BLOCK D WARD VILLAGE - KAKA'AKO, HONOLULU
Howard Hughes' 13th residential tower in Ward Village is currently in the planning process and proposes to develop a brand new residential mixed-use condominium tower along Ala Moana Boulevard. This tower in conjunction with proposed tower BLOCK E will be constructed simultaneously with one another. The unique and classic design of the buildings architecture is inspired by local landmarks Honolulu Museum of Art and the YWCA building downtown. A public hearing July 20th, 2023 may provide further information such as what the name of the tower will be.
WHAT IS BLOCK D?
BLOCK D will feature a 35-story tower and a 6-story podium that houses parking and a rooftop amenity deck. 242 proposed Ultra Luxury residences include layouts of 3 four-bedroom, 62 three-bedroom, 98 two-bedroom and 79 one-bedroom. There will be no studios. The build's design features an angled, L-shaped massing, meaning it looks like a collection of boxes integrated together, similar to the Sears Tower in Chicago.
With the appearance of natural stone, architectural precast masonry facades are known to reflect natural light at different times of the day in a way that glass never can. Completed with natural stone details, stone pavers, and rich bronze metalwork, this signature architecture is done by none other, Robert A.M. Stern Architecture Firm.
WHO IS THE BLOCK D PROJECT TEAM?
ARCHITECT - Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Regarded as being the most famous living architect of modern day, Robert A.M. Stern Architecture (RAMSA) is known for its iconic structures across the United States. Despite the push for modernism and sleek glass exteriors, RAMSA unabashedly looks to past with design in new classicism and traditionalism. Noteable projects include 520 Park Avenue, Yale Residential College, and 30 Park Place which is also famously known as the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown.
INTERIOR DESIGNER - Champalimaud Design
Champalimaud Design create some of the world’s most distinctive properties, transforming context and heritage into compelling stories and unparalleled experiences. Based out of New York, Founder & Principal Alexandra Champalimaud has established a worldwide reputation for creating bespoke interiors of the highest caliber. Their design can be found locally at the acclaimed boutique hotel, Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani.
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT - VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture
VITA creates genuine, inviting neighborhoods which connect the people to the landscape, encouraging interaction, imagination and exploration. As a result these spaces flow easily from one to the next, whether residential, professional, retail or public. They create interest and invite discovery by paying exceptional attention to detail and blending built forms with nature. Already well versed in the hawaiian landscape setting, VITA landscapes can be found at Park Lane Ala Moana, and upcoming Howard Hughes buildings, Victoria Place and The Park Ward Village which border Victoria Ward Park, another VITA thoughtfully designed space.
DEVELOPER - Howard Hughes Corporation
Howard Hughes Corporation is the parent company to Victoria Ward, Limited and Ward Village. A master planned community spanning 60 acres of Honolulu's ocean-front land, will eventually be home to 14 high rise towers of Reserved to Ultra Luxury residences, and a dynamic community of local retail, dining, art, living culture, and entertainment. Three significant and connected public spaces linked together by a promenade of walkable, pedestrian friendly sidewalks. Named the "Best-Planned Community in the United States" by Architectural Digest and "Most Livable City in America" by The Global Livability Index Report.
WHAT IS BLOCK D PRICING?
BLOCK D and BLOCK E will be the last two Ward Village towers along the prime "First Row" parcel just mauka of Ala Moana Boulevard. Other projects that share this stretch of first row are luxury condos Waiea, Hokua, Park Lane Ala Moana, Victoria Place (to be completed late summer 2024), Kalae (starting construction 2023) and the proposed project The Launiu (proposed for sales in 2024).
With rumored larger floor plans similar to Waiea and Park Lane Ala Moana, these prices will be some of, if not the highest, in Ward Village and Ala Moana. Due to the low quantity of residences between both Block D & E, there will naturally be more buyers than units available which will allow Howard Hughes to test the $2,000-$2,500+ per square foot price range. Please keep in mind that these are prices are speculatory and may not be accurate.
WHERE WILL BLOCK D BE LOCATED?
BLOCK D will be located on the west end of the current Ward Centre Shopping Mall, directly across Anaha. The lot size is 80,021 sqft and the future Diamond Head Plaza Park sits to the west. BLOCK E will be immediately to the east of BLOCK D next to the IBM building.
WHAT ARE THE BLOCK D FLOOR PLAN'S?
With sales anticipated to begin in mid-2024, we are still a ways out from finalized floor plans and sq.ft amounts per residence. From what I can tell by reviewing the rough floor plate plan submitted to the HCDA (Hawaii Community Development Authority, each floor will provide anywhere from 12,513 sqft -15,830 sqft. In the image directly below, this 9-residence layout seems to span floors 7-31 and show no lanais. Ceiling heights will approximately be 10.5 feet tall, a nice feature to showcase mauka (mountain) to makai (ocean) views from the floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Floors 32, 33, and 34 will most likely be penthouse floors and the 3-four bedroom units will have ocean facing private balconys similar to spaces in some of New York's most luxurious apartments.
WHAT ARE THE BLOCK D AMENITIES?
Block D's amenties will be located on the 6th floor comprising of an outdoor recreation deck nearly an acre in size (approx 41,824 sqft) of tranquil green space, grassy lawns, cabanas, trellises, BBQ's and two pools. One pool looks to be a lap style pool where the other a leisure family pool.
Moving indoors on the 6th floor you will find a recreation space (approx 15,122 sqft) of fitness areas, spa, multi-purpose entertaining rooms, 4 guest suites, and a lounge on the ocean facing side of the building.
Adjacent to Block D will feature Diamond Head Plaza Park on the corner of Ala Moana Blvd., Kamakee St., and Auahi St. A lineal botanical garden will run the length of Land Block 4 unifying the IBM building, Block E, Block D and Diamond Head Plaza.
HOW DO I STAY UPDATED ABOUT BLOCK D?
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