Site Weather Location The Las Palmas Estates, consisting of approximately 8.8 acres, is located on the expansion area of the Municipality of Puerto Peņasco. This is the closest ocean destination for Arizona residents, as its setting is just 62 miles from the Mexico-US Border, and only 200 miles from the cities of Phoenix and Tucson. The driving access to Las Palmas is via Federal Highway No. 8 (Sonoyta to Puerto Peņasco); in addition, an International Airport of short reach, located just North of the city. Charter flights arrive from cities throughout the U.S. and Mexico are available. (Click for larger image) Las Palmas Estates is part of the Costa Diamante Tourist Development which encompasses 890 acres. The first phase of Costa Diamante, comprising 99 acres, has been developed and is in full operation. The large open spaces of Las Palmas include luxury residences and condominiums within a Private Residence Beach Club. The natural terrain is enhanced by the integrated design of open areas and green landscaping. In Costa Diamante, a swimming pool, the first hole of an 18-hole golf course, and tennis courts provide a complementing backdrop to various natural attractions, such as La Choya Beach, Cerro Pelicanos and a spectacular dune some 65 feet in heighth. This extraordinary site is a beautiful gateway to the Sea of Cortez. This is Las Palmas Estates. The entry is gained via Calle Las Olas that intersects with the Costa Diamante Development main road, the famous Paseo de la Duna, which runs at the top level of the dune. Environment Puerto Peņasco offers to its visitors, modern hotels, a lively nightlife, and an array of (local) national and international cuisine. In addition, the growing residential population has built a great diversification of services including commercial establishments, boardwalks and markets. Facilities for health care and cultural amenities are rapidly being expanded. The beauty of the pristine beaches is its primary attraction. With an average climate range of 95 (Fahrenheit) in the summer and 65 in the winter, Puerto Peņasco ranks as an ideal site to pursue the softness of a sea breeze or the brisk activities of various water sports. The average number of days with sunshine is over 340 days per year. Nearby San Jorge Island presents an alternative destination and a haven to the ecologically sensitive tourist and resident. A large population of Sea lions, dolphins and the rare vaquitas find a safe harbor near the island. San Jorge Island is a protected environment for certain other marine species, which can only be found in the Sea of Cortez - some are in danger of extinction. Other enchanting and protected environments surrounding Puerto Peņasco include the Northern Sonora Biosphere/Nature Reserve of El Pinacate and the Gran Desierto de Altar. This includes the municipalities of Plutarco Elias Calles, Puerto Peņasco and San Luis Rio Colorado. The natural wonders abound here, including a spectacular volcanic shield, extensive sand plains and the zones of active dunes. The biological diversity is important because the range encompasses numerous horticultural species as well as mammals, birds, amphibians, and native speciies of freshwater fish. Las Palmas site plan (click for larger image) The Site The 8.8-acre site is nearly square and features gently sloping topography which is almost flat. Terrain altitude varies from 23 ft above sea level in the Southeast, to 36 ft above sea level in the North. An inclination of only 2% occurs in the slope towards the Sea of Cortez. This topography offers extraordinary visual perspectives that highlight and enrich the premier attributes of Las Palmas Estates, and its beautiful 656 feet of beachfront. Las Palmas Estates is situated on the lower part of the sand dune and natural vegetation covers the basic land foundation. The typical desert shrub that gives name to this beach area, la cholla, is indiginous to the area. The Project The design of the Master Plan establishes a space structure that combines the natural features of the property with the residential elements. These are necessary to maintain the superior environmental qualities that the tourist/residential market demands. The structure of Las Palmas Estates has been carefully designed following the topography of the site. The architectural layout includes ample open space in the center, surrounded by single family residential lots and condominium buildings that will be positioned (convex)to the beach,in both directions, behind the lots. The layout is intended to maintain optimal access to the beauty of the sea and coastline, creating an attractive place to visit. Roads There is a single main entrance where one is introduced immediately to the grandness of a public square. This is the great foyer of the Estate. Designed and embedded into the pavement of the public square is an extravagantly sized star. The inner road, Paseo Las Palmas, is lined with elegance of palms, and offers at the east and west of the street, two rotundas. Paseo Las Palmas, the main road measuring 30 feet across, bordered by 5-ft sidewalks covered by landscaping. The sidewalks are intended to be the continuation of the gardens of the beachfront Homes and Condominiums. The design of the road includes elements such as cobblestone in terracotta tones, borders and decorative designs in the pavements of the squares and in the entrances to the Condominiums. This main road merges with the common area through two walking paths, 10-ft wide each, to become a direct access to the beach. In addition, the walking paths are designed to accommodate the flow of rainwater into the sea. Recreation Area The Sea of Cortez again becomes the focal point and the essential element in the design of Las Palmas Estates recreational areas. The beachfront, including the sand in its natural state, is seemingly extended into the interior of the central space and surrounded by green areas, so that a "beach scenario" can be created inside of the Estate. This space leads up to the 6,146 square foot Las Palmas Estates Clubhouse, which will sit atop the highest point of the property, offering an incredible vista to the coral blue waters of the Sea. In order to satisfy the diverse recreational preferences of visitors and residents alike, the Clubhouse of the Private Residence Club will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including swimming pool, deck, palapa-bar, game room, spa, sauna, jacuzzi and dressing /restrooms, management office and general meeting areas. Nearby, a garden featuring 16,000 square feet of verdant shrubs and colorful flowers will compliment the beauty of the common area. Central Zone In the Central Zone is the Clubhouse which serves as a frame for the Beachfront Homes. The Beachfront Homes are developed surrounding the extensive common area already described. Taking advantage of the proximity with the coastal beach area, there are 10 family lots, between 5,300 to 7,000 square feet, where the Beachfront Homes Type 1 (El Presidente Model) are located. Another 10 family lots, between 4,600 and 5,000 square feet, with Beachfront Homes Type 2 (La Reyna Model), will be located next to the common area. Although the El Presidente Beachfront Home Models are beachfront, the layout design for the 20 Beachfront Homes encompasses many of the same features and amenities: Foyer Combined living room and dining room with fireplace and brick dome ceilings Kitchen with breakfast bar Granite kitchen countertops 3 bedrooms, including one master bedroom with a private closet & bath 3 baths - La Reyna and El Presidente 2 car garage with tile floors Wood beem ceiling in bedrooms and garage Covered ground-level terrace Large open roof garden terrace Lateral Zones In the east and west directions of the Development, two condominium lots are designed in each direction. These lots have a square footage of 33,300 to 39,000. In them, different services and amenities are offered, with the intention of ensuring each residents optimal well being and comfort. Each lot is enhanced with a hot tub and common area which will feature a pool or common area. They are inside of an extensive green area of 17,000 square feet, which has gardens and footpaths. This is developed in full integration and harmony with the 47,360 square feet of constructed area. The paved parking lot, which is 12,300 square feet, has capacity for 48 slots, which is approximately 1.4 per unit. The condominium units feature 1 or 2 bedroom. The one-bedroom condo is 1,044 square feet, including a covered terrace of 148 square feet. It can also be mentioned that the condominiums with 2-bedrooms have three different floor plans available. The interior two-bedroom unit is 1,518 square feet, which offers a 287 square feet covered terrace. The two-bedroom condo end-units offer either 1,579 square feet or 1,636 square feet, and include a covered terrace of 287 square feet. The interior architectural design of the condominium units allow a sense of openness, spaciousness and light. The living areas have ample surfaces and the dining room merges with the breakfast bar. Puerto Peņasco's geographical location and climate varies substantially between summer and winter. Due to this fact, all the dwellings are equipped with air conditioning and heating systems. The design of every unit guarantees the privacy, because there is no crossing between all the living spaces. Aside from the basic kitchen utilities, the kitchen area is designed to provide the additional privileges of technology and personal preferences. Included in the kitchen is a separate utility area for washer and dryer, as well as additional storage. Each condominium building is a seven-story structure, in which 35 condos are distributed in the following way: 8 - 1 Bedroom Units 27 - 2 Bedroom Units Floor 1 - three units with two bedrooms and two units with one bedroom Floors 2 through 7 - Four units with two bedrooms, and one unit with one bedroom The buildings are designed as a concave fan when viewing from the North. This allows minimizing the circulating areas giving ample front views - which permits viewing the vista to the Sea from every condo. All the living spaces, are isolated from the public areas, which ensures their total privacy. These rooms are connected directly to the terraces that offer views of the common areas of the development, framed by spaces of tall landscaping, as well as views of the seashore, in of itself, an incredible panorama. The exterior architecture of the condominium buildings complements their beachfront face. The present simple lines and elegant countours in pastel tones, striving for the integration of the buildings with the dune. The sand and terracotta colors will also be used in the walking paths and driveways. The Inclined roofs, canopies and pergolas, with the flowerpot stands and balconies, give a great visual element to the buildings. These can also be seen from the ground level, in which ample terraces merge with the open spaces and the palapas. From the back elevation of the buildings, the structure of the stairways and elevator are treated as decorative elements. The circulation areas treatment is interesting because it creates open and closed spaces. The dryness of the desert contrasts with the rich introduced landscape. This gives the effect of an oasis, by using gardens that have different sizes of vegetation, such as climbing plants, shrubs and trees merged with gardens of flowers. Infrastructure and Services Infrastructure requirements and services of the Estates will be completely cared for by the the Costa Diamante Development, which is fully operational. This ensures high standards in the provision of street lighting, potable water, electricity and telephone. Project Data Total Area = 8.8 Acres Housing = 20 Beachfront Homes; 140 Condominiums Clubhouse = 1 Unit Population = 548 Residents Real Estate Density = 16 Units/Acre; 62 Res./Acre Drinking Water - Med. Volume = 2.4 liters/second Drinking Water - Max. Volume = 2.9 liters/second Sewage = 1.9 liters/second Electricity = 2,140 Kilowatts Telephone = 402 Lines Las Palmas Estates is presented as a premier tourist destination in part by the coexistence of the Sea of Cortez, its sandy beachfront combined with the residential use and framed by incredible landscaping. Activities will abound, including sports and recreation of all types, or, simple rest, relaxation and contemplation. All of the amenities offered by the development ensure its premier status as the areas best Private Residence Club. Las Palmas