction with mega-designer Philippe Starck, is located on prime beachfront property just north of Hotel nh Krystal Vallarta. “It’s close to town for those who want to be in an area that’s not so separate from the people. It’s easy to get to downtown and even when you don’t go there, you can appreciate the incredible city lights at night. Walk on the Malecón, spend time in the Main Plaza, visit the art galleries and dine at the best restaurants. That’s what I like to do when I come here and Icon Vallarta is for those who want to do the same.”
Reflecting on his teaching and speaking on the real estate lecture circuit, Jorge says, “Real Estate combines art and science. What I teach is the science part, it’s data and information, it’s the order of the steps in the process. But what is really important, what’s crucial, is what is heard by the heart. It’s creating the most livable environment for the residents, for the people who really care where they live and what they do in their life.”
“Design was something that attracted me to visit Philippe Starck in France years ago to work together on a project in Miami where I’m based. The movement of his work brings a new level to Vallarta, it’s a combination of old Mexico with a modern urban feel. What I find amazing about Philippe is how he just comes to look at a site and in a few hours, sketches on a piece of paper what he envisions. It blows my mind. He’s a genius of the 21st century.”
In Icon Vallarta, the genius designer and the mastermind developer (The Related Group is the largest multi-family developer and the largest Hispanic-owned business in the US, reporting revenue of over $1.4 billion in 2006.) bring their magic to the water’s edge. “We offer modern living with all the amenities at the seashore with Mexico right outside the door. It’s a combination that will keep me coming back to Vallarta, my favorite place in the entire country.”
For more information, see www.relatedgroup.com or visit the sales office of Icon Vallarta just in front of the Krystal Hotel.
