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While the exterior and interior architecture of today’s condominiums is innovative and inviting, some developers are finding that decorating a model might just be the ticket that entices buyers to take a second look.
Metropolis Development recently opened its new model at Metropole, a cutting-edge building designed by RTKL Architects at the corner of 15th and P streets. With the opening of a new phase, Metropole is also introducing its new interiors designed by the Canadian firm Cecconi Simone.
“The kitchens are built to fit in a coordinated way,” says Scott Pannick, president of Metropolis Development. The kitchens and baths are sophisticated redesigns, he adds. Other features include urban fireplaces that operate with no flue as well as the offering of furniture designed by Cecconi Simone to fit into condos’ spaces. The design details and the organization of the spaces are what make the difference in this phase, Pannick says. Metropole condos start in the mid-$400,000s.
At Yale Steam Laundry Condominium, one key element is the unique juxtaposition of the historic Yale Steam Laundry plant with the 120’ smokestack next to the new 12-story tower called Yale East. “The centerpiece of the project is the historic Yale Steam Laundry … which makes this different than other new condo projects downtown,” says Scott Fuller, senior vice president of IBG Partners LLC. Yale Steam Laundry is developed by GIBG YL Partners, a joint development by Greenfield Partners LLC and IBG Partners LLC.
Located in the Mount Vernon area and NoMa Corridor, the original plant will house 16 New York-style lofts designed by Chicago-based Architect John Ronan, who specializes in adaptive reuse of established buildings. A model recently opened in the historic building. Yale East, designed by BBGM, will include 133 units with a model opening in the spring.
“One of the big advantages of the Yale buildings is that they aren’t surrounded by high-rise buildings,” Fuller says. In fact, low-rise and Victorian structures will allow residents of this community to have sweeping views of the city, he adds. The project is 70 percent sold. Prices begin in the low $400,000s.
Outside Views
At Canal Street Malt House: With windows in the front facing the street and in the back overlooking the courtyard, Canal Street Malt House in Baltimore has a strong street presence, says Christopher Pfaeffle, principal and founder of Parameter Inc., architect of the project. “The courtyard came about because we had to accommodate parking on ground level,” he says.
With three thin, elongated buildings, the architectural plan evolved into great deck areas between the buildings as well as bridges, catwalks, and vertical transportation in the center. “All the action happens on the courtyard side,” he says, including regular parties and barbecues by the current residents as well as giving passersby a glimpse into the spaces between buildings. Even the parking garage offers a view up into the central area.
Less than 10 of the 36 units are still for sale with prices ranging from $399,000 to $899,000.
At 2120 Wyoming: With a kitchen featuring a built-in espresso maker, dual dishwashers, and a pot filler over the sink, one would expect and will find a rotunda entrance to the owner’s bedroom as well as a steam bath with rain attachments in the owner’s bath at 2120 Wyoming in DC.
“The project was designed to provide elegant and luxurious living spaces in Kalorama for people who are looking for the convenience of a condominium, but want to retain the privacy of a single-family home,” says Gary Squire of Keener-Squire Properties. There are only four full-floor units in this boutique-style building, which includes terraces, two on-site parking spaces per unit, and elevator access to each condo controlled via touch panel. Prices start at $1.5 million.
Some developers are leaning towards showcasing a furnished model now, whereas in the past condos sold without one. Giving prospective buyers insight into how to decorate the spaces if they buy gives some developers the edge in this market and gets buyers excited about living in the new spaces.
