THERE is no doubt that the development of Ayala Alabang by Ayala Land Inc. (ALI) is one of the factors that has transformed the once sleepy town of Muntinlupa into a bustling city.
ALI is not resting on its laurels as far as developing Alabang is concerned. Avida, a subsidiary of the property titan, is partnering with Ayala Land Commercial Business Group and Ayala Land Offices in developing South Park District, a 6.6-hectare mixed-use estate in Alabang. Aside from the well-known Ayala quality of development in the project, there is the humongous central park with a size of 8,000 square meters that will benefit the residents of Avida Towers Altura.
Avida said the two-tower residences will be its prime residential offering in the district, which also include Ayala Malls South Park and the South Park Corporate Center. The property used to be a factory of Nestlé Philippines, which was acquired by ALI in 2011.
“The park is the heart of the development. It is envisioned to give the city a new dynamic and vibrant place of convergence for people of all ages, amid wide spaces and greenery. It shall be a place for one to refresh, rejuvenate, and reinvigorate amid wide and lush, open spaces and tree-lined promenades and pathways,” said Jojo Fabricante, head of Innovation and Design Group of Avida Land.
“Focal points of the park include a contemporary design plaza, which features a large water fountain inside an elegant palm court. The grand lawn area adjacent to it, accentuated by iconic sculptures, shall be an ideal venue for rest and recreation. And last, a special residential park for Altura residents more suitable for quieter and passive activities,” Fabricante added.
Development of the artistic and aesthetic consciousness of the residents is also an important element of the project. Avida has tapped world-renowned sculptor Reginald Yuson to put the art installations in Altura’s landmarks. Yuson, whose works include art installations and fountains in Greenbelt 3, Bonifacio High Street and Marquee Mall, designed two sculptures.
For the grand lawn area, a large steel composition of interconnected conical forms will be installed. He said the second piece is a sprawling composition of free-flowing, three-dimensional tubes reminiscent of doodles. The sculptures inspire vibrancy, movement and playfulness, while keeping a sense of peacefulness and tranquility.
Yuson said his works will emphasize energetic while keeping a sense of peacefulness and tranquility. He added the sculptures are large and sprawling to enable the viewer to experience the various senses rather than just visually.
Fabricante said the iconic sculptures will provide the city fresh touch of a new dynamic and vibrant place of convergence for people of all ages, amid wide spaces and greenery.
Racquel Cruz, corporate planning group head of Avida Land, said the central park and plaza are set to open within the year, while the turnover of Altura Tower 1 and the opening of Ayala Mall South Park will happen next year.
Cruz noted that uptake has been great with the majority of the units in Tower 1. Cruz also pointed out that Tower Altura features community amenities for family bonding, such as an adult and kiddie pool, clubhouse with function hall, outdoor gym and children’s play area.
Similar to Avida condo residences, Altura is structured to provide free-flowing sunlight and air, emergency power in the units and sensible amenities. There are also lesser units per floor.
Unit types are studio, one- and two-bedroom units with area sizes ranging from 22 to 61 sq m. Prices start at P1.9 million to P5.9 million.
Cruz said Altura Towers has been designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the residents by making the important landmarks quite accessible.
“On top of its amenities and the retail units below Tower 1, Avida Towers Altura is within close proximity to the residential park and grand lawn of South Park District. It is also just walking distance from the mall, where they can shop and dine,” Cruz said.
Avida also included sustainable features in South Park. It will have an underground detention tank to hold rainwater and avoid flooding the vicinity. Further, Cruz said each development within South Park District will have its own sewage-treatment plant.
To give a nice touch of green, mango trees on the district grounds, which have been there since the 1960s, have been left to flourish and blend with the mall’s design.
Avida has built a transport terminal for shuttle services. It will also have designated areas for taxis and lay-bys for tricycles and PUVs to avoid traffic congestion in front of South Park District.