Lowe Enterprises Unveils the George Apartment Building
Lowe Enterprises has announced the completion of The George apartment building in Wheaton, Md. The 12-story tower was a redevelopment of an existing 45-year-old, five-story former office building. The additional seven stories and other renovation efforts will add 194 contemporary residents to that market.
By Joshua Ayers, Senior Editor
Washington, D.C.—Lowe Enterprises has announced the completion of The George apartment building in Wheaton, Md. The 12-story tower was a redevelopment of an existing 45-year-old, five-story former office building. The additional seven stories and other renovation efforts will add 194 contemporary residents to that market.
“The George is tailored for the young professional both in the design of the residences and the communal spaces,” say mark Rivers, managing director, Lowe Enterprises Real Estate Group. “It is a comfortable yet fresh environment in an emerging urban district, which is very appealing to people who want a walkable, interesting neighborhood and access to public transportation to either commute or enjoy the surrounding areas.”
The George is located near the Metro station, which provides access to the Washington, D.C., Central Business District and neighboring Silver Springs, Md.
The building offers a mix of studio, one- and two-bedroom units with modern amenities and finishes including stainless steel appliances, wood plank flooring, washer and dryer and keyless entry doors. Community amenities include a club room with full kitchen, television, Wi-Fi, several game tables, as well as a rooftop deck and separate rooftop fitness center that offers views of the Washington Monument.
The clubroom serves as an amenity highlight and features floor-to-ceiling windows and connects to the rooftop deck, which includes grilling spaces, as well as lounging and dining areas that surround a tiled water feature and fire element.
Additionally, the building’s resident service coordinator will offer events and programming aimed at engaging residents. Those activities will include food and wine tastings, game nights, movie nights, sports viewing and more.
“Living at The George offers residents a stylish home and vibrant lifestyle,” Rivers says. “You can enjoy a balmy evening by the fire or pop into the club room and joint the evening’s activities.”
Lowe Enterprises Investors purchased the former office building on behalf of an investment client in 2011 before repositioning the asset and constructing the additional seven stories. The addition utilized a steel structure to add on to the existing five-story concrete building. The building’s elevators and stairwells were relocated for design efficiency and two existing subterranean levels were converted to parking and bike storage areas.
“The former office building presented an ideal redevelopment opportunity,” Rivers says. “It is well-located at the Metro station, in the heart of Wheaton and steps from the regional shopping mall. The existing structure provided a good framework upon which to build the addition and was well-suited to adaptive reuse as a residential tower. We designed the addition to take advantage of the building’s existing features, particularly the high ceilings and large windows which offer sweeping area views and abundant natural light. The architecture, style and amenities of the building have a distinct urban flair.”
Construction on the building started in June 2013 after Lowe tapped Bonstra Haresign as the architect for the project. Whiting Turner served as the general contractor and Kettler was selected to handle property management and leasing efforts.
