Victoria Place, a luxury residential building within Howard Hughes’ 60-acre master-planned community, welcomed its first residents last November.
“When Victoria Place presales commenced in 2020, they set an unprecedented pace never before seen in Ward Village, with approximately 70 percent of units sold in just three months,” David O’Reilly, Howard Hughes CEO, said in a press release.
Following steady presale success, Victoria Place completely sold out by July 2024.
The 40-story building includes 350 units, multiple pools, outdoor gathering space, a theater, men’s and women’s spas, fitness center and a private dining room and catering kitchen, among other amenities.
Hawaiian Dredging Construction Company Inc. served as general contractor with Don Vita of Vita Planning and Landscape Architecture Inc. designing the building’s open spaces.
PRESSING FORWARD
Construction began in March 2021 as Hawai‘i still reeled from the effects of the pandemic, which affected shipping and construction schedules.
“The construction of Victoria Place encountered significant challenges, particularly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused material delays, labor shortages and required stringent health protocols,” says Daniel Nakagawa, Hawaiian Dredging project manager.
“… By implementing strategic supply chain management, flexible scheduling and rigorous safety measures, we were able to maintain steady progress on the luxury condominium.”
Contractors had to pivot from international to local suppliers to accommodate supply chain disruptions, as well as secure early procurement agreements to avoid market price changes throughout the rest of the project. Regardless of challenges, contractors finished Victoria Place on-time and within budget by October 2024.
“Additionally, close collaboration with architects and designers allowed flexible design modifications, adjusting to material availability to ensure aesthetic integrity,” says Nakagawa. “Through proactive planning, strategic procurement and adaptive design, the team successfully completed the project on time and within budget, setting a benchmark for resilience in the face of complex construction challenges.”
A SPECIAL TOUCH
As most coastal properties face unique challenges, Victoria Place is no different. Contractors had to ensure the building is impervious to moisture intake and salt degradation, using extra-durable materials to compensate for weather-related issues.
“Our greatest challenge was coordinating seven distinct roofing and waterproofing systems, each interfacing with a range of trades and construction sequences. We did our best to plan, communicate and collaborate with our contractor and subcontractor partners to ensure seamless, watertight integration,” Scott Ai, Beachside Roofing LLC vice president, says. “Specialized waterproofing systems were used to protect the building’s foundation and recreation deck areas.”
Aside from weatherproofing, Victoria Place is brimming with special materials used to build out its array of amenities.
Alee Bowden, The Zelinsky Company project manager, installed Fabritrak acoustic panels to optimize sound in the media room, as well as providing interior and exterior painting services.
“The time we worked at Victoria, October 2022 to July 2024, we were running 14 to 24 guys at any given time,” Bowden shares. “We used typical paints for interior and an elastomeric on exterior scope.”
Other special materials include oak flooring, marble tiling, custom casework and a vaulted ceiling for the building’s wine cave.
“From the vaulted ceiling in the wine cave to the intricate stonework in the lobby and the finely detailed millwork throughout the amenity deck, every element reflects the precision and artistry of those who brought the design to life,” says Nakagawa. “The architects, interior designers, structural engineers, lighting designers, landscape architects and specialty consultants each played a vital role in cultivating a cohesive and refined environment.”
FUNCTIONAL LUXURY
Now fully occupied, Victoria Place is fostering its own community through its plentiful amenities and “seamless flow between exterior and interior spaces,” says Nakagawa.
“My favorite feature of design at Victoria Place is how it blurs the line between indoor and outdoor,” he adds. “… As you step into the main lobby, you’re immediately drawn in by the natural light and spaciousness; it feels open, welcoming and deeply connected to the surrounding environment.”
“The recreation deck stands out,” Ai agrees. “It’s a beautiful space that elevates the overall feel and function of the property.”
Since construction wrapped, Nakagawa says Hawaiian Dredging has consistently heard positive feedback from staff and residents, complimenting the attention to detail and “exceptional quality.”
“Tenants and staff alike have expressed strong appreciation for the building’s extensive array of amenities, which span two levels of amenity-rich social spaces,” he says.
Although construction in Ward Village and Kaka‘ako is continuing strong with new residential and commercial builds opening in the near future, Nakagawa is satisfied knowing “residents and staff are thoroughly enjoying the living experience and the vibrant community environment that Victoria Place provides” for now.
