Waterfront Tower Neighborhood Update

The Latest News & Events from Southwest D.C.’s Premier New Residences

With Waterfront Tower over 51% sold, many residents have now moved in and are enjoying their new urban lifestyle. The building offers modern conveniences and sustainable living, providing healthy homes for these new Southwest residents. In the next few weeks, exciting changes are coming to the neighborhood and Southwest DC has again become the center of attention.

Waterfront Station, adjacent to Waterfront Tower, will become the future home of two government agencies as well as a brand-new retail center. The DC Office of the CFO and DCRA are already packing and slated to move into their new home starting at the end of March..

As part of the massive new development, a new full-service, 50,000 square-foot Safeway grocery store, which is slated to open in April, will be located within a vibrant new commercial center that will also feature a Starbucks, multiple restaurants, and a major national bank.

The 4th Street Street construction is now nearly complete, with paving in progress. The area now has new street lamps, landscaping, and paved crossings.

The new Arena Stage Theater at the Mead Center, which will open this October in the soon-to-be revitalized Southwest Riverfront, is a short walking distance from Waterfront Tower. It’s high-flying architecture and 3 theaters will contribute to the vibrant rebirth of the neighborhood.

We welcome you to contact us today to schedule your personal tour of the new homes at Waterfront Tower, Southwest D.C.’s premier new residences.

Waterfront Tower Supports the Arts in SWDC

Just inside the Waterfront Tower lobby, residents and guests are greeted by a beautiful mural created by young artists from Arts on the Block, one of Washington’s premiere children’s arts organizations. Commissioned by Waterfront Tower especially for the building, this work represents the essential qualities of water, as well as Waterfront Tower’s commitment to the community and our hope for brighter tomorrows for the youth of our city.

Arts on the Block is committed to teaching our youth about the world of art and about themselves. For the students, there is opportunity to learn, to grow, and to benefit from their work. For the community, art collectors, and for those who support the arts, the organization is a source of beautiful and unique handcrafted artwork.

"What an exciting opportunity it was for Arts on the Block to be chosen to create a mural for Waterfront Tower - and what a challenge! We have done numerous large-scale public art projects and murals for the atria or reception areas of other facilities, but never for a private residential condominium. We were so pleased that Linowes Interior Design felt strongly enough about our work to recommend us to the developer The Bernstein Companies, and so thrilled that they were so receptive to featuring our work for this project.

The young apprentice artists who worked on the mural had a phenomenal experience working with the design team. They learned so much about the design process - something that every professional artist experiences in creating a commissioned work. What a rare opportunity for high school students! That they were able to rise to the occasion is a credit to the talent of the design team in translating the needs of the client to the young artists, and to the skilled leadership of our lead teaching artist, Carien Quiroga."—Jan Goldstein, Executive Director, Arts of the Block

"The Waterfront Tower mural was not only fun and interesting, it was also challenging. It allowed me to push my boundaries and think outside the box. As you have seen, the murals color pallet was all white. I and a few other apprentices had to think of ways to make each element of the design stick out through the use of texture and the way we packed the tile. Though this was not what we are used to designing, I believe that all the AOB apprentices that helped with the mural did an amazing job." "—Ala Alsulaihat, Apprentice, Arts of the Block

Arts on the Block is also committed to helping the community achieve economic vitality. The organization provides year-round training in which the quality of life for the community and for the artist are kept in constant focus. We encourage you to support Arts on the Block and their mission of educating, training, and creating opportunities for our city’s future artists. For more information, please visit www.artsontheblock.org.

Waterfront Tower is Now Over 51% Sold

FHA Financing & Immediate Move-In Available Now!

“Condominium sales in the Washington area jumped 34 percent in 2009 with a total of 2,350 units sold, fueled by the first-time home buyer’s tax credit, low interest rates and the creation of high-paying jobs in the region,” according to The Washington Business Journal, which also mentioned that Waterfront Tower had considerably outperformed the average 2009 sales pace, selling nearly 16 units per month in the fourth quarter.

“We are very pleased, but not surprised that Waterfront Tower is in such demand,” responded Marc Duber, Chief Operating Officer of The Bernstein Companies, the developer of Waterfront Tower. "Our buyers are savvy purchasers and many have taken advantage of both the $8,000 first time homebuyer tax credit and the fact that the building is FHA approved. And this chic light-filled building has all the surrounding amenities and is next to the Metro. People just can’t find condominiums like this in the District at these prices,” concluded Mr. Duber.

Offering sustainable living and modern comfort, Waterfront Tower has drawn buyers from a variety of cities and neighborhoods across the District, Maryland and Virginia. “Many of the current buyers have been attracted to the community because of its convenient location and the attraction of an urban lifestyle,” added David Mayhood, President of The Mayhood Company, the firm that represents the community.

Originally designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, Waterfront Tower condominiums are comprised of studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom homes. The homes are exquisitely detailed with features such as floor-to-ceiling windows, open kitchens, Caesarstone countertops, custom white oak hardwood floors, and high-efficiency CleanSteel appliances.

Waterfront Tower is adjacent to DC Metro’s Waterfront Station, on the green line. In the spring of 2010, nearby Waterfront Station will become the future home of two government agencies. It also will have a vibrant retail selection including a new full-service Safeway grocery store, Starbucks, multiple restaurants and a major national bank. Waterfront Tower is also a short walking distance from the soon-to-be revitalized Southwest Riverfront and the new Arena Stage theater.

Happy Thanksgiving from Waterfront Tower

On behalf of everyone here at Waterfront Tower, we would like to take this opportunity to wish you a very happy Thanksgiving. We’ll be enjoying our holiday with family and friends, and hope you can do the same.

FANCY FACADES, CLEVER DESIGNS: Condo Opulence Captured at Waterfront Tower

Express NightOut is a publication from the Washington Post that helps residents stay in the know about trends, entertainment, and culture around the city. Recently Waterfront Tower was featured in an article “Fancy Facades, Clever Designs: Four Local Condo Buildings Blend Architecture With Quirk” that gives the low-down on why condos are getting hot, and why Waterfront Tower is such a great find.

“These days, designer condos often hold rank with tony rowhouses. That's in part because condo hunters can choose among top designs by award-winning architects, from international superstars to local barons of the blueprint. More than just a status symbol, architectural eye candy often signals a savvy investment. Washington's best-designed condo buildings show a pretty face—not to mention smart interiors and clever details."

Waterfront Tower: Already Half Sold!

UrbanTurf is a free online media publication that publishes daily articles, news, and commentary about the DC metropolitan residential real estate market. Recently they checked in again with Waterfront Tower and had the following to report:

“The enviable sales pace combined with the 35 presales to existing tenants means that it will be half-sold within a couple weeks and Bernstein can begin settling on the contracts…..When asked for his thoughts on why the project was selling so well, Greg Rooney of The Bernstein Companies pointed to the combination of price point (units start in the $200s); proximity to Metro (the Waterfront-SEU station on the Green Line is on the same block); quality (the contractor was Abdo Development, known locally for developing high-quality product); and eco-friendliness.”

Read more here.

The Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit has been Extended!

The Federal Homebuyer Tax Credit has been extended and expanded, making now the best time ever to buy a new home. Here are some quick facts about the Extended and Expanded Tax Credit:

• First-time homebuyers (anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years) can get up to $8,000 in tax credits.
• Buyers who have owned their current homes for at least five years are eligible for a tax credit up to $6,500.
• The new law will increase the income ceiling for qualification to $125,000 for individuals and to $225,000 for married taxpayers.
• To qualify, buyers have to sign a purchase agreement by April 30, 2010.

Now is the perfect time to purchase a new home at Waterfront Tower.

Waterfront Tower reflects the spirit of 21st century Washington, offering sustainable living, bright spaces, and world-class style in Southwest.