Saturday, April 5, 2008

Something Different

The Dubai Marina is a skyscraper fan's paradise. From humble origins in the mid-1990's when the idea was conceived, the Marina environs have grown from a modest waterfront luxury enclave to an extensive, ever-growing Manhattan style district of high-rise residential towers.

Mada'in Properties contribution, the Marina Arcade Shopping Mall and Tower, brings to the Marina district a sprawling, high-styled luxury complex in a smart architectural package that combines exquisite classical and modern elements.

This is exciting. It will add a new attractive space where even if not to shop, dine or work-out, the public will be able to stroll along a pleasant indoor corridor under natural sunlight or below the twinkling lights of high-rise towers visible through a glass, atrium-style roof.

Video Link (original version)
Forum Link (Skyscrapercity.com)

Something New

The project was originally announced at Cityscape Dubai in October 2007--the website launched simultaneously. It was described as being a shopping mall, hotel and residential property. In the current March 2008 launch, it is no longer described as having a hotel component. The website has been modified to reflect this change.

The tower was also to include studio units, while the smallest units are now 1-bedroom. Pre-launch prices were quoted at AED 1900 psf, however now they start at AED 2050. This is a reasonable rate as some newly launched properties of seemingly lower or equivalent character are being offered at AED 2500-3000 psf.

The changes make sense. There are already numerous new hotel properties in the area, one hardly needs more. In addition, the wonderful facilities included in the project will have greater appeal to residents if not having to be shared with hotel guests. The updated website video also makes reference to the utility of the shopping arcade as a public space, which is great news for surrounding residents.

This development will bring to four, the number of shopping arcades or malls in the Marina. The largest is the Dubai Marina Mall at the center of the Marina district, due for a late 2008 or early 2009 open. There is also the nearby Marina Walk, the district's first shopping arcade--limited mostly to restaurants--and the Jumeirah Beach Residences 1 kilometer long The Walk, opening presently in phases.

The Marina Arcade, with a scheduled June 2011 opening, will no doubt stand out as the most exclusive of these shopping centers, thus the reference to Rodeo Drive. It will, nonetheless, include a large convenience store outlet which will hopefully be able to serve the needs of nearby residents, including those of lesser disposable incomes.

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