He’s already been on the local news. Hey– Remy– come to Shrilington and let us know what you think!

I was driving down Wilson Blvd on Saturday heading to pick up clients and had a â

Why wait 30 days for something you can do in 20? It was Labor Day weekend and a tough negotiation- but we did it, quickly and

I’ll admit it, when I saw the sign go up for new condos on the corner of Four Mile Run and Walter Reed Drive down the block from Shirlington in late 2005 I had my doubts. Just another quick and dirty conversion project to take advantage of the growing market here in Shirlington. It’s across the street from the power plant-what are they thinking?

After all, these garden-style apartments turning condo looked like this:

I was pleasantly surprise that next spring when I went to their first broker’s open. They had two models open: a standard one bedroom, the second was a two bedroom incorporating many of the upgrades available to buyers. Everything else was still under construction.

My first surprise that you couldn’t see from the street: There are many more units than just those parallel to Four Mile Run! The property was going to be sold in three phases.

My next surprise: they weren’t just converting these garden apartments to condos, they completely gutted the buildings, gave the outside buildings a new fascade, came up with new floor plans, installed central air conditioning & full-size washer/dryers. So the new condos look like this:

The other standard features are:

• 42”Bruce Cabinetry
• Granite counter-tops
• GE stainless steel appliances, with gas cooking
• Bruce hardwood floors throughout
• Custom built-in walk-in closets
• Recessed lighting
• Balconies or sun rooms
• Ceramic flooring in bathrooms

There are upgrade options for the cabinetry, granite and other features available through Restoration Hardware.

In addition to the interior offerings, they took one of the buildings and created a club house surrounding the pool. There is a planned play area and picnic area. Each unit has either a patio, a balcony or a sun room. And- they’ve also managed to create some two bedroom “cottages” and some two level, three bedroom townhouses.

This property is one of the best values in Arlington. I don’t say that lightly. I’m a real estate agent. I see the new projects in Arlington.

In addition to the complete renaissance on the interior units, the development company, KSI created additional amenities:

• Fitness Club
• Business Center with high-speed Internet
• Library with coffee bar
• Sports pub with billiards
• Multi-media private screening room
• Great room with balcony overlooking pool
• Grilling area with built-in barbecue grill
• Outdoor pool with children’s pool
• Putting green
• Garden and picnic area
• Playground
• Concierge service provided by VIP Desk
  

  The Location

This project is at the very edge of what is considered Shirlington. The W&OD Bike Path runs along Four Mile Run where you can also find the bus to the metro. West Village bookends another new development project at the other end of Shirlington along Four Mile Run: Shirlington Crest Garaged Townhouses by Stanley Martin and Bowman’s Hill Garaged Townhouses by McShay Companies in Nauck. The McShay Townhomes are further along than Shirlington Crest. The three projects together will put yet another new face on Shirlington.

The Parking

My main concern with the property is the parking situation. There is no garage parking– all surface parking. But that is standard for the condos in this area. At least one spot is included with your purchase. Guest parking would have to be street parking- which can get a little tight, but not impossible. I have visited the property over the weekend when everyone is home and it doesn’t seem to be a problem with the current residents. But the entire property is about at 30% occupancy right now. Although 99% of the completed units are occupied. And many of the spots are still unavailable because of ongoing construction. With all that going on- the parking still doesn’t seem to be a problem.

The Pricing

I have visited this property with various clients since it first opened. It was comforting to see that they adjusted their pricing to meet the market and didn’t cut and run like the Ed Peete Company. KSI seems committed to the neighborhood. I appreciate that in a developer. They are offering incentives to close in 30 days in Phase 2 and some lesser incentives to wait for Phase 3. They are not requiring that you use their lender. The condo fees are in line with the other condo communities in the area.

I’m not listing the prices here- because they can changes according to demand. Contact me if you are interested. So, if you are looking for a condo and think that the Orange line condos are over-valued, come over to the south side. But don’t walk in without a buyer’s agent. Read my last post to understand why. Phase 3 units are for sale but still under construction- so you can’t see them yet. You have to buy it on faith. That’s not the way you buy real estate. Delivery is expected for Phase 3 starting in the 4^th quarter this year– 2007.

Give me a call to find out what else is going on in the neighborhood. Shirlington is full of surprises.

Read my other posts about Shirlington.

I pass this building every day on my way into my office. I watched itâ