New Condo Survey - Harvard Lofts

Washington DC's most recent addition to the new condominium market is Harvard Lofts, a 12-unit condo on the south side of Columbia Heights, located at 1466 Harvard Street. With construction recently completed in May of 2009, Harvard Lofts opened for sale on Saturday for the first time, DCMud provides a first look.

It is obvious from the exterior that the building is a decidedly modern twist to an otherwise historic row of single family homes and small apartment buildings, many of which are still unrenovated. The mostly glass facade incorporates a gated entry to the side courtyard, with private entrances to each of the 4 "townhouse" style condos. Each townhouse, priced from $599,000 to $639,000, has a first floor bedroom and 2nd floor master bedroom and bath, with lofted spaces overlooking the living room below. Townhouses showcase large windows, but are only exposed on the east side that looks directly into the base of the condominiums next door, allowing for little natural light, even on the well lit half of the units.


The main entrance leads to the remaining 8 condominiums, each with a distinct layout and design - a revitalizing break from the shoe box layout of most new condos. In keeping with the uber-contemporary architectural design, most units have double-height ceilings, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the historic neighborhood to the north or city and monument views to the south, you choose.



Each condo has a different expression of purely modern design, with hardwoods over a concrete slab, for privacy and structural integrity, and white-on-espresso Porcelanosa kitchens, with Bosch appliances, that vary from traditional u-shaped to contemporary kitchen-living combinations, though the latter are insufficiently small. Although less than 2 blocks from the Metro, tandem parking is available to purchase; most condos have private outdoor space.

The penthouse level features two small one-bedroom units with private terraces, and two 2-bed plus den penthouses, each with several large private terraces at $875,000 each. The developer, Harvard Loft, LLC, notes that pains were taken to make the building green, from choice of materials to efficient appliances and innovative lighting that is both efficient and bright, though no LEED certification was achieved. The condos are open on weekends and by appointment.

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