Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Arlington: Finish or Demolish Bromptons at Cherrydale
Monday, May 11, 2009
Condos Get Affordable (and Green) in Columbia Heights
Labels: 14th Street, Affordable Housing, Columbia Heights, manna, new condos
“We acquired the lot back in the mid-90s from the DC government under the Homestead Program. The exchange was that we got the property and would develop it affordably,” said Karen Williams, Project Manager at Manna, Inc. “We have to get approved by [the Office of Housing and Community Development] because it is a Homestead project. That program no longer exists…but is now administered by the Property Acquisition and Disposition Division.”
The three-story project’s units will start at 551 square feet for a one bedroom with the largest, two-bedroom units measuring in at 1025 square feet. All will be available to area residents making less than 60% AMI, and, though there’s no word on what types of amenities are planned for the site, the project will be built according Enterprise Community Partners’ “Green Communities Criteria” – a LEED “aligned” program specifically aimed at certifying eco-friendly, affordable housing. Given the project’s ties the recent flurry of similarly minded DC developments, Cardozo Court looks to be on the fast track to breaking ground by summer’s end.
“We’re two steps away from getting our building permit,” said Williams. “Right now it’s in [the Washington Area Sewer Authority] and then it’ll go to structural, but, with permitting, you can hardly guess at [a solid date]. Ideally, we would start later this summer or in the early fall.”
Prices at Cardozo Court will start at $175,000 and, once completed, the development will join two other two other District-sponsored, brand-new, affordable residential developments: Somerset Development’s Hubbard Place redevelopment at 3500 14th Street, NW and Jubilee Inc.’s refurbished Ontario Court apartments at 2525 Ontario Road, NW in Adams Morgan.
Washington DC real estate development news
Saturday, May 09, 2009
Blighted Brightwood Apartments Born Again
Labels: Affordable Housing, Blue Skye Development, Brightwood, DMPED, Fenty, Neil Albert, new condos, PGN Architects, Tewkesbury
"After essentially two decades of inactivity, frustration and blight…the District of Columbia government finally seized control of the property [in 2008]," said Fenty. "Don’t forget, it had been owned by countless private sector landlords [and] slum lords…People who just had no interest at all in making this the type of fantastic residential apartment building that it was once was and that it will be again.”
To that effect, the District has teamed with Blue Skye Development to repurpose the now-gutted apartment complex for the Tewkesbury Condominiums - a 30,000 square foot, 26-unit condo building that will, according to the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, be comprised of 51% affordable housing.
“We want to promote home ownership,” Deputy Mayor Neil Albert told DCmud of the decision to make the building a for-sale property for the first time in its fifty plus years of existence. “It was originally conceived as a condo project and we were able to get financing for it. Again, there’s a level of affordability that’s going into this building. It’s not a luxury condo building…It’s easier to get that financed than your mid-level and high-priced condos”
Purchased by the DC government early last year for $3 million, after filing suit against its owner for “numerous building code violations,” the total cost of the renovation will come in at $4.6 million. New amenities slated for the complex, as outlined by PGN Architects, include “a community room, roof deck, energy-efficient aluminum windows...as well as outdoor spaces directly behind the building.” With selective demolition already underway inside the complex, the development is scheduled to be open by March 2010 – a full year later than the District initially anticipated when they acquired the property.
“[These] haven’t been easy projects. The reason some of these projects have taken a long time is because there’s a lot of trouble and legal trouble that the city’s been dealing with,” said Muriel Bowser of the numerous concurrent, affordable housing initiatives under way in her ward. “But this administration has taken a ‘can do’ approach. Not 'we can’t,' not 'we won’t,' but that we’ll figure out how to get it done.”
Fenty and Bowser teamed-up earlier these week to oversee demolition at 3910 Georgia Avenue, NW, future site of the 130-unit Georgia Commons project, and for the opening of the Neighborhood Development Company's Residences at Georgia Avenue in March.Thursday, April 16, 2009
Argent Resurrects Condos in Silver Spring
Labels: Clark Construction, JSA Inc., new condos, Perseus Realty LLC, Silver Spring
A lot can change in two years. But since beginning construction in 2007 at 1200 Blair Mill Road in Silver Spring, Perseus Realty, LLC’s plan for the building nearing completion at the site, The Argent, seems to be much the same as it was pre-economic doldrums. Representatives of the developer have told DCmud that the project will “definitively be condos” – a first (and perhaps last) for metro area development in 2009.
The $37 million, JSA Inc.-designed building will boast 96 units - ranging from 600 square foot efficiencies to 1,430 square foot two-bedrooms – on nine stories. Part and parcel with the Argent’s "urban oasis" atmosphere are amenities including art deco flourishes, nine-foot ceilings, an “elegant rooftop patio,” a front desk receptionist and a 4,200 square foot public park on the grounds, featuring landscaping by Mahan Rykiel Associates and a sculpture from local artist Mary Ann E. Mears.
“We’re planning to open with decorated models by the end of May. There’s not a certain date, but that’s what we’re shooting for,” said Barbara Causey of the Mayhood Company.
The Argent and its development team are apparently not brushing off the state of the market entirely; initially priced in the $400,000s before construction, Causey says that Perseus is currently reevaluating their asking price for a piece of the development, and "expects [final prices] in three to four weeks."
In the meantime, Clark Construction is working diligently at the site in order to have the building up and running in time for what is sure to be a (not so) brisk summer sales season.
Silver Spring real estate development news
Monday, April 13, 2009
Archstone Ponders More Residential for National Gateway
Labels: Arlington, Crystal City, Marriott, Meridian Group, national gateway, new apartments, new condos, potomac yard, Tishman Speyer
As for other adjoining pieces of the National Gateway pie, Camden Property Trust has already delivered there, while another nearby parcel was sold off to Marriott International for development under their Renaissance and Residence Inn brands is already well into construction.
For Meridian’s part, they are well on their way to realizing the 1.5 million square feet of office and 200,000 square feet of restaurants and retail included in Phase I of their National Gateway. That project is set to deliver this coming November.
Washington DC real estate news
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Factory 202 Gets Mixed-Up in Southeast?
Labels: Capitol Riverfront, Forest City, Navy Yard, new condos, SK and I Architects, Southeast
"We're currently evaluating whether it will be all residential or include some mixed-use retail," said Gary McManus, Marketing Manager for Forest City.
Another contributing factor to the planned renovation and two-story addition to the historic warehouse/factory - still slated for a 2011 completion - is the fact that the property remains in the hands of the General Services Administration (GSA). Said McManus:
That’s former federal land…GSA actually owns that site and we’re partnering with them...When we actually begin development of a new building or redevelopment of one of the existing buildings, we buy that parcel from GSA at that point. But…nothing is happening on that building yet, we haven’t bought [it].As such, a definitive start date for project has yet to be scheduled. Nonetheless, work continues on several other mixed-use Yards projects. The Park at the Yards is under is construction, while the adjoining “Lumber Shed” renovation, new retail pavilions and stainless steel spire all recently received approvals from the DC Zoning Commission and National Capital Planning Commission. Meanwhile, the Boilermaker Shops at 200 Tingey Street, SE continues to court retailers for what (one day) will be space along the linchpin of the Capitol Riverfront boardwalk.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
New Capital for Capitol Gateway?
Labels: A and R Development, Affordable Housing, new condos, Southeast
In 2000, under the administration of former DC Mayor Anthony Williams, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allotted a $30.8 million grant under its Hope VI program to the redevelopment of Capitol View Plaza's 12-story tower - then designated public housing for the elderly and disabled - across from the Capitol Heights Metro. Though the project had initially been scheduled to proceed in 2003, this is the first public sign since 2007 that the redevelopment remains on the District radar.
"5929 we purchased from HUD because it was foreclosed upon. Then we had some issues with FHA when we purchased the building because we had a financial gap. We decided it wasn't worth taking the risk if we didn't have a way to close that gap," said DCHA's Kerry Smyser of the delays. "FHA provided an upfront grant of about $12 million, but you have to use it on their footprint and there's more to do on that site than just to do with that building."
Indeed there is. Originally dubbed “New East Capitol” by the city government, the project has now been twinned with neighboring Capitol Gateway residential project, produced by the A&R Development Corporation and the Henson Development Company. Phase I of that development has delivered “nearly 240 duplexes, townhouses and single-family homes” to an area once notorious for its violence; time and development have gone a long way in imbuing the immediate area with a suburban je ne sais quoi.
That, however, is merely prologue to the 3.4 million square feet of office space, 1450 residential units - including 669 condominiums - and 300,000 square feet of retail space slated to spring up on both sides of East Capitol once construction of the Gateway project begins. Just last year, the development team confirmed that Shoppers Food & Pharmacy will be opening its very first DC branch, a 61,000-s.f. Shoppers Food Warehouse, as part of Capitol Gateway’s mixed-use component...someday. According to Smyser, DCHA is not currently projecting a timeline for construction, nor is A&R committing to a schedule. In total, the cost of the ambitious project is expected to exceed $1 billion.
Washington DC commercial real estate development news
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
New Condos for U Street Corridor
Labels: 14th Street, Bonstra Haresign Architects, new condos, renovation, Shaw, U Street
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Unwanted Condos Get Affordable in Germantown
Labels: Affordable Housing, auction, Fairfield Residential, new condos
While certainly not a boon to the development’s marketing strategy, the sale is certainly a relief for Fairfield; this past November, when faced with a declining market and a glut of unsold units, the developer put 45 two and three-bedroom units at the Ashmore up for auction - with some going for as little as $140,000, or one-third of the initial asking price, for those counting. Despite being sold to AHC at well below original point (the developer picked them up for approximately $186,000 each), the units at the Ashmore still boast standard amenities, including “custom cabinetry, ceramic flooring, crown molding” and a community center with a pool and fitness center.
For the County’s part, they seem pleased to have funded an arrangement that will provide affordable housing, while sidestepping the obvious the downsides of providing for a ghost town smack in the middle of the County (see the current market conditions in Florida for numerous examples of less fortuitous outcomes).
“Creating and preserving affordable housing is one of my highest priorities,” said County Executive Isiah Leggett in a statement announcing the sale. “I am pleased that the Housing Initiative Fund is being used to acquire more than two dozen condominiums and make them affordable for eligible residents.”
Maryland real estate news
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Dunbar Place Schedules Start Date
Years of planning appear to be paying off for the for NoMa corridor. As other District projects see their timelines extended ad infinitum in the face of market declines, development in the neighborhood surrounding Union Station are managing to stay on track and spawn secondary projects to boot.
One such project is Thoron Development’s Dunbar Place development, which will occupy the former site of six rowhouses at 1322-1330 North Capitol Street and 7 Hanover Place, NW. Despite receiving initial approval in May of 2008 and projecting a late 2009 completion, Thoron’s Robert T. Taylor now tells DCmud that construction will be underway by sometime in “March or April.” Once completed, Dunbar Place will top out at five stories and offer 29 new condominiums (along with ground level green space and a rooftop deck) to the North Capitol corridor.
Other projects currently underway in NoMa include Northwest One (part of which will be constructed at the site of the recently demolished Temple Court housing complex), the Washington Center’s intern dormitory at Third and K Streets, NE, and the Cohen Companies’ Union Place at the very same intersection.
Washington DC real estate development news
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
"Home Again" Hones in on LeDroit Park
Labels: Affordable Housing, Neighborhood Development Company, new condos, PGN Architects, Shaw
Currently a vacant lot straddled by several historic LeDroit Park homes, NDC is aiming to reinvigorate the long vacant parcel with a new three-story “historicist” condominium development. Designed by PGN Architects, the building will outwardly appear to be a brick townhouse with “a rusticated base, precast accents and wood windows” and measure in at 1,300 square feet. The project is currently scheduled to begin construction in July 2009 - after missing the mark last September. NDC previously accrued the approval of both the LeDroit Park Civic Association and Historic Preservation Review Board in summer of 2008.
Diminutive though it may be, the 1915 6th project is just the first of ten “Home Again” properties under the control of NDC; next up for development will be duel derelict structures, just outside of LeDroit proper, at 902 and 904 T Street, NW. In all, NDC plans to squeeze 22 units – 4 of which of will be priced at affordable housing rates – out of their LeDroit Park lemons.
Washington DC commercial real estate news
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Capitol Riverfront Showcase This Weekend
Labels: Capitol Riverfront, Cohen Companies, Faison Development, new condos, Southeast
The free public festivities kick off this Friday, February 13th at 6 PM and run through Sunday, February 15th. Residential units and lounges at the three aforementioned properties will be populated with “photography, installation art, graffiti artists, live music, and DJs and dancing;” we can only presume that there might be a few agents on hand (wink wink) to facilitate the transition from the dance floor to the sales office. Talk about mixed-use.
The cross-pollinating event will also serve a prelude to the CRBID’s 2009 partnership with Artomatic, which will be holding a 10th anniversary party of their very own in the Capitol Riverfront in just a few months. Artomatic had previously teamed with competing development district, NoMA, for their 2008 exhibition.
"With our 2007 Artomatic we began working with the Business Improvement Districts...and found partnering with the BIDs as a perfect way for Artomatic to better engage the neighborhoods we were in and better leverage our outreach and marketing efforts for our event," said Artomatic representative and featured artist, Patrick Oberman.
Monday, January 05, 2009
New Condo Report: Park View Condominiums
Culled from the renovation of circa 1910 District apartment building, the units offer all the trappings of the 21st century with built-in speakers, iPod docks, ADT security systems, three-way gas fireplaces, and pre-wired flatscreen mantles. The kitchens feature stainless steel appliances, range hoods and granite countertops, while the adjoining living rooms sport Brazilian wood floors, recessed lighting and video monitoring of the building’s communal front entrance way.
Once inside the easy-to-spot, chartreuse building, floorplans vary from 1200-1400 square feet – all with two master suites and an upstairs den. The four slightly larger lofts in the property’s rear have the added advantage an extra ground floor half-bath and access to the pressure-treated wooden balconies-cum-fire escape that also serve as a rear entrance. All bathrooms feature imported tile and hand-painted, freestanding Italian glass sinks.
The Park View stands four blocks southeast of the Petworth Metro, though as an urban sacrifice to the automobile, the project's backyard features a paved and gated parking lot.
Renovation procedures at the Park View were overseen by STX LLC and Crisa Developments, while designs were supplied by Kellete & Associates.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
New Condo Opens in Columbia Heights
Labels: Bogdan Builders, Columbia Heights, new condos, Zahn Design
Monday, September 22, 2008
Savoy Court Condominiums
Savoy Court, the most unique new condominium community East of the River, is a place where the best of all worlds meet. Despite being located in a quiet, wooded neighborhood, Savoy Court is just 10 minutes from downtown, right across from the new Southeast Federal Center and the home of the Washington Nationals. Not only does Savoy Court feature contemporary floorplans and outstanding architecture, it also offers great amenities such as a private courtyard with pergola, rooftop deck, and fitness center. These spaces help foster community by creating opportunities for residents to meet like-minded, civic-oriented people. And with competitive pricing (including FHA approval!), owning a home at Savoy Court can be as affordable as renting (Subject to qualification; visit www.savoycourt.com for details). Savoy Court is a smart investment in your future, your lifestyle, and your community.
Washington DC real estate news
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Butterfield House Architectural Tour
SPONSOR
The Butterfield House will be offering a guided tour, led by the project architect, Sassan Gharai, principle of SGA Architects of Bethesda. The tour will take place at 3 pm on Saturday, July 26th, on location at 1020 Pennsylvania Ave., SE. The Butterfield House, a 28-unit residential building near Capitol Hill's Eastern Market, recently completed construction, and was featured last month by the prestigious National Building Museum for its design, which successfully blends modern amenities and technology within the framework of Capitol Hill's historic fabric, adding to the Hill an elegantly detailed structure, even by the rigorous standards of the surrounding architecture.
SGA Architects has designed and developed a number of large commercial, residential, and retail buildings throughout the greater DC area. Development of the Butterfield House, named after celebrated architect William Butterfield, involved removal and remediation of the structures and soil of the service station that had occupied the site for many years. Mr. Gharai will be discussing the environmental improvement of the site as the architecture and design of the building. Marketing and sales by DCRE.
Washington DC real estate news
Thursday, July 03, 2008
West End's Newest Condos
Labels: Eastbanc, Jack Evans, Keener Squire, new condos, Shalom Baranes Architects, West End
Monday, June 23, 2008
Razing the Stakes on Capitol Hill
Labels: H Street Corridor, Louis Dreyfus Properties, new condos