August, 2008:
Condo Comparison at the Huntington Metro: APPEAL / condition
This is part of a series of articles comparing the benefits of condos in close proximity to the Huntington Metro
This might be the most subjective criteria I’ve selected for comparison. Let me underscore that this is just a personal opinion, entirely subjective. You may find reason to disagree with this analysis and more power to you if you do. The purpose of this comparison is to offer a starting point for discussions if you’re looking at the Huntington Metro for condo living.
Also, keep in mind that these are condos, individually owned and
individually maintained. There are units that are gorgeous in each of
these complexes—I know because I’ve seen them myself. The Midtowns
are so new you’d be hard pressed to find a ruined unit there, but I’ve seen units in poor condition in all the other communities in this comparison. The point is that this is a generalization of what I’ve seen and an overall impression. It’s not a ranking of any one condo unit.
All that aside, and without further ado, my top choice for appeal has to be the Midtowns of Alexandria. The Midtowns are elegant, chic and very nearly brand new. The lobbies are first rate. The amenities are sparkling. The hallways nearly smell of new carpet and fresh paint. The structure itself is architecturally interesting. The Midtowns definitely have the most allure.
Montebello has no shortage of appeal as well. The 37 acres surrounding the buildings are a huge plus and appeal to me personally. Montebello has a pleasant design that has stood the test of time. Montebello was built in 1983, but it is meticulously maintained and I would say challenges many new structures in the appeal category. The lobbies at Montebello are stately and yet cozy and functional. Montebello is very pleasant.
The Huntington Club has a certain appeal with its quirky windows, large closets and ample floor plans. The grounds are well-maintained. The common areas aren’t possessed with any special appeal, but they are clean and functional. Certainly the laundry room outside the unit diminishes the appeal of these condos in the eyes of most buyers. Hunting Creek Club faces very stiff competition in this field. The building itself does not compel interest. The grounds are clean and well-maintained as are the lobbies and common areas. The lobby has lost little lustre, but the color choices and furnishings don’t speak to my heart. If you’re prime concern when buying a condo is the design of the lobby, Hunting Creek Club would probably not be your first choice.
Ronald Reagan National Airport in Crystal City / Arlington
Main concourse of Reagan National Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, formerly Washington National Airport, is on the Potomac River across from Washington DC. Along with Baltimore Washington International and Dulles International, Reagan National is one of three major airports serving the Washington Metro area. Reagan National is easily my favorite of the three airports for a number of reasons.
Dulles and BWI are massive sprawling airports with shuttle buses and mobile lounges. Reagan National barely has enough room for the runway. I always like smaller airports. They feel like they are scaled to human beings. There is plenty of security at National, but it seems to move along more smoothly than Dulles or BWI.
Dulles and BWI are outside the Beltway at the periphery of the Washington Capitol Area. Reagan National is at the heart of everything, wedged at the confluence of DC, Alexandria and Arlington. For me, it’s a long drive just to get to BWI or Dulles, but Reagan National is here, and it’s accessible by Metro. Reagan National is a station on both the Yellow and Blue lines.
Extended parking is available at Dulles or BWI, but on the shuttle bus, the ride from the parking lot to the terminal seems like a mile or more. At Reagan National, extended parking is at my house. Because instead of taking a shuttle, I can take the Metro to the airport. The runway is short at Reagan National, and it launches planes up over GW Parkway and at the Washington Monument, requiring a steep climb and a hard left on take off. Some folks find this terrifying, but I have to admit I love it. I know it’s a safe path, because planes take off here day and night, so I sit back and enjoy the abrupt take-off and
turn.
Reagan National is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week, although many ticket counters and restaurants in the airport close during off-hours. Reagan National is located within the Commonwealth of Virginia, but it has a Washington DC address to identify the airport’s location more easily for travelers.
The Perimeter Rule and the High Density Rule affect flights at Reagan National. Under the Perimeter Rule, nonstop aircraft flights are limited to a range of 1,250 miles or less. In 2000, Congress permitted the FAA to
allow six round-trip flights to points outside the perimeter. The High Density Rule (or “Slot” rule) limits the number of landings or takeoffs allowed in an hour. The rule affects Reagan National because of the Airport’s limited airfield capacity.
Reagan National is located in Arlington County near/in Crystal City. It is most easily accessed from the George Washington Parkway. There are a good many condos and homes in the Crystal City area and they’re all just a metro stop away from Reagan National. The take-off and approach to Reagan National is down the Potomac, so that area residents get very little noise or fly-over from the jets at Reagan National.
To search area real estate, contact Will Nesbitt at 703 765 0300 or use one of the handy links below.
photo credit: rpongsaj
Alexandria National Cemetery
The Arlington National Cemetery is recognized around the country and around the world, but nearby is a similar treasure from our nation’s heritage: the Alexandria National Cemetery.
Arlington National Cemetery was featured in Gardens of Stone and numerous other feature films. This has no doubt added to Arlington’s mystique and celebrity. Arlington Cemetery was carved from the farm of Robert E. Lee, a native of Alexandria. This is one of many connections between Arlington and Alexandria National Cemeteries.
The five acres of Alexandria National Cemetery are tiny compared to Arlington’s 612 acres. Newcomers and those who don’t know the history of the area may be surprised to learn that while Alexandria was a colonial era settlement, Arlington is a relatively new creation. (Check out Alexandria’s best real estate deal ever!)
Alexandria National Cemetery predates the cemetery in Arlington and is in some ways the reason for Arlington’s existence. Alexandria
National Cemetery was established during the Civil War in 1862 as one of the original 14 national cemeteries.
The first four acres of Alexandria National Cemetery were purchased by the US goverment from what was to be Spring Garden Farm. By 1870, the United States purchased additional land to bring the cemetery up to its current size.
The first burials made in Alexandria National Cemetery were soldiers who died during training for the Civil War. Additionally, some casualties were sick or diseased soldiers from one of the numerous hospitals around Alexandria. The death and destruction wrought by the Civil War exceeded all expectations. It was evident that Alexandria National Cemetery would be woefully short of the needs imposed by the War. By 1864, Alexandria National Cemetery was nearly filled to capacity. In large part, the shortage of space in Alexandria led to the planning, development and construction of Arlington National Cemetery.
After the Civil War, improvements were made to the design of Alexandria National Cemetery and by 1871 the cemetery had added a fountain, a cobblestone avenue and graveled walkways. A wrought-iron rostrum, a small pond and a greenhouse were added as well. The primary building on grounds is a brownstone structure—the superintendent’s lodge. The lodge dating to 1870 is the oldest surviving building on the grounds. The lodge is constructed in a style and with materials popular from the era and perhaps best recognized in the the Smithsonian Institution’s “Castle,” and the U.S. Capitol floor and rotunda door frames.
Like other national cemeteries, the Alexandria National Cemetery featured a “comfort station” built in 1887. This building is one of only a few such structures to survive to the present day. In 1927, the station significantly altered by adding a dining room and converting the facility into a kitchen/store room and tool-shed/toilet. The entire cemetery is surrounded by a wall of Seneca sandstone with River Blue Stone coping. (This is the same material used to build the superintendent’s lodge.) Visitors gain entry by passing through a 12-foot wide ornamental cast-iron gate at the Wilkes Street entrance.
In the 1930′s the flagpole was added and in 1995 the cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic places. There is no grave locator or kiosk on the grounds and the cemetery only has room for cremated remains and certain relatives of persons already buried at Alexandria National Cemetery.
Among other notable persons buried at the Alexandria National Cemetery are several “Buffalo Soldiers“—a nickname for several Cavalry Regiments of the US Army. Several African-American regiments of Buffalo Soldiers were formed during the Civil War to fight alongside the Union Army. Among these were the famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and many United States Colored Troops Regiments.
After the Civil War, the Buffalo Soldiers were established by Congress as the first peacetime all-black regiments in the regular U.S. Army. It is fitting that these soldiers are buried near Alexandria’s African American Heritage Park. Together with the African American Heritage Park the Alexandria National Cemetery makes up the eastern boundary of the Carlyle District.
Condo Comparison at the Huntington Metro: APPEAL / condition
This is part of series of articles comparing the benefits of condos in close proximity to the Huntington Metro
This might be the most subjective criteria I’ve selected for comparison. Let me underscore that this is just a personal opinion, entirely subjective. You may find reason to disagree with this analysis and more power to you if you do. The purpose of this comparison is to offer a starting point for discussions if you’re looking at the Huntington Metro for condo living.
Also, keep in mind that these are condos, individually owned and individually maintained. There are units that are gorgeous in each of these complexes—I know because I’ve seen them myself. The Midtowns are so new you’d be hard pressed to find a ruined unit there, but I’ve seen units in poor condition in all the other communities in this comparison. The point is that this is a generalization of what I’ve seen and an overall impression. It’s not a ranking of any one condo
unit.
All that aside, and without further adieu, my top choice for appeal has to be the Midtowns of Alexandria. The Midtowns are elegant, chic and very nearly brand new. The lobbies are first rate. The amenities are sparkling. The hallways nearly smell of new carpet and fresh paint. The structure itself is architecturally interesting. The Midtowns definitely have the most allure.
Montebello has no shortage of appeal as well. The 37 acres surrounding the buildings are a huge plus and appeal to me personally. Montebello has a pleasant design that has stood the test of time. Montebello was built in 1983, but it is meticulously maintained and I would say challenges many new structures in the appeal category. The lobbies at Montebello are stately and yet cozy and functional. Montebello is very pleasant.
The Huntington Club has a certain appeal with its quirky windows, large closets and ample floor plans. The grounds are well-maintained. The common areas aren’t possessed with any special appeal, but they are clean and functional. Certainly the laundry room outside the unit diminishes the appeal of these condos in the eyes of most buyers.
Hunting Creek Club faces very stiff competition in this field. The building itself does not compel interest. The grounds are clean and well-maintained as are the lobbies and common areas. The lobby has lost little lustre, but the color choices and furnishings don’t speak to my heart. If you’re prime concern when buying a condo is the design of the lobby, Hunting Creek Club would probably not be your first choice.
Alexandria’s DASH — riding tips and information about the public bus system
DASH (Driving Alexandrians Safely Home) buses are seen around, across and near the city of Alexandria, Virginia. The City of Alexandria wholly owns the DASH bus system and operates the system as a non-profit public service cooperation. But day to day management of the system is provided by Alexandria Transit Company.
If you’re new to the area, you’ll soon find out what others already know. The DASH buses are a clean, safe and effective way to get about the city. Boarding the bus is simple and easy. When the bus arrives, just step into the bus and then deposit the exact fare or use your WMATA SmarTrip card.If you have any questions about routes or transfers ask the driver and then take a seat. On some of the most popular routes or during rush hours, there might not be any available seats. In that case just move as far to the rear of the bus as possible. This makes it
easier for others to board easily.
Be aware that the bus driver doesn’t always stop at all bus stops!
To signal to the driver that your stop is approaching, press the yellow
signal strip or pull the bell cord. It’s best to do this about a block
from your destination so the driver has timely notice to stop at the
next bus stop. When exiting the bus the rear door is easiest because
others may be waiting to board through the front door.
DASH has great service because it has great employees but also because area passengers observe a few simple rules of safety and courtesy:
- There is no smoking, eating, or drinking allowed on the bus.
- Radios, I-pods and other devices may only be used if they cannot be heard by others
- There are a limited number of priority seats that are reserved for senior citizens and disable persons. You may sit in these seats, but riders are expected to volunteer that seat if the seat is needed by a senior citizen or disabled person. If the bus is full, riders are expected to volunteer seats as needed.
- All passengers keep feet off passengers’ seats.
To maintain the high level of quality offered by DASH, drivers may refuse service to anyone who does not observe these rules or to anyone whose behavior is disruptive or hazardous to vehicle or passenger
safety.
The manager of the DASH system, the Alexandria Transit Company (ATC), has been chosen by Metro Magazine as one of the top ten transit systems to work for in the United States. Metro Magazine identified as one of the top transit agency employers in the U.S. and Canada by survey employees from around the country. Alexandria Transit Company exhibit traits that are great for any employer:
- An open-door policy among managers;
- Relaxed, family atmosphere;
- Work-schedule flexibility;
- Strong employee recognition practices;
- Approachable senior executives;
- Opportunities for advancement;
- Lack of micro-management;
- Encouraging, supportive environment.
Metro Magazine is quoted saying, “the ability of transit systems to attract, hire, and retain top candidates to their organization hinges on their willingness and desire to become employers of choice in their communities.” In the Washington area, where there is a significant amount of competition in transportation jobs, Alexandria Transit has worked hard to be that employer of choice.
General Manager Sany Modell graciously commented on the achievement, “DASH prides itself on providing the highest level of customer service possible to its riders and its employees. If we treat our employees with respect and appreciation, they are more likely to treat our external customers with that same respect and appreciation.”
About Bucknell Manor
Bucknell lies between Fort Hunt Road and Rt. 1 situated alongside Belle Haven, Belle View, Villamay and Hollin Hills.
By an accident of development, Bucknell is surrounded by these and other high-priced luxury neighborhoods that were built to take advantage of the conveniences of the location.
Bucknell has all the advantages of these higher priced neighborhoods for a greatly reduced price.
Finding the right condo
I met a potential client who told me that she had been looking for two years for a condo. She called me because she wanted to see a particular property in Belle View. After establishing that she didn’t have an agent, I showed her Belle View. I practically had to drag her to see a property I thought she would like based upon her input. That property was Montebello, and she absolutely loved it and was amazed because she wouldn’t have had a clue that Montebello existed if it wasn’t for me.
Shuttle bus
A few days later, she wanted me to tag along to another property that she had found at my property search site. That prompted me to “set the record straight” with some frank talk.
Obviously, I would love the opportunity to be of service to her. I appreciate and value each client and always need one more client. But there are limits to what I can and will do and this is for the protection of both the client and myself.
When I take on a client it is because I know I can add value to my client’s end of the transaction. I add value by finding right property at the right price. As I have demonstrated to her and others, I know the condos of Northern Virginia very well. Additionally, I can be a pretty tough negotiator when the time calls.
Thus, if a client allows me to represent him or her, I think it’s important that I go with the client whenever the client views properties (with the possible exception of open houses). So, to answer her first question, of course I want to go with a client when a client has interest in a property. But, when I see someone who has been looking for two years, three years, and has probably burned through a couple of agents who threw their hands up in frustration, I think it is important establish a few facts.
There are two primary reasons why a buyer takes a long time to select a property:
- The buyer either has unrealistic expectations; or
- The buyer does not have clearly defined goals.
When expectations are unrealistic, the best thing that I can do as an agent is to apprise buyers of reality and wish them well in their search. This is not because I’m a tough guy, but rather because it would ruin me a professional to chase the impossible.
To use a metaphor, maybe bigfoot exists. I’ve heard that people saw him. But if I made my living as a game hunter, I’m not going to spend my time (the only thing I really have) trying to catch bigfoot. I’ll wish you well if you are looking for bigfoot, but I’ll stick to game that I pull from the forest every single day.
In this case, the buyer had a reasonable assessment of reality but she didn’t really know what she was looking for. In other words, she didn’t have clearly defined goals.
The client’s method for finding a condo was simple: she randomly searched the Internet and other media to identify prospects. She then visited the potential location and then moved on to something else. That method will use up a lot of time and energy. I’m not saying the random selection method NEVER works, but in this case the client had already spent two years and hadn’t found the right property.
Obviously, a buyer needs to see some properties to get an idea of what is available. But what doesn’t make sense is to randomly shop units to find what you want. Northern Virginia (Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County) is a huge metropolitan market. There are so many condominiums in Northern Virginia that a person won’t be able to see them all. (Unless like me, the only thing you do is look at condos all day.)
I told this client gently but firmly, what I thought made the most sense. I told her the truth. That is, instead of the client leading me around and letting me open doors so she could find a condo, I would play the part of the expert.
As an expert, I would asked pointed questions and listen carefully to her replies. In this way, we can define exactly what it is that the buyer is looking for. Then, after we have established the goals, then it makes sense to begin touring the selections that I recommend. With each condominium we visit, I’ll learn more about her needs and we’ll get closer to the property that this client will eventually buy.
- Define goals.
- Refine goals.
- Buy.
Simple, effective and good for the client and the agent.
Will Nesbitt of Condo Alexandria
Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria.
Remember the Titans of TC Williams
T.C. Williams High School opened in 1965 and was named after a former of Superintendent of Schools. T.C. Williams High was the inspiration for the movie “Remember The Titans” starring Denzel Washington, which depicts the tensions between African-Americans and Caucasian students when they were integrated at TCW in 1971. With great success on the football field, the community in generally abolished its prejudices on race and bonded together to help overcome such strenuous times.
Today, T.C. Williams High School is one of the most diverse schools in the entire nation with students from over 80 countries speaking more then 50 languages attend.
In 2000, the 1971 State Champions Varsity Football Team established the non-profit organization Titan Foundation which provides scholarships for qualified seniors who wish to pursue a post-secondary education. The first scholarship from the Titan Foundation was awarded in 2002.
Over the last few years, T.C. Williams has undergone a major renovation/rebuilding project. Last year the new school, a 461,000-square-foot building costing $90 million, opened for the 2007-2008 year. The new TC serves 2,500 students in grades 10 through 12. It is a the three-story building, designed by Moseley Architects of Richmond, Va., featuring
- a 1,200-seat auditorium,
- a 3,000-seat gymnasium,
- a planetarium, and
- a parking deck with 416 spaces.
According to GoStructural.com, “The state-of-the-art facility is the most ambitious and expensive public building project ever undertaken by the city of Alexandria, Va.” In an effort to be more green, the school has several features have won awards for sustainable technology. The school has a 450,000-gallon underground cistern. The cistern’s purpose is to collect rainwater from the building’s roof and store it. That rainwater is then used in toilet flushing, air conditioning operations, and irrigation.
TC Williams High School
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
The Barrett Library was built in 1937 and named after Kate Waller Barrett (185?-1925), to honor her memory as a humanitarian, social crusader, and political reformer. Mrs. Barrett was a very accomplished woman who received her M.D. from the Woman’s Medical College of Georgia in 1892. Dr. Barrett opened a home for unwed mothers in 1893 with the financial aid of Charles Crittenton. By 1909 there were over 90 homes and national headquarters in Washington D.C. Dr. Barrett also was involved in veterans’ relief, woman’s suffrage, and the restoration of the Arlington Mansion.
The library renovated and expanded its facilities in 1995. The Foundation Center at Barrett Library collaborates with the Alexandria Library to strengthen the nonprofit sector with the appropriate knowledge about U.S. philanthropy and training for its patrons.
The Barrett Branch also offers the SummerQuest children’s programs and “Let’s Talk Books” a Barrett book discussion group held every second Wednesday of each month at 7pm.
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm
Friday 9am-6pm
Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 1pm-5pm
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library
717 Queen Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
(703) 838-4555
Old Town Alexandria is a great place to live or work.
