Construction of Jamaica's tallest building will begin in February

The construction of the tallest structure in Jamaica will begin, in its first phase, the following month. The Ascent at the Oxford, Sheer Luxury will be the name of the 27-story structure being built by Stratosphere Development Limited at 1B Oxford Road in St. Andrew. The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, which has 17 floors and is now thought to be Jamaica's tallest building, will be surpassed by the new structure.

The foundation of the facility will be built by a team of Jamaican Americans from New York Drill, which boasts a plethora of experience in developing superstructures and skyscrapers. Dr. Roland Rose of New York Drill characterized the members of his team as specialists in substructure construction. Furthermore, Jamaicans are anticipated to be employed throughout construction in both skilled and unskilled positions.

The structure will be a significant draw for the tourism sector and other businesses. It will have 305 parking spots, 305 parking spaces for cars, 28 residential apartments, 11 office levels, observation floors, swimming pools, a museum, and helicopter pads.

According to Dr. Roland Rose “Substructure is the basement level which involves the drilling and stability of the entire project; this building will stand quite a few stories up. It is important that you have a solid foundation in the event of earthquakes or unforeseen natural disasters. We have about 20 years’ experience doing superstructures in New York City, in and around the boroughs of Brooklyn, Queen’s, the Bronx and Manhattan.”

Warren McDonald, chairman of Stratosphere, expressed confidence in the development's ability to establish a precedent for the highest standards on future skyscraper projects. McDonald also added that “This project is the first in Jamaica and, naturally, we want to ensure that we set the highest standards. As such, we are working well with our regulators”.