Making a difference
JL99’s latest development promises affordable luxury
TAKING a different approach to developing properties has been JL99 Group’s focus since it came into being. With its latest project 99 Residence at KL North, the developer has kept to its stance.
The leasehold serviced apartment project, which takes up seven acres of a 17-acre site, has a gross development value (GDV) of RM800mil and will deliver affordable luxury features.
Every development undertaken by JL99 has a unique aspect to it, said its chairman Datuk Seri Jeff Lee.
For example, one of their project, the Lakepark Residence @ KL North is linked to a 23-acre lake, 99 Wonderland Park, which has been turned into a mini zoo, housing many animals loaned by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (PERHILITAN), he said.
Residents are allowed free entry into the park, which houses thousands of animals including crocodiles, tapirs, sun bears, raccoons and deer, as well as being able to enjoy fireworks every alternate Saturday.
“We have spent about RM48 million to date, improving on the facilities and introducing animal species for visitors of the park,” said Lee. While there is an entry fee for visitors, residents of Lakepark Residence can enter the park via a special entrance, he said, pointing out that this is one example that makes his developments stand out from others.
With 99 Residence, the focus is on giving affordable luxury to buyers. The property, which fronts the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2), will have 1,421 units spread evenly over four blocks. Lee said JL99 will be building a private link bridge access from MRR2 to the project, giving residents ease of entry into and exit of the new project and MRR2. The flyover is slated for completion before the handover of 99 Residence by Year 2023.
To ensure that luxury is ingrained into the project, the developer created three tiers of facilities located on level 1, level 10 and the roof top level, with a total of 48 facilities. On level 1 is The Park which holds a jogging path and a scenic walkway, while the Aqua, the Garden, the Harmony and Energetic Zone are located on level 10.
Also on level 10 are a lagoon pool and lap pool, garden, children’s playground, fitness station, aerobics room, squash court, and a multipurpose hall with badminton court. To top it off, there is an infinity sky pool on level 53A which houses the Sky BBQ area, Sky Party Lounge, and the Sky Bridge connecting the tower blocks.
“I believe that ours is the first development of this affordable classification that has an infinity pool on the rooftop,” Lee told StarProperty. The units at 99 Residence come in four design layouts with built-ups ranging from 900 sq ft to 1,380 sq ft. Every unit has at least three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Each comes with at least two side-by-side car park bays. Prices are below RM500 per sq ft. Besides the extensive facilities for residents of all ages, 99 Residence is designed from the user’s perspective, said Lee.
“We have implemented a vehicle speed ramp to ensure that residents can access the upper levels quickly without having to make numerous turns,” he explained. He pointed out that the project’s common areas and facilities are more spacious than the standard requirements like the eight-feet wide corridors, the vehicle ramp with its 13ft width and the entrance and exit cater to three vehicles each.
“Normally, there are only two lanes for the entry or exit. We are offering three in 99 Residence. There is even a dedicated motorcycle entry and exit,” he said. Even the multipurpose hall at 7,400 sq ft and sky gym at 4,500 sq ft are all larger than normal, he added.
“We have lower density and larger areas for common facilities and services, hence we are sacrificing our net saleable space and GDV in return for the comfort of residents,” said Lee. He said about 120,000 sq ft of net saleable area, which has an estimated value of RM60mil, was given up for the benefit of the residents.
Lee said 99 residence has great connectivity towards various amenities such like the MRT station about 2km away and the Taman Wahyu KTM station, a kilometre away. Not to mention, schools and shopping venues like Tesco Extra is less than 2km from the project. Shuttle services will be provided to the KTM and MRT stations once residents move in, he said.
Despite the current slowdown of the property market, Lee is confident 99 Residence will do well. “99 Residence offers 13 freebies including free shuttle service to MRT and KTM train station, air-conditioning for the living room and bedroom, kitchen cabinet (bottom with hob), water heater, shower screen, basin cabinet, mirror with storage, additional plug point, smart lock, door grill, RFID upgrade for guardhouse car access, SPA legal fee and stamp duty and loan agreement legal fee, disbursement fee and stamp duty,” said Lee, pointing out that their promotions had helped to secure a good take-up rate.
The developer is also offering RM3mil worth of prizes in their lucky draw campaign. “One of the reasons why JL99 has become a trusted name in this area is because we have kept our promise in ensuring that we deliver what we promised,” said Lee.
“Sometimes you have to give to society. You have to do good things and later good things will come to you,” he said.