If it’s a toss-up between a townhouse or a condo, which would you choose?
Community Innovations, an Ayala Land company, offers both dwelling choices in two properties adjacent to each other in Manila. Located in the Sta. Cruz district where the former San Lazaro Hippodrome was located, the two projects accommodate two different lifestyles though both put emphasis on sprawling spaces and greenery.
Celadon Residences San Lazaro, introduced in 2006, is the only masterplanned townhouse community in Manila and is foreseen to be a refuge of greens and open space that offers a breather in the congested metropolis.
Celadon Park San Lazaro – to be launched in February – is a three-tower residential condominium that will rise right beside Celadon Residences.
Grace Sta. Ana, Community Innovations project development manager, says that a study of prospective buyers reveals the profiles of townhouse and the condominium occupants.
Townhouse dwellers are those who still opt for the experience of a single-detached home. It is private yet it still allows them to conveniently interact with their neighbors.
Condo dwellers are described to have a "lock-up and go" lifestyle, meaning they are relatively mobile.
But while Celadon Park or Celadon Residences may cater to different markets, Sta. Ana assures that all residents will be able to enjoy similar benefits. These are: the strategic location; greenery and open space; 24-hour state of the art security system; property management; and the Ayala heritage in real estate development.
That both properties are well-placed is something that Sta. Ana stresses, since the area is near the city proper and within a few minutes from Binondo. Fine Chinese educational institutions such as Chiang Kai Shek, Uno High School and St. Stephen High School as well as the University Belt are easily accessible. The Chinese General Hospital and the University of Santo Tomas’ medical facilities are just within the vicinity. For recreation, malls such as Robinsons Place Manila, SM San Lazaro and SM Manila are a few minutes away.
"Each property has its own attraction. But what’s key is that the available units are quite limited. Celadon Residences, which only has 202 units, works on a cluster concept. There are only six units per block or 12 units in a cluster. It’s open but private, and offers you a chance to get to know your neighbors," she explains.
The exclusive little village is said to combine the essence of the suburban lifestyle with the practicality of urban living. A village park allows room for recreation, with facilities for swimming and basketball games, and a kids’ zone. There is also a grand pavilion for private and business functions.
The townhouses at Celadon Residences makes use of Mediterranean-inspired architecture, each unit featuring three bedrooms with provisions for a home office or guest room and a private garden
The high-rise Celadon Park has its own appeal. Prime units offer a view of the city, with an even more select number enjoying extra privileges. There are two penthouse floors in each tower, but there are just four units in the upper penthouse units, which come with a rooftop deck. Meanwhile, there are garden units on the fifth floor, meaning, they come with their very own patch of green.
But it is really the 7,000 square meters of open space on the ground floor that Celadon Park trumpets as the core of its uniqueness. Palm trees, which are the property’s signature, will dot the expanse, framing the large swimming pool, picnic grounds and play area. Green spaces can also be found on the fifth floor.
But whether it’s townhouse or condominium living, what both Celadon properties stand for is having an oasis in the midst of the city. Like the word that it derives its name from, which means precious porcelain, Celadon Residences and Celadon Park are indeed rare finds.