AddVantage Point CEO Gavin Pearson, a local entrepreneur with a passion for revitalising neglected areas, has embarked on an ambitious project to build modern apartments in some of Montego Bay’s most rundown neighbourhoods.

His company has just completed AddVantage Point Apartments at 21 Thompson Street in the heart of the St James city. It consists of four two-bedroom units that include 1.5 bathrooms, kitchen, double patios with amenities such as laundry and lounge area on the roof.

Pearson said he has already pumped almost $100 million into the venture and he plans to do more projects.

“This is phase one of the overall plan, as I have acquired one of the adjacent lots and I’m currently building a four-storey commercial/residence hybrid complex. That will feature three levels of commercial space and two one-bedroom apartments on the fourth floor. In this phase, though, I’m starting with short-term rentals for the apartments, and the profits from these ventures will ultimately fund the acquisition of more properties in these areas for modern, affordable homeownership options,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“I have to take it in phased steps as this project is self-financed from my other business ventures. This development came in at a total of $95 million and the adjacent lot is still under construction,” he added.

Pearson is also proprietor of AddVantage Auto Parts, which is located on the ground floor of the newly refurbished apartments.

According to AddVantage Point Apartments rentals host Savannah Frater, the old building that once occupied the lot was completely gutted.

“It was totally scrapped right down: tiles lifted out, walls hit down, kitchen and bathroom faucets, everything replaced,” she told the Sunday Observer.

There was a recent open house for the two completed apartments that are available to working professionals visiting Montego Bay.

“Let’s say you live in Kingston, and you want a place for a month or two months, it’s available,” said Frater.

She said there is a six-month cap on individual bookings.

For bookings under a month, the apartments cost US$120 per night, plus a one-time US$30 cleaning fee. Guests staying between one month and five, pay US$1,000 each month and pay a cleaning fee each time they request the service.

The recent open house attracted guests including Member of Parliament for St James Southern and minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister (West) Homer Davis.

Pearson and his team are hoping word will spread that they are on a mission to combat urban blight and breathe new life into Montego Bay’s infrastructural landscape. His vision is not just about constructing new apartments but also inspiring others to invest in these areas that were once prized residencies.

He said a lot of thought went into starting with AddVantage Point Apartments.

“Thompson Street is centrally located in the city. We want to rebuild this area and bring back more residents in the area. As it is now, quite a number of the homes are dilapidated or abandoned. The area is quiet, peaceful and in close proximity to shopping, entertainment, health facilities, and commercial spaces. If we can revitalise these areas, it would genuinely contribute to giving the city a facelift and, ultimately, its growth,” Pearson explained.

He said the response has been positive as realtors and stakeholders have expressed optimism and share his view that the development is a welcome change for the area.

The lot next door will be a continuation of his vision.

Pearson is also making plans for construction of a 15-bedroom apartment complex in the more upscale Westgate Gate Hills area of the city.

Inside one of the units at AddVantage Point Apartments

Exterior view of AddVantage Point Apartments on Thompson Street in Montego Bay

Kitchen/living room area inside one of the apartments

A look at one of the bathrooms

Homer Davis, minister of state in the Office of the Prime Minister (West), is flanked by Savannah Frater (left), host, AddVantage Point Apartments, and Desmond Simpson, owner of Sim Tours, during the recent open house for the apartments

An inviting bedroom