How New DC Townhomes Are Keeping Prices Low
The condos give buyers more space, but allow them to stay in the city.
By Jeffrey Steele, Contributing Editor
Washington, D.C.—Urban Pace is starting pre-sales on the all-new Washington, D.C. condominiums at Brooks Row in the city‘s Brookland neighborhood. The development, from Lock7 Development, includes 22 town home style two- and three-bedroom residences at 2724 12th St., NE. The condominiums will offer two-level living, private outdoor space and designated outdoor parking.
Lock7 acquired contiguous parcels on the corner of Franklin and 12th Streets, NE from two different owners, creating a 19,000-square-foot site for ground-up construction. Choosing town home style condominiums allowed Lock7 to keep unit prices fairly low while simultaneously giving buyers value for their money.
“We think the site will appeal to buyers looking for more space but who still want to stay in the city,” Lock7’s David Gorman told MHN. “The units are perfect for buyers with children, or someone who wants a home office.”
Brooks Row offers a number of green features. Among them are a green roof, pervious parking lot pavers rather than concrete, high-efficiency heating and cooling, Nest Learning thermostats, Energy Star GE appliances and dual-flush toilets.
Residences offer spacious two-level floor plans, abundant natural light, private outdoor space and 9-foot ceilings. The finishes in individual homes include 5-inch oak flooring, Porcelanosa kitchen and bathroom tile, white quartz counter tops, European-style cabinets and polished chrome fixtures.
Brooks Row is within walking distance to both the Rhode Island Avenue and Brookland Metro stations. Getting downtown requires no more than a few minutes via Metro, bus or driving down Rhode Island Avenue, Gorman said.
“Noyes Park has a new track and playground and is directly across Franklin Street,” he reported. “For trails, the Metropolitan Branch Trail is only two blocks away and is perfect for biking or jogging.”
The development is also ideally situated to appeal to those who love dining. An array of popular new restaurants, including Menomale, Brookland’s Finest and Steel Plate, are located a short distance away.
“Bidding was competitive. But the first person to go under contract could not perform.” Gorman recalled. “The previous owner was distressed and was only 30 days from a foreclosure auction when we were called to step in. Fortunately, we settled promptly and the sale was cancelled.”
New storm water management requirements and green area ratio requirements in the District of Columbia added significantly to the cost of the project. “We were able to offset some of the costs by building the site as one building with one set of utility connections,” Gorman said.
Matt Dewey, vice president of sales for Urban Pace concluded, “Brooks Row provides a rare opportunity for people to own a large new condominium at an attainable price point in this booming neighborhood.”
