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Vastushodh Projects Private Limited, a Pune-based realty company that strictly operates only in the affordable housing segment, is launching a franchise model for its two established housing brands — Anandgram and Urbangram — catering to the lower and middle-income groups, respectively.
The first project under the new business model is an Urbangram, being built on 4.5 acres at Kirkatwadi on Sinhagad Road in Pune, in association with land owners Pate Developers and realty company Amey Vastunirman.
The 232-apartment complex has one and two-bedroom residential units in the Rs 17-25 lakh bracket.
Mr Sachin Kulkarni, managing director, Vastushodh, says that though the project will be formally launched later this month, nearly 45 per cent bookings have already been received.
Due for completion in 15-18 months' time, the nine 4-storied buildings will have lifts with generator back-up, while the complex will have amenities such as landscaped gardens, swimming pool, club house, internal tar roads, street lights, rain water harvesting and a playground with cricket pitch.
The growing demand in this segment has prompted Vastushodh to launch the franchise model in four varieties, including one for developers out of Pune, Mr Kulkarni says. “We have expertise in this sector, and now our clients and partners will benefit from the domain knowledge that we have gathered,” he explains, adding that the key to success revolves around smart planning, smart purchase and fast execution.
To date, the company has built, or is in the process of completing, two projects each, of Anandgram and Urbangram, totalling around 5 lakh square feet, with another three million square feet under construction.
Revealing that talks are on with developers for more franchisee projects, Kulakrni says that the dire shortage of housing in this segment has propelled a desire to spread Anandgram (Rs 3-15 lakh) all across the state.
Godrej Properties' residential project
Mumbai-based real estate developer Godrej Properties Ltd (GPL) has entered into a joint venture with Mosiac Landmarks LLP to develop a group housing project at Undri, Pune. This is a profit-sharing arrangement, with GPL getting 51 per cent of the profits.
Spread over 8.64 acres, the project will offer approximately 500,000 square feet of saleable area, and will comprise 2, 2.5, 3-BHK, and penthouse apartments.
Mr Pirojsha Godrej, ED, Godrej Properties said, “GPL has built a number of landmark properties in Pune during the years, including Godrej Eternia, Godrej Castlemaine, Godrej Millennium and Godrej Sherwood. This project will offer contemporary living spaces which are environment-friendly and will help consolidate our presence in the city.”
Mahesh Ramanujam is COO of USGBC
The US Green Building Council has appointed Mr Mahesh Ramanujam as its Chief Operating Officer (COO), significantly expanding his role from his previous position as the organisation's Chief Information Officer, according to a press release from the council.
“Mr Mahesh brings business experience to this critical role at USGBC at a time when many non-profits are experiencing significant organisational turmoil,” said Mr Rick Fedrizzi, President, CEO and Founding Chair, USGBC. “He is uniquely positioned to lead the strategic execution of our global strategy helping us leverage USGBC's leadership position in the built environment into the next decade.
Mr Ramanujam joined USGBC in May 2009, bringing 16 years of enterprise management experience of large and medium-sized businesses.
His new role will allow him to build on his success in managing USGBC's technology development and customer service areas, as well as the certification and credentialing programmes that support the LEED Green Building Rating System. He is also the architect of the LEED Automation initiative, as well as some other key initiatives that help advance USGBC mission.
“USGBC's mission of market transformation must be built on solid operational performance, and my goal is to continue to contribute to USGBC's global leadership of the green building movement,” said Mr Ramanujam.
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