North Belton redefines modern condo living

From an old paper milling factory site, a 14-hectare property in Novaliches, Quezon City will soon give way to a new township – the North Belton Communities, the Lucio Tan Group’s first foray into the middle-cost segment of the country’s fast-growing housing industry.

Integrating a commercial strip along the stretch of Quirino Highway and a residential cluster of 14 mid-rise buildings, the project will redefine the concept of condominium living in the metropolis – luxury, security and convenience, bundled in an affordable package.

“We want to introduce to the market a different kind of development,” says project manager Juan Antonio Gatuslao, a senior assistant vice president at publicly-listed Eton Properties Philippines Inc. (EPPI), the property development arm of the Tan Group.

“It has amenities and lots of open space comparable to other high-end residential property projects, but at very affordable prices.”

For young professionals, start-up families, overseas contract workers, retirees or even real estate investors, Gatuslao says the North Belton units – a choice between 30-square meter and 42-sqm spaces – offer the comfort zone most buyers look for in condominium projects within a bustling city.

At a fairly modest price of P1.18 million for a 30-sqm unit, potential buyers can transform their units according to their lifestyle, centered on modern city conveniences, he adds.

 “Unlike other comparable developers who turn over their units to buyers without walls for the rooms, North Belton is delivering to buyers units which are fitted with the walls and doors of two bedrooms, with dining and living areas, a kitchen and toilet and bath,” he points out.

EPPI subsidiary Belton Communities Inc. (BCI), the corporate vehicle for the North Belton project, has likewise engaged the services of noted interior designer Grace-Mari Milan to conceptualize and execute modern designs which are both practical and chic at the same time.

“We thought of giving a young, single and up-and-becoming professional a really clean and stark condo to come home to. To make this possible, we played with gray, black and white colors and we made sure that every bit and piece of the elements comprising our designs makes sense,” she explains.

Gatuslao says for the initial phase of the housing component, dubbed the Manors, the turnover of the nearly sold-out 100 units in the first building will be made exactly a year from now, or in June 2009.

He notes that all buildings will be arranged to enhance natural lighting and ventilation. At the middle of the development is a set of lifestyle amenities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool and basketball court.

The Manors also boasts of a generous 60 percent open space, filled with lush greens, gardens and playgrounds, giving a more comfortable and spacious feel. Round-the-clock security, perimeter fence and a guarded entrance gate are added safety features within this enclave.

North Belton is strategically located right in front of the Makro supermarket and is accessible through main thoroughfares such as EDSA, NLEX, Tandang Sora, Congressional Road and Mindanao Avenue. Among the major establishments within minutes from the area are SM North, TriNoma, the MRT North station and premier schools like UP Diliman, Ateneo de Manila and Miriam College.