Two residents of the Fairlington Arbor condominiums were told by the condo board to dig up their spooky gravestones that seek to lay bigotry to rest.
Katrina Reed and her husband Joe decked out their yard with six decorative gravestones, but they papered over the space for names of the deceased to bury hate, racism, religions discrimination, sexism, homophobia and white supremacy instead.
Both Reeds teach and coach high school basketball. As teachers, Katrina said they strive to create an inclusive environment in their remote and in-person classrooms.
“Our thought process was, ‘Why wouldn’t we want to be inclusive at home?'” she said.
The death-to-discrimination markers received a lot of love from neighbors, but drew the ire of the Fairlington Arbor management. The dispute centers around whether the gravestones are signs, which are not allowed unless the Board of Directors approve them, or seasonal decor, which are allowed if they are “modest and in keeping with community norms.”
A letter from management and addressed to the Reeds on behalf of the Fairlington Arbor Board of Directors asked them to “correct this matter” to “avoid further action by the Board of Directors.”
The letter treats the gravestones as decor, but the messages as signs.
“While the frames on your sign are compliant, the content is not,” the letter said. Joe disputed the application of the bylaw in an email to management.
“The signs displayed are not deemed ‘seasonal’ by the board since they display a message that does not fit the Halloween occasion,” Arbor management said in response.
The letter’s author, Fairlington Arbor’s general manager, declined to comment further. In an automated message, Matt Duncan, the President of the Board of Directors, said he is out of office and referred inquiries to management.
In a private neighborhood Facebook group, Katrina asked her neighbors for advice and to see if others had similar experiences. The response was overwhelming, with more than 175 comments on Katrina’s post so far.
“People went nuts,” she said. “They were ready to light their pitchforks and find the board members.”
One Facebook commenter said of the decorations: “We thought they were awesome. 10/10. Do not take them down.”
“These have made me very happy every time I walk by!” another said.
The couple maintains that stifling free speech causes more division than signs promoting inclusivity.
“If you can let people express First Amendment rights within a time period, I think it solves these issues,” Joe said.
The couple said the bylaws need to be clarified and they plan to speak about it during the next board meeting on Oct. 27. Joe said ironically, he was on the board and helped write the bylaws.
“I don’t envy them,” he said.
On Facebook, some theorized that the condo board was pushed to take action by a handful of complainers.
“Neighbors have been complimentary of our messages of inclusion, but I seem to have offended the racists, homophobes, etc.,” Katrina wrote in her post.
Others guessed that the current political climate might have caused an overreaction by condo management.
“It’s probable that no one is offended by your decorations but management just wants to head off something truly objectionable,” wrote one commenter, who congratulated the couple for speaking up.
This summer, the S. Abingdon Street bridge over I-395 in Fairlington was the site of a showdown between those supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and counter-demonstrators who replaced BLM slogans with pro-Trump messages.
County Launching Race Conversations — “Today, Arlington County launched a new effort to address racial equity and disparities in our community. Called Dialogues on Race and Equity (DRE), the effort is part of the County’s broader commitment to racial equity… DRE will include a series of virtual community conversations with individuals, nonprofit organizations, civic associations, faith organizations, and businesses.” [Arlington County]
Local Nurses Hold Food Drive — “Nurses at the Virginia [Hospital] Center are going above and beyond to give back to the local community… Nurses launched the ‘Together We Can’ campaign where they collected canned goods. All together, they collected 10,000 cans and donated them directly to the food assistance center.” [WJLA]
Virtual 5K for Local Nonprofits — “A coalition of three homeless-outreach organizations – Community Lodgings, Bridges to Independence and Homestretch – will be hosting their third annual 5K “Home Run for the Homeless” in a different format this year. Rather than running as a group on the Washington & Old Dominion Regional Trail this year, participants will be able to run where they choose anytime from Oct. 10 (which is designated World Homeless Day) to Oct. 31.” [InsideNova]
Penthouse Sold in New Rosslyn Tower — “The sales team for Pierce announced strong early sales for The Highlands‘ luxury condominium tower… Strong early interest in Pierce has resulted in over $18.7 million in sales by The Mayhood Company since launching sales in August, including the sale of one of two top-of-the-market penthouse residences.” [Press Release]
Theater Holding Virtual Halloween Event — “Synetic Theater will hold its annual ‘Vampire Ball’ in a ‘virtual’ setting this year, with participants enjoying the festivities ‘from the comfort of your own crypt.’ The event will be held on Friday, Oct. 30 from 8 to 10 p.m.” [InsideNova]
Nearby: Trump Rallies at Eden Center — Vietnamese Americans held rallies for President Trump at the Eden Center in Falls Church over the weekend. [Twitter, YouTube, YouTube]
A project that is changing the skyline of Arlington has just celebrated its “topping out.”
The massive Highlands residential development in Rosslyn recently reached its full height. Construction, which has continued through the pandemic and some notable challenges, is expected to wrap up in the second half of 2021.
The Highlands, when completed, will consist of nearly 800 luxury rental apartments, just over 100 condos, 40,000 square feet or retail space, a renovated park, and a new ACFD Fire Station 10.
It’s located at 1555 Wilson Blvd, at a high point in the Rosslyn neighborhood, adjacent to H-B Woodlawn’s new building known as The Heights. Construction started in October 2018.
More on the topping out and the project, from a press release.
Penzance, a leading owner, operator, and developer in the Washington, DC, metropolitan region, today announced the topping out of all three of the towers for The Highlands, Rosslyn’s newest mixed-use, luxury residential community.
Perched on the hilltop with panoramic views of Northern Virginia, the Potomac River, and the iconic monuments along the DC skyline, The Highlands name is inspired by its geographic location as the highest point in Rosslyn. In addition to three distinct residential towers, destination retail, the Highlands will be home to a new and enhanced Rosslyn Highlands Park and a new headquarters to Arlington County Fire Station #10 all funded as part of a public-private partnership between Penzance and Arlington County.
The Highlands, built to LEED Gold certification standards, will be comprised of 104 luxurious condos, 780 rental apartments, and more than 50,000 square feet of refined amenity space and 40,000 square feet of carefully-curated retail space between the buildings at full build-out, all delivering in the second half of 2021.
“We are proud to see all three of our towers at The Highlands reach this major construction milestone on-schedule as we work to deliver this new community that is primed to transform Rosslyn when it delivers in 2021,” said John Kusturiss, Senior Vice President of Construction and Development for Penzance. “The Highlands will establish a lively neighborhood within Rosslyn that aligns nature with architecture to create a pedestrian-friendly and connected environment, just minutes from the very best of the DMV.”
The Highlands includes three distinct towers: Pierce, Aubrey, and Evo. The elegant design of each building incorporates environmentally sustainable interior and exterior elements. Marked by a distinguished style to meet the unique needs of the region’s burgeoning and diverse makeup, The Highlands serves as the heart of the repositioned Wilson Boulevard and is only a short walk to both the Rosslyn and Courthouse Metro stations and Georgetown via the Key Bridge.
This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.
On this week’s edition of the Neighborhood Spotlight, we want to share some of our favorite options for luxury condominiums in one of the D.C. area’s hottest neighborhoods, Rosslyn.
If you are looking for where to live if you work in Arlington, it’s hard to beat the Rosslyn neighborhood. With convenient access to two separate metro stops, and as an important business heart of the county, most places to live in Rosslyn come with short commute times and plenty of Arlington’s best entertainment options to explore once work hours are over. And best of all, there are some amazing options for luxury condos in Rosslyn, so you can enjoy all that the area has to offer from the comfort of your stylish home.
Last year, the expert agents of the Keri Shull Team created virtual tours of 3 of the most luxurious highrises in all of Arlington, located right in the heart of Rosslyn. Each one of these condos has a full suite of unique and eye-catching features — and any of them could be the perfect home for you!
Turnberry Tower
This 26-story highrise is the tallest residential building in the Washington, D.C. area — and it is a pinnacle of luxury, too! Turnberry Tower consists of 247 condo units, spanning from 1-4 bedroom options, with unbeatable views of the region’s iconic landmarks like the Key Bridge, Washington Monument and National Cathedral.
Inside of the building, residents can enjoy amenities such as a 24-hour valet, white-glove concierge services, an indoor swimming pool, complimentary cinema room, and an exclusive luxury spa and fitness center. The condos themselves are similarly high-end, with high ceilings, top-of-the-line cooking appliances, and direct-entry elevators for ultimate privacy and convenience.
Waterview Condos
Sitting on the bend of the Potomac, right at the foot of the Francis Scott Key Memorial Bridge, is a gorgeous, 31-story highrise: The Waterview. This building serves as both a hotel and a condominium community, with the bottom 15 floors being for temporary guests and the top levels containing the permanent residents.
The building was constructed in 2008 and is crafted to the highest standards of luxury with hardwood flooring throughout, gourmet kitchens and open floor plans. Residents can also enjoy the views of D.C. and Arlington from their enormous, floor-to-ceiling windows. The community itself features a health spa and cutting-edge fitness facility, as well as an unbelievable observation deck, located on the 31st floor, complete with outdoor cooking stations and a complete 360-degree view of the surrounding area.
As an amazing feature of the Waterview’s unique mixed function, residents of the building can take advantage of the Le Meridian hotel’s amenities. This means that condo owners can have valet parking for their guests, get their dry cleaning take care of, and even order room service from the hotel right up to their home!
The Pierce
One of the most exciting new developments in the world of Rosslyn luxury living is the construction of The Pierce, a new construction condominium community on Wilson Boulevard. This building will consist of 104 units across 27 floors, each of which features some of the most elegant luxury amenities around.
Each home features world-class cabinetry in the gourmet kitchen, heated floors in the unbeatable master bathrooms, and floor-to-ceiling windows to give breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Residents can also take advantage of the community’s shared luxuries such as a resort-style pool on the rooftop terrace, a two-story fitness center, and a clubroom that is perfect for entertaining guests and loved ones.
All of this, when combined with the Pierce’s promise of white-glove service and the unbeatable location near the Rosslyn Metro and local shopping, means that the Pierce is set up to be one of the most amazing options for luxury living in Arlington in the coming years.
Which of the extravagant amenities featured in these homes is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
If you are interested in learning more about how you can find your dream home in one of these condos, or anywhere else in the Washington, D.C. area, then you owe it to yourself to work with the best agent possible — and we want to help you! The Keri Shull Team has become the #1 real estate team in the Washington, D.C. area because we ensure that we can help you buy or sell a home faster, with less stress, and for a price that you’ll love!
To learn more about how we can help you with your real estate needs, contact the Keri Shull Team today! All you need to do is click here to schedule a time for a completely online, 100% free Real Estate Consultation with one of our expert agents!
(Updated at 1:35 p.m.) During the coronavirus outbreak, healthcare workers are being hailed as heroes.
But one Arlington doctor had the police called to her office this week by a resident who was outraged that she was conducting in-car COVID-19 tests in the building’s parking lot.
Dr. Lillian Hunt owns a ground-floor office condo at The Chatham condominium building, located a mile south of Ballston at 4501 Arlington Blvd. She says she started testing her patients last Monday “as soon as my commercial labs could give me the test kits.”
“I started testing because patients and colleagues with exposures and/or viral symptoms could not get tested by the overwhelmed public sector,” Dr. Hunt told ARLnow. “When Arlington announced public testing the prior week, I sent an order to a patient who returned from Europe just before the international flights were restricted. The patient had a fever of 102.5, dry cough, sore throat, and severe malaise. She drove to the site across from W-L high school but was unable to get the test done due to excess demand.”
Despite her testing protocol reportedly following health department guidelines, some condo residents were incensed and wrote complaints to building management. (An Arlington health department spokesman did not respond to a request for comment.)
“Management received some emails yesterday from residents with concerns about the doctor testing patients in their vehicles in the parking lot,” said a notice set to residents this week, adding that the condo association board and its attorney have been informed of the situation.
One resident went so far as to call the police. That resident, whose first name is Erika, reached out to ARLnow with her concerns.
“At the Chatham condominium in Arlington, Va. there is a rogue doctor’s office — Dr. Lillian Hunt — doing COVID-19 tests in the condo parking lot, much to the dismay of its hundreds of residents who live there,” she wrote. “With the closure of the gym at the building, many residents also use the parking lot as a home gym — many unknowingly exercising right next to COVID patients in their cars lining up for tests. Arlington is destined for a spike in COVID cases. And Chatham is going to be the epicenter.”
Erika also posted about her concerns on a Facebook group for the building.
An employee in the doctor’s office says they were “shocked” when police showed up and knocked on the door. Dr. Hunt said she was surprised and “saddened.”
“I was frankly stunned to have the Chatham residents call in a police complaint on me without any communication of their concern directly,” she said. “The officer was unaware that I was operating from a licensed medical office in a condo I own. The officer seemed as confused as my staff as to the complaint and quietly left.”
“My patients in the building did however call to express their support,” she added.
A new development that will build new housing in Rosslyn while renovating one of the region’s oldest hotels got the green light from the Arlington County Board over the weekend.
The board approved the redevelopment of the Key Bridge Marriott site by a 4-0 vote. The project will include the renovation of the hotel — one of Marriott’s earliest hotels, which first opened in 1959 — as well as the construction of three new 16-story residential buildings, with about 300 rental apartments and 150 condo units.
With the site perched above the Potomac River, near Key Bridge, many of the new homes will have enviable views of the river and D.C.
The project also includes the construction of two new street segments, as well as the contribution of land and funding for a new public park.
More from an Arlington County press release:
The aging Key Bridge Marriott hotel at 1401 Lee Highway will be partially demolished and renovated, and three new residential buildings will be added to the site under a plan approved by the County Board.
“This plan adds much-needed housing in Rosslyn, new public open space and a major renovation of the Marriott Hotel, greatly enhancing the aesthetics and functionality of this highly visible site in Rosslyn,” Board Chair Libby Garvey said.
The Board voted 4-0 to approve the redevelopment plan. […]
In addition to renovating the hotel’s 445 rooms, developer KBLH, LLC, will build three 16-story residential buildings, with a total of 451 units, on the 5.5-acre site on the north side of Lee Highway. One of the new buildings is expected to offer rental apartments and the other two are planned as condominiums. The modernized hotel’s new façade will face Lee Highway and Gateway Park.
The plan, which evolved significantly before and during the public review process, also calls for two new streets that will connect with an esplanade open to the public on the north end of the site, accessible to pedestrians and cyclists but not cars. The esplanade will offer views of the Potomac River and Georgetown and connect to the bike path leading to Key Bridge. A crescent-shaped park will be built on the site’s Fort Myer Drive frontage and will provide an improved bicycle and pedestrian path to Key Bridge. Most of the park is on National Park Service property and will require federal approval for improvements.
The developer has committed to achieving LEED Gold certification for the residential buildings and LEED Silver for the hotel and will install ENERGY STAR and WaterSense appliances. Among other community benefits, the developer would contribute land for a new public park on the site, fronting on Fort Myer Drive, $870,075 to help plan and build the park, and a contribution of $1.75 million to the County’s Affordable Housing Investment Fund.
This content was written and sponsored by The Keri Shull Team, Arlington’s top producing residential real estate team.
With the upcoming arrival of Amazon’s new HQ2, we wanted to showcase some of our favorite condominium communities in the Crystal City neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia!
Crystal City might be known for the extensive underground city that runs beneath its streets, but the skyline is equally impressive, featuring plenty of luxurious condominium highrises that could be your new dream home!
Join the local experts of the Keri Shull Team as we show you some of the hottest condo buildings in all of Crystal City — and these home values are only going up as Amazon makes progress on their new headquarters!
If you like this video, make sure to check out the rest of our Neighborhood Spotlights and subscribe to the Keri Shull Team on YouTube — and turn on post notifications so you don’t miss any new videos!
Do you have a suggestion for where we should Spotlight next? Let us know in the comments below!
Are you interested in learning more about living in Arlington VA — or anywhere else in D.C., Maryland, or Virginia? If so, contact the Keri Shull Team today to learn about how we can help you find and win the home of your dreams!
Local Crossing Guard Honored — “Zeleke Taffesse, a crossing guard serving Taylor Elementary School in Arlington, was one of four crossing guards statewide named tops in their field as part of the Feb. 10-14 commemoration of Crossing Guard Appreciation Week.” [InsideNova, Twitter]
Inexpensive Condos Still Exist in Arlington — “There are still some bargains to be had in Arlington, particularly if you’re willing to downsize to an older condo. For example, Unit 49 in the Lorcom House Condo at 4401 Lee Hwy. in North Arlington is priced at $225,000. The monthly condo fee of $552 includes all utilities as well as trash and snow removal.” [Washington Post]
Hope’s Instant Runoff Bill Advancing — “A proposal that would allow, though not require, Arlington to elect its County Board members by ‘instant-runoff’ (also known as ‘ranked-choice’) voting has cleared its first hurdle in Richmond, but still faces an uncertain future. The measure, by Del. Patrick Hope (D-Arlington), won passage in the House of Delegates on a 68-30 vote and was forwarded across the hall for consideration by the state Senate.” [InsideNova]
Beyer Holds ‘Real ID’ Event — “Congressman Don Beyer partnered with the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Saturday to host a REAL ID application event for constituents of the 8th District at Wakefield High School in Arlington… Beginning October 1, 2020, U.S. residents who want to board a domestic flight or enter a secure federal facility using their state-issued driver’s license or ID as identification must have a version of the credential that is REAL ID compliant.” [Press Release]
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Due to the amount of interest I’ve gotten over the last few years on smoking bans in condos, and the number of buildings currently trying to ban smoking, I decided to organize a panel discussion/information session on it.
Next Tuesday, October 15 from 7-8:30 p.m. I’m hosting four Board/Committee members who led the smoking ban effort in their respective (Arlington) buildings to share their approach, lessons learned and more. We will also be joined by the Northern Virginia Regional Manager for Virginia’s Tobacco Control Program.
You do not have to be Arlington-based to attend. If you can’t make it in person, I plan on broadcasting on Facebook Live and having the recording available afterwards for anybody who wants to watch.
If you’d like to attend or to view the live or recorded version, please email me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to set-up an in-person meeting to discuss local real estate, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: Are there any smoke-free condo buildings in Arlington?
Answer: There is overwhelming support amongst condo owners in Arlington and the D.C. area to ban smoking in condo buildings, including within individual units and balconies. The problem is that it requires a two-thirds (or more) vote in all existing condo buildings to change the by-laws to ban smoking completely and only a handful of buildings have successfully done so.
2000 Clarendon to be Smoke-Free, LEED Certified
I’d like to recognize The Bush Companies for making 2000 Clarendon, an 87-unit condo building currently under construction in the Courthouse neighborhood, for being the first developer in Arlington to ban smoking outright in the original by-laws. Per the by-laws:
“Smoking is prohibited inside the Condominium building. Smoking is prohibited outside the Condominium building except in designated smoking areas located at least 25 feet from all entries, outdoor air intakes and operable windows. The no-smoking policy applies to spaces outside the property line used for business purposes.”
In addition to being smoke-free, 2000 Clarendon will also be a LEED Certified “green” building.
There is real demand in the Arlington condo market for smoke-free buildings and there will likely be multiple owners who choose 2000 Clarendon as their home because of the smoking ban. I believe that the decision by The Bush Companies to ban smoking will result in stronger sales and I expect more developers in Arlington and the surrounding D.C. area to follow suit.
On October 15 I’m hosting a panel and info session on smoking bans in existing condo buildings. If you are interested in attending or getting a recording of the meeting, please email me at [email protected].
2000 Clarendon Sales Update
If you’re in the market for a condo in the Rosslyn-Ballston Corridor and aren’t aware of 2000 Clarendon, it’s because marketing has been very limited and nothing has been entered into the MLS yet (hopefully you saw my column introducing 2000 Clarendon in April). However, demand has been high enough without a full marketing push that over 50% of the units are already under contract.
The shift in demand within the Arlington condo market to larger units with 2+ bedrooms is evident at 2000 Clarendon, with impressive demand for their 2 BR and 2 BR+Den units and double-digit waiting lists. The 1 BR+Den floor plans have been nearly as popular, but 1 BR sales have lagged. I expect the 1 BRs to move rather quickly once they’re entered into the MLS for broader distribution.
The developer is releasing units for sale by floor and to-date ten of the fourteen floors have been released with floors 9, 11, 13 and 14 yet to be offered. Some units on the upper floors are expected to have direct D.C. views.
If you’re interested in learning more about available units at 2000 Clarendon or other new condo development in Arlington or the D.C. area, feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to set-up an in-person meeting to discuss local real estate, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.
This regularly-scheduled sponsored Q&A column is written by Eli Tucker, Arlington-based Realtor and Arlington resident. Please submit your questions to him via email for response in future columns. Enjoy!
Question: Do you think Pierce condos in Rosslyn will be able to sell for the prices they’re advertising?
Answer: A few months ago, local developer Penzance released details on their upcoming Highlands development that includes three luxury residential buildings, one of which will be a 27-story condo building called Pierce. Here’s a summary of what we know:
- Large Floor Plans: 104 units ranging from a 1,270 sq. ft. 1 BR+Den to a 3 BR with over 2,400 sq. ft.
- Larger Prices: Starting at $900k and increasing to over $3M
- Luxury Finishes: Thermador appliances, hardwood throughout, Snaidero cabinets, floor-to-ceiling windows, some direct-access elevators and other luxury touches
- Top Amenities: 24hr staff, rooftop pool, two-story gym, club room, to name a few
Is There Anything Else Like It?
It seems that Penzance is modeling its approach after Turnberry Tower, the iconic all-glass blue building a block from the Rosslyn Metro. Both buildings’ smallest units are 1 BR+Den with about 1,300 sq. ft., they have similar high-end finishes, many units with direct-access elevators, and both have luxury amenities.
Demand and prices at Turnberry have increased significantly over the last 18-24 months, which is a good sign for Penzance.
Meeting New Demand
There is a significant, relatively new, demand in Arlington for large condos to satisfy Baby Boomers downsizing from big suburban homes around the D.C. area. Over the last 20 years of condo development in Arlington, most floor plans have been 1 BR-2 BR, ranging from 700-1,000 sq. ft. To find larger floor plans, buyers are mostly left with buildings constructed in the 70s and 80s, so there is currently an underserved market for newer condos with large floor plans.
For example, 2000 Clarendon, a condo building in Courthouse set to deliver next year, originally planned six 2 BR+Den units of ~1,400 and ~1,700 sq. ft. They had so much interest that they added two more. Their current waitlist for the 2 BR+Den units has over 20 people on it. However, the price of 2000 Clarendon units are about half what similar units at Pierce will cost.
Will People Pay These Prices?
- 1 BR+Den with 1,270+sq. ft. start at $900k (4 units)
- 2 BR with 1,320+sq. ft. start at $1.1M (44 units)
- 2 BR+Den with 1,953+sq. ft. start at $2M (46 units)
- 3 BR with 2,411 sq. ft. start at $2.6M (10 units)
- More than half of the units will be $2M+
- More than half of the units will be over $1,000/sq. ft. Over the last five years, seven Turnberry condos and two Waterview condos have cross the $1,000/sq. ft. mark. D.C. hits this mark in its premier buildings.
Rosslyn has only begun its transition into a luxury market and Pierce will be a great indicator of where Rosslyn is in the eyes of the market. The sales won’t come overnight, or be without challenges, but the developer can afford to be patient.
- The down-sizing Baby Boomers that Pierce is suited for can afford to pay a significant premium for the right floor plan and building
- Amazon, Nestle, consulting/law firms, Defense contractors and tech start-ups are supplying more and more highly-paid executives to the Arlington housing market
- International money will be drawn to its proximity to D.C. and Amazon
- Trophy units with direct views of D.C. and the Potomac River should be in high demand because it’s unlikely that future developments will block those views, something that has had a major impact on many Turnberry owners in the last five years (I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of them move a couple of blocks up the street to reclaim their views)
There are some challenges that will likely slow the pace of sales and maybe even cause them to bring prices down on some units.
- At these prices, buyers will also be looking at similar units in D.C.’s top addresses in neighborhoods like Georgetown, West End and The Wharf
- There will be a 7-11, fire station (quiet-exits will help, but won’t convince everybody), and a school (a negative for most, despite the beautiful design) within one block
- Being up the (steep) hill from many of the neighborhood’s top draws including Rosslyn Metro, Key Bridge, Mt Vernon Trail and new dining options
- Rosslyn still has many elements from its sleepy government office district days and probably 5-10 years from shedding that completely via redevelopment that’s in the pipeline
Pre-sales are scheduled to begin in early 2020, but the building probably won’t be finished and ready for move-in until well into 2021. I don’t think the current market, or even the 2020 market, will be ready to pay these prices for most of the 104 units, but I think by 2021 we’ll see Rosslyn far enough along and Arlington’s market driving forward enough to generate some eye-popping sales for Penzance’s Pierce condos.
If you’d like a question answered in my weekly column or to set-up an in-person meeting to discuss local real estate, please send an email to [email protected]. To read any of my older posts, visit the blog section of my website at www.EliResidential.com. Call me directly at (703) 539-2529.
Eli Tucker is a licensed Realtor in Virginia, Washington D.C., and Maryland with Real Living At Home, 2420 Wilson Blvd #101 Arlington, VA 22201, (202) 518-8781.
