The dust has settled and everyone seems to agree that the Amapas incident at Villas de la Colina II provided the necessary wake-up call for the construction projects on the hillsides. No one was hurt. In fact, during the night (sleepless for some) the noise of the shifting could already be heard so the engineer and work crew were as prepared as might be expected under the circumstances. It will undoubtedly take a bit longer than originally projected for new developments to receive permits. Inspections will undoubtedly be more rigid and demanding, coming, as it were, on the shift from local inspections to state level SEMARNAT. The governor himself made an impromptu appearance within a week or more of the incident. Safety takes precedence, makes the headlines and finally, benefits all concerned.
Summer used to be a time of rest, but those years may just be a memory anymore. While many agents and brokers report a bit of a slow-down, those “on the go” know that this time used wisely prepares them for what’s coming. Summertime is busy not only with closings, when people can come down and make appointments with more ease, but also for viewings. Numerous homes and condos that are rented during the season try a tentative entry into the market to test the waters. Administration of the homes, condos and villas becomes of much more urgent importance. Repairs and renovations are slipped in between rainfalls with an eye to the sky.
Open houses, besides the big blockbusters, are creating new ways to drum up interest. Witness the recent “Poker Run” hosted by Tropicasa. Collect a card at each open house and the winning five-card hand went home with $300 USD. I wasn’t able to attend that one on a busy Friday, but it sounded like fun. What is it with gambling that makes the juices flow? I’m reminded of the recent “Casino Night” organized by Grupo Real del Mar. Not only was it very well attended but I think I actually saw some agents relaxing. And having a good time! What’s that all about?!
While Governor Ney González was among the luminaries expected to attend the open house in Punta de Mita at Los Veneros, this was another one that I only heard about just a few days before it happened with no time to re-schedule to allow attendance. With an event spanning all afternoon and evening, I expect that it was gracious for those who went. In searching for information, you may come across the hastily put-together webpage www.losveneros.com which is NOT the webpage of Los Veneros. Check out the real page at www.losveneros.com.mx for quite the stunning difference. For more information on the Icon Group, see their webpage www.icongroup.com.mx for developments at Los Veneros and in other regions of Mexico.
A little closer to Vallarta, an evening event at CasaMar in Nuevo Vallarta really brought the large beachfront home to life. The impressive entrance features pillars (I heard mentions of Scarlett and Tara…) opening onto a spacious two-floor high foyer with curving stairway leading toward the second floor. A huge chandelier accents the space while an arched hallway gives onto the casual living room and semi-formal dining room. Continue through the double doors and you find yourself at quite a gracious pool area with the entire back of the house shaded by porches in quite the southern style. The pool is open with a view of the sea and a private entrance to, as they say, one of the best beaches in Vallarta. The sunset was pre-arranged and appropriately breathtaking. Contact Tropicasa at (322) 222-6505 for more information on CasaMar.
Work moves quite quickly on Galerías Vallarta, the new shopping mall anchored by Liverpool just in front of the newly renovated and expanded Cruise Terminal. Brand names galore will spice up the two floors of over 73,000 square feet of commercial space. As the ships, bigger and better, carrying ever more passengers, arrive at our new port, how many of the passengers will direct their steps no further than across the busy avenue to find that “Vallarta experience?”
Earlier in the month applause was heard by many along the bay, especially in Puerto Vallarta, when the project at Molino de Agua announced the construction of the first new hotel in the city since the addition of the Premiere some seven or more years ago. While local businessmen and hoteliers continue in their attempt to define or re-define downtown Puerto Vallarta in terms that keep its flavor while allowing for expansion and progress, the question remains: will this administration be able to fight the windmill?
Looking ahead at June and July, take time to partake in some of the numerous events on the horizon. MPM (Meeting Planners Mexico) is holding one of their annual conferences here June 3-5, originally scheduled to be the inaugural run at the convention center under construction, but with the completion date moved to perhaps year’s end, look instead toward Mismaloya. Golfers will enjoy two events in June, the Club Corp Championships at Vista Vallarta (June 13-17) and the Anniversary Tourney at El Tigre (June 16). July brings another major sailing event to Banderas Bay in the North American and European Optimist Championship July 4-15 with participation of over 200 boats. More excitement on the bay will be created during the first annual International Fishing Tournament of Riviera Nayarit (tuna and marlin) July 13-15. Get out on the blue or the green, whichever you prefer. And have another great month!
