A team of Jamaican-American contractors from New York Drill are excited to have been selected to kick-start construction of the first phase of Jamaica’s tallest building, come next month.

The 27-storey building that is being developed by Stratosphere Development Limited at 1B Oxford Road in St Andrew will be dubbed The Ascent at the Oxford, Sheer Luxury.

The team from New York Drill, who will be building out the foundation of the complex, prides itself in having a wealth of experience in constructing superstructures and skyscrapers.

Key people representing New York Drill had a sit-down interview with the Jamaica Observer during which they shared they were ready to hit the ground running.

Dr Roland Rose of New York Drill described his team members as experts at building substructures.

“Substructure is the basement level which involves the drilling and stability of the entire project; this building will stand quite a few storeys up. It is important that you have a solid foundation in the event of earthquakes or unforseen natural disasters. We have about 20 years’ experience doing superstructures in New York City, in and around the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queen’s, the Bronx and Manhattan.”

“This will be a major attraction for tourism and other industries. It will include observatory floors, swimming pools, museum, helicopter pads, and not to mention employment for the skilled and the unskilled. This is the tallest building in the Caribbean. As Diaspora Jamaicans, this will cement us as number one in the Caribbean. Jamaica should be leading in the forefront when it comes to development and the future.

“I think we are going in the right direction. A lot of times people in the Diaspora, we tend to hear a lot about the high crime situation in Jamaica. We are here to say let us change that narrative and start sending out good news about Jamaica. The engineers are finalising the design of the substructures. The contractors will be Landmark Group while we will be building out the substructures.”

Max Bowen is another expert from New York Drill who will have a hands-on role in the first stage of the project.

“I run the day-to-day operations which includes quality control and integrity of the work. We are looking to bring our style here in terms of experience and knowledge. We are Jamaican-born and we love this.

“Our style here will be the same that has been implemented in the New York building code, which works. You know that there are skyscrapers everywhere in New York. We are using that design theme and experience we use up there, down here. It will be the tallest building in Jamaica so it was good for Stratosphere Development Limited to consult with somebody who is familiar with the expertise.”

Bowen said that being born in Jamaica gives him a special feeling to help build the island’s tallest building.

“Jamaica is a developing country and this is like a landmark in terms of what is to be. I appreciate the fact that Stratosphere is taking the time to make sure that everything is done right. They are not daunted by any false narratives. New businesses are going to set up just for this building; it is going to create great revenue,” he said, marvelling at the thought that the residential/commercial building will have medical and urgent care facilities.

Land surveyor Neil Scott, who has worked on big projects such as highways and airports in America, will be in charge of the foundation layout. He too expressed excitement about what the project will mean for Jamaica’s economy.

“This is great for Jamaica. It will put us on the world stage for being able to put up a structure like this. We are going to show everybody that nothing is impossible for us,” he told the Sunday Observer.

Lyttleton Shirley, chief executive officer and a director of Stratosphere Construction Limited, expressed elation about the February start date. He said a project of this magnitude requires great planning, which the company has been doing.

“I must thank the Jamaican regulatory bodies who have been very supportive and cooperative and who understand very much the importance of a building of this sort. It is going to set the trend for investment opportunities in Jamaica, which is crucial for Jamaica’s growth trajectory. The contractors from New York Drill are excited as we are because they want to brand their name in Jamaica. They are looking for investment opportunities and we are excited to collaborate and partner with them. I see no signs of any major hiccups.”

Stratosphere’s Chairman Warren McDonald expressed confidence that the development will set the trend in ensuring the highest standards on future skyscraper projects.

“This project is the first in Jamaica and, naturally, we want to ensure that we set the highest standards. As such, we are working well with our regulators,” McDonald said.