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| | | Bargain views, amenities in new SW condos | | September 18, 2009 | | | | Staff Writer | | Sales manager Kami Knopf is confident that her units in Southwest’s Waterfront Tower are the best-kept secrets in town. “We are some of the most affordable new condos in the city,” she said, noting that studios begin at $195,900. “And it’s just a matter of time until word gets out.”
The news may already be spreading: Six units sold last week, said Knopf, and will go to settlement this fall.
Blue skies are ideal for a visit to this nine-story building recently redeveloped by The Bernstein Companies. New windows pour light into interiors reworked by architects Torti Gallas, and crank-open windows in each unit let in a late-summer breeze.
Those interiors are clean and modern, but developers thankfully left the exterior at simply mod: The building is one of four identical structures designed in the 1960s by I.M. Pei. The famed architect was deeply involved in the urban “renewal” project that razed Southwest in the 1960s and installed large cooperative and condominium buildings where row houses once stood.
Now, the city’s smallest quadrant is once again touted by city planners as an up-and-coming neighborhood, and its waterfront, leafy streets and easy access to multiple modes of transportation make that future feasible. To date, however, projects have hiccupped along, impeded by an economic downturn that led many developers to slow down or scale back their plans.
But Waterfront Tower, which has now completed renovations through the third floor, sits next to one project that will deliver some progress soon: One of two new towers built on top of a Metro stop is slated to open in the spring. Developers say that retailers, including some restaurants, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Units at the Waterfront Tower look more expensive than they are. Living spaces feature white oak hardwood floors finished with just a touch of shine — a model for all those condo floors glossed to a mirror shine with polyurethane. CaesarStone countertops line kitchen work surfaces and bar counters, as well as bathroom vanities. Kitchens and baths also share sleek ebonized cabinetry. Gas stoves and other appliances are stainless steel, and all units are also wired for cable and Internet.
Details keep these units from feeling cookie-cutter. Waterfall faucets and stainless-steel sinks add a touch of industrial chic. A one-bedroom model unit features a wine-storage alcove next to the entry’s coat closet, and in many units large, sliding barn-style doors are a notable touch but are also useful, as they occupy a smaller footprint than a swinging door.
Color is also well thought out here: Builders’ white could have looked washed out in all the natural light. A neutral taupe coats most walls, with one slightly darker wall serving as an accent wall in each unit.
But visitors should also pay attention to the tarted-up model units here. Not only do they give an idea of scale — how much furniture can fit before rooms look crowded — but illustrate how bold colors can work in spaces that get this amount of natural light. Royal purple and bumblebee yellow never looked more livable.
The building’s distinctive windows — some of which offer Potomac River and Capitol views — come with roller shades for sun protection and privacy. But it’d be a shame to cover up the corners in the tower’s prime two-bedroom and executive one-bedroom units. There two panes of glass meet almost seamlessly in the way that thrilled modernist architects, including Pei, who also used the trick in the home he designed in Cleveland Park.
Designers tried to include environmentally friendly features in the building. Bedroom carpeting is made from recycled materials, paint is low in volatile organic compound emissions, and common-area furnishings are eco-friendly.
Those common areas also demonstrate an attention to detail. A gleaming white lobby gets its only counterpoints from Pei’s original rough-concrete pillars that dot the glossy space. A lounge, which can be rented out for parties, offers a mix of cushy seating and tables and chairs for residents watching the large television or using the free WiFi available here. A kitchenette is a bit tucked away to hide messy party prep.
The lowest level includes a high-tech laundry system, explained Knopf, although larger units include a combination washer-dryer. Residents can use a Web site to see which washers and dryers are available or check how much time is left in a cycle. Once the laundry load is done, Knopf said, an e-mail is sent to the resident.
But if someone wants to wait for a spin cycle to finish, a nearby lounge offers television and WiFi service. Or exercise while doing chores: The exercise room here features all-new equipment. Each cardio machine includes its own television.
Amenities are included in residents’ condo fees, which also cover all utilities except the electricity used to power lights and fans. Other included features are a 24-hour desk, nighttime security guard, and security cameras monitored by an off-site company.
Storage units may be purchased for $3,000. Parking spots cost $19,800 to purchase or $80 a month to rent.
Units at the Waterfront Tower at 1101 3rd St. SW begin at $195,900 for a studio and go up to $518,900 for a two bedroom. Condo fees begin at $251 and rise to $570. For more information call 202-484-0888 or visit waterfronttowerdc.com. | | | | | Log in to comment on this article |
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