Hamilton are now on view at City Hall.

And response has been so tremendous that engineers are looking into the possibility of combining some of the units to turn them into two bedroom facilities.

Developers hope the ultra-modern 76 one bedroom unit building called Atlantis will revitalise Hamilton's residential growth and bring new economic power into the area.

The entrance to the gated community will be located on Parliament Street, between Victoria and Dundonald Streets.

Construction is expected to take two years and planners expect the complex to revitalise commerce and social and community activities in the area.

Kendra Mello of Coldwell-Banker JW Realty, said: "Basically right now they are out there for sale.'' Mrs. Mello said renting units will occur once several units are bought and a market survey is completed.

"What we are asking people to do is contact our offices and if people have a specific unit in mind, they can put a $20,000 down payment on the unit.'' Mrs. Mello said the payment secures a specific unit in the luxury apartment complex.

"We are thinking of people who may own large homes and may be traveling or the busy executive or somebody who wants to purchase (a unit) as an investment and rent it out...

The down payment will be put in an interest bearing account, said Mrs. Mello.

"If the person should change their mind or if they decide they don't want the unit they chose then we can give them their money back with the interest.'' But no price range for a unit has been set said Mrs. Mello.

She explained the real estate firm will test the market before establishing a price range in two to three weeks.

"When we price property, we do it on a comparable basis so we have to see the market.'' Models and plans of the complex and each type of unit will be on display in the City Hall forum for two weeks.

Other amenities include mailboxes on the ground floor, a patio on the roof and a high tech security system that allows each resident to see outside the building using their television.

"The convenience is really the key. The other main point is the transportation aspect,''continued Mrs. Mello.

"People don't need to buy a car. People can enjoy the night life and hopefully revitalise the night life.

"Security is something we really want to stress. Everything from the gated cycle park, the controlled access and entry.

"Each unit will have a television channel to see who is at the door (main entrance).'' Common apartment complex problems such as noise pollution and smells have been thoroughly analysed by architect Sjur H Linberg of Barker & Linberg.

Historically, Bermuda has "sub-urbanised'' itself, said Coldwell Banker's Arthur Jones, director of sales representatives.

The US military intervention, introduction of the car and modernisation of public transport has made commuting in Bermuda feasible, he said.

"It made it convenient to live in Somerset and work in town.'' Mr. Jones said Bermuda's development has always been the result of necessity such as the influx of American technology during and after World War II, the development of tourism and the more recent requirements for international business.

But the last residential complex built within the City of Hamilton proper was an eight-unit apartment building constructed a hundred years ago, said Sir John Swan, who is also involved in developing the project.

"We have stood still,'' he said.

Mr. Linberg said the project will have a major impact on saving open spaces outside of Hamilton as well.

With 76 units fewer people will be renting or owning homes in Bermuda's sub-urban environment, saving approximately 20 acres of open space, he claimed.