Chand says half of the units have already sold, so buyers will need to get in quick to secure the remaining 24 places. "We're expecting interest to ramp up even further as Lucas 18 takes shape," he says.
Chand says the units have generous workspaces that will appeal to tradespeople and small business owners.
Pricing of the remaining units ranges from $680,000 net for a 122sq m one bedroom apartment with commercial downstairs and two car parks, to $920,000 (plus GST) for a three bedroom unit with commercial downstairs and plus two carparks.
Each unit is on a stratum-in-freehold title, and will contain an office or workshop space of between 52sq m and 92sq m.
"The workspaces are versatile and practical. The offices will be fitted out to a quality standard, while the industrial workshop and storage units will have hard-wearing concrete floors and walls.
"The upstairs apartments will be quality spaces. Each offers flexible layouts, generous spaces, and decks for outdoor entertaining. This is a genuine long-term lifestyle offering."
Prentice says Lucas 18's surroundings include developable land and an area of native bush.
Residents, employees and customers will be able to grab coffee or a bite to eat from the cafe planned for the front of the development, he says.
The development will appeal to owner-occupiers, investors and lifestyle buyers, Prentice says.
"Small business owners have the chance to acquire an affordable, purpose-built premises with the obvious, attractive bonus of being able to live where they work."
Investors will be able to individually rent out both levels of the units, Prentice says.
"The entrances on the ground floor have been designed to allow individual access for different tenants on each level if required."
Lifestyle buyers can use the ground floor as storage space or a personal workshop, Prentice says.
"It's ideal for anyone who wants to store their boat or campervan, or to work on their motorbikes, cars or other hobbies," he says.
The units are constructed of predominantly precast concrete with areas of aluminium cladding. Each unit also features double glazed aluminium joinery and colour steel roofing.
Lucas 18 will be wired for high speed broadband and each unit will have connections for satellite TV and internet.
The apartments will be fitted with standard residential quality security systems, while CCTV cameras will be located around the development.
Apartment fitouts will include an oven, range, dishwasher and air conditioning unit. All units will offer outdoor living areas and a minimum of two car parks directly in front of each unit.
The body corporate agreement will be managed by Scope Strata Management Ltd.
Prentice says the property is being developed by Ziegler Property, whose director Tom Tuke has completed 18 commercial developments in Auckland over the last two decades.
The development faces north overlooking a council reserve and bordering Lucas Creek.
Lucas 18 is only 1.5km from the Northern Motorway and the Albany Park and Ride. It is close to Massey University, Westfield Albany, North Harbour Stadium, and Albany Village.
"Lucas 18 will sit very well within an area already boasting distinctive, high quality design and a 'green network' that creates an attractive urban environment," Prentice says.
