Author: Derek Friday

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 - 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 - 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.

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 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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The Washington Post Features Agudo in Union Market

Posted on May 3, 2022 by - Press

Only one of four units is still for sale. It has three bedrooms and is listed at $924,900.

By Scott Sowers, Washington Post

The four high-end condos at 513 M St. NE are two-story residences in a one-of-a-kind building in the Union Market neighborhood. Only one unit remains for sale.

The currently available Unit C, on the lower and ground-floor levels, measures 1,870 square feet and has three bedrooms, two full bathrooms and a powder room (half-bath). It’s listed at $924,900. The condo fee is $196 a month. Move-ins for the other units are expected to start in the next few weeks.

Each of the two upper units has a rooftop deck. Each of the lower units, including Unit C, has a below-ground patio at the back of the building. There are parking spaces, but they have all been sold. The building was once a church — the development team helped relocate the congregation — and D.C.-based Kube Architecture did the design work for its conversion into condominium units. Warmington Oppenheim Development is the developer.

Angled bay windows facing the street are among the building’s most distinctive features.

“One of the biggest challenges in designing condos is bringing natural light and fresh air into the middle of the units,” said Janet Bloomberg, a partner in Kube. “Often, we’re working in rowhouses or attached units that have party walls on one or both sides, so this is difficult. We develop creative plan layouts to allow for operable windows in the middle of the units, making them feel more open and breathable.”

The building is a short walk from Union Market, which has a long, rich connection to the wholesale and retail food businesses. The city has been encouraging investment in and development of 45 acres sandwiched between Florida and New York avenues NE.

The effort has paid off, according to Kate Hanley of McWilliams Ballard, who is in charge of sales and marketing at 513 M Street NE.

“There is very little [residential] inventory in the Union Market area, and what is there is not of the same quality as this project,” Hanley said. “The combination of high quality and high design, in a neighborhood that is booming, made this project a success.”

The neighborhood continues to move upscale with the addition of the quick-selling condominium project at 513 M Street NE. Matthew Oppenheim, a principal in Warmington Oppenheim, said going with an edgy design was a good gamble.

“Our M Street project is flanked by two projects that are generic and don’t contribute any character to the neighborhood,” Oppenheim said. “There is a price premium attached to our units. The unit contract prices have set a record in the Union Market neighborhood.”

Warmington Oppenheim advocates preservation rules that make it possible to put well-designed, well-made modern buildings in traditional neighborhoods.

“We love diversity in design and think it adds a lot of character to the city to see rowhouses next to well-executed contemporary projects,” said Brett Warmington, also a Warmington Oppenheim principal. “Preservation is important but can also hold some neighborhoods back. Design guidelines that mandate quality of materials and execution are equally as important as any preservation guidelines.”

Bloomberg, the architect, said buyers are attracted to interesting design. “I definitely believe that condos designed in a creative or unexpected way sell faster,” Bloomberg said. “People are looking for a home that stands out as high design. They don’t want their home to look like all the others.”

Schools: J.O. Wilson Elementary, Stuart-Hobson Middle, Eastern High School

Transit: The NoMa-Gallaudet U Metro station (Red Line) is less than a half-mile to the west. The 90 and 92 bus routes run on Florida Avenue NE and Eighth Street NE.

Nearby: Union Market, Gallaudet University, Union Station, Alethia Tanner Park.

513 M Street NE

Four condominiums were built, and one unit remains for sale. It’s listed at $924,900.

Builder: Warmington Oppenheim Development

Features: The chef’s kitchen has an island, walk-in pantry, Bosch appliances (including six-burner range) and custom maple kitchen cabinetry. The unit also has white oak floors, Nest smart doorbell and Nest smart thermostat.

Bedrooms/bathrooms: 3/2.5

Square footage: 1,870

Condominium fee: $196 a month

View model: By appointment

Sales: Kate Hanley of McWilliams Ballard at 202-568-3045 or khanley@mcwb.com

81 Stylish Condominiums Are Coming Soon to an Ideal Old Town Location

Posted on November 9, 2021 by - Press

Undeniable style, a centralized location, elevated design, and cosmopolitan lifestyles — these are the hallmarks of urban living and what you can expect when Towngate North comes to Old Town North Alexandria.

Anchored at the intersection of Slaters Lane and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Towngate North offers 81 stylish condominium residences with exceptional access to the quaint charm of Old Town and the hustle and bustle of DC.

“We know our owners want and expect to have it all when choosing urban DC living and I can say Towngate more than delivers,” said Gregg Hughes, Senior Vice President at Brookfield Residential. “Whether it was selecting the condominium’s location, amenities or floorplan options, every time we thought what we had couldn’t get any better, we pushed ourselves a little further to offer an unrivaled living experience.”

Towngate North is scheduled to open for pre-sales in early 2022, with residences in the first building ready for move-in by fall 2022. The second building will be ready to welcome new owners in early 2023.

This new condominium community by Brookfield Residential features two thoughtfully detailed buildings with 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom residences. Each floorplan is defined by flowing open spaces and abundant natural light. Prices range from the $400’s to $1.6M. Residences at Towngate North will feature a refreshing blend of timeless designs with polished finishes, offering owners a rare combination of modern style and comforting warmth in their home. Amenities at Towngate North include a building concierge, clubroom for gatherings and conference space.There is also a fitness room for energizing workouts, a dog spa to pamper the pups and a rooftop terrace to unwind with gorgeous Old Town views.

Homeowners will be just moments from George Washington Memorial Park and the Mount Vernon Trail, where they can cruise into the heart of Old Town for dinner, shopping or a show. Or they can hop in the car and take the George Washington Memorial Parkway into downtown DC.

Discerning home buyers will easily recognize that Towngate North offers an ideal combination of style, sophistication and location, and the property is expected to sell quickly.

To learn more about Towngate North and register for VIP updates, visit TowngateNorth.com.

McWilliams|Ballard Celebrates 25 Years of Continued Real Estate Sales & Marketing Success Throughout the Mid-Atlantic

Posted on October 29, 2021 by - Announcements

Washington, DC | October 29, 2021

McWilliams|Ballard is celebrating its 25th Anniversary as the leader in new project development sales and marketing throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Since its founding in 1996 by Ross McWilliams and Christopher Ballard, McWilliams|Ballard has continued to build on its success by working with developers of all sizes to provide a unique sales approach and innovative marketing strategies for the finest condominium, townhome and single-family communities in 13-states across North America.   McWilliams|Ballard has sold over 40,000 homes in 500 communities valued at over $15 billion dollars.

“The moment Ross and I started our business; we knew we could offer something different to the marketplace and our unique approach to sales and marketing would create something incredible.  We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with great gratitude for the relationships and new communities we have helped curate over the years”, shared Christopher Ballard, Founder and President of McWilliams|Ballard.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, continues to create 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 Publishes Its Fifth Volume of Live Well

Posted on October 22, 2021 by - Announcements

Washington, D.C. – October 22, 2021

McWilliams|Ballard, the leader in new development sales and marketing since 1996, is thrilled to announce its fifth publication of the Live Well magazine. From luxury condominiums and designer townhomes to custom single-family homes, Live Well highlights our vast portfolio of new communities and serves as a guide to the best new real estate throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area.

With distribution to over 30,000 top brokers, clients, prospective buyers, and as highlighted in the Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, Live Well, as a lead generator, has been responsible for over 100 sales since its first publication in 2016. For more information on our portfolio or to receive your personal copy, visit https://mcwb.com/live-well-guide.

“Since our first issue over five years ago, Live Well has served as a carefully curated real estate guide that cuts through the crowded marketplace for future homebuyers as well as the broker community.” says Derek Friday, Director of Marketing.

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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At City Homes in DC, condo-living is a multilevel thing

Posted on October 19, 2021 by - Uncategorized, Press

By Connie Dufner, Washington Post | October 19, 2021

Jordan Mixter said she knew one thing for sure when she and her partner were searching for a new home: The dining room table as office was done, and so was pandemic-style work-life imbalance.
So, when they started contemplating a move from their apartment in D.C.’s NoMa neighborhood, space and lifestyle were priorities. They looked at a mix of options, including existing rowhouses, a Brookland bungalow and new homes of various types.
“My partner is much more into new things than I am,” said Mixter, director of operations and strategy for a think tank. “I loved the charm of a bungalow, but I kept thinking about the upkeep and the repairs. It was more than I wanted to bite off.” At City Homes Eckington, in Northeast Washington’s Eckington neighborhood, the couple found a pleasing blend of new construction, urban neighborhood romance and, most importantly, a feeling of spaciousness, both mental and physical.
“I wasn’t against buying a condo,” Mixter said. “I just wanted it to feel like we were buying a home.” They chose a two-story residence in the City Homes community of 45 townhouse-style condos, which opened for sales in September. About 30 percent of the units have been sold, and owners are expected to begin moving in over the next few weeks.
City Homes is one of three residential communities in the Quincy Lane mixed-use development, along with the condos at 1625 Eckington and the Judd & Weiler rental apartments.
When complete, Quincy Lane will have a variety of shops and restaurants connected by a pedestrian-friendly cobblestone street. Businesses open there now are Union Kitchen, a commercial kitchen, and Brooklyn Boulders, an indoor rock-climbing gym.
City Homes units have mostly two- and three-bedroom configurations in three floor plans. (One of the units is a one-bedroom.) Most units have two floors; the penthouses have three. Each unit has at least one private outdoor space.
Interiors were designed by the firm Cecconi Simone, and the building’s corridors feature three seven-piece collections — by painter Steven Cushner and multimedia artists Teal Price and Julie Wolfe.
Grosvenor Group is the City Homes developer. KTGY did the architecture, and McWilliams Ballard is doing sales and marketing.
Mixter’s unit, which she hopes to move into this fall, has a walkout patio and plenty of storage space. “We love that it’s two-story and lives like a home,” Mixter said. “The appliances are beautiful. I love gas cooking, so the gas range was a big plus.”Mixter added: “We have been stuck in an apartment without even a small balcony, so we appreciate the designated outdoor space. There’s plenty of interaction with the urban environment around you.”Another homeowner, Michael Moore, a real estate broker with Compass, said he learned about City Homes from a sales presentation on Zoom. “I went to look at the model on a Saturday, and through the weekend, I kept thinking, ‘I really like them,’” he said.
He liked the two walk-in closets in the primary bedroom and the one in the guest bedroom. The construction was solid, Moore said, and the outdoor space inviting. “It checked all the boxes for me,” he said. “As a real estate agent, I’ve seen a lot. I asked to come back a second time, with a different set of eyes, looking at it for my personal use. I’m very picky about quality, and I found it excellent in 95 percent of the categories.”

Moore selected the community’s model unit, which will become available after the project is built out.Quincy Lane is “very forward thinking, like CityCenter, with a large pedestrian walkway and lights across the alley. I can walk up from my home and grab a coffee or groceries,” Moore said.

Nearby: City Homes is about a half-mile from Union Market, across the street from Alethia Tanner Park and a quarter-mile from the Metropolitan Branch Trail. It is less than two miles from Union Station and about 3.5 miles from Nationals Park.
Schools: Langley Elementary, McKinley Middle, Dunbar High

Transit: City Homes is about a half-mile from the NoMa-Gallaudet Metro station, on the Red Line. Many buses serve the area, including routes on North Capitol Street, R Street and Florida Avenue.

City Homes Eckington
1500 Harry Thomas Way NE, Washington
The community of 45 townhouse-style condos has a two-level, one-bedroom unit from $699,900; two-level, two- and three-bedroom units from $795,900; and three-level, three-bedroom penthouse units from $999,900.
Developer: Grosvenor Group
Features: Kitchens have Fisher & Paykel appliances, including gas cooktops, double ovens and double-drawer dishwashers; flat-panel cabinetry with soft-close hardware; built-in trash and recycling drawers; soapstone quartz countertops; and Perla white quartz backsplashes. Each residence has one or more private outdoor spaces in the form of a patio, terrace or balcony. Penthouse units include private roof terraces. Primary bathrooms have matte-black plumbing hardware by Pfister, Kohler fixtures, a frameless shower door and a deep soaking tub by Kohler. A parking garage is under the building, and 43 spaces are available for purchase.
Bedrooms/bathrooms: 1 to 3 / 2 to 4
Square-footage: 950 to 1,470
Homeowners’ fees: $310 to $489 a month, depending on unit size
Contact: David Klimas with McWilliams Ballard, 202-431-1272 or dklimas@mcwb.com

Towngate North, Office buildings in Old Town Alexandria to be converted to new condos

Posted on October 11, 2021 by - Press

By Michele Lerner, Washington Post | October 6, 2021

The office-to-housing conversion continues, this time in Old Town Alexandria, Va. Brookfield Residential recently announced plans to transition offices into two condominium buildings called Towngate North in an Old Town North neighborhood at 625 and 635 Slaters Lane.

“Towngate North is comprised of two former corporate buildings which we’ll be extensively renovating to transform into upscale condominiums,” wrote Gregg Hughes, senior vice president at Brookfield Residential, in an email. “We’re excited to use our expertise in innovative homebuilding to revitalize these existing buildings into a new opportunity for people to join the vibrant Old Town North community.”

The 81 one-, two- and three-bedroom condos are anticipated to be priced from the mid $400,000s to $1.6 million. Presales are expected to begin in early 2022, with the first building ready for occupants in October 2022 and the second building ready in early 2023. Planned amenities at Towngate North include a clubroom, conference room, fitness center with yoga room, dog spa, bike storage areas and a rooftop terrace with views of Alexandria and Washington, D.C. Concierge services will also be available.

The Mount Vernon Trail, a paved trail for biking, jogging and walking which stretches 18 miles from Mount Vernon to Roosevelt Island along the Potomac River, will be easily accessible from the development. Towngate North is 1.2 miles from the Braddock Road Metro station and 1.7 miles from Potomac Yard, where a new Metro station is scheduled to open in fall 2022.

The Old Town Waterfront and the shops and restaurants on King Street are about 1.5 miles from the development. Other nearby neighborhoods include Del Ray, Shirlington, and Pentagon City. The development is just off the George Washington Memorial Parkway to drive into D.C. Reagan National Airport is two miles from Towngate North.

For more information and to be placed on a priority list, visit www.TowngateNorth.com

Urban Turf Highlights Eckington’s Quincy Lane Opening

Posted on September 10, 2021 by - Press

Eckington’s Quincy Lane Opens Doors to Two Stylish Properties

September 10, 2021 by UrbanTurf 

Quincy Lane—Eckington’s energetic new pedestrian-centric meeting point—is welcoming homeowners to a mix of stylish condominiums, townhomes and apartments, all anchored by exciting new retail.

On September 25th from 4:00 to 6:00pm, the cobblestone community will come alive with local vendors, live music, food and drinks. Prospective buyers will have a chance to tour new models at both City Homes, a collection of 45 multi-level townhome-style residences; and 1625 Eckington, a contemporary 179-condominium property. To RSVP for the opening fair, visit QuincyLaneRSVP.com.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore the soon-to-open Brooklyn Boulders climbing gym and taste food from some of Union Kitchen’s forthcoming restaurants. Quincey Lane will also be home to Union Kitchen Commissary, a convenient neighborhood grocery store featuring prepared meals and groceries for owners.

City Homes is a timeless collection of connected townhome-style residences by internationally renowned interior design firm, Cecconi Simone. City Homes blends stylish contemporary interiors—featuring oversized windows, modern kitchens, work nooks and carefully curated living spaces—with private outdoor spaces. The homes are priced from $794,900 and move-ins for the property will begin in early fall.

The condominiums at 1625 Eckington feature a mix of one- and two-bedroom residences with spacious floor plans, nine-foot ceilings, kitchens featuring Porcelanosa cabinetry and Bosch appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame quintessential DC views. Owners at 1625 Eckington have access to a host of high-end amenities, including concierge staffed front desk, lobby-level meeting and lounge space, in addition to a rooftop fitness center, community room with built-in kitchen and expansive Nana wall that opens onto a rooftop terrace and private pool. Pricing starts from the mid $300s with homes available for immediate move-in.

Eckington is one of Washington DC’s oldest neighborhoods, full of historic Victorian homes and a wide variety of established and new commercial highlights. Local favorites include Union Market, Red Hen, Big Bear Café, Uncle Chips, Cotton and Reed and Anxo Cidery & Pintxos Bar. Quincy Lane is also steps from Alethia Tanner Park, the NOMA-Gallaudet Metro station and Metropolitan Branch Trail.

For more information about the Quincy Lane opening fair, and to RSVP, please visit QuincyLaneRSVP.com.

McWilliams|Ballard’s Mid-Year Condominium Market Report Predicts A Recovery In Sales and Price in 2021 to 2019 Levels

Posted on September 7, 2021 by - Announcements

Washington, DC | September 7, 2021

McWilliams|Ballard has released its 2021 Mid-Year Condominium Market Report for the Washington Metropolitan Area.  The report is a comprehensive analysis of the new and resale condominium marketplace in the Greater Washington Area for the first two quarters of 2021.

The report illustrates the Washington Metro Area’s condominium new market continues to rebound from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising 17% year over year in the first half of 2021.  McWilliams|Ballard anticipates, based on recent shares of new sales in the first half of the year, that 2021 will end with a total number of new sales similar to 2019’s and in line with the 10-year average.  Condominium resale quantity surged 58% relative to the first half of 2020 and 30% over 2019.  This increased volume came with a 7% increase in average resale price and only 4-day increase in average days on market.  Increases in both new and resale condominium sales show demand for the product and low-maintenance lifestyle in prime locations are here to stay.

For your own copy of the McWilliams|Ballard 2021 Mid-Year report, please visit www.mcwb.com/services.

McWilliams|Ballard, based in Alexandria, Virginia, is the leading real estate sales and marketing firm specializing in the sales and marketing of new condominiums, apartments, townhomes and mixed-use communities. During its 24-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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