In a bid for wealthy suburbanites, some city developers let buyers customize almost every aspect of a luxury condo before closing
By Katy McLaughlin | The Wall Street Journal
Over the course of 2½ years, Oliver and Dianna Von Troll met with the director of sales at Auberge Beach Residences and Spa, a luxury condominium building under construction in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., more than 10 times. Yet they still wouldn’t make an offer.
“Nothing really met our needs,” said Mr. Von Troll, 46, a builder of high-rises who said his work in the industry has given him very specific tastes. In February, sales director Wendy Marks hit upon a solution: The Von Trolls could buy two units, combine them and have the building’s architect draw up a new floor plan. Satisfied, the Von Trolls paid $5.2 million for a 4,700-square-foot condo.
