September 2011

Luxury new construction in Logan Circle is one of the most sought after property segments in the entire District. A new project located at 1309 Q Street is the conversion of a four-story, brick-front, victorian-era row-house into two luxury condominiums.

The project is a full renovation including replacing all mechanical systems, electrical systems, flooring, sub flooring where needed, framing and windows. Finishes at 1309 Q are high-end and include Pella windows, Sub Zero/Wolf/Bosch appliances, Kohler/Waterworks fixtures, designer tile including Ann Sacks and Waterworks, heart pine floors and custom crown molding.

Unit one includes both the garden level and first floor with approximately 2,234 SF of living space plus an outdoor patio and

The 1400 block of Church Street is home to six of DC's finest loft developments. This prime Logan Circle location is just a block from all the popular neighborhood amenities on P Street including Whole Foods, the Logan Tavern, Starbucks and Vidia Fitness.

If you are considering a DC loft, a visit to listings on Church Street should be part of your home search due diligence. To assist in your analysis of the market, here are the sales year-to-date at the six developments in the 1400 block of Church Street:

To help in your search for a Church Street condo or loft, we have created a resource which consolidates all the active 1400 block Church Street real estate listings. Our office is just around the corner from Church Street and our team is

Located directly across the street from the Verizon Center, the Cosmopolitan offers an upscale, urban experience at the core of the Penn Quarter action.  From this location on 6th Street, you can walk to the Metro, Gallery Place, restaurants, shopping, clubs and museums.

The Cosmopolitan was delivered in 2005 and offers an intimate feel with just 4 units per floor and a total of 46 units in the development.  Building amenities include a rooftop deck, fitness center, community room with free wifi and underground parking for select units. Finishes at the Cosmopolitan include bamboo floors, gas fireplaces, soaking tubs, walk-in closets and open floor plans.

Currently, there are three units available for sale at the Cosmopolitan ranging in price from

Georgetown and the West End have top sales

The most expensive condo to sell in the District during August 2011 was in Georgetown at the Washington Harbour Condos located at 3030 K Street NW #108, Washington, DC.  This 2 BR / 3 BA, 2,603 SF penthouse condo includes two parking spaces.  The selling price was $2.275M / $874 SF which was 91% of asking price.

Congratulations to Nancy Taylor Bubes of Washington Fine Properties, LLC for closing the most expensive condo sale in the District in August 2011.

Honorable mention for the 2nd most expensive DC condo sold in August 2011 was in the West End at 22 West, located at 1177 22nd Street NW #8E, Washington, DC. This 3 BR / 3 BA, 2,232 SF condo includes two parking spaces.  The selling price was $1.933M

MarketWatch recently ranked Pennsylvania Avenue as the fifth most expensive street in the nation for commercial rental rates.  Rents on Pennsylvania Avenue, with great access to both the White House and Capitol Hill, are now averaging a whopping $80 SF.  Pennsylvania Avenue only trails a couple of notable streets including Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park and Fifth Avenue in New York.

In the residential sector, Pennsylvania Avenue is also no slouch with several luxury condo buildings that command premium selling prices.  Notable developments on this grand avenue include: 2501 Penn, Market Square East and Market Square West and the Pennsylvania  Here is a resource to view active Pennsylvania Avenue real estate listings.

Originally built in 1906 as a private residence, the Duncan has been re-born as a nine-unit luxury condo development.  The curb appeal of The Duncan is tops in the neighborhood with a front circular drive, gas side-lamps, an elegantly finished window pane doorway and an original two-story stained-glass window.

Located in Dupont Circle at the corner of 18th and R Streets, the Duncan has one of the best and most walkable locations in the entire District as evidenced by the buildings's perfect WalkScore of 100.  The Dupont Metro, Adams Morgan and U Street are all very walkable from the Duncan.

The Duncan draws its name from the original owner, Dr. William Duncan McKim, a retired medical doctor and accomplished organist.  The south end of the property

DC continues to rack up the high rankings for various demographics including being ranked by Forbes as America's 2nd healthiest city.

The sidewalks of the District during the morning and evening commutes offer a snapshot of just how this ranking was achieved……everyone seems to be walking to work these days.  Popular DC neighborhoods like the West End, Dupont Circle and Logan Circle all offer easy walking access to the Downtown office buildings.

Congratulations to all the residents of the DC on your healthy lifestyle!

photo courtesey of flickr user Pak Gwei

Washingtonians looking for a sophisticated, yet hip condo in the 14th Street Corridor should definitely take a look at Union Row.  This project, developed by PN Hoffman includes both the Flats at Union Row and the Warehouses at Union Row. The Flats is a new construction 8-story building with 216 condos and the Warehouses features the re-development of two existing warehouse structures into 52 townhouse style condos.

PN Hoffman left the cookie cutter back at the office when they developed Union Row. The development has unique and visually interesting architectural features and the individual units units have a diverse array of floor plans.  This is not a seen one unit…..seen them all kind of place.

The re-sale market has been strong at Union Row with