ALI launches ‘The Legacy’

The Legacy at Montgomery Place in Quezon City is the newest residential development of Ayala Land Inc. (ALI), the country’s premier real estate developer. Strategically located along E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, it is near familiar landmarks such as St. Luke’s Hospital and just minutes away from Manila, Greenhills, and the Ortigas area.

With just 71 units composed mostly of single-detached homes, The Legacy targets a more mature market. "These are families with grown children, in highschool or college, as well as empty-nesters," says Jose Juan Z. Jugo, division manager of the residential buildings group of ALI. "They may own other houses or this may be their second home.

The Legacy sits on a 7.5 hectare property acquired by Ayala Land in 2000, where Ysmael Steel, and later, the Nissan assembly plant, used to be. In 2001, Montgomery Place was launched. A residential development composed of townhouses, buyers were mostly entrepreneurs and business executives with young families, as well as keen investors who were attracted to the master-planned community and its proximity to urban amenities.

The project, which features single-detached houses located in a more private and secluded area, is touted as the "jewel" of Montgomery Place. Individual lot sizes measure about 153 to 288 sq.m. with floor areas ranging from 206 to 257 sq.ms. Inspired by American South architecture, the houses feature high-pitched roofs, high ceilings and panoramic windows. The houses also follow the split-level concept, which maximizes space and makes the entire structure appear grander, as if nestled on a pedestal. All houses have two or three-car garages.

It is unlike most of the pocket developments commonly found in the area where the concern appears limited to build and sell. "We are committed to take care of our customers’ needs way beyond the turnover," Jugo remarked. "What we offer is a controlled community. The master plan was designed with the specific needs of our clients in mind." In fact, the master plan took one year and three revisions before it was finally approved and implemented.

"Since many of our buyers are Filipino-Chinese, we also took certain feng shui concepts into consideration," Jugo revealed. For example, no toilet is located above the dining room. Also, in the master plan, the units were generally laid out to follow the East West orientation, or prosperity’s way. "And for the older people, we made sure the stairs are not too steep so they are easier to climb."

The amenities, such as the clubhouse and the swimming pool, were also designed with the more mature target market in mind. "The tranquility pool was designed more for relaxation than for lapping," Jugo noted. "Darker tiles will be used. The reflective pool is also conducive to meditation. The sitting are within the tranquility pool has a Zen-like feel, with the soothing sound of waterfalls in the background. And instead of a playground, the courtyard can be used for tai chi exercise." The clubhouse is ideal for intimate gatherings of up to 50 to 60 people. For bigger parties, the Montgomery Place main clubhouse can be used. Since The Legacy is within the larger development, residents can avail of all the other amenities of Montgomery Place.

The Legacy is securely tucked away from the main road, "A park will serve as buffer between the San Juan River at the back of the property and a road that runs parallel to it," Jugo explained. " We really have more roads than needed for easier accessibility.