One can be close and yet feel far away in today’s condominiums where expansive terraces offer not only privacy, but also extended living spaces. The nation’s monuments often seem within reach from balconies, such as at Ridge Street Row condominium residences.
Ridge Street Row
Situated in Historic Mount Vernon Square, these triplexes and flats offer exclusive indoor-outdoor living. The triplexes start with 815-square-foot terraces leading into 2,550 square feet of interior space, while the flats include a 318-square-foot outside space with 1,116 square feet inside.
This is a condo project with history and views. “I envisioned a project true to our time and at the same time respectful to the historic neighborhood,” says Suzane Reatig, principal of Suzane Reatig Architecture and developer of Ridge Street Row. Reatig considered the history, light, and cross ventilation in each unit, as well as incorporated large kitchens and oak wood floors.
Made of concrete panels and planks and commercial storefronts, Ridge Street Row is a departure from typical wood construction. The red brick south facades are in keeping with Ridge Street, while the rear alley walls are entirely glass. “These homes serve as a prototype for urban living,” Reating says. There were six units on the market as of press time with prices ranging from $995,000 for the triplexes and $475,000 for the flats.
Ten Ten One Grosvenor
A resident lounge with circular seating complementing the architecture, a fitness center overlooking the pool, and tennis courts are at the top of the list of community amenities at Ten Ten One Grosvenor. The marble lobby with second floor balcony, media room decked out in red, and a model showcasing high-quality finishes, such as American walnut floors, create a relaxed living environment.
“We’ve sold a tremendous amount of homes at 10101 because it offers an unbeatable combination of location, amenities, and luxury features,” says Hal Fetner, president of Sidney Fetner Associates. Priced from the $300,000s to the $600,000s, the North Bethesda condominiums are convenient to Metro, shopping, and restaurants. Interior design is by Jeffrey Goodman.
Woodley-Wardman
Situated on Connecticut Avenue Northwest in Woodley Park, the Woodley-Wardman Condominium includes 39 units, with 16 in the historic townhomes and 23 in the new seven-story tower. From studios to three-bedroom units, these residences offer European styling, such as Porcelanosa kitchen and bath cabinets and tiles, CaesarStone counters, Bosch and Sub-Zero appliances, and state-of-the-art audio-visual and home entertainment technology. Light dimmers, Elfa storage systems, hot tub-ready decks in the penthouses, and emphasis on green building practices make these residences unique.
Built by Murillo/Malnati Group’s (MMG) construction company, Renovations Unlimited, with conceptual architecture and design by Carina Lopez of MMG, the condos’ architecture by Bonstra Haresign Architects blends new with old. “It was a collaborative effort to achieve our design intent of ‘history made modern,’ ” says Julio Murillo, managing partner of MMG. The developer, designer, and architect worked extensively with the historic preservation office to incorporate doors, windows, elevations, cornices, and shutters that restore and retain the historical elements while creating modern spaces. The residences range from 500 to 2,300 square feet with prices starting at $300,000 and going up to $2.1 million.
Midtown Reston Town Center Penthouses
The penthouses at Midtown Reston Town Center offer spectacular views of the cityscape as well as the Blue Ridge Mountains. The penthouses have up to 3,000 square feet of space. With only five penthouses per floor, the residences showcase 10’ ceilings, kitchens with pantries, hardwood flooring in living rooms, and private balconies. Some units have multiple outside spaces.
Elegant fabrics and finishes in the model designed by Susan Gulick Interiors emphasize the units’ versatility. “For these penthouse units, our goal was to present a vision of contemporary elegance with a foundation of comfort,” says Susan Gulick, principal of Susan Gulick Interiors. “The fabric and furniture selections add an urban edginess appropriate for Reston Town Center living.” The dining room chairs upholstered in Gretchen Bellinger metallic leather are from Henredon and the living room features R Jones Waternish lounge chairs.
“Reston Town Center is a model mixed-use environment,” says Bob Kettler, president of Kettler, the developer of Midtown Reston Town Center. “We were lucky to work with designer Susan Gulick on the model; her style reflects the modern, elegant feel of the project,” he adds. Penthouse prices range from $999,000 to $2.5 million.
Lofts 11
Located on 11th Street, Northwest in Penn Quarter, Lofts 11 mixes contemporary architecture with luxury living. Concrete ceilings with exposed ductwork, balconies shaded by perforated metal that conserve energy, and construction of metal, brick, and glass are outstanding components of these lofts developed by Taurus Development Group Inc. Known for its green approach to design and building, the developer uses recycled Scandinavian, paper or glass countertops, Energy Star appliances, custom bamboo cabinets by JMG Associates, and natural maple flooring. With architecture by Norman Smith Architecture, the building also features a working green roof that helps cool the building in the summer.
Gail Montplaisir, president of Taurus Development Group Inc., says, “It was our goal to create a residential building that has unique modern design while layering eco-chic finishes and systems that benefit DC and the world.”
The model, decorated by Ligne Roset and Dragonfly, includes art by Timothy Nero. Prices range from the high $300,000s to more than $1.4 million for the few remaining units. Immediate occupancy is available.
