The Waterview Residence, is the new luxury (boutique) condominium in Rosslyn. This might be the second condominium above a hotel and with access to hotel services in Northern Virginia. Its condo actually is above Hotel Palomar, a boutique hotel member of Kimpton hotels chain. This hotel Palomar was designed by the famous Pei (from I.M Pei who designed 16th Street Mall in Denver, Louvre Museum in Paris, Baltimore World Trade Center, etc.), Cobb, Freed and Partners.
The crescent shaped buildings of hotel Palomar and Waterview Residence overlook the Potomac River. So you can imagine the kind of view you could see from the rooftop on the 31st floor of the building! The grand opening of Waterview was held sometime in the Summer in one of the hot, hazy and humid days.
When you get to the rooftop, you could see panoramic view overlooking the Potomac river and Washington DC. There's no building in front of this building. Pretty much without destruction. The one thing I noticed while enjoying the view from high above is we could actually have good use of building rooftops for solar panels. Mayor Bloomberg wants NYC to have solar panels on their city buildings. We can do the same here, too, right?
The thick wood in the middle is a sliding door. Behind the wall is where the bedroom which fits only a bed and nothing else. This is the studio unit.
view of Rosslyn commercial & office buildings
Condominium at Waterview Residence occupies from floor 13 all the way up to 29, where the 3 Penthouse condo units are located. According to the sales rep, the hot condos are - those that function as pied-a-terre for some owners! - was 'almost' sold out. There were only a handful of units available for sale at the time. Those are studio condo (really tiny like 500 s.f.) that is popular among businesses for among other things become the big wigs temporary digs when they're in town for business.
The amenities you get when you own one of the units here: 24/7 concierge, residents only lounge, the highest rooftop in the area - on the 31st floor, fourth-floor outdoor terrace that is 100 ft. above the Potomac river, spa and fitness center, direct access to hotel and function space, and upscale restaurant in the sister tower building.
Each unit comes with hardwood flooring in living area, imported granite countertops, Sub-Zero stainless steel refrigerator, imported natural stone flooring, countertops of your choice (granite or IceStone, frameless glass shower.
Prices start from the low-$400's to $2 million and up.
$1M and Over
September 05, 2008
June 20, 2008
April 02, 2008
Condo(ho)tel: The Jamieson
I attended the grand opening of this condominium hotel or condotel, the Jamieson, sometime last week. For now, Jamieson has no competition because it is the only condotel in Alexandria City. It's conveniently located near the US Patent office (USPTO), two metro stations (Eisenhower and King St.), Wholefoods, Starbucks and all the shops in Carlyle district.
This is what condotel is. It is condo living with hotel privileges. A simple concept for those who want the convenience of living in a condo and the luxury that a hotel offered. It's a perfect sanctuary for people working out of a patent office or even for lawyers working out odd hours to camp out here. I mean, the Alexandria courthouse is a throw's stone from here! No kidding. Sort of having a bachelor's pad close to your work.
Jamieson condominium and Westin hotel is located in the same building. The residential part is above the hotel from the 10th floor to the 15th. Only 79 condo homes slated for this building. Sample of privileges that comes with owning a condo here:
- Condo owners have access to services offered by the hotel, i.e. room service (nice), housekeeping, catering. These are separate services from your condo fees. That means, you do have to pay separately for using them.
- As a condo owner you have the access of using the rooftop terrace and swimming pool.
There are different condo layouts from studio, one bedroom, two bedrooms to three bedrooms. Each unit features hardwood floors in the kitchen, granite countertops, tile baths, stainless steel appliances and almost floor-to-ceiling windows.
Condominiums are priced from the $300k (think this is for studio), to $700's and up for the three bedroom homes. From watching how condo owners in the Old Town proximity area priced their condos, their prices are definitely 'very competitive' for the area. There is at least 2 to 3 new condominiums in and around the City of Alexandria competing for the same pool of buyers. Competing on location, this one is located right on the outskirt of Old Town before it changes to Alexandria, Fairfax county. I remembered way back then when they first just getting started with the development, these same condos were priced a little bit out-of-range for that market (2005) but not for this market.
Westin did the right thing by adjusting the price to reflect current market conditions. Their 'now' price and luxury - are their 'competitive advantages.' I won't be surprised if they 'outsell' their competitions.
::::
March 24, 2008
Dunn Loring New Homes
A while back, when I just get started tracking new homes for this blog, the first post was this.
It looks like new homes will be built on this site sometime soon. I don't know exactly how many acres of lot. There are a couple of houses next to this one that's been bought out in addition to this house.
The site is about a block away from Merrifield Metro. Wonder what type of homes will be constructed on this site. Condos? Townhomes? Single Family Homes? There's no information available yet as of now.
Merrifield is part of Fairfax County Revitalization project and one of the fastest growing condo communities in Fairfax. Easy access to Metro, the Beltway, I-66 and Tyson's Corner helps fuel the going condo trends over here.
Fast forward a few years, there are two communities across the street from each other, Dunn Loring Chase and Dunn Loring Glen. Both of these communities are within walking distance from Dunn Loring metro station. That's why they name it Dunn Loring - and - something. Two different developers, Brookfield Homes and Dittmar Company, working the area across from each other's site. The constructions for single homes is an unusual move by Dittmar, because their core of business is rentals. The last condo they built in Arlington was converted to rentals.
Brookfield had done clearing the bigger land and ready to build 18 new single homes on the site. Not sure how many homes sit on the land before it was bulldozed to build the community. Across the street from here, Dittmar has already subdivided their (smaller) land for 7 homes.
DUNN LORING CHASE (by Brookfield Homes)
image: Brookfield Homes
Over here, Brookfield plans to build 18 Craftsman-inspired homes that offers 3,400-7,900 s.f. of living space and up to 7 bedrooms and 7.5 baths. The standard is 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and 2 car garage. Nothing has been built there yet. According to the sales rep, it'll take anywhere from start to finish 6-8 months after contract data. There are five different models (with different elevations): Chadwick, Dudley, Edgemont, Halley, and Meridia. It seems that the Dudley model offers the largest living area among these five models.
Each home comes with fully equipped kitchen, luxurious baths and energy-saving features. Few of the things you'll find in the kitchen: GE Profile Energy Star appliances, granite or silestone countertops, 42-inch oak cabinet, butler's pantry, kitchen island, morning room and hardwood flooring. Some of the features in the bathroom: ceramic tile floors and bathtub surround in bathroom, garden soaking tub (not sure I have seen this before) and separate shower in the master bathroom, private water closet.
There's only a few communities in our area that have build 'truly green homes.' At the most, you'll find Energy-Savings features. Here is some of the 'good energy savings' features.
- Energy Star appliances
- Clean and green recycling center
- Dual-zone gas heating for maximum efficiency
- 75-gallon, high-efficiency gas hot water heater
- Maintenance-free low-e, double glazed, insulated, double-hung windows with tilt-in sashes
- Insulated entry door
- Insulation in roof ceiling, overhangs, vaulted ceilings, exterior walls and basement walls
- Air infiltration prevention system
- Attic ridge vent system
- OSB with house wrap
The insulation in roof, overhangs, ceilings, exterior walls and basement walls plus the low-e double glazed windows and vent system - would help you maintain a lower energy bills, keep the house warm in the winter and cool (comfortable) in the summer.
Homes are priced from the low-$1 million.
DUNN LORING GLEN (by Dittmar Company)
model home
There are only 7 homes planned to be built in this community. One of them is already been completed, that's the house they use as a model home. Size of lots approximately 0.25 acre per home with finished homes from 3,600 to 6,500 s.f.
Each home features designer kitchen, luxurious bath finishes, and energy efficiency. Designer kitche features granite countertops, stainless steel GE appliances package, walk-in pantry, butler pantry with sink and wet bar. The energy-efficiency shares some similar features as Dunn Loring Chase even though not as comprehensive as what they have to offer here:
- Andersen thermal pane windows and sliding doors
- Efficient forced air gas heating
- Dual zone central heating and cooling
- 75-gallon 'quick recovery' gas hot water heater
- Tyvek insulated house wrap
- R-15 exterior insulation, R-38 attic insulation
There are two models available: Albermarle and Brentwood.
Homes are priced from low-$1.3 million
Schools: Stenwood ES, Thoreau MS, George Marshall HS. Community info, here.
January 10, 2008
First 100% Energy-Star Certified Homes in N.Va
A few weeks ago, I drove by Stockwell Manor, a new homes community in the border of McLean and Falls Church and saw the big sign that reads, "100% Energy-Star Certified Homes." The 100% Energy Star homes, peaked my interest to go back and revisit. Because sometime in 2006, I visited the community when they just opened up the office. Don't remember if at the time, they'd started marketing the Energy Star certified homes yet. Maybe they did, or didn't.
With no end sight on how high oil prices can climb, Camberley Homes, the developer really took the plunge and committed to build Energy Star certified homes. Even in today's standard, it's not 'main stream' yet. Wait a few years from now, this type of homes will be trendy by that time, especially as more and more home owners feeling the pinch.
This is probably the first Energy-Star certified community of new homes on the market in Northern Virginia that I know of. There is a few eco-friendly and LEED condos on the market. But, eco-friendly and energy efficient does not necessarily offers the same features. [We'll talk more about some other time about the differences between the two in another post]
What is an Energy-Star Certified New Homes?
According to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency information, Energy-Star certified new homes must meet guidelines for energy efficiency set by the Agency. These homes must have 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code [IRC], and include energy-efficient features that typically make them 20-30% more efficient than standard homes. The energy-efficiency that separates them from the regular (standard) homes. 
Energy-Star Certified homes uses energy-efficient features that contribute to improved home quality, comfort, lower energy demand and reduced air pollution.
image: front-loading washer & dryer
There are six 'Must-Have' components to qualify (or certified) for 'Energy-Star' homes:
- Effective insulation
- High-performance windows
- Tight construction and ducts
- Efficient heating and cooling
- Efficient products
- Third-party verification
Yes, they do have to be certified by an independent third-party rater.
The components are what separated a home from being energy-efficient versus today's not-so-energy efficient homes. Think about this, a well-sealed and properly insulated home is not only quiet, but it offers other features that aren't so much can be found in today's (or yesterday) standard homes. Things like better indoor air quality, lower utility bills and because it's designed to use less energy, it helps reduce the greenhouse gas emission. Less energy consumption equal to less strain on the grid.
From the outside, you probably can't see the differences between a standard homes versus energy-efficient homes. But, when you get to the inside, that's when you find most of the differences.
Here are some of the specs of Energy Efficiencies that you can find in their new homes:
- Third party energy inspections to meet ENERGY STAR certification
- Dual-zone gas heating and central AC
- Carrier Performance Series 93% high-efficiency gas furnaces
- 13 SEER Puron refrigerant AC
- Carrier 5 day programmable thermostat
- Carrier humidifier
- 75 gallon high-efficiency water heater
- Tankless hot water system
- Attic spaces insulated to R38
image: Camberley Homes
There are two types of homes available at Stockwell Manor: Townhouses and single family houses. Twenty-nine single homes are planned and seventy-one townhouses. A number of homes already been built and occupied. Single homes offered approximately 3600 s.f. to 4200 s.f. of finished square feet, comes with top-of-the-line kitchen appliances, i.e. Viking Professional and Designer series appliances. Homes are priced from low $1.5 million to high $1.7 million.
Townhouses have approximately 2600 s.f. to 3600 s.f. of living spaces comes with 10' ceilings on the main level with 9' ceilings on lower and third level. All homes come with 2-car garage. These townhouses are priced from the low $900's to high $1.1 million.
October 08, 2007
New Condo Closeouts: 555 Mass Ave., Capitol Hill Tower, Matrix and the Eclipse
Three of these new condos, have only a few units still on the market: 555, Capital Hill Tower and Matrix - these condos are located in the District.
555 Mass Ave.
This is one of the latest addition to the
already crowded field of new condos built around the triangle
- in Mount Vernon off Mass. Avenue.
I was told that there's no builders incentives here, because they said that "..they're selling the remaining condos at rock bottom prices!" Okay. You can see the prices below and compare it to some other new condos in the hood. The building has 246 condo units with 7 units still available, a combination of 1BR with 2B condos.
Features include, floor plans with high ceilings, granite countertops, hardwood floors, full size W&D, and oversized windows. All homes are already wired for high speed Internet.
The 1 BR condos priced from $349,000 - $355,000 for the smallest unit with 680 s.f. of living space to 711 s.f. While the 2 BR condos are priced from the low $469,900. The one 2 BR with a view of Monument is priced at $569,900. The 2 BR comes with *a* parking space.
Capitol Hill Tower
Capitol Hill Tower is a TOD
(transit-oriented-development) and a co-op. It is not a condo! Across
the street from Navy Metro. Don't let the sales representative talk you into
believing -- that co-op form of ownership -- is better than condo!
We have only a number of co-op (short name for Co-Operatives) mostly in DC and a few in No.Va. There are some differences between the two form of ownerships: condo vs. co-op. The risk of owning a co-op come later one day down the road, when the times come that you want to sell it: The financing part of it. Yes, there are lenders ready and willing to financed the deal, but the numbers are limited. The explanation on their website, the so called "revealing the truth" ..should be taken with a grain of salt.
Though, the prices seemed low but, when you added the co-op fee (that includes tax, part of the mortgage payment) - the monthly payment won't be that low. The monthly co-op include your property tax payment plus- the your pro-rata share of the mortgage for the building. That's right.
Co-op features include, maple hardwood flooring, W&D, granite countertops in your kitchen, maple cabinets, There are 1BR and 2BR coops still available, priced from $310,000 for the 1BR to $450,000 for the 2BR units.
The Matrix
The theme of this condo probably comes from the movie the Matrix. When you preview each of the 4 available units in this building, you'll see the steel briefcase in the kitchen. Cool, huh? The building is located on14th Street corridor - blocks from the busy U Street corridor. This is a mix-use building condo-retail.
Condo features include, hardwood flooring, 9' to 11' concrete ceilings in living areas, large windows (floor-to-ceilings), track & recessed lighting, energy efficient heat and AC system, pre-wired for high speed Internet access and roof terrace overlooking DC neighborhoods. Though, the square footage of each unit is rather compact (read: small), because of high ceilings, you don't feel the smallness of the room. The plus here -- is the energy efficient appliances -- such as front-loading washer & dryer, heat and AC. By using these appliances will help you cut your monthly utility bills.
The 1 BR loft with 1.5 BA is priced from $499,900 to $519,900. The units come with 2 year leased off-site parking. The only one unit of which price includes parking space, is the 2 BR condo priced at $669,900.
The Eclipse
You have a little bit more flexibility at this new condominium. The total number of condo units is 465 for the East and West buildings, and yet they still have to move about 145 more condo units. Some condos are in the East with more choices in the West building. The Eclipse is located just off Route 1 - right on the border of Arlington and Alexandria. The address is on South Glebe Road when you check the listings.
Building amenities include pool, fitness room, rooftop terrace, billiards room, plus-- you have a convenience of the newly opened Harris Teeter, restaurants, and adjacent to Potomac Yard shopping center. Every condo comes with a 42" plasma TV and is wired for high-speed Internet. Additional features include gourmet kitchen with maple cabinetry, granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.
Prices varied for the condo units. They have so many different plans, even the sales reps sometime have to refer back and forth to the master plan.
Here is an example of what type of condominiums are available:
- 1 BRs priced from the low $366,900 to $414,087 for a penthouse level unit with Center Park view (669 s.f.).
- 1BR/den priced from $419,900
- 2 BRs, are priced from low $527,900 to high $791,900 with great views of the Potomac River (1287 s.f). This one includes 2 parking spaces.
- 2BR/den starts from the upper-$600's to low-$700's
- 3 BRs, priced from $999,900 to over $1.2 million (1700 s.f.)
By the way, some of the units on the lower level (ground floor) even though the living space might be small, but because it has high ceilings 11+ ft. ceilings.. it gives you the impression that the inside space is roomy.
All of the condos above are available for immediate delivery (read: NOW).
February 01, 2007
Beazer Dream Home Dollar Days
A dollar for any option for all of Beazer communities in Virginia and Maryland, including TOD developments, Avera Station and the Reserve at Tysons Corner. It's a smart marketing campaign to warm up the cold winter weather sales.
Here are some of their dollar deals:
- Boat Slip
- State-of-the-Art Home Theater with Leather Theater Seating
- Gourmet Kitchen
- Climate-Controlled Wine Room
- Home Fitness Center
- Custom Garage-Organizing Package
- Whole House Closet Organizing Package
- Outdoor Deck and Grill Package
- Finished Rec Room
- Light-Filled Sunroom
Not bad for a dollar. The catch: Not all options available at every community. Promo only good for February 9-11, 2007!
SINGLE HOMES ALERT!!
Also available homes of the week, which usually are what they called "inventory homes." These are homes either available immediately or sometime soon, comes with all the bells and whistles -- ready to go and priced to sell.
Some of the ommunities that have "Homes of the Week."
- Coles Run Manor >> Homesite 82. Sunroom ext., walkout basement, stainless steel appliances, fully finished basement and gourmet kitchen for $539,990. Another one available for March/ April move-in for $589,990.
- Innisbrooke >> Homesite 38. Brick and front incl. a study. Walkout homesite, sun room addition, extended breakfast/kitchen, finished rec.room and bath room in the basement.. and more features April/May move-in for $567,990.
- Landsdowne >> 5+ acre conservancy homesite. You can either buy the homesite (and build your own custom home) for $799,990, or Beazer build their Lancaster model -- 3 car garage, finished basement, morning room, estate room, 4.5 bath, etc., for $1.6 million.
They do have more communities that offer the homes of the week program. Too many to list here. So, if you've been waiting for special deals or incentives to purchase, this is it .. just go-for-it.
January 31, 2007
New Communities: Mount Vernon Place
Mount Vernon Place, a transit-oriented and vertical urban communities in the mixed-use Mount Vernon Triangle area in DC. Build by the team of Quadrangle Development and the Wilkes Company. There will be a total of eleven buildings with a total of more than 2.1 million s.f. of office, residential and retail. The neighborhood is located off Massachusetts Avenue, where you see cranes everywhere.
THE BIG PICTURE
Via Mount Vernon Triangle.
Mount Vernon Triangle is the extraordinary mixed-use neighborhood now being developed in the heart of Washington, DC. It provides the rare opportunity to create a new 15-block neighborhood in the downtown area. New homes, offices and places to shop, eat and relax will arise from 30 acres of underutilized land. MVT is small enough for neighbors to get to know each other, yet large enough to have all of the shops and services which are essential to everyday living. It offers a friendly, small-town atmosphere in the center of one of the world's great cities.
THE SONATA
The Sonata, is the first luxurious condominium for the neighborhood completed recently. Features include, 10'-6" ceilings, private roof decks, hardwood flooring. Granite countertops, stainless applliances in the kitchen.I haven't seen the actual units yet -- but, according to the sales rep, the view from here is amazing. It is overlooking the Capitol...
Condo Alert!! Only two (2) remaining residences for sale on the Penthouse level, 11th and 12th floors with stairs to roof deck. Priced from the-$800's.
MADRIGAL LOFTS
Madrigal Lofts, is the second residential building in Mount Vernon Place under construction. This is a 12-story loft style condominium at the corner of Fourth and I Street, N.W. According to the information on the brochure, "this loft project designed by Davis, Carter, Scott Ltd., it has historical roots in the second half of the nineteenth century, when a design revolution took place, giving New York City its Cast Iron District..." Interesting.
The lofts features: 10' ceilings, exposed ductwork and open floor plan. You'll find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances and hardwood flooring in the kitchen. Oversized closets, and bathroom feature ceramic tile, porcelain steel tubs and granite countertops.
There are different floor plans available. These homes priced from $365,900 to low-$400's for the one bedroom. The two bedroom homes starts from mid-$400's. Parking -- is available for purchase. In DC, you pay extra for a parking space. While in the burbs, parking is included. Delivery estimated around Nov/Dec of 2007.
* Mt. Vernon Triangle Edges Upward [Washington Post]
* Mount Vernon Triangle [website]
January 29, 2007
SFH Alert: Tysons Crossing
The only home available for sale in this community. There are only 14 homes -- all built by NV Homes.
_main.jpg)
home conveniently located only minutes
from Tysons Corner. Built by NV Homes.
The only one home available for sale in
this small community. All others are sold
out!!
Easy commute and access to major roads
-- I-66, Beltway, and short drive to a Metro
station. Two car front entry garage.
Gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances
and granite countertops. Finished walkout
basement with recreation room/media,
gas fireplace and wet bar. Study with
bay window on main level. Media room
in the basement can be used as a bedroom.
_preview.jpg "Double stairs")
_preview.jpg "Living area with fireplace")
_preview.jpg "Kitchen")
SFH Alert: Oakton Hollow
UPDATE: This home is currently "Under Contract."
. . . . . . . .
The only available single family home built by NV Homes for this community.
in a quiet neighborhood. The only home
still available for this community by
NV Homes. Three car side garage.
Brick front, sides and stoop.
Gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances
and granite countertops. Finished walkout
basement with recreation room, media room,
home office, gas fireplace and wet bar with
granite countertops. Bay window in rear of
study with 4' extension. Hardwood floor all
throughout the main level. Easy access to
major roads and minutes drive to Vienna
metro.
_preview.jpg "Breakfast area")
_preview.jpg "Sun room")
_preview.jpg "Living area with fireplace")
In the News
- Politico: DC Insiders Suffer Buyer's Market
- Buying & Selling: DC Doldrums, Revisited
- Realtown: Blog of the day
- Washingtonian - Habit Forming Real Estate Blogs
- Metro Section: D'vine
- Top 35 Real Estate Blogs | Real Estate Investing for Real
- Metro Section: If It's In the Sauna - Wonkette
- Express
- Express
- Feature: Blog World
Recent Posts
- Waterview Above Rosslyn Cloud
- Dunn Loring Chase Changes Developer
- Spectrum Condo
- Condo(ho)tel: The Jamieson
- Dunn Loring New Homes
- First 100% Energy-Star Certified Homes in N.Va
- Cromley Lofts LEEDing Condominium in Virginia
- New Condo Closeouts: 555 Mass Ave., Capitol Hill Tower, Matrix and the Eclipse
- New Condominiums: Whitman, 1800 Wilson, Cameron Station and Byron
- New Community: Potomac Club
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I spent 5 years in the real estate trenches. Started this blog to help jump start my biz at that time. Over time, this work has morphed into something larger than that. 
