Life's a Beach | Expat Life in Playa del Carmen : Mayan Riviera , Condominiums

TAO Living Residences For Sale in Bahia Príncipe

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 11:02:00 GMT

Sophisticated Style

Bahia Príncipe, Quintana Roo - Introducing Tao Inspired Living Community! A community built upon the values of connection, inspiration, creativity and compassion. Tao is committed to the betterment of our local ecology, traditional cultures and global community.

Nestled in the 717-acre Bahia Principe Residential Complex and Golf Resort, five minutes from the white sandy beaches of the Caribbean, and surrounded by the world class Robert Trent Jones II 36-hole golf course, Tao Inspired Living offers spacious Residences, Townhomes and Condominiums, as well as, a Wellness Center and Retreat (boutique hotel).
The Tao Wellness Center in adjacent to the living community claims a natural sanctuary with absolute respect for the surrounding environment. The holistic program is led by the internationally recognized best- selling author, Jonathan Ellerby Ph.D. with over 20 years of holistic healing, spiritual counseling, integrative medicine and corporate consulting.

All of the condominium options include 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms keeping in mind the visual connection between the indoor living and outdoor living areas providing additional space. These spacious condos offer well-appointed kitchens with a breakfast bar and an open living area. The Tao Inspired Living Residences offer 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on two levels allowing an efficient use of space. The first floor features a master bedroom with ensuite bath, an equipped kitchen, spacious living room overlooking the terrace and private pool. The second floor offers 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with an additional terrace.

Tao Inspired Living Community offers focus on inner peace programs, fitness, nutrition, creative arts, Gourmet health food restaurant and Cafe, Eco-Boutique focusing on the finest quality products for your daily needs and wellness interests, a private Beach Club and the Robert Trent Jones II 36-hole championship golf course.

For more information regarding this opportunity please contact us today.

Click here for more pictures and property information

Playa del Carmen Construction Update - January 2009

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 11:30:00 GMT

We are back from a short holiday break with a fairly extensive update of the various residential construction projects going on in and around Playa del Carmen. The economic slump in the U.S. is definitely having an effect on the sales climate down here. Last year, at this time, we were selling luxury beachfront condos hand over fist. This year, the Buyers are still here, they have just tightened their spending belts. Developers with projects in the range of $200K - $300K are seeing the bulk of the action. So, it's good news for some, not so good for others. Many projects are reaching completion. Others are delayed. It seems that a few have come to a complete standstill. People are definitely starting to see the value in smaller boutique properties set off of the beach a few blocks. Let's take a look at what's going on in Playa: the good, the bad and the ugly.

First up is Papaya, now 100% complete and making deliveries. This is a smaller complex right in the middle of downtown Playa del Carmen, just 4 blocks from the beach. The interior finishes are clean and modern. The project features a pretty lap pool surrounded by tropical plants and a large jacuzzi on the roof overlooking Playa and out to the Caribbean.

Habita is 100% complete and nearly sold out. Very modern, almost minimalistic in style, this project is chic yet inexpensive. Located in the north end, 6 blocks off of the beach, this well priced building is ahead of the curve for this up and coming neighborhood, assuring good appreciation.

Casa del Mar at Coco Beach is getting its finishing touches. The exterior looks great, the landscaping is in and taking hold and all of the streets surrounding this and The Elements are now laid with pavers. They are close to delivery.

The Lotus will be the next project to reach completion from one of Playa del Carmen's most prolific developers. Each project, undeniably, is unique and always a departure from the norm. His attention to detail and his use of unusual materials make each property stand out from the crowd. We did a full tour of Lotus this week and were really impressed with the most of units. The ground level two bedroom we found dark and a bit claustrophobic in comparison to the other spacious airy apartments. The pool is still being completed as well as the water/element on the second level. The worksite was abuzz with activity, everyone hurrying to get this one buttoned up. A sign of the times, two of the 10 units (including the ground level flat) are up for re-sale at a steep discount from a Buyer who needs to liquidate quickly. This could be an excellent opportunity to buy a nearly completed unit at less than pre-sale prices! Contact us for details on this one.

Next up is Haab, another stylish, well made project from one of Playa's well reputed developers. The popular Coco Beach/Shangri La location paired with reasonable pricing has brought a lot of Buyers to their door. The unusual lines and materials used on the exterior, really make you stop and look twice. They are planning to be complete in 5 weeks. Sorry about the sketchy "sign-blurring". A girl's gotta make a living.

Next up, we've got Casa Blanca, a complete departure from the current norm in Playa. Rather than trying to cram in as many small units as possible into a project, the developer has chosen to build an in city "townhouse" with just four luxury residences, one per floor. The units will have a whopping 135 m2 (nearly 1500 sqft.) of interior space, practically unheard of in this market and at this price point. With large parcels in town getting harder and harder to come by, expect to see more and more of these smaller, more exclusive "townhouses" being built. Good news to those of us who would hate to see whole neighborhoods (and worse yet, previously protected green spaces) obliterated to make room for another giant condo complex.

It seems no Construction Update would be complete without a mention of Azul Fives. However, with many Buyers now taking delivery and the resort due to be officially open in February, this may be one of our last photo updates. The new lobby and reception area is complete and lovely. The majority of the units have been completed and are being furnished and outfitted for occupancy. The beach club is almost done. The kids club area is complete. The tennis courts are in. The finishing touches and final plumbing is being done on the pool bars. At the beach club, the large infinity pool is beautiful and the one full service restaurant that is currently open is pretty, the food tasty and nicely presented. The staff are very definitely still working through the training phase to get up to Karisma's exacting standards. The other restaurants are working steadily toward completion however, it appears the majority of the work force is concentrating their efforts on the enormous spa. The Buyers we toured the site with this week were very pleased with the progress and excited about their investment. You can expect to see more pictures of the beach club in upcoming entries. It will be open to the public and you can be sure, we will be back!

OK, now let's move on to some of the projects that seem to have lost stream or halted construction all-together. I don't imagine this is going to make me very popular with several developers. Sorry guys. I promise to be back when they're well under way and looking beautiful!

Blume. We love the innovative designs they have proposed, but so far, all we have is a bad water feature to show.

The Loft II has been temporarily delayed, construction halted. A victim of these new, more tentative market conditions, the developer still has unsold units in The Loft I.

Zaphira appears to be dead in the water. It has been months since I have seen any activity on the job site. Today, I noted that the sales van was gone and the only signage was for rental of the commercial spaces. It appears one had found a tenant as they were working inside when I came by. No work was being done on the rest of the units. Too bad. This great 5th Avenue location, next to the famous Cueva del Chango and just a few moments from Shangri La beach should have made it a homerun!

Well, that's about enough for this month. As always, I am happy to go out and drive around taking pictures on request. Feel free to send me an email or just leave a comment on the blog. I hope all of you have had a Happy Holiday season with your families and friends. Let's all look forward to an exciting and economically prosperous 2009!!

Marina Turquesa in Puerto Aventuras

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:30:00 GMT

We are delivering another penthouse this week at our own Marina Turquesa Condominiums in Puerto Aventuras and Stuart managed to get some nice updated photos of the property and this recently completed unit. The work is very nearly complete. We are still waiting for the delivery of the globes for the external lighting elements and, of course, the elevator. The entrance to the pool area up from the marina is almost done and everything looks just great. While there are countless things we will do differently the next time around, we are very pleased with the outcome.

View from the second floor down to the pool.

The new perimeter wall has been completed and looks pretty. The lamps are awaiting their globes.

Looking up from the marina.

The clients did a bit of their own redesign in the kitchen and it turned out well.

Bathroom with standard fixtures.

Ticul sinks

All the woodwork in these condos was handcrafted onsite!

Oh yeah! A jacuzzi under the stars!

For dining al fresco, an outdoor food prep. area with mini-fridge, sink and a built-in charcoal grill.

In the end, it's really all about the view.

We have just a very few units remaining to sell and, with the holiday high season almost upon us, it is all smooth sailing from here. For pricing and availability click here or on the link above.

Playa del Carmen Construction Update - May 2008

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 13 May 2008 14:08:00 GMT

As requested by "Life's a Beach" Readers......

Far and away our most popular and fastest selling investment property of the year, The Fives is teaming with activity as the enormous free-form pool that meanders throughout the property gets dug in and poured. Many of the towers have been completed and are getting a fresh coat of paint and windows fitted. We spent several hours onsite today with buyers looking to snap up the few remaining units. Due to the recent purchase of a neighboring parcel, The Fives beach frontage has been dramatically increased and is, as always, spectacular.

In Playacar Phase 2, a large swath of land has been selectively cleared and dug in preparation for the new project from Origo, Vaiven del Viento. This is the first phase of the ambitious Vaiven project consisting of 149 2 and 3 bedroom luxury condominium residences set on over 9000 square meters of property. Features of this project include underground parking facilities, a cinema lounge, a fully equipped gym, Yoga, dance and Tai Chi Solariums, an onsite infirmary and a children's playground. A majority of the mature tropical trees have been preserved on the property and the developers plan to make use of sustainable resources for their building materials and impliment a rainwater catch system to irrigate the massive gardens and green spaces on the property. Delivery is scheduled for Fall 2009.

Playacar Phase 1 has quite a bit of construction going on including this enormous 2 villa project going up quickly next to Casa Vista. Reported to boast a whopping 8 bedrooms each, these new ocean-view homes will certainly be a great vacation rental option for large groups or families traveling together. I should mention that this is the most professional and well managed worksite we have ever seen in Mexico. Notice the hard hats and reflective vests. The clean and orderly appearance of the jobsite, the covered lunch area and laundry facilities make the standards of this builder unique in this region. Bravo. We look forward to seeing the final results!

Back in downtown Playa del Carmen, just one block from the beach, Acanto Condominiums are ready to begin construction. The lot, located next to the popular Acanto Hotel on calle 16, has already been cleared. These luxury 1, 2 and 3 bedroom condominiums have been designed by the same award winning architect who created the Villas Sacbe, Porto Playa, El Taj and most recently, Maya Villas. In keeping with the design of the hotel, these condos will have a romantic appeal with influences from the far East. Prices for full ownership include gym menbership and start in the low $300,000s.

Just next door on Avenida 1, the construction of Maya Villas is progressing rapidly. Today, the crews were putting a smooth finish on the exterior and painting. Some palapa is already in place over the spacious terraces. Delivery of these units in time to capture high season rentals seems very likely. This is a beautiful project with just a few units left to sell.

The construction of El Faro Residences is moving along quickly with its well funded crew. The model unit is ready to show and several of the buildings have been completed. The interiors remain to be finished but it appears that this controversial project will successfully reach completion and delivery.

OK, that's all for this month. Feel free to contact me and let me know if you would like a photo update of a particular property added to June's roster.

Grand Opening - Origo Offices in Playa del Carmen

Rob Kinnon — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:17:00 GMT

Yesterday evening, Rob and I were invited to the grand opening party for the offices of Origo, the prolific developers of the fabulous condominium projects "The Elements, Playa del Carmen', "Vaiven" in Playacar and coming soon...."The Elements, Puerto Aventuras". The offices are located, conveniently, just down the street from our house on 10th Avenue in the Tendenza Building. The offices, which are beautiful and completely reflect the style that these developers are knon for, have been built for the use of local Brokers and Agents working with clients and customers. Access to this chic new space is going to be another one of the great sales tools that Origo provides for us in support of our sales efforts. Bravo!

For more information about Origo and their current projects Vaiven and The Elements, contact us through our website www.BuyPlaya.com.

Marina Turquesa Condominiums - The Pool is in!!

Rob Kinnon — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 15:51:00 GMT

Rob and Stuart and I visited the jobsite for Marina Turquesa and what a pleasant surprise....our pool is done, filled, clean and beautiful!! The guys were laying the last few tiles of "cool deck" and raking the newly laid sod when we arrived. OMG! We might actually finish this project ;)

A line of palms have been planted along side of the building creating a shady walking path from the parking area to the pool and the marina front.

This the next unit at Marina Turquesa to be delivered, a garden level 2 bedroom that opens right out to the new pool! I know the new owner will be thrilled to see these pictures!

Solid mahogany cabinets.

We now have our carpenters living onsite and the work is moving along quite well. Handcrafted cabinetry and doors makes a huge difference!

Lots of warm red ticul in the bathrooms.

The washer and dryer, plumbed and installed.

Working on the sliding glass door and installing the locking mechanism.

The wide patio opening out to the garden and pool area.

View from one of the penthouse rooftop terraces.

Look at the color of the ocean!

Nice view overlooking the pool.

It's taken us a lot longer to get to this point than we ever could have anticipated but, looking back, I think it was well worth the struggle. We are really proud of the way Marina Turquesa has turned out and excited that the new owners feel the same way. I think I'm ALMOST ready to do it all again!

April 2008 - PDC Construction Update - Issue 1

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:12:00 GMT

In response to numerous inquiries from friends and customers, today I will be starting a series, reoccurring monthly, of construction updates via actual photos of projects going up in and around Playa del Carmen! Many of you have already purchased pre-construction property here in the area and are now back at home, no doubt, wondering what the heck is going on with your money! Well, here you go! At the beginning of every month, I will visit various properties in progress, take pictures and report back. And the best thing.....I take requests! That's right! Even if you are NOT one of our customers, (and shame on you for not coming to us) if you have made an investment here in Playa, let me know and I will be happy to go and snap some photos at the beginning of the month. Hopefully, this will be a good way to not only reassure you, the investor, but also your family and friends who may think that you had too many "Panty Rippers" while you were here on vacation, have clearly lost your mind and might as well have thrown your money into a giant cenote! For those of you still working through the process and trying to make a decision, I hope this helps you feel more in touch with the real estate market in Playa del Carmen and the many options available!

Sabbia - Ave. 20 at Calle 34

Sabbia - May not look like much right now while they are digging and putting in the VERY IMPORTANT substructure but not to worry. There are tons of workmen bustling around the site and everything is moving along well. This is the slowest part of the process to show progress. All good here!

Oasis 12 - Ave. 15 and Calle 12

Oasis 12 - This project is flying along. Lots of people onsite. Their showroom is already complete. This should be a very attractive project, completed on-time if not sooner!

Arena - Coco Beach Area

Arena Condominiums - Done, just cleaning up a bit. Most, if not all, of the units have been delivered. A very nice project, well done.

Costa Turquesa - Coco Beach North

Costa Turquesa - This is a seriously HUGE project! The developers are very experienced and have plenty of money behind them. Lots of activity onsite and one of the condo towers appears to be nearing completion. Once that is complete and the showroom is open, right on beautiful Coco Beach...look out. Sales will start flying!!

The Elements - Coco Beach

The Elements - After what seemed like an eternity of drilling and ground work, (which we like to see FYI) The Elements has finally sprung skyward. The site is teeming with workers and the project is moving right along, it seems, on schedule. If The Elements turns out to be half as beautiful as the plans portray, it will be a real feather in your "investor cap".

Casa del Mar - Coco Beach

Casa del Mar - Moving right along, next door to The Elements. Well priced but no ocean-front condos remaining. Good purchase for those lucky Buyers who got in early!! Lots of workers onsite, everyone is hustling to get open before the next high season!!

Capri II - Ave. 10 and Calle 38

Capri II - Done and most units sold and delivered. Good location, not much from the outside but inside, the units are actually quite lovely.

The Building Loft I - Ave. 10 and Calle 28

The Building Loft I - Putting on the finishing touches, cleaning up and ready to go! The Winery had been open for some time and doing a brisk business. One unit left to sell in Phase 1? The Building Loft 2 is just starting on Ave. 10 and Calle 26. Lots of digging and groundwork for the supports and underground parking.

So, that's what I've got to show for this 1st monthly update. I hope this has been and will be helpful. Let me know what you would like to see michelekinnon@gmail.com and I'll be sure to get it up here. Updates will come in the first week of every month. Bookmark this site www.LifesaBeachBlog.com for easy reference or sign up for an automatic RSS feed if you don't mind suffering through all the entries about raising our children, travelling and the demanding social schedule here in Playa. OK, there's actually some good stuff there...so sign up!!

Auction Update - Marina Mia, Puerto Aventuras

Rob Kinnon — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:30:00 GMT

Dear "Life's a Beach" readers and BuyPlaya.com customers:

This just in from the Sheldon Good Auction House regarding the upcming auction of the units at Marina Mia in Puerto Aventuras:

"Dear Auction Participant:

We are very pleased to announce that the registration of Marina Mia in New Jersey is filed and expected to be approved shortly. This registration allows for our simulcast of the auction to New Jersey and allows prospective purchasers who prefer not to travel back to Mexico for the auction to bid from a location in the United States. In order for us to put this location officially into the auction and to soon be able to send information to residents of New Jersey, the seller has authorized an extension of the auction date to Saturday, March 29th.

Please keep in mind that the date of this auction continues to fall in the spring vacation season and travel arrangements should be made in advance in order to obtain preferred hotel locations and airline pricing.

We continue to be available daily at our auction information center at Marina Mia to answer any of your questions and to show you representative model condominiums from now until the auction.

Sincerely,

Sheldon Good & Company
Auctions, LLC "

For more information and to register yourself for this auction, please contact us at BuyPlaya@gmail.com or call Rob at 518-632-1116.

V I A V E N - Resort Living In Playacar

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 00:13:00 GMT

We are excited to report that "ORIGO", the design and development team who brought us Hotel Deseo, Hotel Basico, Magia Playa, Paseo del Carmen and The Elements has announced a new luxury resort condo project to be built in Playacar.

Here's a sneak preview of V A I V E N.

Condos to be sold at Public Auction in Puerto Aventuras - Feb. 24, 2008

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:00:00 GMT

Real Estate News/Market Update, Puerto Aventuras • 1,500 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2/3 bedroom condos - Originally Priced from $219,000 - $395,000 usd

The developers of Marina Mia, in order to pursue other endeavors, have opted to auction off the remaining units at Marina Mia in Puerto Aventuras. These condos will be sold at Public Auction on February 24, 2008. This could be a VERY good opportunity to pick up a 2 or 3 bedroom in condo at a very attractive price. Opening bids will be just $170,000 usd for the first 10 units!!

*****If you would like to attend this auction or have us attend as your proxy, PLEASE CONTACT US ASAP to make arrangements.*****

We will post updates in space as they become available. Keep checking back for more info!!
What follows is the correspondence from the developers to the Real Estate professionals on the Riviera Maya.

"For purposes of accelerating the sales program at Marina Mia, we the owners, R&R Real Estate Development, have selected an aggressive program to sell its residences. As you know, the real estate market in Puerto Aventuras is very competitive. Therefore, a high profile campaign that will offer buyers an opportunity to purchase a condominium has been selected. The program is a public real estate auction.

To assure that this program will be implemented in the highest quality manner possible we have retained Sheldon Good & Company, North America’s leading real estate auction marketing firm to sell these fantastic units at Marina Mia. A public real estate auction will take place in mid February. We will alert everyone of the exact date when it is determined.

The residences will be sold individually and many of the units will be offered with very attractive minimum bids. This will be a wonderful opportunity for you or someone you know to purchase a condominium at a very special price.

We look forward to working with you and will be offering a referral fee to those agents whose clients’ purchase at the auction.

Thank you for your interest in Marina Mia and we look forward to seeing you at the auction."

Very truly yours,

Rodolfo Correa
Rafael Correa

Enormous 2 and 3 Bedroom Condominiums

Great 1 Bedroom Condo at Shangri-La Beach

Rob Kinnon — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:00:00 GMT

Contempory Elegance

• 1,143 sq. ft., 1 bath, 1 bdrm single story - $344,500 USD - Just Steps from the Beach

Shangri-La Beach, Playa del Carmen - Located in the heart of Playa del Carmen's popular north end, just steps from the beautiful Shangri La Beach you will find Pueblito Escondido an exclusive condo-hotel for the discerning client in search of that elusive combination of modern architecture and cosmopolitan flair blended with tropical surrounding and a laid-back Caribbean atmosphere. All this and more can be found within the impressive walls of Pueblito Escondido.

The owners have thought of everything in this spacious one bedroom condominium. The open, modern floorplan is perfect for entertaining family and friends. This unit boasts a well outfitted kitchen with all appliances, an elegant yet comfortable living room and separate TV viewing area. The dining room easily seats six and looks out to the terrace with views to the interior courtyard pool and lounge. The well appointed bedroom has a stately four poster bed, a flatscreen television, a large walk-in closet crafted from local hardwoods and a stylish bath accessed through the walk-in dressing area. No detail has been overlooked in the design and layout of this contemporary condominium.

Begin your mornings with breakfast just up the street at Cueva del Chango, one of Playa del Carmen's oldest and most visited dining spots or just take your coffee up the elevator to the rooftop lounge and experience the glorious Playa sunrises that light up the sky with reds and oranges. Soak up the warm sun then cool off with a swim in the large infinity pool which overlooks the crystal clear Caribbean and the surrounding jungle. At days end, take a walk along the lovely white sand beach or stroll down 5th Avenue with its fabulous restaurants, clubs and shops. All the excitement of Playa del Carmen is right at your finger tips!

For more information about the accomodations and services at Pueblito Escondido go to www.pueblitoescondidoresort.com.

Property information

2 Bedroom Condo for Sale at Coco Beach - The Meridian

Rob Kinnon — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:00:00 GMT

• 1,700 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm single story "Open Floorplan" - $355,000 USD - Beautifully Decorated

Coco Beach , Playa del Carmen - Just what one would expect from the best. This 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath condo is exceptionally decorated with only the finest taste and is being offered fully furnished and ready to occupy. Unit #101 is a prime unit, situated on the Northwest corner of the building, ensuring privacy and easy access. With large windows and a wrap-around terrace, this unit offers plenty of outside seating for entertaining. A constant breeze maintains a relaxing interior. The Master Suite with private bathroom is exceptionally decorated and also features large sliding doors with direct access to the oversized terraces. The second bedroom features 2 twin beds and private bath. An additional 1/2 bath is conveniently located off of the oversized living room. A fully appointed kitchen including Gas Stove with exhaust and stainless refrigerator make it easy to create a splendid, traditional Mexican dish or just whip up a frozen margarita for drinks on the terrace.
The Meridian is a 36 unit condominium complex conveniently located just 100 meters from world-famous Coco Beach. Situated between 40th and 42nd street, The Meridian
features a one-of-a-kind rooftop pool with unobstructed views of the turquoise waters
of The Caribbean Ocean.
Truly one of the exceptional properties in Playa del Carmen, The Meridian 101 is the ideal investment property for anyone looking to get the most out of their portfolio.

Property information

Steps from Coco Beach

Luxury Condos Offered at Pre-Sale Prices in the Heart of Downtown PDC

Rob Kinnon — Thu, 31 May 2007 06:00:00 GMT

• 1,341 sq. ft., 2 bath, 2 bdrm apartment "Some with Lock-offs" - $417,000 USD - $275K - $669K

Downtown, Playa del Carmen - Just steps from the beach located at the already established and famed Acanto Hotel and Suites on 16 street between 5th ave and the Beach in Playa del Carmen. The new Acanto Condominiums are located in the exclusive Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya Mexico. We are Just one block from the beach and the famous 5th Ave., where you can enjoy the best restaurants, nightlife and shopping.
Each of the 19 spacious condominium villas will be nestled in a private gated Hacienda. The entrance gate welcomes you into a special world, unique in Playa del Carmen.
Acanto Hotel is currently considered among the best of the Boutique FIVE STAR Hotels in Playa del Carmen. They have been running at nearly 90 percent occupancy, year round since the change of ownership and renovation in 2004.
Condo Hotels are one of the fastest growing investment opportunities in today’s real estate market. Sophisticated investors and buyers are demanding 5 star service which is exactly what Acanto Condominiums will offer.
Over the years the hotel owners have built a brand that will benefit their investors. The onsite management team will manage and maintain your condo and will also aid in your investment growth. Most condo owners purchase a condo to use part of the time. Here, you are offered the opportunity to earn a return on your investment by putting your condo into the rental program. This is an investment you and your family can enjoy while earning a great income. An on line reservation system will allow you to check the reservation status of your condo. You will be provided with income and expense reports so you can keep track of the status of your investment.
Preconstruction prices from $275,000, fractional ownership opportunities also available.

Property information

Luxurious Downtown Living