MANILA, Philippines?For a city known for its posh villages and pricey high-rise condominiums, the announcement of a P5.5-billion high-rise residential project rising at the intersections of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue, Geronimo Street and HV dela Costa Street in Salcedo Village (formerly the site of Shell Maya fuel station) is certainly a big news.

Even its developer, Megaworld Corp. is very excited considering this will be its most ambitious project of its type to date.

?We could regard One Central as the country?s most expensive high-rise residential project to date. The fact that this development will rise in one of the country?s premier business districts will all the more make One Central?s future residents most privileged,? said Clifford Legaspi, Megaworld AVP for marketing and project head.

Exemplar

One Central, as Legaspi described it, will be an exemplar of modern architecture. From atop, the structure looks like conjoined wings with the eastern side rising 46 stories high while the western side boasting 50 stories.

?Megaworld has assembled a world-class development team in the conceptualization, planning and execution of this project namely, American design consultant Preben Kent and international structural consultant Ove Arup Partners,? Legaspi said.

He also informed that Gettys Chicago will take charge of One Central?s lobby interior.

?Once finished, One Central will be a breathtaking sight?with its glass exterior skin gleaming blue to blue green in daytime while during the night, the building?s topmost structure, with its art deco detail, will be illuminated,? Legaspi shared.

749 units

Legaspi informed that One Central will offer a total of 749 residential units?from executive studios (a 30.5-sq-m area sells at P2.8 million) to one-bedroom units (a 46-sq-m area sells at P4.3 million), two-bedroom units (a 105-sq-m area sells at P9.79 million at the 8th floor or P12.39 million at the 42nd floor) to five-bedroom suites to loft units.

Those living in the third to sixth levels facing the corners of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Geronimo Street (called Treetop View Residences) will have the view of the Forest Park, a man-made mini rainforest that will be built at the junction of Sen. Gil Puyat Avenue and Geronimo Street.

On the other hand, those living in the seventh to the 10th levels facing HV dela Costa street (called Pool View Residences) will provide its residents tranquil vistas of the pool at the amenity deck.

?Moreover, One Central will offer bigger floor space at its lofts located at the sixth and 50th levels,? Legaspi added.

Spectacular

?Whatever floor or unit our future residents will choose, it will definitely be spectacular. Moreover, our future residents will only have to move in with their personal belongings since all the units come complete with a 21-inch LCD television with DVD player, cook top, range hood, washing machine, microwave oven, air-conditioning unit(s), sofa with center table, dining set, bed frames as well as kitchen cabinets,? Legaspi promised.

He also added that each room features wood plank flooring, marble countertops, built-in closets and large bathrooms.

?Everything is meant to provide our residents with the best pampering possible,? he said.

In fact, Megaworld has decided to place only the best amenities within the development, most of which will be located at the seventh floor. ?We have seen how other high-rise residential developments have designed theirs and all I could say now is that we intend to raise the bar even further up,? Legaspi promised.