A few months ago, Open House gave readers a first look at the makeover taking place in Rockville Town Square, where a new complex of restaurants, shops, and condos is going up in the heart of Rockville’s downtown. Here are two articles that give an update on the development—and new controversy about it. 

Slowdown in condo market prompts conversion of Rockville units to rentals [Gazette.net]

Residents search for housing after developer decides to flip to rental [Examiner] 

Here’s this week’s roundup of the biggest deals in the region, as reported by American City Business Leads.

The box score:
• DC: 3
• Maryland: 2
• Virginia: 5

$3,100,000—1620 29th Street, NW, Georgetown
$3,100,000—9639 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls
$2,974,000—4116 Woodbine Street, Chevy Chase
$2,700,000—12340 Elk Run Road, Midland, VA
$2,525,000—200 S. Fairfax Street, No. 12/13, Alexandria
$2,410,000—7820 Hampden Lane, Bethesda
$2,100,000—7740 Legere Court, McLean
$1,875,000—4701 Foxhall Crescent, NW
$1,800,000—20758 Bridalveil Falls Terrace, Potomac Falls, VA
$1,795,000—1155 23rd St. NW, Unit PH2C, Georgetown

More fun numbers:
• 2: Number of sales that broke $3 million
• 7: Number of sales that broke $2 million
• 60: Number of sales that broke $1 million
• 139: Number of sales that broke $800,000

A group of homeowners in Chevy Chase is courting developers—not the other way around.

The Washington Business Journal reported last week that the Sacks Neighborhood Council, which represents about 60 homeowners, is working with DC-based Monument Realty on “a proposal to buy their homes and rebuild the collective properties for a mixed-use development.”

Within walking distance of the Bethesda Metro stop and the popular Bethesda Row shops and restaurants, the neighborhood is anchored by Leland Street, Bradley Boulevard, and Wellington Drive in Chevy Chase. The council’s Web site says they formed because developers would rather deal with one group than 60 individual homeowers. However, according to the Washington Business Journal article, not all neighborhood residents belong to the council.

Monument Realty, whose portfolio includes The Watergate and the Ballston Point office tower, will begin negotiations next month.

Washingtonians love offering up their opinions on everything from politics to delivery pizza. The Washingtonian’s 2007 Best & Worst Survey gives you a chance to opine about lots of things in our city.

Think you know the best place for weekend brunch? The best spot to people-watch? Who’s your favorite local athlete?

The survey also gives you a chance to vent. Which airport has the worst security lines? Which Metro line has the longest waits? Which talking head do you wish would shut up? Let it all out.

Filling out the survey enters you in a drawing to win dinner for two at several local restaurants—Cafe Oggi, M+S Grill, and more. Results of the survey will be published in the July issue of The Washingtonian.

This cream-colored leather sectional sofa is going for $3,500. Made by BoConcept, a high-end, modern furniture chain based in Denmark, the couch retails for $5,800, according to the post. The owner is also selling a coffee table for $200 and glass side table for $150.


More good finds:

• Dining room set from Restoration Hardware for $3,500
• Queen-size bed from Crate & Barrel for $650
• Wooden hutch for $800
• Wrought iron and cherry headboard for $195
• Ebony bar-height table and four chairs for $325
• Antique desk for $250
• Black console table from Pottery Barn for $300

Thanks, Craigslist!

Kent uses heavily-applied paint to create pieces with texture and depth.

Not sure how to spend your Thursday night? Vastu, a furniture store/art gallery hybrid on 14th Street near Logan Circle, hosts an opening tonight that’s worth a visit. The work of two local artists—painter Joanne Kent and photographer Allen Russ—take the spotlight. Kent’s colorful, abstract pieces seem more like sculptures than paintings; Russ’s photographs of nature are stunning.

This photograph by Russ was taken in Acadia National Park.

In addition to mingling with the artists and checking out their work, you also can take a gander at the store’s furniture. Owners Eric Kole and Jason Claire stock their concrete-floor showroom with high-end modern furnishings from designers like Knoll, Steven Anthony, and David Edward.

If neither the artwork nor the furniture is a big enough draw, there’s also free wine.

 


Vastu | 1829 14th Street, NW | 6 to 8 pm

This article from BusinessWeek.com shows how once middle-class communities have morphed into enclaves for the ultra wealthy. It includes a ranking of the 275 richest Zip codes in the country. The winner? Greenwich, Connecticut, which topped the list with a 2006 median sales price of $2,983,000. Five suburban Maryland Zips made the top 275:

#83: Chevy Chase (20815)—$1,043,000
#102: Potomac (20854)—$986,000
#169: Bethesda (20816)—$875,000
#197: Bethesda (20817)—$830,000
#237: Bethesda (20814)—$785,000