REAL estate developer Digita Properties is set to launch ‘Digita 1’, a cutting-edge commercial complex in Kingston’s prestigious ‘Golden Triangle’. This $800-million development is part of two upcoming projects totalling $3.2 billion.

‘Digita 1’ will feature modern, flexible office spaces designed to meet the evolving needs of Kingston’s dynamic business community. The complex will incorporate innovative design principles and colour psychology, creating a functional and visually appealing environment.

“Aesthetics are a core focus of mine,” said Kemal Brown, founder and board member of Digita Properties, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer. “I want owners and tenants to feel as if they have stepped into the future the moment they enter the lobby. We will be giving owners more than an empty shell and allowing them the flexibility to design their offices to their liking.”

The commercial building, Digita 1, will offer a comprehensive turnkey solution, including architectural services, unit build out (if requested), and touchless entry systems. Units will be available for sale, and for owners who choose to rent, Digita anticipates a potential return on investment of 8-10 per cent per annum, based on current market trends. Emphasising sustainability, Digita 1 will incorporate eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technology, featuring energy-efficient systems and solar power integration.

“These not only reduce operational costs but also appeal to environmentally conscious tenants,” said Brown.

Digita 1 is poised to revolutionise the commercial landscape as a cutting-edge, smart building, seamlessly integrating Internet of things (IoT) devices for unparalleled energy efficiency. This futuristic hub will boast a rooftop wellness and green oasis, perfectly complementing its sleek event space. Unwavering in its commitment to sustainability, Digita 1 will showcase trailblazing eco-friendly features, including LED lighting and smart sensors for optimised resource management, solar power integration to significantly reduce its carbon footprint, and innovative water-conserving fixtures. With completion slated within 24 months, Digita 1 is destined to set a new gold standard for technologically advanced, environmentally conscious commercial spaces.

Digita Properties’ next development, ‘The Singularity,’ is a $1.4-billion residential project in Red Hills, featuring 12 townhouses, 12 apartments, and six studio units, all equipped with smart home technology. Currently awaiting final approval from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), groundbreaking is slated for Q3 this year. Brown also shared Digita’s strategic expansion into international markets, citing Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Brazil as prime targets, offering projected returns on investment of 7.5 to 10 per cent.

“While we are developers, real estate has and continues to be a solid investment from both an income and capital gain perspective. Further, leasing property enhances cash flow during our development cycle, reducing our reliance on debt and giving us a more dry powder for fuelling our acquisitions,” Brown told the Business Observer.

Digita Properties has adopted a calculated approach to international investments, focussing on turnkey properties for logistical efficiency. The company conducts thorough research, selecting properties in close proximity to each other within the hub cities of chosen countries with thriving tourism industries. This strategic approach aligns with Digita’s real estate investment philosophy, offering substantial upside potential with minimal downside risk. Since its founding in 2018, the company has established itself as a pioneer in integrating luxury, sustainability, and innovative technology into its projects.