Spectrum condominium is a new mixed-use with green features over at City of Falls Church right off Route 7 or Broad Street as the locals call it. There are 189 condo units in the 7-story building along with retails and offices. It is build by the same developer, Waterford, which builds the Broadway condominium a few years back, which is up the street. Easy access to George (Falls Church CIty feeder buses) and to major roads I-66, Rt. 29, Rt. 7. A short hop to Tysons Corner, Arlington, and two metro stations East or West Falls Church. It's also walking distance to shops and local restaurants.
flooring: bamboo
flooring: cork
This building is not LEED certified, however it does offer some of - the 'green (eco-friendly)' elements that to a certain extent commonly found in buildings that are certified - in addition to the features you seen in other development (non-green condos), like granite counters, tile floors and tub surround, stainless steel appliances, 42" cabinets, and berber carpet.
Here is some the green and sustainable features this condominium offer:
- Green roof
- Energy-efficient appliances (refrigerator, washer/dryer) including low-flow toilets.
- Bike rack (was a pre-requisite in counting LEED points)
- Energy-efficient central hot water, natural gas heating and electric air
- Bamboo or cork flooring
- Building was built with bricks which come from local supplier
A little bit about benefits of green roof for a building:
1) Protection for the roof
membrane - extend the life of the roof, 2) Savings on energy and
cooling
costs, 3) Insulate sound, 4) Reduce the size of HVAC equipment, 5) Meet
regulatory requirement for storm management, and 6) Potential to
eliminate roof drains. So for the owners you get the benefit of low
utility bills which is nice.
Each home gets one underground car garage and if you need additional parking space, it comes with a price tag of $18,000, which is on the low end - in comparison to other places like Arlington and Washington DC. Choices available from 1BR, +den to 2BR, +den and penthouse. Living space ranged from the smallest 1 BR 814 s.f. to 1,663 s.f. for the 2BR penthouse.
Amenities include fitness center, courtyard garden, lounge, theater room, bike storage room and internet business suite. Condo fees interestingly includes - almost everything from the basic (water, sewer, trash, snow removal, master insurance policy and CAM) to cable and internet access plus- heating and air-conditioning.
The question that always come up every single time is - what's the condo fee? At least over here because of the energy-efficient features (and green roof) it offer, you can be assure that you won't see big jump on your condo fee at least for a couple of years. The one thing lacks, is installation of solar panels on the roof. With PV installation, it could really make this condo the 'plus-plus advantage' versus other condos in the area. Condo fee starts from $331 to $562 per month (includes everything). Not bad. (I have seen older condos with $400 to high $700 condo fee a month that includes utilities.) Throw in a bonus perk there for secured access and on-site management (weekday).
Condos are priced from upper $300's to high $700's. They're running current incentives for a $5,000 + 1/2% closing assistance if you use 'their' designated lender and title company.
