Building Analysis - Queen Emma Gardens: Building and Site Features
In 1963, Queen Emma Gardens was designed by famous Japanese architect Minou Yamasaki (designer of World Trade Center, 1973, NYC) It is an oasis of outdoor living on a large eight acre parcel of land in the midst of busy downtown Honolulu. The project consists of three residential buildings, the King, Queen and Prince Towers. The King and Queen have larger units than the Prince. All Buildings are connected to the gardens by tall and breezy open air lobbies. The gardens are well manicured and feature many mature Monkey Pod, Plumeria and Bamboo trees.
Common Areas for Residents
The tall open air lobby of the King tower houses the management and security office. Each building has security guards and a fob is required to enter the elevators.
Outdoor amenities include two swimming pools, a playground, and a jogging path. The highlights of the gardens are two Japanese tea houses on koi ponds shaded by mature trees. The teahouses are a common amenity and can be reserved by owners for gatherings.
There is plenty of parking for guests outside with least 36 guest stalls plus loading zones near the entrances. The parking structure is underground, covered by the landscaped gardens.
Condo Type: Regular
20% down Non-US Buyer: 35% down VA loan: 0% down (if VA approved) [Check VA Approval]
Private Condo Features
The architect designed a few unique features into the condos. The original units have Japanese sliding shoji doors enclosing the kitchens and feature hardwood details throughout. The interiors are shaded from the sun by curved concrete awnings above the windows. Many units have large enough lanais for outdoor dining. There is no central air conditioning being pumped into the condos, but window A/C units are allowed. For those preferring fresh air, the interior hallways and entry doors are vented allowing for the steady trade winds to flow through the units.
Residents are allowed two cats or a 35 lb. dog, but there is a wait list for dogs. For extra storage, they have a bike room in the garage and storage lockers available for rent or free with waiting list.
The Bottom Line
Positives: The best feature of Queen Emma Gardens is the expansive outdoor living environment in the midst of busy downtown Honolulu. From the open air lobbies to the vented hallways, it relies on natural trade wind cooling and invites the owner to relax. It's also a great place to have guests, with plenty of extra parking in an area that is very hard to find parking.
Potential Drawbacks: Depending on where a unit is situated, it can be noisy with the highway nearby. Also, the building is over 50 years old and most will likely want to remodel any original bathrooms or kitchens.
Just a portion of the huge downtown Honolulu acreage.
kitchen
entrance
Condominium Configurations - Queen Emma Gardens
Bedrooms:
1
Baths:
1
Square Feet:
574 SF
Lanai:
NA
Qty:
0
Found in units: E
Bedrooms:
2
Baths:
1
Square Feet:
711 - 816 SF
Lanai:
74
Qty:
0
Found in units: F
The above active listings are based on information from the Multiple Listing Service of the Hicentral MLS, Ltd. Active listings last updated on 4/18/2024. Information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Copyright: 2024 by the Hicentral MLS, Ltd. more.
Residents are allowed two cats or a 35 lb. dog, but there is a wait list for dogs. For extra storage, they have a bike room in the garage and storage lockers available for rent or free with waiting list.
The Bottom Line Positives: The best feature of Queen Emma Gardens is the expansive outdoor living environment in the midst of busy downtown Honolulu. From the open air lobbies to the vented hallways, it relies on natural trade wind cooling and invites the owner to relax. It's also a great place to have guests, with plenty of extra parking in an area that is very hard to find parking.
Potential Drawbacks: Depending on where a unit is situated, it can be noisy with the highway nearby. Also, the building is over 50 years old and most will likely want to remodel any original bathrooms or kitchens.