Pablo Ferrer of El Caribe reports that the DR may soon have its own Asimov-inspired
ecotourism vacation and residential community located in the mountains of
Yamasá, north of Santo Domingo. Legacy International, a Miami-based
US corporation, is behind the US$620-million investment in a co-venture with
Rancho Verde, belonging to Dominican entrepreneur Maximino Brito. The plans
call for the construction of a retirement and residential community, complemented
by sports venues, educational centers (hotel and business schools), 300 villas
and an apartment complex in the mountain area. The hotel would also include
a golf course, tennis courts, and an equestrian center.
As reported, Legacy has contracted the preliminary designs to world-acclaimed
US architect John Randall McDonald, a disciple of architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
McDonald visited the area last month and is quoted in El Caribe saying, “I
have designed many hotels in many places around the world, and on many islands,
but I had never seen anything so beautiful.” He promised outstanding views
from all vantage points. The first phase of construction is set to start on 15
November.