The upgrading of Mazatlán´s 17km Malecón has resulted in renewed interest in property development along the Avenida del Mar with its unsurpassed panoramic ocean views. One such project is the impressive two tower condominium development called “Las Gavias,” or “the topsails” in English. Developed by Pronova Desarrollos, Las Gavias is a modern, state-of-the-art project to rival any in the world. “We traveled everywhere, throughout Europe and North America, to look at innovative ideas for a full-service condominium development,” said Nuria Garcia de Peña, Director of Sales. “Our focus was to anticipate every need of the condominium owner, incorporating modern technology, service, security and comfort.” The project was two years in planning and in January, 2003 the first concrete was poured. To head the development Pronova hired Fernando Molins, a young architect whose previous projects were the Pueblo Bonito Hotels in Las Cabos and Emerald Bay in Mazatlán. “We hired Fernando,” said Nuria, “because Las Gavias is similar to an hotel with reception, maids, laundry, etc. and he knows that concept well.” The result of Fernando´s architectural plans is an innovative condo development of two 17 story towers with four condominiums per floor, all with unimpeded views of the Pacific Ocean, and three floors of parking area. Each floor is comprised of two 2-bedroom units and two 3-bedroom units. The 3-bedroom units also have a rear vista of the greenery of the Bosque de la Ciudad. Everywhere you look from this development, the scenery is breathtaking. Innovation has been the key to the planning of Las Gavias. To ensure complete security, the complex is monitored by closed circuit cameras which feed back to a control room manned 24 hours. Each owner has a key card which allows entry to their floor only, their condo, the common rooms, the underground 170 space owner parking and the beach access gate. Should an owner rent his place, the renter´s key card is programmed for the duration of the rental only. On site, too, is a full-time manager. “Our manager was formerly the manager of the Gran Plaza,” Nuria explained. “He is there to ensure the smooth running of the complex and help owners. For instance, if you are returning from a trip, you can call him to say when you will arrive, ask to have the air-conditioning turned on or request a maid three times a

week.” One of the drawbacks for developments along the Avenida del Mar has always been beach access. Crossing the Avenida´s four lanes of traffic with an umbrella, beer cooler, towels and a bag of snacks is without a doubt, problematic. Las Gavias has solved this dilemma by constructing an underground tunnel which leads from the carpark to the beach through a key card gate. At the beach entrance is storage, bathrooms, a fridge, a small snack bar, palapas and intercom to call your condo if you´ve forgotten the sunscreen. “And the beach access,” Nuria points out, “is built to withstand hurricanes.” Although hurricanes are not a common occurrence in Mazatlán, the developers of Las Gavias have taken no chances. Every condo comes with hurricane shutter hardware pre-installed. The condominiums, which range in size from 1,583-3,580 sq ft, are furnished with a stove and overhead oven fan. Owners are encouraged to select their favorite floor covering, either hardwood or tile, bathroom and kitchen hardware and wall colors. While owners each have a storage cubicle in the parking area, on every floor there are also two extra hall storage areas which can be rented for a minimal amount. If owners want a change from the beach, Las Gavias provides a world of alternate entertainment within the complex. There‘s an infinity swimming pool, kids´ pool, gym with steam baths, jogging track, multimedia center with big screen TV and internet connections, and an all purpose lounge. For parties, there is an owners´ banquet room, complete with kitchen and carpark access for the caterers. And they won´t have to go far if they´re out of milk. The ground floor of Las Gavias is set aside for neighborhood stores such as a mini-market, drugstore and restaurant. As a bonus, the development offers a full rental program service, and an innovative exchange program whereby an owner may exchange condominiums anywhere in the world. According to Nuria de Peña, the first tower, which will be completed in December 2004, is 80% sold. Most of the buyers, she says, are from Mazatlán, the States, Culiacán, Durango, DF and Tijuana. Once the first tower is finished, the second will begin. On completion of the development project, the impressive Las Gavias will stand out as the flag ship of the Malecón. Las Gavias is located at #2028 Av. Del Mar, Fracc. Tellerias, tel: 954-0034/35/36, www.lasgavias.com