Skywalker launches GreenStay housing project

From left, House Vice Speaker Ralph Demapan, Senate President Victor Hocog, Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang, Skywalker managing director Bo Hu, and acting governor Ralph DLG Torres cut the ribbon to officially unveil on Friday the GreenStay model home at the Garapan Fishing Base. (Jon Perez)

After more than a month of secrecy, Skywalker Communications Group finally unveiled last Friday its GreenStay housing project that is specifically designed for Pacific Island nations like the CNMI.

The model unit is located at the Garapan Fishing Base across Kristo Rai Church and is now open for viewing.

The house—designed by Yu Jiao and features two-, three- and four-bedroom units—uses container vans, reinforced steel, and other pre-fabricated materials.

Skywalker managing director Bo Hu said they are offering the houses especially to those whose homes were damaged by Typhoon Soudelor.

“I went to a lot of villages after the typhoon to see the damage of the houses. One reason is because of the structure. We decided to find materials that would be affordable and at the same time strong that could withstand typhoons. We asked our Beijing office to create a design of these houses,” said Bo.

“We will also be seeking advice from the people who will view our model units in order for us to improve the product. For now, we are seeking more information and hopefully we get support from the community,” he added.

Skywalker public relations manager Kiki Chen said that they are also planning to build an entire community of houses for the CNMI. “Hopefully we could get clearance from the Department of Public Lands. An entire community would help a lot of people.”

If the project pushes through, the community will be a subdivision-type with either row houses or detached units. It is envisioned to have a shopping center, supermarket, hotel, two tennis courts, a basketball court, cultural square, restaurant, Kindergarten school, Laundromat, café, cinema, gym, post office, and public park based on the design plan.

Acting governor Ralph DLG Torres said the project is welcome news to the CNMI, especially with some 1,700 homes damaged by Soudelor.

“It is a great opportunity for the people to avail of the project. This is a type of project that we want to see on the island,” Torres added.

Saipan Mayor David M. Apatang said the housing project symbolizes the global effort in saving energy. “It is quick to assemble and it reduces the use of manufactured building materials. It offers a safer and stronger alternative to the homeowners. GreenStay project is a welcome option.”

Torres’ wife Diann, Senate President Victor Hocog, Sens. Sixto Igisomar, Arnold Palacios, and Justo Quitugua, House Vice Speaker Ralph Demapan, Reps. George Camacho, Angel Demapan, Joseph Lee Pan Guerrero, and Felicidad Ogumoro, and Public Works Secretary James Ada were also present at the unveiling of the project.

For more information or for private viewing, call Skywalker at 234-7942 or visit their office at the second floor of the Marianas Business Plaza in Susupe.