Overcoming adversity to realise dream

WESTERN BUREAU:

At the age of 31, Michael Anthony Grizzle took a bold step in acquiring a prime piece of property in Montego Bay for his dream project, Ocean One.

Despite the unforeseen delays brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Grizzle’s unwavering determination has brought him to the cusp of groundbreaking for this luxurious six-storey development.

His story is one of resilience and ingenuity, navigating financial hurdles, and leveraging strategic partnerships to transform his vision into reality.

Ocean One is set to redefine luxury living in Montego Bay, featuring state-of-the-art amenities and breath-taking ocean views. This modern architectural project will feature 26 luxurious units, ranging from one to three bedrooms, each designed to provide an exceptional living experience.

The one-bedroom units will come in two sizes: 850 square feet and a more spacious 1,010 square feet. The two-bedroom units also offer two variations, with sizes of 1,500 square feet and 1,700 square feet.

The three-bedroom units are particularly notable. They include two penthouses, each spanning 2,700 square feet and occupying the fifth and sixth floors.

“The remaining three-bedroom units, located on the first floor, will be flagship units featuring private yard spaces. These units, measuring 2,000 square feet, are strategically placed near the pool and gym area and offer stunning ocean views due to the elevation of the land,” Grizzle told The Gleaner last week.

He said residents of Ocean One will enjoy a range of high-end amenities.

“The development will feature two glass-enclosed elevators that provide unobstructed views of the sunset, the Sangster International Airport, the ocean, and the beach.”

As part of his eco-initiative, Ocean One will include electrical charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs), with Level 3 charging ports available both in the basement and on the upper parking level. The parking facility itself will offer 13 spots in the basement and 20 on the upper level.

Delayed because of COVID

But Grizzle’s journey to establishing Ocean One is a story of perseverance and vision. He acquired the property in 2018 from a bank, but the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 delayed his plans by three years. Despite these setbacks, Grizzle’s determination never wavered.

Before embarking on this ambitious project, Grizzle worked in construction and later became a JUTA operator. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to buy and rent scheme homes, eventually flipping properties in Kingston. His journey to purchasing property and financing for Ocean One was fraught with challenges, particularly with the financial institutions involved.

“The process was anything but smooth,” Grizzle told The Gleaner. “The bank selling the lot and the one that provided me with a promissory note both gave me the run around. At the eleventh hour, the bank that promised to finance the project bailed on me, and I was on the verge of losing the deal as the closing time approached.”

Desperate, but undeterred, Grizzle turned to a friend for help.

“I brought him to the property and shared my vision. He loved the idea, so I sold him a unit at a significantly reduced price just to secure the deal and get my foot in the door,” he explained.

Grizzle firmly believes that divine intervention played a role in reserving this piece of land for him. The struggles he faced have only strengthened his resolve and commitment to seeing Ocean One come to fruition.

Today, his designs show a development offering relaxation and recreation.

Ocean One will boast an Infinity Edge pool, measuring approximately 40 feet by 15 feet, overlooking the ocean. Adjacent to the pool will be a fully equipped gym (30 by 40 feet) and a lounge area with entertainment options like pool tables.

Additional amenities include a rooftop pool, a summer kitchen with a barbecue area and bar, rooftop cabanas, and a sky lounge. The property will also offer electric scooters, catering to the needs of Airbnb owners and their guests.

Design and Sustainability

The development is designed with sustainability and convenience in mind. Common areas will be illuminated with solar lights, and the property will feature 24-hour security. Residents will receive an appliance package that includes an integrated refrigerator, wall oven, range hood, washer and dryer, along with completely outfitted washrooms. The aim is to provide a premium experience, eliminating the need for residents to purchase heavy appliances.

Grizzle plans to break ground later this month, but the Montegonian is still looking for potential investors to secure the remaining 10 per cent of the project’s $1.7 billion cost.

National Commercial Bank, he says, is already offering to finance 90 per cent of the development. The project is scheduled for completion by November 2025, with an 18-month construction timeline.

The development’s location is another major selling point, states Grizzle, owing to the fact the property offers breath-taking 180-degree ocean views and is conveniently situated just three minutes by car from the world-famous Doctor’s Cave Beach.

“It is also a short distance from Sangster International Airport and the Hip Strip (Jimmy Cliff Boulevard), home to a variety of popular eateries and entertainment venues such as Starbucks, Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records, Margaritaville, Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge, and 2727,” he said, adding that Pepper’s restaurant and Solis are literally next door to the land.

Now 36 years old, Grizzle, who owns and operates Grizzle’s Real Estate and who hails from Piece View, says he has assembled a team of top-tier professionals for the development.

Landmark Construction Limited will serve as the contractors; Virtuoso as the architects; CPM Consultants as the quantity surveyors; Intuitive Consultants Limited as structural engineers; and Design Lab, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering.

“These companies have a proven track record of successful projects in both Kingston and Montego Bay, ensuring that Ocean One will be built to the highest standards,” the developer shared.

The design of Ocean One will resemble a small, intimate boutique hotel. The building will feature an atrium with a garden, allowing natural sunlight and air to flow through the interior. Additional features include a rain-harvesting system, a water tank, backup generators connected to all units, and category four sound-proof hurricane windows. The glass balconies and exterior claddings will enhance the building’s aesthetic appeal, making it a standout addition to Montego Bay’s landscape.

Units at Ocean One start at US$373,000 for the smaller units, with the larger units priced at US$960,000.

editorial@gleanerjm.com.