BajaNomad - 17 story condo building in La Paz

17 story condo building in La Paz

bajajudy - 9-29-2008 at 07:12 AM

http://www.oem.com.mx/elsudcaliforniano/notas/n870613.htm

This where the old Posado Engleburg used to be.

capt. mike - 9-29-2008 at 12:01 PM

did they knock it down?
i wonder if the new high rises are built to any quake code? Ken Bondy - what do you think? does steel alone in the super structure work for that?
i remember the Nicaracan quake a few years ago and a bunch of mid rises came down to piles killing 000's if memory serves. the reports were they didn't build to quake standards steel and concrete or not.

i hope it becomes a nice edifice. the balcony views could be awesome.
prices? i can't read the Spanish text. La Paz is becoming my fav city.

Paulina - 9-29-2008 at 12:15 PM

I haven't been through La Paz in a few years. Are there other buildings in La Paz that are as tall as that one?

P<*)))>{

Ken Bondy - 9-29-2008 at 01:53 PM

mike

It is likely that the La Paz building is framed with reinforced concrete rather than structural steel. For concrete buildings Mexico adopts the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Building Code. Building department oversight can be spotty so the quality of the design is largely based upon the competence of the licensed design professionals (the architect and structural engineer), and the quality of the construction largely based upon the integrity of the contractor.
++Ken++

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
did they knock it down?
i wonder if the new high rises are built to any quake code? Ken Bondy - what do you think? does steel alone in the super structure work for that?
i remember the Nicaracan quake a few years ago and a bunch of mid rises came down to piles killing 000's if memory serves. the reports were they didn't build to quake standards steel and concrete or not.

i hope it becomes a nice edifice. the balcony views could be awesome.
prices? i can't read the Spanish text. La Paz is becoming my fav city.

capt. mike - 9-29-2008 at 01:56 PM

thx Ken am pretty versed on reinforced concrete but know you're a pro in the indusrty.

the pictures of the structure if that is it in process appears to be iron skeleton. maybe at 17 stories they go with that.

Ken Bondy - 9-29-2008 at 01:57 PM

If you saw a steel skeleton mike then I am wrong about it being reinforced concrete. I am aware of very few structural steel buildings in Baja but this sounds like one of them. ++Ken++

comitan - 9-29-2008 at 02:11 PM

Ken

It is a very heavy looking steel structure.

photo?

elgatoloco - 9-29-2008 at 02:19 PM

eabff46b-223e-4faf-bb60-6f2042518e44.jpg - 26kB

Ken Bondy - 9-29-2008 at 02:58 PM

Thanks Wiley and elgatoloco. That is a structural steel frame. ++Ken++

Baja&Back - 9-29-2008 at 03:06 PM

HEY! Leaning tower of La Pazza. :lol:

Baja&Back - 9-29-2008 at 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ken Bondy
For concrete buildings Mexico adopts the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Building Code. Building department oversight can be spotty so the quality of the design is largely based upon the competence of the licensed design professionals (the architect and structural engineer), and the quality of the construction largely based upon the integrity of the contractor.

Integrity? Ya think???

We toured an unfinished reinforced concrete beachfront condo highrise development in San Carlos, Son. A very appealing place, but, looking into some suites without roughed in ceilings, we could see that the horizontal floor forms had been filled with bricks, cement blocks, rocks off the beach, tin cans & GARBAGE from the workmen before the concrete was poured! Looked like nuts in a pudding.

Also, each suite had an appropriate electrical panel in the wall - no wiring, no circuit breakers, just hung on the wall because the workers were told to!

We didn't buy ....
:barf:

Cypress - 9-29-2008 at 03:27 PM

Great views! :biggrin:

gnukid - 9-29-2008 at 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by elgatoloco

What is odd is that so few hotels have any visitors, tourism is nearly non-existent, La Paz is a ghost town with not only no visitors but even the locals do not go downtown because of traffic or do they go anywhere except to get away to the sierras to get away from traffic. Restaurants are always empty and even if you did bring a group what would they do? There is no concept of service in most restaurants.

Grand Baja the neighboring hotel has never succeeded in 20 years and still is yet to open, and here they tore down a very nice place previously owned by Engelbert Humperdink to put this in its place? Crap.

Nothing ever makes sense in crazy ol La Paz town. We call it backwards town. It is literally the finest example of poor planning ever! By the way the road to the site is still a narrow dirtroad as are surrounding roads, no plan for transportation or road? Trucks can not even pass and if one stops the whole neighborhood is blocked. No parking spaces, no gerdens but it is being overbuilt. There is no plan for increased sewage or water, the infrastructure for water delivery is a mess with water leaking at every junction and yet no effort to improve infrastructure?

What a mess.

Now this it will be in legal limbo land forever because of the 'mix-up' of floor numbers 16-17-whoops!

Ken Bondy - 9-29-2008 at 03:34 PM

All too bad. Posada Engelbert was a favorite of mine.
++Ken++

comitan - 9-29-2008 at 03:39 PM

Gnukid I would surely answer your last post about how bad La Paz is, but I've been playing in DK's kindergarten class so am tired. :mad:

[Edited on 9-29-2008 by comitan]

Skeet/Loreto - 9-29-2008 at 03:46 PM

Ken; Thanks for the Report> I have spent lots of time in La Paz and think it would be a Great Place to Live.
People walking the Beach every nite, eating ice Cream at the best Place in North and South America. Good Hotels{mexicano and Americano} and some of the best health Care you can find,even in the States., Very good dentist, Library. Several marinas CCC, LEYS and just about anything you need.
Virginia and I strongly considered moving there at one time. Good fishing over the Hill to the East Cape or a little further out to El Bajito.

I have always liked the Flavor of La Paz and think it is a good place for the Right kind of Folks.

Skeet

gnukid - 9-29-2008 at 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by comitan
Gnukid I would surely answer your last post about how bad La Paz is, but I've been playing in DK's kindergarten class so am tired. :mad:

[Edited on 9-29-2008 by comitan]

I love La Paz, I love my neighborhood-yo vivo aqui en Colonia Manglito though they call it Juarez in this article... They keep changing the name but nothing else changes. I think they also call it Colonia Nuevo even though we are the oldest. I live literally next door to this monstrosity. We laugh and laugh, like so many projects it seems so stupid and doomed. But we have ideas, we always enjoyed climbing the Grand baja with a watermelon and drinking way up on top. Nice view and fun to throw a watermelon off. The seniors who buy condos in the upper floors will need delivery of food and water, so this provides work for us, we can provide them the basics. Of course the elevator will break and they be will stuck! jajaja

We have a funny game we play, in the afternoon when we join to relax and talk we tell all the crazy stories of what is planned-but always maintain optimism and a straight face. Some stories are more than 25 years old-but we still believe-with certainty, and some are brand new and we believe in them too. We always are optimistic and we laugh. I am investing big time in corner taco stands, cabeza, lingua and arrachera for when the gringo finally comes? For example, when they finally build the road here-Rangel, the road will be a wide grand boulevard-like the champs d'elysee in Paris and beautiful with plam trees-just that right now it is too narrow for even one car-that will change when the plan is put in place?

The Navy will move their toxic waste site and Cruisers to Comitan on the bottom of the bay where it is only 3 feet deep... even though they have been here forever and still with no parking lot for the marines? They are forced to leave their cars scattered through the neighborhood blocking the only access on Rangel when they go out-but soon they will move-and we are patient... Oh yeah Grand Baja will be finished soon-haha 25 years in development! One day soon. Or when they closed down the cement factory, except that they left the cement stack there so now its a historical landmark, forever, or they will make high rise condos everywhere except the roads are still impassable in any rain because like the high rise, its built in a river bed?

I would be pleased with any plan, well done development and anything that met the needs of the future or past, especially projects with opportunity for people to work. I really hope for the best, its just that nothing ever makes sense. Nothing makes sense in La Paz. But we do have some action.

La Paz has an inferiority complex that it wants to overcome, it is the city that would like to become, the youngest State Capital in North America-yet with a long history, but who are we, the city that desires to be. By its own actions it fails to deliver water, gas, electricity, streets are incomplete, too narrow and have holes so deep you'll lose your car yet we persist.

Pacenos drive top speed down thwo worng way down one way narrow roads through stop signs to deliver their babies to nursery school, we do everything backwards and with poor planning.

How about an infrastructure for the future? Parking? Roads, Water? Basics, Sidewalks? Something? We are literally still sitting here in the city center with dirt streets, no water, with no plan for the most basic services? Turn on your tv and it will blow up with current ranging from 80-130volts.

Welcome to crazy town! Asi es el arroyo!

[Edited on 9-30-2008 by gnukid]

comitan - 9-29-2008 at 04:59 PM

Just one correction the bay in Comitan is 13-14 feet deep.

Try this site for Comitans future:

http://eaglecrestresorts.com/investment/

[Edited on 9-30-2008 by comitan]

capt. mike - 9-29-2008 at 05:19 PM

my kind of town.....la paz is....my kind of town!!

Frank Sinatrapaz :lol:

Skeet/Loreto - 9-29-2008 at 05:29 PM

Great !! Just one of the many Reasons I love La Paz!!

Eating Turtle Soup{In the past} at the Bismarkd 11, now eating at the Stand near the Beach. Going upstairs for real good Chinese Food where they serve Gallo White Wine!

Out to Jalisco where you can get Calf Fries and oysters and Fish.
Or down to the Public Market for great health Drinks. Out to the many beaches in 10 minutes. Or if you want some good Dancin at night.

I like it as it is!!
Skeet

gnukid - 9-29-2008 at 06:57 PM

Whenever I see the problems I think, it must really be an improvement for Pacenos. As much as we pacenos deride La Paz whatever is happening is because its what the families in power want. No flights-means no tourism-no outsiders, solo Pacenos! No parking downtown means only locals! Dirt roads means we walk our dogs happily! No business means more time to relax.

I am excited about the future-- I saw a plan for the bridge to Magote and the on ramp starts where my driveway is? I guess I'll be a toll guard or run pizza delivery! Oportunidad siempre manana.

woody with a view - 9-29-2008 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

I am excited about the future-- I saw a plan for the bridge to Magote and the on ramp starts where my driveway is?

i'd be all tingly with excitement at that prospect myself. :barf:

gnukid - 9-29-2008 at 07:47 PM

Just be careful in La Paz, things can wrong or right real fast, one wrong turn and you might end up with an aggressive crowd that won't take no for answer. Once, I made the mistake of entering LaPazLapa on Noche de Mujeres-ladies only night, the girls get pretty fired up. I got smothered pretty bad and felt sick from so much perfume, but I recovered-enough to go the go again the next week.

capt. mike - 9-30-2008 at 06:47 AM

"Gallo White Wine!"

oh skeeter.....say it ain't so!
that be in the gallon or keg??

anyone tried a little white port with a splash of lemon juice? WPLJ?
guess in mexico it would have limon jugo. :light:

Skeet/Loreto - 9-30-2008 at 06:58 AM

Mike: When Virginia and I first went to La Paz together, if was still a FREEPORT!
We happened across the Chinese Rest. on the floor above the Now Cofee Shop. Started going there for a break in Mexicano Food. Loved the White Wine because at that time it was Hard to Find.

Just checked with my wife it was "Carlo Rossi" Not Gallo!!

As you know I was a Calif. Wine Grape Inspector and Supervisor for 3 summer months out of Los Banos. Commuted to San Jose, Kings City and South to Sutter Home Wineries. so had the time to aquire information about good wines to take to La Paz and Loreto.
Most of the Red Wine I would take down would turn to Vinegar in a couple of weeks.
Seem like everytime I had some good oleGallo Red on Board we would hit some rough updrafts and shake it up!!

Skeet

Skeet/Loreto - 9-30-2008 at 07:02 AM

Mike: We stayed at the Posada several times and really enjoyedf it especially when it was a little Cool and we got to use the small Fireplaces in the Rooms.

I am glad the kid is enjoying the Girls of La Paz! Prior to V i did some considerable at the Dancin Studios up by the Public market.
That was before the places moved down to the Beach. WoW!!

You could have a couple of Beers and Dance several Hours real Cheap!!

Classy girls too, not the Ranchitios Type!

Skeet

capt. mike - 9-30-2008 at 07:10 AM

Skeet remember the old little chinese restaurant on the north end of the malecon down past Los Arcos and la Perla on A CORNER? had a white motif.
small with a counter like an american diner and tables.
well we hit that place out of curiousity on our 1981 ignaugural trip to Cabo, stayed at los arcos 2 nites. Got hammered in the Cave bar down the street.

great Chinese food. what was funny was seeing the ethnic chinese staff speaking spanish! didn't have the wine. at the time i was strictly beer and rum, sometimes a margarita too. i had not learned yet of the health benefits of the grape. :saint:

now i am a converted wino. and Carlo Rossi is ok too. so is Ernest and his dead bro Julio. Any "port" in a storm!

Alan - 9-30-2008 at 07:19 AM

The developer for this project is the same on that built my condo just down the street at Villas La Posada. I don't know anything about tearing down Englebert Humperdink's house as where it is being built has been vacant land at least for the last 2 years and it didn't look like it had ever been previously developed. All of my dealings with this developer have been all that anyone could hope for. All new construction has little items that require correction and Roberto the developer corrected every single one immediately. Not sure where gnukid really lives but the street for this project is not Rangel but actually Brecha California. Yes it is currently a dirt road but about 6 months ago they came through and raised all of the manhole covers I assume would be in preparation for paving.

I also don't know where gnukid is finding all of this traffic congestion he is complaining about in the area. I haven't seen it and regularly tow a 23' boat behind a longbed GMC Sierra through the neighborhood and have never had a problem.

Yes I think it will be the tallest building in La Paz but I don't think the elevator wil be any more of an issue than they are anywhere else. We have an elevator (Otis) at Villas La Posada for the 7 story tower but I am not aware of any problems with it for the year it has been in.

My personal experience with this developer is that he is an extremely honorable man and is actually from Mexico City so I would assume he is very knowledgeable about earthquake standards. I have been extremely pleased with the quality of workmanship at my complex and the attention to detail that is so hard to find in Baja where the typical standard is "It works, who cares what it looks like".

For those interested in the project I found this link to it.

http://real-estate-baja.com/Paginas/DetailProperty.aspx?idci...

Alan - 9-30-2008 at 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Ken; Thanks for the Report> I have spent lots of time in La Paz and think it would be a Great Place to Live.
People walking the Beach every nite, eating ice Cream at the best Place in North and South America. Good Hotels{mexicano and Americano} and some of the best health Care you can find,even in the States., Very good dentist, Library. Several marinas CCC, LEYS and just about anything you need.
Virginia and I strongly considered moving there at one time. Good fishing over the Hill to the East Cape or a little further out to El Bajito.

I have always liked the Flavor of La Paz and think it is a good place for the Right kind of Folks.

Skeet

Well said! Nearly all of the reasons why I selected La Paz to be my place in the sun. Just need to retire one of these days so I can spend even more time there.

Alan - 9-30-2008 at 07:35 AM

Just for clarification. This project is not being built at the old hotel that was just recently torn down on the beach at the end of Nuevo Reforma. That will be another project

Jack Swords - 9-30-2008 at 11:53 AM

Thanks Alan for the clarification. Then this is the "tower" being built by the same builder that built yours. You must be in the same condos as Mike and Jackie Flanagan? The old Englebert hotel that was torn down last year will have a tall condo building between you and the bay. This new tower is down the street (away from town) on a previously undeveloped lot, isn't it? If so, we watched the foundation being made and large tubular columns that are a part of it. Appreciate your input.

capt. mike - 9-30-2008 at 02:28 PM

man that's a helluva condo project man!!

only thing is....
+4 jacuzzis for 8 people

that's only 2 to a jacuzzi. How the heck is one supposed to get a threesome going?? :saint:

bajajudy - 9-30-2008 at 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Alan
Just for clarification. This project is not being built at the old hotel that was just recently torn down on the beach at the end of Nuevo Reforma. That will be another project

Sorry for the bad info. My spanish is not that good so I thought when I saw La Posada it was the old hotel.
Disculpe.

Still a monster building

hippiehooters - 9-30-2008 at 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
man that's a helluva condo project man!!

only thing is....
+4 jacuzzis for 8 people

that's only 2 to a jacuzzi. How the heck is one supposed to get a threesome going?? :saint:

.....just ask!....

Shark18 - 9-30-2008 at 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnukid

I was reading the signs on the wall, and this one caught my eye -- it's partially covered, but I recognize it:

"No es el tamaño del barco sino el movimiento del océano."

:lol:

Alan - 9-30-2008 at 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capt. mike
that's only 2 to a jacuzzi. How the heck is one supposed to get a threesome going?? :saint:

Like I've always said "It just depends on how ya stack 'em" :lol:

Bernardo - 10-12-2008 at 08:46 AM

"For example, when they finally build the road here-Rangel, the road will be a wide grand boulevard-like the champs d'elysee in Paris and beautiful with plam trees-just that right now it is too narrow for even one car-that will change when the plan is put in place?"

I hope not. I live on Rangel and the only "speed bumps" we have are the cars parked on both sides of the streen that cause cars to slow down. OK, so Rangel gets flooded during heavy rains - that also slows the traffic down. Besides, when it floods, you can catch dorado and sierra from my driveway.

Grand Baja is progressing but I would not be in a hurry to finish it with the world economy in crisis.

West end of Rangel (can't remember the name of the street) is under construction to the Grand Baja. There is a property dispute regarding the place where Rangel crosses a rather deep arroyo so that will not be improved from dirt. Yea! My part of the street should remain rather calm.

Also, this steel structure will have TWO towers like this. But, it is on a dirt road that turns into a great place for mud wrestling after rains. We call it Grand Baja II. This building is not where Humperdink's (sp?) resort was. Believe it or not, that area is also scheduled for a new high rise. (success?NOT!) Sign says "50% sold, better hurry!"

But, I love the place and the people. Get to know the Mexicans and their lives here. Great stuff!

Thanks for letting me ramble.

gnukid - 10-12-2008 at 09:26 AM

Hi Bernardo, The on ramp to the clover leaf of the Bridge to Magote will be built where the old telecommunications is lying down now and rusting. There on Rangel, in front of the naval station the road will be widened, when the Ruffo family give back the land, the homes there on rangel are all zoned commercial and most will become retail shops and stores. Where the deep arroyo cuts a path through the dirt by Alicia tiendita will be a bridge with 3 hole golf course in the palm grove of the grand baja. There will be a disney-like park in the area too and public pools and parks... The old Cemex tower is going to be used as the loading stairs for a rollercoaster... jajaja

gnukid - 10-12-2008 at 09:44 AM

And Antonio and Gijo will stop building pangas, they are going to build megapangas.