DC Isn't the Only Place for the Town Center

The town center concept--a mix of offices, retail, and residential—is one that's spread through America. But the trend is popping up in more tropical locations, too. Dart Realty (led by COO Jackie Doak) is a major developer in the Cayman Islands, and has implemented the town center idea to great success in its Camana Bay project just off Seven Mile Beach. Jackie says thoughtful, efficient design in Camana Bay's 385k SF of office/retail has allowed Dart to score big-time tenants like AON, State Street, and Ernst & Young, as well as a slew of high-end retailers. There are three office buildings in Camana Bay now—with a fourth under construction that's already locked down an LOI for a full-floor tenant.

Late last year, we snapped the scene boats have while coming in to dock at Camana Bay—yes, you can boat in to work if you so choose. Dart is based at that office building on the left, next to a large office Cayman National Bank occupies. But it's not all about cramming in office and retail into Camana Bay, Jackie says, as the project's plan calls for green spaces used for community events and recreation to make up 35% of the site.  

Here's the private beach area Camana Bay residents (as well as those from another Dart community—Salt Creek) get to enjoy. Not far from this, Dart and partner Kimpton are developing a 265-room hotel—Kimpton's first in the Caribbean, Jackie tells us. The property should deliver by 2016, she says.