Author: Derek Friday

McWilliams|Ballard and PT Blooms Development Announce the Launch of Sales of 2525 Penn between the West End and Georgetown

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Derek Friday - Announcements

Washington, D.C. – May 9, 2023

McWilliams|Ballard is happy to again partner with PT Blooms Development to announce the launch of sales at 2525 Penn, another carefully crafted boutique condominium community perfectly connected to both the West End and Georgetown neighborhoods of Northwest Washington.

Located along famed Pennsylvania Avenue NW, this historic building has been reimagined into fifteen well-designed modern 1- and 2-bedroom condominiums serviced by an elevator, rare in a community of this size. Each home features carefully curated interior finishes by Leni Design, hardwood flooring, custom millwork and two-tone kitchen cabinetry, Lido Blanco quartz counters, Bosch appliances and luxurious baths offering Porcelanosa tile and black finished fixtures. From the community rooftop terrace with bar, fire pit, and conversation areas to the boutique amenities such as solar powered common areas, package room and pet washing station, each homeowner at 2525 Penn will love the best of life’s conveniences at home and just out their front door.

Developed by PT Blooms Development, a firm based in the Washington Metro area, known for seriously taking the responsibility to provide a creative, thoughtful, and quality product. Their mission is to create a space that brings growth and character to the community; while preserving and respecting its existing environment, history, and culture.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is a real estate sales and marketing firm specializing in the sales and marketing of new condominiums, townhomes and mixed-use communities. During its 27-year history, McWilliams|Ballard has worked in 13 states nationwide, creating partnerships with developers and builders to provide sales and marketing solutions from project inception to the final closed sale. In addition, the firm also provides consultation and market research used by some of the most renowned developers and investment groups in the country.

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McWilliams|Ballard and 10Square Residential Announce the Launch of Sales at The Dixon in Adams Morgan

Posted on April 10, 2023 by Derek Friday - Announcements

Washington, D.C. – April 10, 2023

After the remarkable success of their last partnership, The Royce in Dupont Circle, McWilliams Ballard is proud to again partner with 10Square Development to announce the sales launch of The Dixon, a boutique community of eight condominiums nestled between the Adams Morgan and Meridian Hill Park neighborhoods of Northwest Washington.

The Dixon features sleek modern design along a quiet, tree-lined street with a mix of one- and two-bedroom penthouse layouts. Each home offers designer finishes including European white oak wood flooring, two-tone kitchen cabinetry with polished natural slab counters, gas cooking, and panelized appliances. The luxury baths amaze large terrazzo wall tile, floating vanities, Emerstone Staturio honed quartz counters, and matte black fixtures. Most of the residences feature private outdoor spaces and both bi-level penthouse homes come with oversized roof decks.

The Dixon is being developed by 10Square Development, a development and construction firm specializing in custom condominium and apartment projects in the Washington Metro area.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is a real estate sales and marketing firm specializing in the sales and marketing of new condominiums, apartments, townhomes, and mixed-use communities. During its 27-year history, McWilliams|Ballard has worked in 13 states nationwide, creating partnerships with developers and builders to provide sales and marketing solutions from project inception to the final closed sale. In addition, the firm also provides consultation and market research used by some of the most renowned developers and investment groups in the country.

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Washington Business Journal talks with McWilliams|Ballard about luxury kitchens

Posted on February 20, 2023 by Derek Friday - Press

Meet the most expensive luxury kitchens of Greater Washington

Washington Business Journal | Washington, DC | February 17, 2023

If you’re wondering what really sets Greater Washington’s luxury homes apart from the rest, forget the waterfront views, theater rooms and basketball courts — it’s really about the kitchen.

We spoke with nine D.C.-area real estate professionals, and one thing on which they all agree is that wealthy homebuyers have some very upscale demands for their culinary nerve centers, both aesthetically and practically. That’s especially true since 2020, when we started spending more time in our kitchens, and homes in general, than ever before.

Now many are taking the leap to secure the kitchen of their dreams, one that’s ideal for entertaining — a.k.a., as large as an apartment itself. Here’s what that means for the most luxurious homes on the market, according to listing agents on the front line.

The experts:

- Chris Masters, partner with McWilliams|Ballard
- Rory Coakley, president of Coakley Realty
- Sherri Anne Greene, Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty in D.C.
- Robert Hryniewicki, partner at HRL Partners of Washington Fine Properties
- Gary Jankowski, of the Gary & Michael Team at Coldwell Banker Realty in the Mid-Atlantic
- Bryan Kerrigan, principal premier agent at Redfin
- Justin Levitch, president of RLAH Properties
- Lindsay Lucas, senior vice president at Compass
- Stacy Rodgers, luxury collection specialist at Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices PenFed Realty

The Look

What’s out: All-white, colorless kitchens

What’s in: Natural woods and colors, spacious and open to a den, hidden cabinets

All our experts agreed that kitchens built for entertaining are key, which also means not being walled off from your guests or family. The ideal space includes:

- High ceilings
- Two large islands with attractive stone countertops
- Seating and casual eating area
- Paneled appliances integrated into the walls
- Large pantry with its own food prep space
- Adjoining lounge area

“Most importantly, all this space would have a wall of windows/doors overlooking the terrace, rear garden and swimming pool all on the same level,” Robert Hryniewicki said.

“I toured a home recently where the wall behind the appliances and sink was flat, if you will, and adorned with custom narrow vertical wood panels, no hinges, no knobs, no pulls, no cabinets or at first glance that is what you thought. Just this beautiful wall of wood with art pieces smartly centered on the wall. The wood mimicked the hardwoods on the floor. At a quick glance it made one wonder where the homeowner stored their plates, glassware, and the like. But a gentle push of one of the custom panels revealed completely recessed cabinets along the entire flat wall. The luxury was truly in creating such an open and different sight line and airiness to the kitchen that those with open cluttered shelves, or big bulky cabinets can’t create.”

— Sherri Anne Greene, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Realty

Go, Go Gadgets

What’s out: Just one dishwasher

What’s in: Induction stoves, smart appliances, wine fridges and crushed ice makers.

The hottest appliances and gadgets range from built-in espresso machines to under-counter drawers containing hidden dishwashers. And what with the raging political debate over gas stoves, electric induction stoves are gaining popularity.

Lindsay Lucas offered the pro tip of using a magnet to see if your cookware is induction-compatible. “If it is strongly attracted to the pot or pan, you are good to go,” she said.

Also, don’t forget the heated porcelain tile floors for your delicate feet.

Sherri Anne Green emphasized having multiple dishwashers as a popular feature: “A larger main dishwasher and then smaller dishwasher drawers in the island or cocktail bar area truly make living and cleaning up a breeze.” But appearance isn’t the only priority now, Lucas said, as more buyers also demand energy-efficient, “smart” appliances with Wi-Fi.

Chris Masters, Stacy Rodgers and Bryan Kerrigan all mentioned ice makers — gourmet, crushed or nugget — as among the No. 1 kitchen requests of the day.

Fancy ice is so hot right now.

Peak Decadence

Hryniewicki’s most luxurious kitchen ever sold was actually two “enormous” kitchens, in a $11.5 million Wesley Heights home. One was the “hangout kitchen,” adjoining the family room and overlooking a garden. The other, a floor below, was the “chef’s kitchen,” where a hired chef prepared all the family meals.

Rodgers was impressed by something a bit smaller: “I think the one feature that really stuck with me was an indoor under-counter herb-growing cabinet that had an automatic watering system.”

“A full-size wine fridge is the most extravagant kitchen feature I’ve seen recently. It’s a statement and makes you think you’re in for a wine-pairing experience at dinner,” said Justin Levitch. And then there’s the atmosphere, he added, with special lighting, including task, under-cabinet and even at the toe-kick for free-standing islands or cabinets.

Ironically, I suspect that many of the most extravagant, over-the-top kitchens that I’ve seen are rarely used.”

— Gary Jankowski, of the Gary & Michael Team at Coldwell Banker Realty Mid-Atlantic

Urban Turf takes a look inside The Claire

Posted on February 16, 2023 by Derek Friday - Press

The Claire: A Rare Opportunity To Buy In An Ideal Connecticut Avenue Location

Urban Turf | Washington, DC | February 16, 2023

A rare new condominium building on Connecticut Avenue is now open for sales.

The Claire is a sophisticated boutique property featuring 26 expansive one- and two-bedroom residences in DC’s Van Ness neighborhood. Surrounded by century-old residences, The Claire was thoughtfully designed to blend seamlessly with the neighborhood while offering high-end construction, luxe finishes and modern amenities.

Sales for The Claire just began with homes starting from the low $400s. Buyers will begin making their move into the building in March.

Finishes at The Claire include wide plank hardwood floors, solid core doors, programmable LED lighting (connected to an in-home app) and full-sized GE washers/dryers. Kitchens feature fully integrated Bosch appliances, soft close cabinets with hidden hinges, quartz waterfall islands, gas cooking with fully vented hoods, and full backsplashes; while bathrooms boast custom floor and wall tiling, deep soaking tubs, backlit mirrors and frameless glass shower doors.

The residences range in size from 600 to over 1,100 square feet, and the two penthouse level duplexes offer private outdoor space, ideal for entertaining. Most of the homes also feature private balconies accessible from the living room.

The Claire is an elevator building with amenities including a shared community roof deck and green roof; a security-controlled package room; and a pet washing station. There are also additional storage spaces and parking spaces available.

Positioned in Van Ness and near Cleveland Park, The Claire is in an ideal walking location. It is just one block from the Van Ness-UDC Metro station on the Red Line, boasts views of Rock Creek Park, and is close to The National Zoo and National Cathedral. Giant Food and Starbucks are close by, as are restaurants and shops like Sfoglina Pasta House, Politics & Prose Bookstore and CVS.

The Claire is currently showing a furnished model home and is available for private tours by appointment. For more information, contact McWilliams | Ballard’s Jeremy Aldridge at 202-815-5356 or jaldridge@mcwb.com; or visit the property online at TheClaireDC.com.

McWilliams|Ballard to Lead the Lease-Up of Vivre, a New Luxury Apartment Community in Sought-After Logan Circle

Posted on February 6, 2023 by Derek Friday - Announcements

Washington, D.C. – February 7, 2023

McWilliams|Ballard is thrilled to partner with Coba Development in the lease-up of Vivre, a boutique luxury apartment building of 49 residences in the historic neighborhood of Logan Circle. Leasing is scheduled to start in February and Vivre is set to welcome residents later this spring.

Vivre is a high-designed apartment community featuring finishes normally only reserved for condominium residences. The homes are infused with meticulous Scandinavian elements like light blonde, custom locally made cabinetry and sleek Bosch panelized appliances. Hosting 9’ ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, European white oak flooring, spa baths with custom tile and Kohler fixtures, these residences stand above the rest. Most of the homes also feature private outdoor space in the form of a balcony or private patio. The building is crowned with two expansive penthouse residences with stunning private rooftop terraces offering sweeping city views.

Vivre is a full-service apartment community with an onsite full-time concierge, spacious lobby with ride share waiting area and automated package system. On the top floor is a community lounge and adjacent outdoor terrace with a beautiful dining area and grilling stations. Private parking, bike lockers and storage areas are also available for residents.

Vivre was developed by Coba, a family-owned, DC-based real estate development company focused on single- and multi-family properties in Washington, DC. They have teamed with the finest architects, builders, designers, and managers, to create homes that inspire.

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Washington Post: Balconies and modern touches featured at The Juliet in Logan Circle

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Derek Friday - Press

By Benjamin C Tankersley | January 18, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. EST

The Juliet takes its name from the balconies at this renovated 1890s building. The Juliet balconies, the exterior paint color and other details were chosen to blend into D.C.’s Logan Circle neighborhood. The building, at 1402 12th St. NW, was an event space, known as Ye Olde Firehouse, before it was renovated into 10 condominiums, including a penthouse unit with a bedroom suite and a roof deck on top of the original structure.

Developer Patrick Bloomfield said that when he started the project, “it was clear that Juliets [once] existed on the interior court and front of the building. We wanted to make sure that we kept this feature as we felt it was something that made the building unique. That led to French inspired bluish colored paint in the common entry and flower boxes hanging over the Juliet rails to provide that real European feel.”

There is no on-site parking. A paid two-year lease on a nearby parking spot will be transferred to the owner of home 10. All homes have white oak flooring, wood cabinetry by MCC Millwork, with white or Calacatta Laza marble-look quartz countertops. Homes have either Kelly Wearstler Nodes pendant or sconce lights. There are two decorated models available to tour, homes 1 and 10.

Home 1 has a private entrance at street level on one side of the building. The nine other homes share a door on the other side. Home 1 has a large bay window with a built-in bench. Transom windows above the bay window and the front door let more light into the kitchen and living area. Spiral stairs with a pendant light lead down to the lower level, where there are two bedrooms and a shared bathroom. One bedroom has a walk-in closet; one has a sliding-door closet.

In Home 10, the entry hall leads to a large, open-concept living, dining and kitchen area. There are skylights above the kitchen island and a Juliet balcony overlooking the interior courtyard. Off the hall are stairs with a skylight that lead to the penthouse bedroom. This bedroom comes with an en suite bathroom and a closet with a sliding door. French doors open to the roof deck. The deck has a stainless-steel wet bar with a glacier white Corian countertop and a black faucet. Also off the unit’s entrance hall, a second bedroom has a walk-in closet and a hall bathroom.

KITCHENS

Kitchens come with a Bosch refrigerator, stove and dishwasher and either a Bosch or Sharp microwave. They all have Delta kitchen fixtures.

The kitchen in unit 1 has a peninsula with room for seating. Upper cabinets are black with glass doors. Cabinets are white oak below the countertops and around the refrigerator. The kitchen has a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop, a bronze Delta faucet and a white picket tile backsplash.

Home 10 has a kitchen island with a light-wood base. The kitchen has black upper cabinets with glass doors and Kelly Wearstler Nodes pendant lights. Cabinets on both ends of the kitchen and below the counter are white oak. The backsplash is white picket tile, and countertops are Calacatta Laza quartz. The microwave is hidden under a flip-up cabinet, and the front of the bottom-freezer refrigerator matches the cabinets. The dishwasher is installed in the island. Appliances include a 36-inch slide-in gas range.

BATHROOMS

Home 1 has two bathrooms, including the powder room on the main level, which has a light-wood vanity with a white quartz counter. Downstairs, the two bedrooms share a bathroom that has a frameless glass shower with bronze Delta fixtures and a vertical azure tile shower surround. The single vanity has a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop on a light-wood cabinet. Home 10 has two full bathrooms. The main level has a hall bathroom with a shower-tub combo, bronze Delta fixtures, and a white subway tile shower surround. The single light-wood vanity has a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop. The en suite bathroom on the second level has a frameless glass shower enclosure with a bronze Delta rain shower head, a hand shower and a vertical azure tile shower surround. The single vanity has a Calacatta Laza quartz countertop on a light-wood cabinet.

NEIGHBORHOOD

Nearby 14th Street is lively with restaurants and nightlife, including such dining spots as Le Diplomate, Estadio, Birch and Barley and Vegas Lounge. The Nina May and San Lorenzo restaurants are nearby on 11th and Ninth streets, respectively. Many boutique shops and a Whole Foods grocery are also nearby. The Studio Theatre is part of a vibrant arts scene that includes the Terzo Piano DC and Transformer galleries.

NEARBY PARKS

Logan Circle is one block away. Cardozo Playground, Shaw Dog Park and Shaw Skate Park are three blocks away.

SCHOOLS

Elementary: Seaton Elementary School | Middle and high: Cardozo Education Campus

TRANSIT

Logan Circle is just north of downtown Washington. The G2, 63 and 64 bus routes are within two blocks. The McPherson Square Metro station, on the Blue, Orange and Silver lines, is about a mile away, and the Shaw-Howard University station, on the Green and Yellow lines, is about half a mile away.

WHAT SETS IT APART

The Juliet, a renovated 1890s building, was designed to blend into the historical Logan Circle neighborhood. The interiors include custom architectural touches and high-end finishes, Bloomfield said. The neighborhood, in Northwest Washington, is walkable, with plenty of shops and restaurants on 14th and other nearby streets. Northern parts of downtown are also within walking distance.

Urban Turf Features Stella’s Rent-To-Buy Program

Posted on November 4, 2022 by Derek Friday - Press

Urban Turf | Washington, DC | November 4th, 2022

Last week, UrbanTurf looked at how rent-to-buy scenarios are making a return to the housing market in the current high interest rate environment. Today, we take a look at how a new condo development in DC is utilizing this strategy.

The Stella, an 18-unit condo project in Petworth, is offering a lease-to-own program called “Pathway to Homeownership” on its remaining homes. Here is how it works for a two-bedroom unit: The purchaser and seller come to terms on a sales price of $480,000 for the condo. They agree on a rent amount of $3,400 per month with a lease duration of 12 months. Rent payments are made directly to the title company, and 70% of the monthly rent ($2,380) is held in escrow for the duration of the lease. The remaining 30% ($1,020) is used to cover operational expenses such as condo fees, property taxes, utilities, etc.

At the end of the 12-month lease, the purchaser/renter can elect to move forward to settlement and complete the purchase using the balance of funds held in the escrow account ($28,560) towards their down payment, closing costs, or other settlement costs. Otherwise, the purchaser/renter releases the amount held in escrow as a final rent payment and move-out as they would in a traditional lease.

“Theoretically a person could sign up with this program and end up with 6% of a down payment, just by paying rent for a year,” Robbie Cook of McWilliams|Ballard said. “Since many loan options only require 3% or 5% down, this is more than enough to get someone into a home they then own.”

McWilliams|Ballard Tapped for Lease Up of the Lanes at Union Market, a New Apartment Community in Washington DC

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Derek Friday - Announcements

Washington, DC | September 15th, 2022
McWilliams|Ballard is proud to announce it has been selected to lead the lease-up effort of Ranger Properties’ newest apartment development, The Lanes at Union Market in vibrant Northeast Washington, DC.

The Lanes at Union Market, a LEED Certified, fully amenitized building, features 112 modern apartments with a variety of flexible floorplan options including 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom layouts. With the ability for renters to rent either the whole apartment or by the room, each apartment features
modern finishes throughout including floor-to-ceiling windows, hardwood flooring and GE appliance package. Residents are able to enjoy designer amenities including a top floor resident club room,rooftop terrace with sweeping city views, multiple rooftop grilling areas and free community wide wifi. Located in the heart of Union Market, The Lanes is just steps to Trader Joe’s Grocery, restaurants, entertainment, the H Street Corridor, and more.

Ranger Properties, founded in 2007, is an integrated property management and full-service development firm with a vast portfolio throughout the East Coast. Led by, Sheldon Stein, the firm focuses on opportunistic investments with a philosophy on project that are not only outstandingly aesthetic but offer a since of surprise for those that live within.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is a real estate sales and marketing firm specializing in the sales and marketing of new condominiums, townhomes, and mixed-use communities. During its 26-year history, McWilliams|Ballard has worked in 13 states nationwide, creating partnerships with developers and builders to provide sales and marketing solutions from project inception to the final closed sale. In addition, the firm also provides consultation and market research used by some of the most renowned developers and investment groups in the country.

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McWilliams|Ballard and Atlantic Realty Companies Announce the Launch of Sales at The Overlook at Montgomery Center in Gaithersburg

Posted on August 25, 2022 by Derek Friday - Announcements

Washington, D.C. –Thursday, August 25, 2022

McWilliams Ballard is proud to partner with Atlantic Realty Companies in announcing the sales launch of The Overlook at Montgomery Village. A new condominium community of 32 residences, The Overlook represents one of the best values in Montgomery County with homes starting in the mid $200s meanwhile providing walkability to shopping, dining, onsite services, and award-winning Montgomery County schools.

The homes feature one-, two- and three-bedroom home layouts with premium finishes, including 8’ – 9’ ceiling heights, 6” luxury plank flooring, chef’s kitchens, granite counters with tile backsplashes, white cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, and spa baths. Many homes are available for immediate move-in and include parking.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is a real estate sales and marketing firm specializing in the sales and marketing of new condominiums, townhomes and mixed-use communities. During its 26-year history, McWilliams|Ballard has worked in 13 states nationwide, creating partnerships with developers and builders to provide sales and marketing solutions from project inception to the final closed sale. In addition, the firm also provides consultation and market research used by some of the most renowned developers and investment groups in the country.

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McWilliams|Ballard and PT Blooms Development Announce the Launch of Sales at The Juliet in Sought-After Logan Circle

Posted on June 22, 2022 by Derek Friday - Announcements

Washington, D.C. –June 22, 2022

McWilliams|Ballard is thrilled to partner again with PT Blooms Development to launch the sales of The Juliet, another carefully crafted boutique condominium community in Washington’s sought-after historic Logan Circle.

Located at the heart of an urban epicenter, this well-designed community features 10 residences with historic detailing paired beautifully with modern design aesthetics for a luxurious lifestyle. The homes feature curated interior finishes from a local design firm, Leni Design, including standard 9’+ ceiling heights, hardwood flooring, custom millwork, floor-to-ceiling two-tone kitchen cabinetry, and white Calacatta quartz counters, Bosch Appliances, and spa baths with champagne bronze fixtures. All residences also have private outdoor spaces and both penthouse residences come with oversized roof decks. Stunning sweeping city views of the U.S. Capitol & Washington Monument are waiting.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is a real estate sales and marketing firm specializing in the sales and marketing of new condominiums, townhomes and mixed-use communities. During its 25-year history, McWilliams|Ballard has worked in 13 states nationwide, creating partnerships with developers and builders to provide sales and marketing solutions from project inception to the final closed sale. In addition, the firm also provides consultation and market research used by some of the most renowned developers and investment groups in the country.

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