Madison Towers calls on model approach

Madison Towers, a $250 million high-rise condominium development planned by Turnberry Associates, is taking a model approach to attract prospective home buyers to its 6,000-square-foot sales office.

The office features four miniature furnished models that detail the interior floor plans of a completed condominium.

Ted Bassken of Architectural Dimensions Inc., the Toronto-based company that designed the models, said Madison Towers is the first residential sales office in Las Vegas to have this type of sales tool.

The models, which are built to 1/16 actual size, feature handcrafted furniture, beds, linens and wallpaper as well as handmade drapery and wood finishes.

"The difference between these interior models and an architectural scale model of a community is that these models are much more aesthetic and lifelike," Bassken said. "A scale model of a community is more structured and architecturally oriented."

The miniature models are designed on a computer, and then experts craft each element individually to make the miniature replica come to life. To add detail, the craftsmen created miniature magazines and lamps for the end tables and tiny paintings adorn the walls. Lamps also turn on with the flip of a light switch.

"The key to what we do is to understand how things work in real life and make miniature models that look and feel the same way," Bassken said.

The models were assembled by hand and took between three and four months to complete. Prices for each model vary and can cost as much as $30,000 apiece.

"For the Madison Towers models, we had to make the drapery by hand and actually pin it together to keep the pleats in place because there was not enough weight in such small drapery to hold it down," Bassken said. "We also made miniature mattresses and pillows for each bedroom."

In addition to the miniature models, the sales office also features a partial model home with a full-size kitchen with appliances, imported Italian cabinetry and granite counters; and an owner bath with Italian marble and a spa tub.

Madison Towers will comprise two 28-story towers with residences priced from the $300,000s to more than $700,000. One-, two- and three-bedroom plans are available, ranging from 1,000 to 1,835 square feet.

When complete, the gated development with a 24-hour manned entry will feature a swimming pool with spa, an exercise and fitness center, and two all-weather lighted tennis courts.

Groundbreaking for the first tower is scheduled this summer, with completion set for early 2003.

The sales office is located at 222 Karen Ave. and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.

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