Building Analysis - Summer Palace: ~ by Jonathan Ford Building and Site Features
Built in 1976, Summer Palace is a concrete residential tower with concrete block walls. Although it is relatively simple building, I like the tower's single loaded hallway with open air walk ways that allow for great cross ventilation for all units, and alsoreduces the need for AC and increases the energy efficiency of the building.
Summer Palace is situated on the quiet one-way Kahakai Drive just past the Hawaii Convention Center and fronting the Ala Wai canal. There is secured access to and from the well shaded Ala Wai promenade. The Ala Moana Beach Park and Shopping center are also within walking easy distance.
Common Areas for Residents
There is a very pleasant 3rd floor recreation deck with a swimming pool, kitchen, covered eating areas, bathrooms and sunny lounge area. On the 25th floor there is an ocean view roof deck recreation area with a BBQ and dining areas. Summer Palace is secured with a fob, building manager and video surveillance.
The guest parking is fairly generous for an older building in the area with 7 guest stalls near the lobby entrance and an additional 4 guest parking just past the secured garage entrance.
Condo Type: Regular
20% down Non-US Buyer: 35% down VA loan: 0% down (if VA approved) [Check VA Approval]
Private Condo Features
Summer Palace is made up entirely of one bedroom units with good sized lanais that are large enough for a dining area. There is no central AC but residents can install a window AC or split AC system, however most will not need AC due to the great gross ventilation and lack of direct sunlight for most of the day. The overhang from the deep lanais also help keep the unit shaded and cool.
It is an older building, so if a unit has not been renovated it will probably need it.
The Bottom Line Best features: Good location and value. Canal views are very pleasant, especially from the lower floors. A relatively quiet oasis in the city.
Potential drawbacks: Older building with concrete bloc and smaller 1 bedroom units.
3rd floor amenities adjacent to pool. Kitchen with fridge, cook top and microwave as well as bathrooms.
3rd floor pool
Secured Lobby, mail room and manager's office
Entrance off of Kahakai Drive
Pool viewed from above
Condominium Configurations - Summer Palace
Bedrooms:
1
Baths:
1
Square Feet:
542 SF
Lanai:
106
Qty:
0
Comments:
Preferred layout with bedroom on canal side.
Found in units: 02, 04, 06, 07
Bedrooms:
1
Baths:
1
Square Feet:
547 SF
Lanai:
106
Qty:
0
Comments:
City-side bedroom
Found in units: 01, 03, 05
Bedrooms:
1
Baths:
1
Square Feet:
554 SF
Lanai:
160
Qty:
0
Comments:
08 end unit with ocean views from kitchen and city side bedroom
Found in units: 08
The above active listings are based on information from the Multiple Listing Service of the Hicentral MLS, Ltd. Active listings last updated on 11/16/2024. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright: 2024 by the Hicentral MLS, Ltd. more.
Summer Palace is made up entirely of one bedroom units with good sized lanais that are large enough for a dining area. There is no central AC but residents can install a window AC or split AC system, however most will not need AC due to the great gross ventilation and lack of direct sunlight for most of the day. The overhang from the deep lanais also help keep the unit shaded and cool.
It is an older building, so if a unit has not been renovated it will probably need it.
The Bottom Line
Best features: Good location and value. Canal views are very pleasant, especially from the lower floors. A relatively quiet oasis in the city.
Potential drawbacks: Older building with concrete bloc and smaller 1 bedroom units.