Property developing can be a stressful business. From finding the right site and getting consents to coming up with a suitable design and trying to second-guess what prospective purchasers want, it can be fraught with problems. And that's before you even put the first spade in the ground.
But Greer Stephens, of Urban Collective, the team responsible for The Dylan, a new apartment block about to be built in Grey Lynn, can't get over how easily their latest project has come together.
"Things seem to have slotted into place and we're really confident that we are creating
a product that people are really going to be very happy with," says Greer. "It does seem like it was meant to be."
He attributes the smooth running of this project to the fact that he and business partner Kelly McEwan are very like-minded.
"We both want to build high-end boutique developments with an enduring architecture and distinctive design, and it is important to us both that we use the highest quality materials," says Greer. "We're very much on the same page. We do have some differences of opinion but that is useful because it means we really go through all the options in detail and end up with the best solutions."
The pair have known each other socially for more than a decade and formed Urban Collective about three years ago. They've pooled the experience and expertise they gained from working on numerous buildings around Auckland to concentrate on developments that are close to their hearts.
"We build properties that we would like to live in ourselves."
Greer says he's particularly passionate about The Dylan because the location, in what used to be a car sales yard, is close to where he grew up in Ponsonby. His dad was a developer who renovated a variety of homes around the area.
Greer has long recognised that the ridge along which Great North Rd runs is ideal for residential developments, not only because it's on a main transport route that gets you into town within minutes, but also because it has fabulous views across the city. Design of The Dylan incorporates generous decks so residents can get outside to enjoy the sun and the outlook.
The inspiration for the design, by Paul Brown & Architects, comes from mid-century architecture with Scandinavian overtones. The building will be constructed from reinforced concrete and steel, with an exterior of glass, timber and linear steel.
The interiors are contemporary with a retro charm. They feature wooden flooring, high ceilings and bespoke kitchens with custom cabinetry, Caesarstone benches and Miele ovens. In the bathrooms, suspended vanities made from black marble and blackened steel will be teamed with matte black tapware from Italy to recreate the feel of an upmarket hotel.
There are 23 apartments in all, with a selection of one, two, three and four-bedroom layouts. In many of the apartments, there is the scope to adjust the layout to include a media room. All the apartments include study areas and dedicated laundries, plus ample storage.
There is also a 100sq m space on the ground floor that could possibly be used to accommodate a cafe or coffee shop. Construction of the building is expected to be finished by the end of next year or the beginning of 2016.
Image 1 of 4: Buyers in the soon-to-be built The Dylan can adjust floor layouts to suit their lifestyles
Greer says, so far, the people who've bought tend to be owner-occupiers who are downsizing from bigger properties in Grey Lynn/Ponsonby but are keen to stay in the area.
It's also attracting buyers who want to get their feet in the door of a popular suburb.
"Our buyers are very discerning -- they want quality and they also like the idea of being so close to everything. The Dylan will be perfect for them."
