Columbia Heights

While 11th Street NW doesn't get as much ink as other higher profile DC numbered streets like 14th and 16th Streets, it is awakening in the Logan, U Street and Columbia Heights neighborhoods. A recent NY Times article described the 3200 block of 11th Street in Columbia Heights as the "Hip Strip."  The article included a slide show featuring the hot 11th Street entertainment spots including the Wonderland Ballroom, Meridian Pint, Room 11 and Bloombars.

In the last five years 11th Street has come alive as a residential corridor with several new developments including:

Logan Circle: The Eleven, Lofts 11,  Logan Park, The Providence and Renaissance at Logan

U Street: 2121 11th, The Beauregard, The Fillmore, The Lacey, The Lincoln

photo courtesy of

The results of a recent survey on home design trends by the American Institute of Architects reads like a play book for recent DC new construction. It is refreshing to see several of the trends that we all appreciate about the DC market becoming more prevalent across the nation.  Community design trends that are gaining in popularity include infill development, access to public transportation, mixed-use facilities, and dedicated open space. 

Here in the District, it is easy to trace the development that followed the extension of Metro lines throughout the city.  The vast swaths of vacant land created by the 1968 riots provided a critical mass of infill space that have allowed for neighborhood transforming development in the Columbia Heights and U

3.5% Down Opportunities in Columbia Heights

DC condo buyers can qualify for 3.5% down mortgages at FHA approved buildings.  This represents a major savings over the 20% of more down payments required for condos with conventional financing.

The FHA maintains a website with a list of FHA approved projects.  We have extrapolated that list for the Columbia Heights neighborhood and offer one-click access to all the available MLS listings in FHA buildings.  If Columbia Heights isn't your neighborhood of choice, our site has detailed information about FHA buildings in other popular DC neighborhoods.

The FHA approval list changes routinely, these are selected Columbia Heights developments that are currently approved at the time of this posting:

Berkeley
Cityscape on

 14th Street in DC starts at Roosevelt Island and runs north to the Maryland border in Silver Spring.  Along this corridor northward to Columbia Heights are neighborhoods where DC has experienced significant transformation and revitalization over the last decade.  The catalyst for this development was Metro Green Line extension with stations at U Street and  Columbia Heights.

Condo developments in the 14th Street Corridor heading north from downtown include the Alta at Thomas Circle.  Located further north in the Logan Circle neighborhood along 14th Street are: the Matrix; Lofts 14; Lofts 14 Two and Q14.  In the U Street Corridor neighborhood, PN Hoffman's Union Row is located on 14th Street.  Northward in the Columbia Heights neighborhood are

DC Condo Projects With Remaining Builder Inventory 

The article in Forbes about the DC economy rebounding the quickest in the US reaffirms what we are seeing the urban trenches of the DC condo market.  Well priced condos are basically flying off the shelves like iPods in the Apple store around the holidays.

With new construction projects grinding to a halt a couple of years ago, developer new construction inventory in the District is quickly being absorbed.  If you are interested in a new construction DC condo, here is a consolidated list sorted by neighborhood of projects with remaining inventory.  You can click thru to look at specific listings.

Capitol Hill: Butterfield House  Congressional Overlook  Jenkins Row  Landmark Lofts

Columbia Heights:

Brook Rose Development Columbia Heights renovation

The latest gem from boutique builder, Brook Rose Development is nearing completion in Columbia Heights.  2719 13th Street is the conversion of a 1917 four-story  townhouse into two duplex condominiums.  Brook Rose trademark touches include stunning white marble islands, European cabinetry, minimalist plumbing fixtures and walnut floors.  Brook Rose utilizes stunning stone details in the bathrooms and eye-catching black lacquered doors to deliver modernism with an edge!

Currently on the market and listed for $899,000 is unit #2 at 2719 13th Street.  This 2,600 SF duplex features 4BR / 3BA, a private roof deck and parking.

Recently completed Brook Rose Development projects include the 10-unit 

.....Columbia Heights might be the answer

With 2/2 condos in popular Logan Circle buildings like Cooper Lewis, Metropole and Solo Piazza currently selling in the $700s and $800s, buying in one of these buildings may be a stretch for some budgets.  If this is the case, it may be time to venture north on 14th Street and see what Columbia Heights has to offer.

Columbia Heights Civic Plaza

Wikipedia defines the boundaries of Columbia Heights as 16th Street to the west; Spring Road to the north; Sherman Avenue to the east and Florida Avenue and Barry Place to the south.  Anchoring the Columbia Heights community is the Metro Station, which serves both the Green and Yellow lines and is located at the intersection of 14th and Irving.

At present in

It only takes a couple of minutes of searching in the Washington DC MLS database to find a multitude of meandering neighborhood borders.  When did the West End become Georgetown?......when did Capitol Hill extend to Nationals Park......did the national army of Kalorama invade Adams Morgan and claim Columbia Road as their own?

Was there a city-wide Realtor training session that I missed on how to juice up the price of a listing by stretching the borders of a neighborhood?  I surely don't understand the logic behind advertising a property in a neighboring community.  Aren't DC buyers just smarter than that?  Armed with tools like Google Maps and GPS units can't most buyers see through this strategy?  Also, with so much searching starting on the web,

Express Night Out reports on the essentials of a gourmet kitchen for DC foodies.  Free-flowing kitchens open to the rest of the living space are a key design requirement.  An oversized island large enough to accomodate food-prep, mixology and socializing is another important element.

DC projects cited in the Express Night Out article for their gourmet kitchens include Harvard Lofts in Columbia Heights and Murano in the U Street Corridor.  Harvard Lofts kitchens are decked out with Porcelanosa cabinets, Bosch appliances and quartz countertops.  Built by Robertson Development, Murano kitchens include a two-tiered black granite-topped island, Sub-Zero fridge, under-counter lights and self-closing doors and drawers.

What is your favorite DC gourmet

Urban luxury has arrived in Columbia Heights at the Harvard Lofts development, located just two blocks from the Metro at 1466 Harvard Street.  With unique, lofty floor plans, this 12-unit DC new construction project offers an exciting alternative to traditional boxy condo designs.

Voluminous interiors featuring super-high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows create a bright, open and airy atmosphere.  Developer Harvard Lofts, LLC delivered the goods with the high-end finishes in these units.  The designer kitchens are decked out with imported Porcelanosa cabinets, quartz counters and Bosch appliances.

With a Walkscore of 89/100, Harvard Lofts is classified as a very walkable address.  Just a quick stroll away are restaurants, coffee shops, a health