‘15-minute city’: Staying close to business

NEWCRIB The 207-unit Citadines Benavides —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

While many people rushed out of Metro Manila and sought properties with wide open spaces after the COVID-19 pandemic, it appears that a number are choosing to stay in the metropolis and adapt to new realities instead.

For these holdouts, the “15-minute city” seems to have become the attractive alternative. The 15-minute city is an urban planning concept that puts facilities for work, leisure, shopping and other essentials within walking distance of a person’s residence.

Citadines, a brand under the Ascott Limited Philippines group, is tapping this market of young, often single and peripatetic professionals and office workers who cannot stay away from where the action is, despite all the advancements in digital technology.

It is opening in September its new serviced-residence property on Benavidez St., Legazpi Village in Makati City, just around the corner from the Asian Institute of Management. Specifically targeting this market niche, its 207 units consist primarily of studio apartments and no more than two-bedroom spaces.

Cecile Teodoro, The Ascott Limited’s general manager, says, “Citadines is strategically located. Accessibility is a (prime consideration). Everything is within walking distance.”

Benavidez is just several meters away from some of the country’s better and more diverse shopping complexes. The Makati Medical Center, one of the country’s premier medical institutions, is easily accessible.

And, of course, Citadines is “wired” for people who cannot manage and sustain life and work without their digital devices.

Despite the use of the term studio, people need not worry that they will not have enough room to swing a cat even if they opt for the smallest unit at the new Citadines. Units are designed to allow “pawparents” to bring their furry companions.

Teodoro says the majority of Ascott’s properties, Citadines Benavidez included, are pet-friendly zones.

Bigger footprint

Units at the new Citadines are even bigger than some residential apartments in many condominiums.

Teodoro says 77 percent of Citadines units are studio types—deluxe and premier. For those who want—or need—even bigger spaces, there are the one-bedroom deluxe, two-bedroom deluxe and two-bedroom premier. Each unit boasts of a modern design and has a kitchen, comfortable bedding, high-speed Wi-Fi and flat-screen television sets.

The bigger unit even has space for a washer and dryer and maid’s quarters.

Citadines is open to both people who want an address in the city and those looking for a relaxing weekend getaway that does not require long, stressful drives. But Teodoro says guests cannot exceed the maximum number of people allowed in each unit.

Although the fixtures, furniture and appliances come as part of each unit, Teodoro says, “[Guests] can specify what they want that they may not be included in the units’ amenities (before they move in).”

“Citazens,” the property’s hospitality staff, will provide guests with tips to ensure everyone gets the ultimate local city experience and offer advice and help in downloading mobile applications guests may need, like food delivery. They also double up as baristas to give coffee lovers their quick caffeine fix.

An all-day dining restaurant offers a wide selection of local and international cuisines.

For its upwardly mobile clientele who may be constantly holding business conferences and negotiating deals, Citadines Benavidez Makati has a meeting room that can accommodate up to 20 people, complete with audiovisual equipment and high-speed Wi-Fi.

The fitness corner and a swimming pool on the rooftop offering a breathtaking view of the city allow them to stay fit for all the demands of business.

While there may be cheaper accommodations available, serviced residences offer guests the convenience of having a home without having to worry about its upkeep and maintenance. Teodoro says, aside from housekeepers who keep rooms clean and tidy, handymen are around 24/7 to fix problems that may arise.

She also stressed that safety and security are assured even if guests have to move around or travel a lot. Even for short stays, she says many people find it more convenient and less stressful to stay in a serviced unit instead of a hotel.

Teodoro says the Singapore-based Ascott has been in the Philippines for almost a quarter of a century, opening in 2000 its first serviced apartment property, Somerset Millennium.

Ascott’s serviced residences list in the Philippines range from the top-of-the-line flagship brand Ascott to its newest project, Lyf, a coliving property that allows sharing of residential space—each resident of a leased unit getting his/her own bedroom and bathroom.

Citadines, Teodoro says, is positioned for upper-mid-level guests, primarily in their late 20s who want to be where the action is and need to be close to cultural, entertainment, food and other amenities people in this age group crave.

—CONTRIBUTED