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Announcing Kirana Luxury Beach Highrise South Padre
1073 Views :: 31 Comments :: :: South Padre Island, Investment

Announcing the Kirana Luxury Beachfront High-rise Condominiums on South Padre Island


South Padre is about to be taken to new heights with the new Kirana oceanfront condominiums that bring a new class of luxury to the Island.


"Kirana is an Indian word meaning "ray of light" and the new design shines bright on the lone star state with a pyramid style high-rise like nothing the Texas coast has ever seen. This project rivals anything in the world." - says Alice Donahue, broker for AliceDonahue.com

"We are excited to have this class of product come to the Island and the pre-construction prices put this product on price par with our 1980's built beach condos, but this high-rise design literally towers above anything on the Island" - says Alice.

These residences rewrite the rules of style, form and function. Kirana offers a refined collection of beautifully appointed 3, 4 and 5 bedroom luxury condominium residences and penthouse units.



These are spacious units and pre-construction prices start at $650k ($330 per sq. ft.)

Wake up to unforgettable ocean views in the most exclusive location on the Gulf of Mexico. Glass and concrete are delicately blended to produce a shimmering structure in a unique, contemporary design, an architectural landmark by Agustín Landa.

THE BUILDING FEATURES
  • 4 High Speed Elevators
  • Air Conditioned Lobbies
  • State of the Art Fire Detection and Sprinkler Systems
  • Video Surveillance
  • Trash Chute
  • Private Gated Access from Padre Blvd.
  • Gated Beach Access
  • Assigned Covered Parking
  • WiFi in Common Areas
  • Intercom System
Contact Alice Donahue for more information at 800-716-6861 or sales@alicedonahue.com

click here for more information
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Comments
By Badri S from India @ Monday, June 22, 2009 5:13 AM
What a Cool looking highrise with a great Indian name.
By jim h. @ Monday, June 22, 2009 9:51 AM
where on the island?
By Mike S @ Monday, June 22, 2009 1:48 PM
Between the Isola Bella and Sunchase.
By Franco @ Tuesday, June 23, 2009 1:11 PM
It's a spectacular looking building, that's for sure. It looks more impressive than Ocean Towers and Sapphire. It will make a fine addition to the island. By building this thing now during the economic downturn they can probably save a LOT on materials and labor. And by the time they finish it, the economy should be in much better shape. It may seem nuts for a developer to start a major project like this when there is a two year supply of properties on the market, but to make money in this business you've got to catch the economic wave at just the right time. Nobody can predict the magnitude or timing of the next economic surge, but now could be an ideal time to start a project like this. I'll be very interested in taking a hard look at the pre-construction pricing. Keep us informed. Thanks.
By Melissa R. @ Tuesday, June 23, 2009 3:24 PM
I look forward to this great new development! They have a good chance to correct all the problems that happened with previous island high rises. Bridgepoint is, in my opinion, the most beautiful high rise on the island. But many of its condos have unconventional floor plans, with too many angled walls. Isola Bella condos are beautifully rectangular, but the outside of the building looks like a circus tent. Ocean Towers looked OK, but obviously they had some foundation problem which can be easily avoided with a good engineer. And it looks like Sapphire cut too many corners and proved to be less than hurricane resistant - another problem that can be easily fixed if you just put the necessary money into the design and construction. So this new Kirana high-rise has the real possibility of being the best on the island! Get in line fast to be a lucky owner. I bet those top floor units sell out first! With the government printing so much money, inflation will likely skyrocket in coming years, and the current $330 sq/foot offering price will be a fantastic bargain
By Texas Seafood Lover @ Wednesday, June 24, 2009 6:41 AM
The way the south side of that building looks like it has been "chopped off", some people are going to wonder if the builder ran out of materials before he could complete the job. Of course I'm sure the architect did that on purpose, but the whole thing sure looks out of place on this island. But maybe the distinctive look makes the building more valuable? I have a hard time believing that, buy hey, everybody is entitled to their opinion. To me it seems like the architect should finish the design, to cram as many condos in that amount of space as possible - like most other developers do. That would lower the $$$$ per sq foot, increasing their ability to be price competitive with other island beachfront condos. Of course if you really love the new unique design, and have the bucks, then practicality doesn't matter as much. Good luck to the developer.
By alice Donahue @ Wednesday, June 24, 2009 11:07 AM
One of the reasons we are getting such a huge response is because the developer did defy the "norm" and people don't want a building that is crammed with units. We are seeing clients that want full time residences and these are large enough for year round living. Actually, almost every bedroom has a beach or bay view which is unheard of in South Padre. As far as the chopped off look, Kirana means "ray of light "in Hindu and I believe that is what they were trying to reflect in their design. I think it is very classy looking.
By Concerned Local @ Wednesday, June 24, 2009 1:30 PM
Buyer beware,

two of the worst highrse construction foul-ups were put up right here on the island by rookie Mexican developers.

1. On the Isola Bella they used the wrong metal frame that rusts. and are still trying to fix that with lawsuits pending. check out the scaffolding all over that building.

and

2. The "leaning tower of padre" - Ocean Tower was condemned and now we have a partially built 25 story abandoned tomb, that no-one knows what to do with.

Wait until it is finished to decide on a project like this or based on the last two time at bat, you'll find yourself in the middle of a lawsuit.
By Baby Boomer @ Wednesday, June 24, 2009 4:33 PM
I come to the island to eat MEAT, drink BOOZE, and have FUN - and I'm not going to feel comfortable doing that inside some kind of Indian temple.
By Summer Islander @ Wednesday, June 24, 2009 10:30 PM
Has anybody ever noticed that virtually every hotel in Corpus Christi seems to be owned by Indians? In my opinion they seem to have some kind of cartel, making it impossible to find a fairly priced room during the summer. (I'm serious) Do you suppose there is any connection between the Indian community of Corpus and this new Indian condo complex on South Padre? Like they're expanding their territory on the Texas gulf coast? I've got nothing against Indians, and even have some Indian friends, but I am curious as to the real motivation behind introducing Indian architecture to South Padre. Or maybe I'm just letting my imagination run wild, and this whole Indian style building concept is really nothing more than a nutty marketing campaign that could change direction as quickly as the island wind.

The developer was smart to hire Alice. She knows this island upside down and backwards, and what buyers want. If this new Indian theme is causing problems, she'll get the developer to change the name real fast. Something like "Bikini Paradise Condos" might attract more buyers.
By alice Donahue @ Wednesday, June 24, 2009 11:21 PM
Guys, Kirana is not being developed by Indians - American, Aztec or otherwise. The architecture in no way resembles a temple! The same architect designed Las Ventanas which is a very well built and modern designed building. One of the Developers was a partner in the LightHouse condos which if you remember was sold out COMPLETELY pre-construction and you can never find one to purchase there under 1M now. These are very smart and experienced people and I am behind their effort 100%. Kirana is a very pretty name and aren't you all tired of all the projects being named Las or Los something? Cut them some slack, they are from Mexico and they are trying to do something different and innovative on the island. My crystal ball says its going to get alot of interest.
By Sand Man @ Friday, June 26, 2009 8:29 AM
Is there any new developments being planned further north, last I heard utilities were going past access 6. But who know with the economy meltdown.
By Texas Realtor @ Tuesday, June 30, 2009 5:16 PM
I think this says a lot for South Padre Island. When there is doom and gloom all around the country, South Padre is not only holding its own, it is growing. And, yes, there is going to be growth up north in the near future also. The first 14 tracts ARE getting utilities now.
By Logan @ Thursday, July 09, 2009 2:16 PM
It's really nice to see a serious developer taking such a great interest in our little island. What's the development schedule?
By Alice @ Thursday, July 09, 2009 2:25 PM
We have already started taking reservations and projected groundbreaking is December 2009 with completion at the end of 2011. We have had many interested people so far and we have complete brochures with pricing and floor plans in our office or we can email by pdf. Thanks for the nice comment!
By Logan @ Thursday, July 09, 2009 9:25 PM
How much earnest money are they wanting to sign a contract?
By Alice @ Thursday, July 09, 2009 9:32 PM
It is a $10,000 refundable deposit with the reservation and then when the Contracts are signed (probably within a month to 2 months) they will require 10% down as earnest money. Halfway through the project they will require a second 10% down. A third 10% when the building is topped off and the rest at closing. We have acquired a very good financing option as well if you are interested. Let me know!
By Logan @ Friday, July 10, 2009 8:23 PM
Thanks. Beautiful building on a lovely island. I like the glass rails. It's hard to know what to do. I'm sensitive to all the recent island condo development disasters of late. Even getting to closing doesn't seem to be a guarantee against serious future problems. If this specific developer can significantly lower the up-front risk for buyers, then maybe we can take a closer look-see.
By Mike Stuart @ Friday, July 10, 2009 8:31 PM
We have come up with some ways to help reduce that risk. Especially from lessons learned of late.

Email Alice and ask about our buyers club.
By Logan @ Saturday, July 11, 2009 11:20 AM
Please elaborate on those risk reduction methods. I was thinking it may be safest to buy something already built & proven, instead of throwing the dice with another new development. With the poor economy I've recently seen luxury units at places like Light House and Bridge Point that I'm told NEVER go on sale. (they do however want about $530/sq ft, yikes!)
By Texas Realtor @ Saturday, July 11, 2009 4:48 PM
I am sorry but the Lighthouse Condos don't have anything for sale in there now. Bridgepoint does but it usually does have some for sale
By Logan @ Saturday, July 11, 2009 9:13 PM
Lighthouse #803 for sale, $1.2M (Not on MLS)
Bridgepoint #2800, $1.15M
Sunset #1603, $1.7M
Tortuga Beach #2, $1.2M


By Texmex @ Sunday, July 12, 2009 11:17 AM
How many story building is this? (don't want to buy into another leaning tower like the Ocean Tower)
Are there any plans that I can see online? (set back from beach, so next hurricane does not make this Texas State Property (see Galveston and Ike)).
Where can I get the most detailed information (how firm are these plans, has the City of SPI approved?)
When is construction starting and when it is supposed tobe done?
By Texmex @ Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:31 PM
Looks like I struck a nerve here. See how quickly this active Forum died??? Beware !!!!
OK, I found the construction dates in this forum, I found the monstrous 39 story plans somewhere else on the Web.
I feel SORRY for all SPI residents, I can ONLY question the city officials (must be greed for a larger tax base to throw all out precautions).
I was REALLY interested, but now my alarm signals went up, and I am in FULL Buyer BEWARE mode.
By Mike S @ Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:41 PM
40 Stories.
By alice @ Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:41 PM
Hi TexMex - Sorry you are in beware mode but there is no reason and you did not strike a nerve! I am in the process of getting the correct information from the developers to answer yours and everyone else's questions. All the permits are in place and we are getting ready to build the sales office on site. I'm not sure where you were going with the comment about the city officials but we are going full speed ahead and already taking reservations. I will try to answer you faster next time so you don't get scared!
By Victor @ Thursday, July 16, 2009 6:19 PM
My wife and I reserved a unit and we are very excited. We know the architect who designed the building and he has a great reputation on the island. He designed the Lighthouse and we were too late to get one because we waited and they sold out pre-construction. We are getting in early this time. Thank you for all the information you are always putting on your website. We would not have know about the Kirana if we hadn't seen this article.
By Curious Gal @ Friday, July 17, 2009 11:01 AM
Victor,

Just out of curiosity, since it sounds like you're in the market for a luxury beachfront condo, why did you pass up Sapphire? I'm not trying to get you to change your mind, but your decision making process interests me.
By Island Realtor @ Friday, July 17, 2009 11:25 AM
I can offer an opinion on that:

The Sapphire has small units which would be hard to live-in and allows short term rentals - both of which make living there less attractive and which beat-up the building, reducing the long term value and increasing long term maintenance costs.

Having a high-rise community designed for actual ownership-living has shown to hold its value better on South Padre Island - and over the long run the buildings looks much better.

Using the lighthouse as an example, it still looks as good as the day it was built and if a unit comes on the market, it sells immediately,

contrast that to the Sapphire where many units are still available, there were a huge number of cancellations and there is a cloud of uncertainty over the project's management.

If we look at the Mexican National Built Projects on the Island, they have not been subject to all the problems the Sapphire had, even those being constructed in the same time frame. It would appear the financial backing of those projects was stronger and less subject to market fluctuations.

And one last item, that may not be too much of a concern to buyers, is the Mexican National Owners have worked with the local Realtor community in a much more honest and straight forward manner, while at the Sapphire .... I won't even go there - but it makes a difference.
By Alice @ Friday, July 17, 2009 11:56 AM
The Sapphire and the Kirana are two totally separate products and cater to different types of buyers. We have many clients purchasing Sapphires and the people that have already closed are thrilled with their rental income and those that I have sold to who are not renting their units are enjoying the building and the amenities. Kirana is geared more towards permanent living and will not have rentals. It is also 2 1/2 years until completion. Both are beautiful properties and are definitely an asset to South Padre Island.
By Jessica @ Saturday, July 18, 2009 5:42 PM
will you all stop freaking out about this? just because it is a unique design doesn't mean it's some plan for Indians or other people to take over. SPI is changing, and it will still be there to have fun(it's a condo people, not your hotel) but it is changing the look and feel of most of the buildings on the beach. No more 80s architecture here anymore...
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