THE WHARF – LUXURY LIVING IN THE HEART OF THE CITY

Work has commenced on The Wharf, the much-anticipated residential project in Scharloo. Located on Curaçao’s world-famous Handelskade, a UNESCO’s World Heritage site, the first phase of the development will consist of thirty-five luxury apartments and 1,000 m2 of commercial space spread across three separate buildings as well as four separate city apartments. The second phase will add an additional thirty apartments along with a 130-room hotel and a further 1,000 m2 of commercial space.

The project was designed by Curaçao-based architect Cees Den Heijer who is known for the Papagayo Beach Hotel, Boca Gentil Resort, and Bohémi Resort. Cees moved to the island in 2004 and was struck by the habit of building closed off homes that confined the dwellers to large, sealed-off, air-conditioned spaces. He immediately set to work on a very different style of residence. Den Heijer architecture is distinctive for simple but sophisticated, open plan living with lots of outside space. All of Cees’s designs are pared down to the essentials giving his architecture a natural, timeless feel with a modern Caribbean aesthetic that relates to and fits in with the local surroundings. As such, the waterfront site offered a unique design opportunity with the St. Annabaai canal on one side and a view over the vibrant Werfstraat on the other.

Responding to these contrasting perspectives, The Wharf will have two completely different façades. The waterside aspect will reflect its surroundings, the open water and the large ships that sail by. Generous Venetian style terraces will provide ample space to take in the view over St. Annabaai and Otrobanda, while harmonica doors will allow residents to open up the internal living space to the outdoors as well. Large overhangs and vertical screens will help to keep the sun out, and each room will have opposing windows that can be opened to channel the breeze through the apartment, keeping it fresh and cool. Naturally, all interior spaces will be furnished with air conditioning and windows will be made of double-glazed isolated glass, so residents have full control over the living environment. The four city apartments will provide practical homes with a view of historic Scharloo and a rooftop garden will offer residents and their guests an ideal place to relax and enjoy the local ambience. The ground-level commercial space is planned to accommodate a high-end restaurant that will provide home delivery as well as eat-in options for residents.

The Wharf will offer the ultimate in high-end urban living in one of Willemstad’s most vibrant, up and coming communities. With a 24-hour concierge, underground parking accessed by private elevators, an onsite gym and a communal swimming pool, residents will have every convenience at their doorstep. At the time of publication, eighteen of the thirty-five units had been reserved. Many of the buyers are couples who have downsized from large family homes and wish to simplify their lives without compromising on privacy, comfort, or convenience. The developers foresee The Wharf having a positive impact upon Scharloo, offering improved shopping and dining facilities, and directly providing up to 150 jobs in the community. In addition to the development, a public park is being built adjacent to the site and there are plans to add a small marina in the future.

The Wharf is being developed by JCC N.V. which consists of Algemeen Pensioenfonds Curaçao (APC), Architect Den Heijer, C&CC Engineers and Heren2. Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty are handling sales and will open a sales office on site in January 2021. Phase One of the development is scheduled for completion by December 2022.

For more information about The Wharf, contact Curaçao Sotheby’s International Realty at https://www.sothebysrealty.com/eng/sales/cr-cuw/the-wharf-keyword