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March, 2021 DC Penthouse and Luxury Condo Marketing Activity Report
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Most Units Sold
Sales activity was strong in March, evidenced by five closings at Union Row in Washington’s trendy U Street Corridor. This popular complex is made up of two buildings at one address; The Flats and The Warehouses. Among the five sales in March is Unit #326W; a three-bedroom, 2.5-bath warehouse dwelling that listed for $1,235,000 and closed at $1,155,000. There are over $125,000 in upgrades in the stunning open chef’s kitchen and in the baths. Ultra-wide plank floors run throughout, with exposed ductwork, metal stairways and a large private terrace. With 1,419 square feet of living space over three levels, this was the fifth-highest price per square foot in March at $813.95. There were four closings at City Vista in Mount Vernon Triangle. There are three buildings in this full-service, mixed-used complex, with an incredible range of amenities. Residents get to enjoy a rooftop pool, their own private one-acre park and an Urban Safeway, among other onsite conveniences.
Three buildings had three sales each in March; Residences at Market Square in Penn Quarter, Atrium in Arlington’s Rosslyn neighborhood, and Gallery Place in Chinatown. Of this trio, the Residences at Market Square had another sales standout with Unit #1027. Somebody certainly wanted this quintessential pied-a-terre. The one-bedroom, one-bath flat with a 718 square foot open layout and a surprisingly large private terrace overlooking Pennsylvania Avenue, listed for $589,000 and sold for $595,000. That makes it the fourth-highest list to sales ratio in March at 101.02 percent of asking.
There were no fewer than seven buildings with two closings each in March; Shoreham West in Woodley Park, Lionsgate in Bethesda, City Overlook in the U Street Corridor, Clara Barton in Penn Quarter, Carthage in Kalorama, 2501 M in the West End, Madrigal Lofts in Mount Vernon Triangle and Northumberland in Dupont Circle. Several of these are standouts in additional respects. Unit #184 at the mid-century modern Shoreham West claimed the second-highest sales price for the month at $1,840,000. The ultra-spacious 2,700 square foot apartment has two bedrooms, a study and 2.5 baths. Other highlights include a beautifully renovated kitchen and an extra-large sunny terrace. Unit #1203 at Lionsgate is the fifth-highest sale at $1,485,000. The chic corner apartment has two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a den and 1,973 square feet of space. Unit #16 at City Overlook is a super hip loft-style penthouse with one bedroom, one extraordinarily cool bath and spiral iron stairs leading up to a loft space and a private roof deck. The 1,096 square foot pad listed for $799,000 and sold for $832,500, making it the third-highest list-to-sales ratio for the month at 104.19 percent. The building’s two sales were its first since August 2019. Also notable in March is Unit #7C at Carthage, the first sale at the iconic triangular building since September 12, 2019. The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment with its private balcony and unobstructed views closed at $965,000.
Highest Sales Prices
The race for the highest priced sales was close in March with less than $500,000 separating the winner from sixth place. Our top sale was Unit #75 at the grand old 2101 Connecticut in highly desirable Kalorama. The three-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment listed for $1,960,000 and sold for $1,925,000. The gracious 2,618 square foot residence also has a 24-foot long gallery, a drawing room with a stone and marble wood-burning fireplace, and a den with built-ins. In addition to the formal dining room, there is also a breakfast room off the gourmet kitchen. A special shout-out goes to the building’s incredible lobby. Second place goes to Unit #184 at Shoreham West in Woodley Park. The 2,700 square foot apartment with two bedrooms, a study and 2.5 baths sold for $1,840,000. Among the many features are blonde hardwood floors, a renovated gourmet kitchen and a large and sunny terrace that’s perfect for meals.
In third is Unit #707 at Somerset House in Friendship Heights. With two bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a library and 2,441 square feet of living space, the luxurious residence sold for $1,800,000. Black marble tiles in the foyer segue into hardwood flooring, with a matching black marble fireplace in the living room. A large covered terrace overlooks the tennis courts. Somerset House is part of the exclusive gated Parc Somerset community with its country club-style amenities. Fourth place goes to Unit #2606 at The Waterview in Arlington’s Rosslyn waterfront neighborhood. The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment listed for $1,520,000 and closed for a very solid $1.5 million. With over $100,000 in upgrades from the Akseizer Design Group, the condo transferred in pristine turnkey condition. Among the many selling points was an extended curved balcony with impressive views of the Potomac River and Key Bridge.
In fifth place is Unit #1203 at Lionsgate in Bethesda. The chic corner penthouse closed at $1,485,000. With a 1,973 square foot layout, the apartment enjoys a main living room with a large, separate adjacent sitting area, an office, a formal dining room and a huge Chef’s kitchen. Closing out March’s highest sales prices is Unit #1401 at Turnberry Tower in Rosslyn. The two-bedroom, 2.5-bath apartment with 1,815 square feet of space sold for $1,450,000. A private elevator opens to a foyer with one-of-a-kind inlaid marble floors. An open gourmet kitchen features glossy Snaidero Italian cabinetry and upscale appliances. The owner’s suite includes a lavish master bath with lots of marble and a heated towel closet with glass doors. There are also two balconies overlooking Arlington, with peeks of the river.
Highest Sales Price to List Ratio
March ushered in strong bidding action in the nation’s capital. Leading the way in the highest list price to sales ratio was Unit #704 at The Floridian in the U Street Corridor. The two-bedroom, two-bath condo with its gleaming blonde floors and overhead ductwork, listed for $574,000 and sold for $620,000, translating to 108.01 percent of asking. That’s a big markup for an attractive urban dwelling that’s right next-door to Whole Foods. Coming in a very close second is Unit #809 at Solo Piazza in Logan Circle. The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment with its intriguing room shapes packs a lot into 673 square feet of space. You’ve got the open upscale kitchen, giant windows and a private balcony overlooking the city, all for $538,100, representing 107.64 percent of the original $499,900 asking price.
Third place goes to Unit #16 at City Overlook in the U Street Corridor. The loft-style penthouse with one bedroom and one bath listed for $799,000 and sold for $832,500 or 104.91 percent. With spiral iron stairs leading up to bonus space plus a private roof deck overlooking the city, it’s no wonder this unit received so much interest. Fourth place goes to Unit #1027 at the Residences at Market Square in Penn Quarter. The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment with a 718 square foot floorplan listed for $589,000 and closed at $595,000 or 101.02 percent of asking. Bonus points for the oversized tiled terrace with excellent views of the DC cityscape.
In fifth place is Unit #662 at Clara Barton in Penn Quarter. The building is a delight with every conceivable amenity and hotel-style service. The one-bedroom, one-bath condo with 822 square feet of space is equally attractive, with an open gourmet kitchen, a dedicated workspace, a Google Home Hub that interfaces with a host of smart features, and a balcony to boot. After listing for $500K, the nifty apartment closed exactly $5K over asking at $505,000 (101.00 percent). Our final entry on this list is Unit #401 at Sonata in Mount Vernon Triangle, next-door to Chinatown. The full service building is surrounded by shops, restaurants and a vibrant art scene, and a short stroll from multiple Metro stations. The two-bedroom, two-bath loft sold for $671,000, or 101.90 percent of its $665,000 list price. Stepping inside, the height of industrial chic is revealed with soaring concrete ceilings, giant window walls, blonde hardwood floors and a huge open living/dining/cooking area. The master bedroom suite is on the main level, with a second loft-style bedroom and bath a few steps up from the kitchen. What a fun place to explore!
Highest Prices Per Square Foot
Unit #1122 at the Residences at Market Square in Penn Quarter led the way in March’s highest price per square foot category. The one-bedroom, one-bath apartment sold for $818,000, translating to $1,039.39 per sq. ft. for its 787 square foot L-shaped layout. The thoughtfully renovated residence with its custom millwork has three French doors that open to an extended private terrace with picture perfect views of Downtown Washington. In second place is Unit #2606 at The Waterview in Rosslyn. The spacious two-bedroom, 2.5-bath flat with 1,523 square feet of space sold for $1.5 million, representing $984.90 per square foot. The stunning residence with its $100,000 makeover and sweeping views of the Potomac River also happened to be the fourth-highest overall sales price for a condo or co-op in the DC Metro area in March.
Third place goes to #1104 at VIO at The Wharf in the Southwest Waterfront. The 1,130 square foot luxury apartment sold for $1,055,000, or $933.63 per sq. foot. With two bedrooms and two baths, the open-space modern residence features giant windows, a sleek and glossy cooking area and a private balcony with views of the boat slips and Washington Channel below. In fourth place is Unit #310 at The Historic Row at 1745 N in Dupont Circle. With two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 1,466 square feet of space, this apartment flawlessly combines architectural details such as exposed brick walls and arched windows, with new modern features like the stunning yet unobtrusive open kitchen. The sales price of $1,275,000 equals $869.71 per sq. foot.
In fifth place is Unit #326W at The Warehouses at Union Row in the U Street Corridor. The three-level townhouse with three bedrooms, 2.5 baths and 1,419 sq. feet of interior space closed at $1,155,000 ($813.95 per square foot). With ultra-wide plank floors, floating iron stairs and a terrific private terrace, this warehouse-style residence with $125,000 in improvements, is the epitome of industrial chic. Closing out our Top 6 is Unit #809 at Solo Piazza in Logan Circle. The contemporary residence is just 673 square feet in size, not counting the balcony overlooking the city. But there’s value galore here at $799.55 per sq. foot. This was also second highest in the list to sales category, selling for $538,100, or 107.64 percent of asking. An open gourmet kitchen with granite counters and upscale stainless steel appliances, a gas fireplace and intriguing room shapes add to the appeal.
March, 2021 Highest Price New Listings
The market for luxury condominiums and cooperatives in the nation’s capital hit a high note in March. Unit #601 at the Residences at Harbourside listed for the eye-popping sum of $12,000,000. In truth, the two-story penthouse in Georgetown feels more like a mansion than an apartment with 6,000 square feet of living space and an additional 3,400 square foot terrace directly overlooking the Potomac River. The mega-residence even has its own private swimming pool and sauna! Other features include four bedrooms, four full baths, two half baths, a private elevator, a library, a gym and a chef’s kitchen that wouldn’t look out of place in a top restaurant. Second place goes to Unit #1403 at Somerset House in Friendship Heights. Offered at $4,895,000, the 5,086 square foot apartment has the feel of a Grecian palace with its pillars, marble and incredible ceilings. A huge gallery, three bedrooms, 4.5 baths, a formal dining room, multiple balconies, a lovely Country-style kitchen, a family room and a wood-paneled library with exquisite millwork are among the perks. The gated Parc Somerset community with its country club amenities is unmatched in Washingtonian exclusivity.
Unit #2401 at the new Pierce luxury condominium in Rosslyn is listed at $3,090,000. The building is scheduled for completion in the fall of 2021. The new construction apartment offers a 2,289 foot layout with two bedrooms, 2.5 baths and private elevator access. A large open living area includes a den and a dining space, with floor-to-ceiling windows and an open kitchen recessed into one wall. Bring your meals out onto the huge corner private terrace! Our Top 6 this week also includes two listings at the Watergate in Foggy Bottom. Unit #1205-S at Watergate East is offered at $2,990,000. With a stunning full renovation, this impressive cooperative has a 3,340 square foot layout with three bedrooms and 3.5 baths. Features include 7.5”wide oak plank floors, a linear gas fireplace and an ultra-modern open kitchen with white granite counters, and waterfall and Thermador Professional Collection appliances. Bonus points for two outdoor spaces including a 1,346 square foot private roof deck! Unit #801 at Watergate West is listed at $2,950,000, with two bedrooms, 1.5 baths and 2,660 square feet of space. The rare corner unit offers unobstructed views of the Potomac River from every window, as well as a wraparound 2,660 square foot balcony with even more waterfront views.
Rounding out our highest priced new listings for March is Unit #708 at Metropole in Logan Circle. This impeccably renovated two-story penthouse is modern luxe living personified, with 2,837 square feet of living space and soaring 21-foot ceilings in the open living area. Priced at $2,699,000, the two-bedroom, two-bath residence has a dedicated office plus two private outdoor spaces, including a terraced roof deck. Also notable is the glass catwalk overlooking the living room below as well as the cityscape outside!