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Reimagining Downtown Honolulu

Hawaii New Homes Report | February 2024 Edition

By REAL. Updated Jul 02, 2024. | Hawaii New Homes Reports | 4 min. read
  1. Downtown HonoluluJump
  2. Kaulu by Gentry UpdateJump
  3. InventoryJump

Real estate developers often face public discontent when investing in building or revitalizing neighborhoods. Why? Mainly because of Hawaii's high cost of living and affordable housing crisis. However, it's not just about money; it's also about breathing new life into a place. While profitability is crucial, including affordable housing and making thoughtful improvements can have a profound impact on a community. If developers can enhance safety, security, and amenities that attract residents while respecting the community's needs, a new master-planned community can flourish.

This aspiration for revitalization is especially clear in Downtown Honolulu. Currently, Honolulu has two master-planned communities in progress, Ward Village and Our Kakaako, with Christine Camp, President and CEO of Avalon Group, envisioning a third, which would significantly enhance the metropolitan area.

Downtown Honolulu is busy with activity during the day, known for its vibrant business scene. However, as night falls, concerns about crime often deter residents from venturing out. Despite ongoing discussions about addressing these challenges and enhancing the district, the future has remained uncertain for years. Factors such as Hawaii Pacific University relocating its campuses from downtown to Aloha Tower and Restaurant Row, as well as the closure of Walmart, have added to this sense of uncertainty. However, with Christine's new vision and the adoption of an adaptive reuse strategy, Avalon has successfully garnered investor support for the idea of revitalizing Downtown Honolulu.

MODEA now on sale
MODEA now on sale

Avalon's first major project in Downtown Honolulu is currently underway, previously known as Davies Pacific Center but rebranded as MODEA. Their sales release went live in February, generating significant interest with studios and more affordably priced units being swiftly reserved. Despite their short-term strategy, Avalon has taken further action by acquiring the old Walmart building in downtown and planning to transform it into the area's epicenter. Here's what we know:

Multiple developers are investing into Downtown Honolulu

Displayed on the map below are just a few of the many investments currently underway in Downtown Honolulu. Alongside notable projects like MODEA and Avalon's acquisition of the old Walmart building, other developments include The Residences at Bishop Place, the AC Marriott Hotel, and an affordable housing initiative at 1060 Bishop St. Additionally, though not shown in the map, Avalon Group is in the process of revitalizing a three-building complex owned by Hawaii Pacific University, transforming it into their new Science Hall.

While there are other ongoing developments, these projects suggest a promising vision for the revitalization, restoration, and reimagining of Downtown Honolulu.

Ongoing development projects in Downtown Honolulu
Ongoing development projects in Downtown Honolulu

Avalon Group hasn't released official plans for their Walmart project yet. However, if you're intrigued by the idea of living or being a part of the revitalization of Downtown Honolulu, we suggest reaching out to Shay at (808) 398-7429 to schedule a tour of MODEA's sales office. See firsthand the magic behind an adaptive reuse strategy and how it can transform existing spaces into something that feels brand new.

An Update on Kaulu by Gentry

Yesterday, we ventured down to Kalaeloa to check on the progress of Gentry's Kaulu project. As anticipated, the initial phases of Increment were nearing completion, and Gentry is gearing up for the next phase. As of 3/12/24, all single-family homes have been sold out, so it's primarily market-priced and reserved housing townhomes that are still available for sale. Prices range from $610k to $780k.

Below are some photos from our visit yesterday, providing a glimpse of Kaulu's development progress.

Kaulu's townhomes
Kaulu's single-family homes
Landscaping at Kaulu
Common areas between homes
Another shot of single-family homes

While there are no promises, the next round of inventory at Kaulu is expected to go on sale in either April or May, but it could be as late as early June.

Inventory

AliaLess than 20 units remain.
1 bed - Starting at $1,511,000
2 bed - Starting at $1,448,000
3 bed - Starting at $2,520,000
Waioha II - 20 units (3- and 4-bedrooms) starting at $920,500.
Nanea II
- 2 units (3-bedrooms) starting at $1,281,200.
HoopiliNahele - 26 units (2- and 3-bedrooms) available. Prices start at $522,620.
Kanalani - 7 units (3- and 4-bedrooms) available. Prices start at $912,210.
Ikena
- 2 units (3- and 4-bedroom) available. Prices start at $964,625.
Kuilei Place1 bedroom market-priced units start in the high $600ks.
Reserved housing starts in the low $500ks. Restrictions apply.
57 Studios - Starting at $270,000
1 One Bedrooms - $360,000
12 Two Bedrooms - Starting at $398,000
DPP Requirements Apply
12 units remain.
Studios starting at $833k
One Bedrooms starting at $949k
1 Two Bedrooms - $1.83M
2 Three Bedrooms - Starting at $2.06M
13 units remain.
One Bedrooms starting at $1.33M
Two Bedrooms starting at $2.15M
20 to 30 units are expected to come back on the market.
Cottages at Alii Drive
7 Three Bedroom units - Starting at $1,045,000
7 Four Bedroom units - Starting at $1,245,000
Kauanoe o Koloa18 new units available - 2-bedrooms starts at $1.4M, 3-bedrooms start at $1.6M, and 4-bedrooms at $1.83M
Pakela Ike3 of 24 lots of land remain available.

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DISCLAIMER

Real Estate And Living Hawaii is committed to providing the most up-to-date information about real estate developments in Hawaii. Information about projects, collected on March 12, 2024, including pricing, inventory, and floor plans, often change without notice. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

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