1449 Harvard- Construction Progress

At our new project on Harvard St, we've been working hard to complete a majority of the marketing materials.  The top priority was to get a splash page up at HarvardRow.com so we could start advertising the site.  It's now up, and here is what it looks like:

One of the features that we added for this project was the status chart on the bottom of the page, that we can update as the construction moves along.  We want to make the process more interactive, so potential buyers can really follow along as their units are completed.

Another thing you might notice from the blog is the new color of the building.  We decided to go with the more bold crimson color over the original bluish-gray.  Here is the color in the new rendering:

Construction Progress- 2108 10th St NW

Interested buyers are constantly asking us why we haven't started construction yet on our new 4-unit building at 2108 10th St NW.  It's a good question.  If you've forgotten, here's what the building will one day look like:

 Unfortunately, this is what it looks like now (it's twin, which we built last year, is on the left):

The reason that we haven't started construction is that we have had major delays (to the tune of almost a year) in getting our building permit from the DC government.  We're very experienced builders in DC and generally like to think that we are experts in navigating the complicated process of obtaining permits.  However, we met our match in something called a Raze Permit.  People avoid having to get a Raze Permit by all means possible.  Often times builders will even incorporate the existing structure into the new one in order to prevent having to get the Raze.  The Raze is needed when you are taking down a structure entirely and starting a new one from scratch.

This is a good example of when you'd need a raze permit.

DCRA (the permitting branch of the DC Gov't) decided we needed the Raze permit in order to issue our building permit, which is fully approved pending this new Raze permit. In theory, it sounds like a good idea.  However, the permit requires abandoning all the existing utilities from the site.  Pepco has to come out and remove the electric, Washington Gas digs out the existing gas lines, WASA removes all water and sewer services, etc.  In addition, the DC gov't sends out inspectors to make sure you don't have rodent problems, tenants living there or asbestos.  In all, there are 13 agencies that have to approve the permit.  Each one can take up to a month.

The good news is that we're getting close to the end of the process.  We hope to have our raze permit next week, and the building permit shortly thereafter.  Our plan is to start construction in mid-October and deliver the finished units in April or May of 2012.  Keep checking back for more updates.

Design- Steps

Although we're making good progress at 1449 Harvard, there is nothing going on that would make for particularly interesting photographs.  Instead, I thought this might be a good time to showcase some pretty incredible staircases that I found at techeblog.com.

In our projects, we typically only use standard stairs or spiral steps.  However, after seeing some of these creative options, we're definitely looking for ways to make ours more unique.

Installing bookcases is a great way to use the dead space along the walls. 

The bottom one here does a great job of not taking up too much space or blocking any light.

This is my personal favorite.

Design- Moveable Kitchen Islands

We're starting to work on the kitchen layouts for Harvard Row at 1449 Harvard.  One option that has been discussed is using kitchen islands that could be moved to allow for different configurations.  This is a creative use of the space because the island could be used for food preparation, and then moved out of the way to be used as a table during the meal.  The most common way this is accomplished with with wheels on the island, although some people also choose to use a table that is light enough to move without wheels.

Help us decide- please vote below!

This island is very basic and could easily be used as a dining room table.

This island looks permanent, but it can actually be moved if needed.

This island is made from an old dining room table that was re-purposed.

2431 Ontario Rd- New Landscaping

At The Charles, we're thrilled to have two units under contract.  We still have the penthouse and the first floor available for sale, and we expect them to sell shortly.  In the front of the building, now that the utility work is complete. we came back and finished the landscaping.  It really looks incredible.  The new boxwoods in the front planter do a great job of providing privacy for the first floor unit.

The entire area is now planted with flowers and bushes that don't need too much maintenance but provide a lot of green.

We added a small fence on the left to make the front patio more inviting.

The welding is finally complete and the small gate provides private entry for the ground level.

1449 Harvard- More Renderings

We got another rendering back from our talented graphic designer.  This one is of the rear view of 1449 Harvard St NW.  You can also see the two roof decks- pretty awesome.