June 24, 2008
Penn Quarter WOW: Impress Your Friends
If you are thinking about Penn Quarter then that already says something about you: urban-minded and wanting to be in the center of things. You want to live in a place that has street life, beautiful buildings, retail and cultural offerings like the National Portrait Gallery (with its beautiful Kogod Courtyard Atrium, pictured below.)
Are you also looking for the WOW factor in your future condo? The properties listed here will give you some of that. Some of their high points include stylish historic covnversion, floor-to-ceiling windows, 600 sqft patio, 2nd floor lofts and rooftop views.
First, a personal note on cool digs. When I initally moved to DC I almost rented a huge, Soho-style loft studio on Swann St., NW. It definitely had the WOW factor. I decided against it because it was just a bit pricey and I was concerned about where I would put guests if they ever came to visit. After all, a murphy bed only fits so many.
I have regretted that decision ever since!!! It was a rare find and a couple of years in that place would have been great. I know that buying a place is a different matter. It really has to fit your wallet and your longer-term lifestyle. But if it fits ….
2-Bedroom WOW:
912 F St NW #208 - $899,000 - 2-bed/2.5 bath converted row house. Very chic - I love it. And expensive, with monthly fees of $832. This is part of the residential rebuild and transformation of that whole block of “Fun” St. in the middle of Penn Quarter. Owners have access to the elevator and amenities of the attached new building - like the concierge, party room and gym. The condo itself has high ceilings, exposed brick, wood floors, gourmet kitchen and modern lighting. Assigned parking is available - not clear if you have to pay additional fee. Square footage is about 1,650, or $545/sqft, which is in line for the area.
1125 11th St NW #802 - $899,900 MAJOR REDUCTION - 2 bed/2 bath modern hi-rise penthouse. Very cool place with a spacious open plan, high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood it with light and appeal. It is wired for full technological enjoyment. There are 1,625 sqft, for $554/sqft. The monthly fee of $872 includes concierge and parking.
912 F St NW #507 - $820,000 - 2 bed/2.5 bath bi-level apartment with 1,400 sqft. This is in a new building adjacent to the property of the same address mentioned above. It has contemporary styling and large windows but the main interest is the loft, which is also the second bedroom. The furniture conveys and it includes window blinds, which you’ll need. There is a stainless steel kitchen and nice master bathroom with walk-in shower. The listing says parking is included and onsite rental is available. Monthly fee is $747 and the price per/sqft is $586.
616 E St. NW #414 - $735,000 - 2 bed/2 bath contemporary, hi-rise condo with 1,200 sqft of living space, plus a 600 sqft private terrace. The apartment itself is not out of the ordinary but it has good light and space, with a modern kitchen. And, to tempt you, a ton of patio furniture conveys. You could hold a garden party on the first day of moving in. The building has a rooftop pool with BBQs, a gym, and more. Underground parking available for rent. Monthly fee is $581 and the price /sqft is $612.
1 Bedroom WOW:
912 F Street NW #300 - $525,000 - 1 bed/ 1.5 bath. This is a bi-level loft-style condo that is fully modern and has a wall of windows overlooking the street. The loft bedroom includes an office nook. I love the looks of this place but wonder if the windows include night shades? The condo owner has access to a gym and concierge, and assigned rental parking is next door. Price per/sqft is $477 and the monthly fee is $465.
777 7th Street NW #730 - $425,000 REDUCED - 1 bed/1bath with 800 sqft. I would say there is no real WOW factor here, but it is cheaper and includes a pretty nice party room and a roof deck with a cool view, overlooking the Chinese gate on H St. The listing says there is a concierge and bowling alley among the community amenities. There is onsite parking for rent. The monthly fee is $476 and the price/sqft is $531.
If you want to know more about specific buildings not found here, DCMetroCentric.com has a good blog page covering condos around the city.
Cheers,
Allison
Photo: AaronLandry, Creative Commons license
