HOUSES in the US$9.5-million (about $1.5-billion) The West Wing — a residential project in Whitehouse, Westmoreland — are set to go on sale in February 2025. The expectation is that all four blocks of the project will be completed by June 2026. There will be 28 units in total.

As it moves to get a model unit up for block A, which is under construction, and prepares the land for block B, the incorporated enterprise behind the project — Harty’s Real Estate Company Limited — is also pushing to establish a homeowners association (HOA) for the planned community.

Harty’s anticipates that its lawyer will have a draft of the HOA agreement ready by January. The goal is to include it with sales agreements. The HOA will be vital in ensuring that The West Wing functions effectively as a community, with all property owners contributing to its upkeep and maintenance.

“For 12 units we have committed clients, and they’ve already selected their units,” Harty’s told the Jamaica Observer. “We still have 16 units available — two three-bedrooms and 14 two-bedrooms.”

Wary of disappointing clients in case of delays, the company said it has held off taking deposits until the model unit is up. That cautious approach was a good move as start-up for the project, which was initially supposed to consist of six blocks, was delayed for almost a year while the plans were amended to four blocks. That was one factor that forced the company to revise its targeted completion date from December 2025 to the middle of 2026.

“Our neighbours were saying maybe it would block their view. They requested an amendment to the plan. In order to be a good neighbour, we facilitated that request; but we didn’t realise that it would take that long,” explained Harty’s.

Work eventually began in December 2023, but then this year’s islandwide cement shortage impacted the project. Harty’s is now breathing a sigh of relief that it is now well under way.

“The site is cleared for block B, and we’re cutting the foundation before the end of the year. Come January, we’ll start block B,” the company said. “The plan is we’re going to complete blocks A and B, put in our sewer system, sell those units, and then we’ll start the other two blocks.”

The roughly $1.5-billion price tag for the development will cover cost of the land, infrastructure, professional fees, as well as construction cost for the units and the appliances that will be included. This is Harty’s Real Estate’s first development, and the company said it is fully financing the project. The company was incorporated in Jamaica in 2020, solely for the purpose of executing The West Wing. Harty’s has listed Form Architects, civil/structural engineer Lloyd Daley, surveyor Noel Brown along with contractor Stucon Designs and Construction Company Limited as professionals working with it on the project.

“The West Wing is for the investor seeking safe, long-term investments with minimal hassle and realistic return; the global citizens/expats who have lived around the world and aiming to own a smart and carefree second home in Jamaica; or intentional downsizer who chooses to simplify life and values quality over quantity,” Harty’s told the Sunday Observer in a written reply.

The project consists of 24 two-bedroom units and four three-bedroom units.

“The units in block A and B are the same — those are all two-bedrooms. In block C, those are two-bedroom, but those don’t have a courtyard. In block D, the end units are the three-bedrooms and the middle units are two-bedrooms,” said Harty’s.

Two-bedroom units start at US$450,000 (about $70.7 million) and three-bedrooms units are priced to start at US$550,000 (about $86.4 million). Basic appliances such as stoves and refrigerators are included with the units. Townhouses range from 1,595 square feet to 2,682 square feet.

“The West Wing is a unique property. It combines natural beauty, modern architecture, access to a private beach, and other first-class amenities. Each unit features a private courtyard, offering tropical leisure space for relaxation and rejuvenation,” said Harty’s. “The West Wing is a stone’s throw from Sandals South Coast in Whitehouse, Westmoreland. It offers residents close proximity to prime attractions on the south coast… such as Pelican Bar, Black River Safari, or Appleton Rum Tour.”

Render of street level view of units in The West Wing, Whitehouse.

Block A of The West Wing, Whitehouse, Westmoreland, is under construction and the site has been cleared for block B. .

Render showing exterior view of units at The West Wing in Whitehouse, Westmoreland.

The site plan for the 28-unit The West Wing, Whitehouse.