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525 Water condos blend in at Wharf with midcentury-modern look

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September 27, 2016 at 7:36 a.m. EDT
The 915-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath model apartment, priced at $639,900, shows off the upscale fixtures and finishes that are standard in the units. (Benjamin C Tankersley/For The Washington Post)

The first residential building has been completed at the Wharf, the 24-acre waterfront development now rising in Southwest Washington. This 107-unit condominium at 525 Water St. is at the eastern end of the community near the Tiber Island Cooperative Homes.

SK+I Architecture of Bethesda designed the new building, called 525 Water, with light-colored brick and metal panels to complement that landmark and other ­midcentury-modern housing in the neighborhood.

The five-story condominium is one of the smaller structures within the 3.2-million-square-foot Wharf, being developed by a team led by PN Hoffman and Madison Marquette, that is largely scheduled to be finished by October 2017.

“Water Street represents the contemporary design that will be carried through the Wharf,” says Gaby Riegler, vice president of development for PN Hoffman. “Each parcel will have a modern feeling but in a different way.”

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A second Wharf condominium, called VIO, will comprise 112 units within 12 stories, including three-bedroom units, and amenities such as a pool and a concierge. Home sales are scheduled to begin in summer 2017.

“VIO will be closer to the action, the restaurants, retail and offices, whereas 525 Water Street is located on the quiet end of the site and is more of a sanctuary with a contemplative courtyard,” says Riegler.

Now being completed next door to the Water Street condominium complex is the new St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church with a glass-fronted worship hall on its second floor.

Variety of sizes and styles: The 107 condos at 525 Water offer a wide range of sizes. They include studios, one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms with and without dens, and three-bedrooms, ranging from 510 to 1,800 square feet. Residents started moving in during late July and 62 units have been sold.

Prices range from $364,900 to $644,900 for one-bedroom condos, and $564,900 to more than $1 million for two-bedroom units. The only remaining studio is being offered at $349,900 and the last three-bedroom unit, which has a rooftop patio, is priced at $1,424,900.

Monthly condo fees are $385 to $1,437, and include the cost of water and gas. A parking space in the underground garage costs an extra $35,000 for compact cars and $40,000 for larger vehicles.

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On the ground floor, the 915-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bath model apartment, priced at $639,900, shows off the upscale fixtures and finishes that are standard in the units. Kitchens are built with Porcelanosa cabinets in light or dark finishes, quartz countertops, movable islands and Bosch gas ranges, microwave ovens and dishwashers. Bathrooms have Duravit sinks, Moen faucets and textured porcelain tiles. Engineered wood floors in the living areas are light- or dark-stained, and bedrooms are carpeted.

The master bedroom suite in the model faces the street and includes a walk-in closet. Situated at the front of the unit, the second bedroom is windowless, but glass sliding doors allow daylight from the open living area and kitchen to reach the space.

Courtyard and amenities: Some apartments are arranged around the building's landscaped interior courtyard, designed by D.C. landscape architect Lee and Associates. Their windows provide views of a lawn, trees, a deck with seating areas and a fountain spilling from a stone wall into a small pool. The central outdoor space provides access to the residents' second-floor club room with a wet bar and a large, flat-panel TV.

From the courtyard, a staircase leads to a terrace on the roof of the lounge that is also accessible from the third-floor hallway. Other amenities include a coffee bar next to the daily-staffed front desk in the WiFi-equipped lobby and a ground-floor fitness center.

Many perimeter units overlooking the street have balconies and patios from which to observe the Washington Channel, nearby Gangplank Marina and city landmarks. A two-bedroom duplex on the fourth floor, priced at more than $1 million, has a staircase leading to a wet bar, a master suite and a spacious terrace. The outdoor space offers an impressive panorama of the Jefferson Memorial dome, Francis Case Memorial Bridge and skylines of Crystal City and Rosslyn.

“I wanted to have a good view and good resale when I retire in seven years,” says Marsha Baker, 63, of her reason for buying a two-bedroom condo and a parking space in the building for $759,000.

From her living-room window, Baker can see the new 3.5-acre waterfront park being constructed opposite from 525 Water. “This view will never change,” said the homeowner, who works for the U.S. Army, and has decorated her second bedroom as a patriotic flag room.

What's nearby: The new park across the street from 525 Water will have river access and a lawn for picnics and games. Just a short walk away are Arena Stage, Safeway, CVS, Capital Yacht Club, DC Sail and Gangplank Marina. Along the waterfront are the Municipal Fish Market, King Ribs, Entertainment Cruises and Cantina Marina. Once the Wharf is completed, there will be four public piers offering various activities.

Transit: The condominium is near the Waterfront Metro Station (Green line) and L'Enfant Plaza Metro Station (Blue, Yellow, Green, Orange, Silver lines and VRE). Bus service includes the 74 from Gallery Place to Nationals Park, and several routes along M Street.

Schools: Waterfront Academy, Amidon-Bowen Elementary and Jefferson Middle.

525 Water

525 Water St. SW, Washington

Condominium units are priced from $349,900 for a studio to $1,424,900 for a three-bedroom home.

Developer: Hoffman-Madison Waterfront

Features: Kitchens have Porcelanosa cabinets, Bosch appliances and movable islands. Living spaces have engineered hardwood floors. Master bedrooms have walk-in closets. On the fourth floor are duplexes with terraces on the upper level.

Bedrooms/Bathrooms: Studio to 3 / 1 to 3

Square footage: 510 to 1,800

Condo fee: $385 to $1,437 per month

View models: Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and by appointment

Contact: 202-836-6996 or sales@525water.com