A month ago, the rental apartments at the new CityCenterDC were unveiled with a lively and well-attended party complete with a Champagne bar and a buffet from the kitchen of chef Fabio Trabocchi, as well as group tours of a $4,700-a-month two-bedroom unit.
The adjacent condominiums, however, are being shown off more quietly: no party, and by appointment. Maybe that’s because sales have been brisk. Since they went on the market last year, 70 percent of the 216 units have been sold, according to Howard Riker, vice president of Hines, the real-estate company that developed the megamillion-dollar complex, which is also gradually rolling out a roster of approximately 60 retail tenants.
We met Riker Wednesday for a private tour of one of the two condo buildings at 920 I Street. The setting was serene, the hallways hushed, though distant drilling reverberated—probably to be expected in a complex where the finishing touches are still being added.
The condos are more richly detailed and larger than the rentals. Prices start at $600,000 for a one-bedroom, climb up to $1 million and more for two-bedroom units, and then reach what Riker called the “upper brackets” for anything larger. Most of the smaller apartments have sold, but four luxurious terrace apartments are still available.
As with the rental apartments, the condos share a roof deck with splendid views of downtown and beyond, common or party rooms with a large screen television and kitchen facilities, and a fitness center. The condo party room has wine storage; the fitness center has a private treatment room, and the building plans to hire a company to provide spa services, according to Riker—although none of that is available to rental customers. There is also an extra unit, fully furnished, that owners can reserve for guests at a “much better rate” than a hotel, said Riker.
The two model two-bedrooms we saw, 406 and 411—both decorated by Patrick Sutton Associates—go for just under $1.5 million. Each comes with two parking spaces and two—but only two—bedroom closets; additional storage costs extra. The washer and dryer are in a laundry closet. There’s an entry-hall coat closet. The kitchen is incorporated into the open living and dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows abound.
Riker said tours of the condos have been happening at a steady pace. A visit can be arranged through the sales office at 202-232-2022.
