Category: Press

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chevy Chase featured in Washington Post: Luxury Condos, Prime Suburban Md. Location

Posted on August 3, 2021 by Derek Friday - Press

By Scott Sowers | August 3rd, 2021

Chevy Chase Lake, a multiuse development in Montgomery County, Md., is about luxury living on a large scale, with plans for 86,500 square feet of retail and 531 high-end residential units. It’s all happening just off Connecticut Avenue about two miles north of Chevy Chase Circle at the D.C. city line.

The first phase of that development includes — in addition to 280 rental apartments — 65 condominium units: the Ritz-Carlton Residences. The condos are expected to be ready for move-ins to begin in early 2022, said Robbie Cook, vice president at McWilliams Ballard, which is in charge of sales and marketing.

Prices range from $925,000 to more than $2 million, depending on options. About half the condo units have already been sold.

Chevy Chase Lake is being built around a spacious neighborhood square, and initially will have three buildings, two with apartments and one with the 65 condos. The development plan includes a Purple Line light-rail stop between two of Metro’s Red Line stations, Silver Spring on the east side and Bethesda on the west. Construction on the Purple Line has been halted by a contract dispute but is expected to resume this year. The original projected completion date was in 2023.

The Chevy Chase site is also near the other urban amenities of southwestern Montgomery County and neighboring Northwest Washington, as well as the area’s parks and other venues for outdoor recreation.“There is so much to do and see in Chevy Chase and the neighboring suburbs,” Cook said. “The location is exceptional, placing residents alongside the Capital Crescent Trail and just a bike ride away from Rock Creek Park.”

He also commented on the condo building’s on-site amenities. “This includes a piano lounge, state-of-the-art fitness facility, meditation and yoga terrace,” he said. Floor plans for the Ritz-Carlton Residences are broken into four groups: The Park, The Lake Collection, The Chase Collection, and Lion and Crown.The Park units range from 1,107 to 1,346 square feet, with one bedroom, a study and two bathrooms; The Lake Collection, 1,344 to 1,565 square feet, with two bedrooms and up to three bathrooms; The Chase Collection, 1,756 to 1,930 square feet, with two bedrooms and up to three bathrooms; Lion and Crown, 1,980 to 2,202 square feet, with three-bedrooms and up to three bathrooms.Every condominium unit has private outdoor space and at least one assigned parking space. Penthouses have two parking spaces. Condo fees range from $1,295 to $2,575 a month and are attributed to costs that include “signature services such as a building manager, doorman, valet, porter service and a dedicated residential team that caters to the needs of Owners.”

The lead architect for Chevy Chase Lake is D.C.-based David M. Schwarz. Akseizer Design Group, based in Alexandria, Va., did the interior design for the Ritz-Carlton Residences.

Some customization is available, but there is a deadline, which looms larger as the project nears completion. “For homes put under contract prior to Labor Day,” Cook said, “purchasers can select from a collection of seven different design expressions from Akseizer, or can choose their own flooring stain, cabinet hardware, countertops, decorative pendant lighting, wall paint colors and bathroom fixture style.”

Schools: Rosemary Hills Elementary, North Chevy Chase Elementary, Silver Creek Middle and Bethesda-Chevy Chase High

Transit: A Purple Line station is planned, although work on the light-rail line has been delayed. The Bethesda Metro station, on the Red Line, is about a mile and a half away. Chevy Chase Lake has easy access to Interstate 495 (the Capital Beltway). There are bus stops on Connecticut Avenue and Jones Bridge Road.

Nearby: Rock Creek Park, downtown Bethesda and the Capital Crescent Trail are close.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences

8551 Connecticut Ave., Chevy Chase, Md. Tours of the sales gallery at 8401 Connecticut Ave., Suite 111, are available by appointment only.

Sixty-five condos are under construction; half of them have been sold. Prices range from $925,000 to more than $2,000,000, depending on options.

Developer: Bozzuto

Features: All the residences have private outdoor space and at least one assigned parking space. Units on the penthouse level have two parking spaces. Units have smart-home entry systems, Nest thermostats, white oak hardwood floors, high-speed WiFi connections and tray ceilings with cove lighting in the owner’s suite and dining areas. The kitchens have solid-wood cabinetry by Stevali, LED undercounter lighting, quartz countertops and backsplashes, and appliances by Bosch and Thermador. Owner’s suite bathrooms have marble floors and Kohler Kallista faucets and fixtures.

Bedrooms / bathrooms: 1 to 3 / 2 to 3

Square footage: 1,107 to 2,202

Condominium fees: $1,295 to $2,575 a month

Contact: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chevy Chase Sales Team, rcresidences@chevychaselake.com 301-264-8806

City Homes & Area DC Developers Double Down on the Power of Art

Posted on July 9, 2021 by Derek Friday - Press

By Keith Loria | July 9th, 2021

It isn’t enough for developers to just make pretty buildings anymore; to be truly engaged and seen as community builders, many developers say they find it wise to invest in public art projects that are in line with the communities that surround their projects.

That’s why many developers in the Washington region are now incorporating paintings, sculptures and other art installations in their projects.

Here is a look at some recent projects in the region utilizing art.

City Homes

Grosvenor Americas has always had a deep commitment to patronizing local artists and, over the last decade, has contributed more than $500,000 to local artists in D.C. through its development projects.

“We’re seeing a lot more interest in art right now in the multifamily space, as well as in commercial and office,” Ryan Stewart, Grosvenor Americas’ senior development manager, told Commercial Observer. “People are gravitating toward things that feel authentic, and these pieces really feel that way — they stand out and provide something pure and true that someone put their blood, sweat and tears into.”

It’s newest development, City Homes, a townhome community in D.C.’s historic Eckington neighborhood, includes a creative art walk experience within the unit corridors featuring three seven-piece original collections by local artists Caitlin Teal Price, Julie Wolfe and Steven Cushner.

“This area has a deep artistic history, and we have partnered closely with local artisans to curate art for the space,” Stewart said. “We decided to make a large investment in order to feature art in the corridors, because we really wanted to recognize the artisan members of our community and applaud their contributions to Eckington and D.C. as a whole.”

Another art piece in the region that Grosvenor Americas is proud of is Crossroads, a 30-foot-tall, stainless-steel sculpture at Central, an apartment community in Silver Spring, Md.

It’s a beautiful reminder of consequential decision-making. Importantly, this piece is a part of the public realm and is meant for all community members to enjoy,” Stewart said. “For us, our investment in public art boils down to creating a healthy environment. We know that experiencing true artwork is good for mental health — it challenges our thoughts and makes us look at things differently. It also brings us moments of joy in the day we otherwise wouldn’t have. We really see these art pieces as extensions of our goal to create strong, vibrant, lasting communities.”

Bryant Street

Byran Street is a new development in D.C.’s Edgewood neighborhood, offering apartments, retail and public spaces. Developer MRP Realty has taken specific care to understand the community it is entering and has invested more than $75,000 in local artists’ work, honoring the community’s history, both inside the building and outside in public art spaces.

“From a residential perspective, we know there is only so much we can do within the units themselves, so we are always looking for what else we can do,” Matt Bailey, development manager of MRP Realty, told CO. “In the past couple years, it seemed like we were in an amenity race to build the biggest gym, pool or lobby, but now we are seeing the prioritization of public art space as the ultimate community amenity.

“Amongst developers here, we are seeing an arts race of sorts,” he added. “Developers are pushing each other to incorporate dynamic art concepts from local and unique artists into their developments.”

The first residential building in Bryant Street, Coda, has more than 2,300 square feet of local art in five murals, and, overall, artists have created more than 5,000 square feet of art throughout Bryant Street.

“Much of the inspiration for the designs came from the existing community murals on the site. We wanted to be sure any public art was a true value-add and an authentic reflection of the community,” Bailey said. “For Bryant Street, community-curated art has been a great avenue to connect with the community. In fact, there were some existing murals commissioned years ago that we wanted to add to when we entered the space. We commissioned local artists to create complementary murals that connect the neighborhood to its history and future.”

Inside the buildings, MRP Reality has also incorporated the work of local artists that feature subjects that speak to the narrative of the neighborhood.

“We’ve found that public art generates a lot more interest in a development and helps add to the personality of those projects within their neighborhoods,” Bailey said. “It helps elevate and complement our architectural designs, both on the interiors as well as exterior, and we’ve found that residents really appreciate and value consciously created art installations in the place they call home.”

The Station at Riverdale Park

Calvin Cafritz Enterprises continues to develop The Station at Riverdale Park, a 36-acre development in Prince George’s County that, when completed, will feature 119 townhouses, 850 multifamily units, 160,000 square feet of retail and 20,000 square feet of office. The active mixed-use community also includes art from all over the world, which is featured throughout the property for the public to enjoy.

“As the DMV area continues to reopen, residents and visitors will continue to look for beautiful, relaxing spaces to spend time outdoors with friends and family, and many of those spaces will revolve around art,” Jane Cafritz told CO. “Art can be intimidating for many of us, making the artistic process feel out of reach. By putting curated works out in the open, it creates new energy, and inspires creativity and an appreciation for the arts within a community.”

The area includes a wing mural by renowned artist Kelsey Montague, known for her Taylor Swift-inspired mural in Nashville; and “The Soul of Words I and II” sculptures by Spanish sculptor and artist, Jaume Plensa.

“Art, like the pieces featured at The Station, can help add character and beauty to the spaces they inhabit,” Cafritz said. “Some, like our Riverdale Engineering Research Corporation plane from 1946, can be a beautiful nod to the neighborhood’s history. And others, like ‘Sir Rulean’ by Kim In Tae, can be a symbol for gathering at Bear Square — The Station’s central meeting point, with family and food-oriented programming, that brings the community together throughout the year.”

The Redevelopment of Downtown Columbia, including the Merriweather District Neighborhood

In 2010, The Howard County Council in Maryland adopted the Downtown Columbia Plan to guide the redevelopment of the center core of the city, calling for works of art to be incorporated into new amenity spaces and private developments, and suggesting that “the walls of buildings and parking garages could become the surfaces” for works of art.

“People today — everyone from CEOs to young adults joining the workforce and young families — are looking for an urban core within a community offering an active, outdoor lifestyle,” Greg Fitchitt, president of the Columbia region for The Howard Hughes Corporation, which is developing the area, told CO. “Public art, and the arts in general, have always been central to the vision and appeal of Downtown Columbia, notable for its natural, open setting and progressive institutions.”

Merriweather District is the first ground-up development in the Downtown Columbia Plan, and is envisioned as a regional hub for culture and commerce. Once completed, Merriweather District will include 4.9 million square feet of mixed-use development, including public spaces, residential, office, and varied street retail.

“One of our team’s early investments was “Azlon”, one of the largest kinetic sculptures in the state of Maryland, by internationally renowned artist Anthony Howe,” said Vanessa Rodriguez, vice president of marketing for The Howard Hughes Corporation. “Azlon presents a slow-motion dance of steel and light at such a large scale that it can mesmerize viewers for long, extended moments. When the wind is calm, the sculpture’s 22 finely balanced, curving wings remain perfectly still, but a breeze sets them into a majestic, spiraling vortex.”

HHC also commissioned Vicki Scuri Siteworks to create “Rainbow Sunset”, a dramatic graphic installation on the north and west sites of the parking garage for One Merriweather, the first building developed in the Meriweather District. Inspired by what Scuri has described as “the warm hues of Maryland’s sunsets”, the work interacts with sunlight, creating changing shades of color.

“As an arts activist, I have enjoyed seeing how this region continues to embrace the powerful role that the arts can play in shaping communities,” Rodriguez said. “Especially now, as we emerge from the pandemic, people are reconsidering just how important art can be in activating the public realm and ensuring the success of development by creating vibrant public experiences.”

Office-to-Residential Conversion in Old Town North to Open

Posted on May 24, 2021 by Derek Friday - Press

May 24, 2021 | Alexandria Living Magazine Staff Writer

A new condo building at 801 N. Fairfax St. is under construction now in a formerly empty office building. A commercial-to-residential building transformation at the corner of North Fairfax and Montgomery streets is under construction. The project, at 801 N. Fairfax St., will feature 54 condos.

One-bedroom condos will start in the upper $500,000’s. Two-bedroom condos will start in the mid-$600,000’s and two-bedroom-plus-den condos will be priced in the low $900,000’s. All will have open floor plans 10-foot ceilings, gourmet kitchens and plenty of natural light. The building was an empty office building and is being renovated by Abramson Properties and McWilliams|Ballard.

The condo building’s website, at live801north.com, is inviting would-be residents to sign up for more information about the property. The building is located near the hotel-to-residential conversion project at the Crowne Plaza in the Old Town North neighborhood.

1625 Eckington – DC Condo Building Is In the Thick Of Mixed-Use Development

Posted on January 19, 2021 by Derek Friday - Press

By Audrey Hoffer | Washington Post

Jan. 19, 2021 at 8:00 a.m. EST

The streetscape is changing rapidly in part of Northeast Washington’s NoMa neighborhood as redevelopment transforms more than three acres into a mixed-use residential and retail destination. Eckington Yards will have a 12-story, 179-unit condominium building — 1625 Eckington at Quincy Lane — two rental apartment buildings and a structure containing townhouse-style condos.

The 179-unit condo building is at Eckington Place and Quincy Lane NE, a new street that is an extension of Quincy Place. The lane runs east of Eckington Place between the four new buildings to create a retail corridor open to pedestrians and slow-moving vehicular traffic.

“This is a ‘woonerf-style street,’ ” said Chris Masters, executive vice president of McWilliams Ballard, which is handling sales. “It’s common in Europe and is called a ‘living street.’ ”The first two floors of 1625 Eckington will be occupied by shops and restaurants. The building’s residential units will occupy the third to 12th floors. Base prices for the condos range from $359,900 to $1,299,900. About 20 percent have been sold. A furnished model unit is on view at 1625 Eckington. And the McWilliams Ballard sales gallery, at 1485 Ninth St. NW, has a scale model of the entire development and a mock-up of a kitchen and another of a bathroom.

Boxes checked: Rachel Sinderbrand and Wesley Williamson have lived in NoMa for a few years. “When we started looking to buy, we knew we wanted to stay in walking distance of where we are now,” Williamson said. But they had a growing list of prospects before they saw an ad for 1625 Eckington.

They went to the sales gallery and chose a seventh-floor unit after studying floor plans and researching the developer. “It was very much a trusting situation for us,” Williamson said.

On a hard-hat tour of the unfinished unit, they “got a sense of the space and view,” Sinderbrand said. “We liked the light, especially compared to our home now, which has just one smallish window. And there’s a terrace. It was important to have some outdoor space.”

She added: “It checked all the boxes. Hopefully, we can move in the spring.” Masters confirmed that the unit should be ready to occupy in the spring.

Eckington Yards is in a vibrant, up-and-coming section of D.C. The building at 1625 Eckington has a “warm, residential aesthetic [that] blends mid-century, classic modernist design with industrial touches, evoking the heyday of Eckington’s industrial past,” said Rhea Vaflor, associate principal and lifestyle director at Hickok Cole, the interior designer.

“When residents want to get away without going too far from home, the rooftop [clubroom] features a see-through fireplace with a picture-perfect view of the Capitol, downtown D.C., the Washington Monument and National Cathedral,” she added.The building’s amenities include a rooftop pool, a fitness center, a cafe with a hosting kitchen for entertaining, a green roof and rooftop grilling station. The building lobby will have a full-time concierge.

Eric Colbert & Associates is the architecture firm.

Nearby: Alethia Tanner Park, 2½ acres and open since June, is a neighborhood highlight, with gardens, grass, a playground, a dog park and a connection to the Metropolitan Branch Trail. The park is named for Maryland native Alethia Tanner, who was born enslaved and bought her freedom and the freedom of some relatives in 1810. She promoted education for D.C.’s Black children.

Gallaudet University’s grounds are an inviting place to walk. Union Market weathers the pandemic as a venue for takeout food, with tables outside. The market also has shops such as District Cutlery, Harvey’s Market and Red Apron Butchery. There is a Whole Foods Market on H Street and a Trader Joe’s on Florida Avenue.

Schools: Langley Elementary, McKinley Middle, Dunbar High.

Transit: The closest Metro station, NoMa-Gallaudet U on the Red Line, is within easy walking distance and is one stop from Union Station. It has 10 bike racks. Eckington Yards is near New York and Florida avenues and North Capitol Street. It is steps away from a streetcar line that traverses H Street. Resident-only street parking is prevalent.

1625 Eckington at Quincy Lane

1625 Eckington Pl. NE, Washington

There will be 179 condos in the 12-story building. Base prices range from $359,900 to $1,299,900. About 20 percent are sold.

Developer: JBG Smith

Features: Ceilings are nine feet high. Hardwood floors run throughout the units. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light. The color scheme is neutral white with black matte fixtures. Bosch appliances, Porcelanosa cabinetry and quartz counters are standard. A below-ground parking garage has about 100 spots available for purchase for $45,000 each. There’s also bike storage.

Bedrooms/bathrooms: 1 to 2 plus den/ 1 or 2

Square-footage: 510 to 1,380

Condominium association fees: $325 to $810 a month

See model: By appointment.

Contacts: Kate Hanley at 202-568-3045 or Timur Loynab at 571-215-6554 and 1625eckington.com

City Homes Takes Spacious, Multi-Story Living To The Next Level

Posted on January 11, 2021 by Derek Friday - Press

As Featured by dcist | January 11th, 2021

City Homes, Grosvenor Americas’ new condominium building centrally located in Northeast D.C.’s Eckington neighborhood, seamlessly blends multi-story living with contemporary features and private outdoor spaces. This limited collection of 45 multi-story residences is anticipated to deliver in early Spring featuring distinct architecture and interior design elements across one-, two-, and three-bedroom offerings.

Situated just east of Bloomingdale, north of NoMa, and minutes from Union Market, City Homes stands at the center of urban convenience, providing easy access to restaurants, retailers, parks and transit. As part of JBG LCOR’s larger Quincy Lane Project, which upon completion, will contain four residential buildings and 80,000 square feet of curated retail, this new community will offer a truly unique combination of the comforts of home and the excitement of the city.

A unique property, City Homes exclusively offers two- and three-story condominiums providing multi-story living in the heart of the city. The ample space creates a separation between office, entertaining, and private bedroom retreats allowing for the home to serve more than one purpose. Work, family life, and gathering opportunities are able to happily coexist throughout these expansive floorplans.

Each of the 45 residences feature at least one natural, breathable outdoor space in the form of a private patio or balcony providing an inviting escape in the heart of the city. Fifth-floor units even include access to private roof deck terraces with sweeping views of the Washington monument and Basilica in select units. Airy floor plans invite residents to connect with nature from the inside out, with oversized eight-foot casement windows that bathe each home in natural light and maximize space utilization and functionality.

City Homes is a collaborative project between international property group, Grosvenor, and award-winning interior design firm, Cecconi Simone. With a track record of more than 340 years, Grosvenor is the name behind some of the world’s most recognizable addresses. For the boutique collection of residences at City Homes, Cecconi Simone’s thoughtful design balanced the industrial influences of Eckington’s past, including black fixtures and oversized factory-style windows, with bright, top-of-the-market finishes. The care with which this globally recognized team delivers City Homes is unmatched in the luxury space.

Choose between a variety of flexible floor plans and price points to select a space that not only meets but surpasses your every need, with pricing starting in the low $700s. Connect today with the sales team, McWilliams Ballard, to get a first look at City Homes: https://www.cityhomeseckington.com/

City Homes Featured in the Commercial Observer

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Derek Friday - Press

Five Big DC-Area Commercial Real Estate Projects in the Pipeline for 2021

By Keith Loria | Commerical Observer | December 21st, 2020

Like elsewhere in the U.S., commercial real estate development in the Washington, D.C., area slowed dramatically in 2020 due largely to the coronavirus pandemic. It’s expected to be slow in 2021, too, compared with previous years (and even with a new administration coming to town).

Still, there are some prominent projects in the pipeline that are on track to deliver next year. Below are five of the most notable, including a new office tower in Bethesda, Md., and a new three-building complex in Arlington, Va.

City Homes Eckington

Grosvenor Americas is developing City Homes Eckington, a collection of 45 multi-story residences featuring distinct architecture and interior design elements across one-, two-, and three-bedroom offerings.The development is anticipated to deliver in the spring.

“City Homes is one of the most unique boutique condominium properties to come onto the D.C. market in recent years,” Jonathan Carr, senior vice president of development at Grosvenor on City Homes, told Commercial Observer. “Each City Homes residence features at least one private outdoor space in the form of a terrace or balcony, as well as sweeping views that connect residents to their surrounding community.”

Located at 1500 Harry Thomas Way NE in D.C., the development will be part of JBG Smith and LCOR’s larger Quincy Lane Project, which upon completion next year, will contain four residential buildings and 80,000 square feet of curated retail.

“It was designed to fit seamlessly into the community, as well as complement its continued growth and development,” Carr said. “The project combines residential and commercial offerings, and features a ‘woonerf,’ or shared street design, in order to give residents greater access to the community. It offers a unique combination of the comforts of home and the excitement of the city.”

City Homes is centrally located in Eckington, one of D.C.’s oldest and more historic neighborhoods. It’s also near NoMa and Union Market, which include numerous retailers, restaurants and entertainment options.

“Residents will also have access to newly completed [Alethia] Tanner Park and the Metropolitan Branch Trail,” Carr said. “City Homes is located within minutes of Downtown D.C., and quick access to Metro and I-395 puts everything the greater region has to offer right at the owner’s fingertips.”

Crossing

Crossing, an upscale apartment community at 949 First Street SE that Tishman Speyer is developing, will offer a total of 818 apartment residences across 46 unique floor plans ranging from studios to three bedrooms, plus 24 penthouses in 15 spacious layouts.

Modern architectural elements are met through the building’s inverted X-shape, creating features like Bond Alley, a mixed-use passageway connecting the two buildings. Crossing delivered its East Tower late this year, and the West Tower is scheduled for completion by December 2021.

“The amenities at Crossing are unparalleled,” Jeffrey Chod, Tishman Speyer’s regional director for Washington D.C., told Commercial Observer. “The building doesn’t stop at must-haves like a rooftop infinity-edge pool or a podcasting recording suite, but also features a 6,000-square-foot wellness suite spa complete with lap pool, sauna and private treatment rooms. In addition to the amenities, Crossing has put together a package of exclusive services and partnerships that residents can take advantage of to improve their quality of life, including spa treatments and more.”

The property is in walking distance to The Yards, Washington Nationals Stadium, and the many restaurants and bars that the Capitol Riverfront has to offer.

“Navy Yard is one of the most exciting areas in the city and Crossing’s placement matches its energy perfectly,” Chod said. “In addition to its proximity to entertainment, Crossing is one of the largest residential offerings in Navy Yard, which gives it unmatched views of the district from its rooftop.”

The Silva

A joint venture between EastBanc and Mitsui Fudosan America is developing The Silva, a 172-unit apartment building, which is slated to be ready next summer.

Located at 1630 Columbia Road NW in D.C., The Silva, which is Latin for “grove” or “forest,” will provide residents with outdoor amenities that offer a breath of fresh air in the middle of the city.

“Inspired by nearby Rock Creek Park, the design team sought to create a lush retreat in the dense, urban environment of Adams Morgan,” said Hope Richardson, vice president of development at EastBanc. “The Silva has a forested courtyard with several fire pits and secluded nooks to enjoy a coffee, as well as an expansive landscaped rooftop with an infinity-edge pool, areas for outdoor dining and grilling, and panoramic city views.”

Residents of The Silva will benefit from the area’s myriad dining and entertainment options, including the LINE Hotel, multiple grocery stores and popular retail stores.

“Adams Morgan is an eclectic neighborhood with historic architecture, vibrant nightlife, and standout restaurants and retail offerings representing a broad diversity of cultures,” Richardson said. “It has an active, organized community and a walkable village feel. The Silva is positioned between Meridian Hill/Malcolm X Park and Rock Creek Park, the urban gathering place and the wild retreat, making for a nice balance between city living and access to nature.”

The Highlands

Penzance is developing The Highlands, a three-tower luxury project located at 1555 Wilson Boulevard in Arlington, Va., expected to be completed by summer.

The towers are comprised of the Pierce, offering upscale condominiums; the Aubrey, consisting of first-rate apartments; and Evo, which features versatile living spaces.

“Taking its name from its geographic location as the highest point in Rosslyn, The Highlands offers an unmatched level of luxury living in Northern Virginia,” John E. Kusturiss III, senior vice president of development at Penzance, told CO. “Its three-tower design and distinctive position make it a true standout addition to the Rosslyn neighborhood. We wanted to take advantage of the impeccable views that you can only get in Rosslyn.”

Residents can look out on views of the Potomac River, Northern Virginia countryside, and D.C. skyline.

Sitting alongside the three towers will be a reimagined 26,000-square-foot public park with community programming and the revitalized Arlington County Fire Station No. 10.

“Poised to be pillars of neighborhood activity, these projects were funded by a public-private partnership with Penzance and Arlington County to create a close-knit community in the midst of a busy urban environment,” Kusturiss said. “Penzance has been committed to providing elevated spaces that can bring The Highlands community together in elegant and inspiring ways.”

The Highlands offers direct access to major highways, the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stops, and is a quick walk across the bridge to historic Georgetown. Rosslyn is also home to a diverse range of companies from Fortune 500s to small businesses, and an array of popular restaurants and shops.

“We’re also confident that with the upcoming delivery of Amazon’s HQ2, the area’s growth has only just begun,” Kusturiss said.

Avocet Tower

In Bethesda, Md., Stonebridge is developing Avocet Tower, a 22-story trophy office building at 7373 Wisconsin Avenue, set to deliver in late 2021.

“We are creating an office environment that is sophisticated, accessible, and thoughtfully designed to be a future-forward workspace that also enhances the health and wellness of its tenants,” Doug Firstenberg, Stonebridge’s founding principal, told CO. “We firmly believe that the workplace is the central component to creating culture at a company, and we look forward to bringing in tenants who can utilize our state-of-the-art amenities, enjoy the surrounding restaurants and retailers, and benefit from the wellness-oriented technologies that are so desired as a result of the pandemic.”

The property will offer sweeping city views, a rooftop terrace, efficient office space, pristine finishes, and LEED Platinum and Wired Certified Platinum ratings.

“We’re seeing that tenants are eager to find the next-generation office environment that meets the highest standards available in building systems, technologies, and amenities to provide the best overall quality of work-life and contribute to the mental and physical wellness of their employees,” Firstenberg said. “Avocet Tower’s trophy office development is a rare find in Bethesda, making it a desirable option for those looking for a sophisticated office environment in a post-pandemic world.”

Additionally, Avocet Tower’s fully landscaped 10,000-square-foot park at the main entry to the office lobby will bring much-needed green space to downtown Bethesda for both tenants and the general public.

Amy Bowser, executive managing director for Avocet Tower’s leasing agency, JLL, noted Downtown Bethesda continues to be an appealing location for office in the greater D.C. area, due to its close proximity to an abundant and eclectic mix of destination retail, dynamic living options, and easy access to major roadways and public transit.

“Avocet Tower is within steps of everything tenants need in order to ease their commute, seamlessly accomplish daily errands, fulfill their dining needs with options ranging from fast casual to fine dining, and balance their work and personal lives,” she said. “In addition, Avocet Tower is conveniently located in close proximity to two Metro lines, Red and future Purple, and major arterial roadways [that] provide convenient transportation options for tenants.”

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Washington Post Covers Venue Alexandria

Posted on October 20, 2020 by Derek Friday - Press

Shuttered hotel gives way to luxury homes in Alexandria,VA

by Audrey Hoffer | October 20, 2020

Stephen Oparka, an avid cyclist, owns five bikes and often takes long rides on the 18-mile Mount Vernon Trail in Northern Virginia.

One such outing took him past the shuttered Crowne Plaza Hotel in Alexandria. A fence had gone up, and a sign announced the coming of Venue, a luxury high-rise condominium overlooking the Potomac River. A couple gazed at the old hotel and buzzed with excitement about the development plans. “They told me: ‘We just got out of the sales center. You should get in there,’ ” Oparka said.

As a renter in Crystal City, Oparka had been worrying about the effect of Seattle-based Amazon’s opening a second headquarters in that Arlington, Va., neighborhood. (Jeff Bezos, founder and chief executive of Amazon, owns The Washington Post). He later recalled thinking, “Those changes will be exciting, but in 10 years’ time, what will it be like to live here?” He had already started looking around at new residential construction.

So he followed the couple’s advice, and then he purchased a one-bedroom corner unit on the ninth floor of the 13-story building.

Carr Cos. bought the property and has been redeveloping it, replacing the hotel with 119 condominium units, flanked on two sides by a total of 41 townhouses. The 13-story condominium project is exempted from a height limit for new construction because it is replacing the hotel.

Nearly half of the condo units and townhouses have been sold. Base prices for the remaining condos range from $500,000 to $3 million; for the remaining townhouses, from $1.5 million to $2.6 million. Buyers are expected to begin moving in next fall.

Floor-to-ceiling windows: A furnished two-bedroom, two-bathroom model unit is on view at the sales office across the street from the property. For prospective buyers, a tour is like walking through a real condo.

The entry door opens into the kitchen, which adjoins a living and dining space with a balcony outside. Flanking the open-plan living area are two bedrooms, one on each side. One bedroom has an en suite bathroom; the other has a bathroom steps away. A washer and dryer are in a closet between the bathroom and the second bedroom. The unit has floor-to-ceiling windows.

Oparka described some of the choices involved in buying his one-bedroom unit. “I traded a water view for space and price,” he said. “If I want to look at the river I can go to the rooftop.” The rooftop is where there’ll be grill stations, fire pits, outdoor TVs and a lounge that residents can reserve for parties.

Oparka also snagged storage space for some of his bikes and assorted gear. “The two I ride the most I’ll keep inside my home,” he said. “The other three I’ll put into either my storage spot area or the building’s bike storage area.”

Other amenities include front-desk concierge service, a pet spa and a fitness center.

WCS Construction is the general contractor. Lessard Design provided the architects and designers. McWilliams Ballard is handling sales.

Nearby: The Potomac River is one block from Venue. Old Town Alexandria has an abundance of shops, galleries, dining options and historical sites. Trader Joe’s and Harris Teeter are a couple of blocks away. Montgomery Park is a two-acre retreat with picnic tables, a playground, a dog park, tennis courts and grass fields. Mount Vernon Trail runs by the development. From Venue, it’s a short drive to Crystal City, Pentagon City, Reagan National Airport and Potomac Yard, all in Virginia, and, across the Potomac, to downtown Washington, Georgetown, the Mall and many of the museums in D.C.

Schools: Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy (elementary), George Washington Middle, T.C. Williams High.

Transit: Venue is three blocks from George Washington Memorial Parkway. The Capital Beltway (I-495) and Route 1 are nearby. The King Street-Old Town Metro station, with 42 bike racks, is on the Blue and Yellow lines. Alexandria is served by the city’s DASH buses and by Metrobus. Water taxis travel to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate in Virginia; Georgetown, Navy Yard and the Wharf in D.C.; and National Harbor in Maryland.

VENUE ALEXANDRIA

314 Montgomery St., Alexandria, Va.

There will be 119 condominium units and 41 townhouses. Fifty-two condos and 20 townhouses have been sold. The remainder are for sale at prices ranging from $500,000 to $3 million for condos and $1.5 million to $2.6 million for townhouses.

Builder: Carr Cos.

Features: Condos have floor-to-ceiling windows, open floor plans and white oak floors. Kitchens are outfitted with Bosch appliances, quartz counters and custom cabinets. Bathrooms have Calacatta tile walls and floors and walk-in showers. At least one parking space in the underground garage is included with each unit. Townhouses have a roof terrace and a two-car garage. Some have an elevator.

Bedrooms/bathrooms: Condos, 1 to 3 / 3; townhouses, 3 to 4 / 3 to 6.

Square-footage: Condos, 500 to 2,300; townhouses, 2,300 to 4,400.

Association fees: Condos, $415 to $1,660 a month; townhouses, $202 a month.

See model: By appointment.

Contacts: Anne Coleman or Hillary Curtin, 703-214-9841 or VenueOldTown.com

Ritz-Carlton Residences partners on Chevy Chase Condos

Posted on October 8, 2020 by Derek Friday - Press

By Daniel J. Sernovitz – Senior Staff Reporter, Washington Business Journal

October 8th, 2020

Ritz-Carlton Residences has struck a deal to be part of a $200 million mixed-use project being developed on a 15-acre site in Chevy Chase.

The Bozzuto Group is incorporating the luxury housing brand into a 65-unit condominium building slated for delivery next fall as part of the larger Chevy Chase Lake project it is developing with the Chevy Chase Land Co. Condos have long been planned as part of the development at 8507 Connecticut Ave., just north of East West Highway, which Bozzuto and Chevy Chase Land broke ground on roughly two years ago. But the Ritz-Carlton’s internationally known brand will bring a higher level of service and hospitality to the project, said Kerri Paulino, vice president of homebuilding operations at Bozzuto.

“We’re not just building apartments and condos in this location, we’re really, uniquely delivering a new way to live,” Paulino said. “I wouldn’t call it a city, but we’re building a village, or a neighborhood, in which people will reside, and there was just no better fit than trying to partner with the Ritz-Carlton to deliver a new way to live. It was kind of the icing on the cake, if we put it that way, in terms of delivering a totally different lifestyle than people are used to.”

When fully developed, Chevy Chase Lake is slated to include 470 apartment units and 100,000 square feet of retail positioned around a central town square. Chevy Chase Land is not a party to the condo building deal between Bozzuto and Ritz-Carlton Residences. The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Chevy Chase Lake will be managed by the Ritz-Carlton and offer services including 24-hour concierge, porter services, and perks through Marriott Bonvoy. Residents will also have access additional a la carte services including housekeeping, home repair, pet grooming, and dog walking. The building is slated to feature a 12,000-square-foot outdoor and indoor amenity space on its top floor, broken down into nine different areas including conference space, dining area, Scotch room and outdoor space intended for meditation and reflection.

A sales gallery and model home is slated to open in January, with the official launch of sales starting in the spring. Bozzuto declined to discuss pricing this far ahead of delivery. The Bozzuto Construction Co. is serving as the project’s general contractor, and the building is slated to deliver in October 2021.

Bozzuto President and CEO Toby Bozzuto declined to disclose terms of the deal but said the partnership evolved organically through a series of conversations over time. The Ritz-Carlton Residences tends to be fairly selective in the projects it partners with, and Bozzuto said it’s exciting that the company has chosen to be a part of Chevy Chase Lake.

“From my perspective, how many chances in your lifetime do you get to do a project like this, with a partner like this? So we’re just thrilled to be working with them,” he said.

Kozo: An 8-Condo Salute To Japanese Minimalism

Posted on June 23, 2020 by Derek Friday - Press

Washington Post by Audrey Hoffer | June 23rd, 2020

Kozo is an eight-unit condominium building on Chapin Street NW, a half-block from Meridian Hill Park in the District’s Columbia Heights neighborhood. Viewed from the sidewalk, the building has an aura of Japanese minimalism. The design is simple, clean and uncluttered, said Patrick Bloomfield, principal of P.T. Blooms Development, the builder. “Kozo means ‘structure’ in Japanese,” Bloomfield said. “Structure is what we all look for in life, whether it’s the clean lines of the building we chose to live in or the structure we build into our lives through habits of a comfortable environment.”

The building has three units with one bedroom and one bathroom, four with two-bedrooms and two bathrooms and one with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. The three-bedroom unit and one two-bedroom unit are two-level penthouses. The units occupy space on four floors entirely above ground and a lower level. Four units have been sold. The remaining four are priced from $785,900 to $1.235 million. Move-ins are expected to begin by late July. Kozo’s main entrance has a steel statue of a bonsai tree by Atlanta artist Camilo Lopez, who said it “ties together a familiar aspect of Japanese culture, the bonsai tree,” with the structure.

“The purple clematis vines we planted in the four corners of the statue’s base will grow upward and weave in and out of the bonsai’s branches,” Lopez said. “This intertwining will represent the integration of our natural and built environments.”

‘Pretty at night’: A pattern of alternating squares on the facade — recessed for windows, protruding for balconies — embellishes the building’s exterior. “The black metal extrusions [balconies] against the white brick facade create a clean modern look and act as a playful addition to the streetscape,” said Emily Hirst, an architect with Kuhn Architects, the firm that designed the building.

Embedded in the balconies’ perimeters are ribbons of LED lights that can be custom-colored by residents and accentuate the building’s exterior at night.

“It’s minimal but highly impactful and pretty at night,” said Jennie Mann, a vice president at McWilliams Ballard, which is handling sales. “You can set the light colors red, white and blue for July Fourth or as a rainbow collage for Pride month. You can put in red so Uber can find you.”

The balconies are walled with glass. “We made the outdoors an extension of the living space,” Hirst said. “Glass blurs the physical barrier between the man-made and nature.”

The entrance to furnished unit 7, the two-bedroom penthouse, opens to a hallway that leads to the kitchen and an adjoining living area. A bedroom and bathroom are on one side of the living area; the balcony is on the other.

A kitchen island with center sink is between the kitchen appliances and the living area, which is flooded with natural light through the balcony’s glass wall.

Stairs lead up to a large room that can be configured as a den, a loft, or a media or play room. Another glass-walled balcony faces the street, and there is a private rooftop terrace outside the unit’s back wall. The master bedroom, with en suite bathroom and walk-in closet, adjoins the den/loft space.

Nearby: Meridian Hill Park, a 12-acre National Park Service property, has tall oaks, landscaped lawns, the largest cascading fountain in North America, and statues of Joan of Arc, Dante and President James Buchanan. Kozo is between 14th and 16th streets, and stores, restaurants, bars and service businesses line both streets.

Schools: Marie Reed Elementary, Columbia Heights Education Campus, Cardozo Education Campus.

Transit: Columbia Heights, on the Green and Yellow lines, is the closest Metro station. Fourteenth and 16th streets NW are both major traffic corridors with regular bus service. Some neighboring streets are designated for resident-only parking; others have two-hour nonresident parking.

Kozo

1434 Chapin St. NW, Washington, DC

This building has eight condominium units, four of which have been sold. The remaining units are priced from $785,900 to $1.235 million.

Builder: P.T. Blooms Development

Features: Ceilings are 11 feet high in the four units still available for purchase. Floors are seven-inch white oak plank. The building has video-call and keyless entry systems for security. Kitchens have GE Café or Thermador appliances, lacquered flat-panel custom cabinets, spring-loaded push latches on the cabinets and drawers, white quartz counters, under-cabinet lighting, concealed outlets and a Vigo under-mount stainless-steel sink. The bathrooms have 24-by-24-inch Porcelanosa wall and floor tiles, quartz vanity counters, a Kohler elongated toilet, a Mirabelle deep soaking tub and a frameless glass shower enclosure. All units have some outdoor space. Outdoor spaces include balconies, patios and private roof decks.

Bedrooms/bathrooms: 1 to 3/1 to 3

Square-footage: 583 to 1,550

Condo association fees: $214 to $380

See model: By appointment only.

Contact: Robert Cook at 202-792-0047 or LiveKozo.com.

Homebuyers Flock To The Lexicon, NoMa’s First Full-Service Luxury Condos

Posted on May 20, 2020 by Derek Friday - Press

By Nena Perry-Brown | May 20th, 2020

Located steps from the NoMa Metro station and not far from the U Street Corridor, The Lexicon offers city residents the rare opportunity to experience high-rise luxury condominium living.

Touting a Walk Score of 97 – The Lexicon provides easy access to everything NoMa has to offer, including Trader Joe’s, The Eleanor (a bowling lounge and music venue), and the two-acre Tanner Park, and Eckington Yards’ “woonerf”—a European-style pedestrian-friendly street lined with restaurants and businesses, including a Union Kitchen commissary, grocery store and food kiosk.

The Lexicon provides an array of amenities for residents, including a 24/7 concierge, a fully-equipped business center, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a large outdoor, two-level cascading pool, a party/club room and complimentary bike storage. With three levels of underground garage parking, residents can also purchase one or multiple private parking spots. Individual storage spaces are available for purchase.

Prospective buyers have their pick of several modern and spacious floorplans ranging from one-bedroom, one-bath homes to two-bedroom, 2.5-bath plus den options.

The homes at The Lexicon feature hardwood floors throughout, porcelain tile in the kitchens, baths, and foyers as well as double-pane floor-to-ceiling windows. The gourmet kitchens have floating islands, stainless steel appliances, and quartz countertops. The two-bedroom units also feature four-fixture bathrooms with a shower and a separate whirlpool soaking tub, while one-bedroom floorplans feature showers with soaking tubs.

Nearly all The Lexicon homes include outdoor space, balconies or terraces—with upper floor homes boasting sweeping views from the Washington Monument to the National Cathedral. Pricing starts at $430,000.

To keep prospective buyers safe, virtual and FaceTime tours are highly encouraged and are available every day. Appointment-only tours are also available at the Sales Gallery, located at 50 Florida Ave NE, Monday through Saturday from 11am-6pm and on Sunday from 12pm-5pm.

For more information about The Lexicon or to schedule a private tour, contact Maren Seubert with McWilliams|Ballard by phone at 703-835-2580 or via email at mseubert@mcwb.com.