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Floor Plans: Gothic Renovation Goes Modern
Alban Towers and Villas
Developers:
Archstone-Smith (www.archstonesmith.com)
Encore Development (www.encorehomes.com)
Architect:
Torti Gallas and Partners (www.tortigallaschk.com)
When Alban Towners first opened in 1929, it was the largest rental apartment-hotel in Washington, D.C. And it was striking.
Its Gothic-revival arches and buttresses echoed the Washington National Cathedral across the street. It was a popular and frequent destination for the nation’s out-of-town glitterati — among them, Frank Sinatra and Bette Davis, who stayed in its hotel suites for the 1961 inauguration of John F. Kennedy.
But over time, deterioration, a growing city and a lack of nearby parking greatly diminished the historic property’s stature.
A Transformation ― Plus
Developers Archstone-Smith and Encore Development conducted an extensive preservation effort that has transformed the long-vacant apartment building and returned it to its former prominence. Today, Alban Towers is one of Washington’s most highly-desired addresses.
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The Alban renovation included the addition of 15 luxury duplex villas.
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The renovation included a major rehabilitation of the apartment tower and the addition of 15 luxury duplex villas, which provide a transition from the tower to the surrounding neighborhood of single-family detached homes. A below-grade parking garage was also part of the renovation. It serves both the tower and the new fee-simple duplex homes.
The Upscale Villas — A Look Back, With Modern Convenience
Reminiscent of Washington homes built in the early 20th century, the duplexes present a classic urban look and individuality. The homes range from 3,200-4,700 square feet and include features such as private elevators and upscale interior finishes.
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Alban Towers has won an NAHB Pillars of the Industry award and a Freddie Mac honor for its historic renovation.
| The Apartments ― Amenities for Today’s World
The 226 apartment units include one-, two-, three-bedroom and efficiency units with private balconies and magnificent views overlooking either the Washington National Cathedral or nearby Glover Archibald Park.
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The Grand Stair Lobby after ... |
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... and before.
| Amenities include a rooftop deck, 24-hour resident desk service, a private reading library, a 24-hour business center, high-speed Internet access, indoor lap pool and more.
Rents for the one-bedroom dwellings start at $1,595. Rents for the two- and three-bedroom units start at $2,310 and $3,506, respectively.
Alban Towers has won both the NAHB Pillars of the Industry Award for best repositioning or rehabilitation of an apartment asset and the Freddie Mac honor of best multifamily community of the year.
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A renovated apartment with floor-to-ceiling windows. |
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The portico entrance before ... |
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... and after. |
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A linear park is located between the the apartment tower and villas and above the underground parking. |
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Alban Villa floor plan — unit C
Click to enlarge |
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Features & Specs |
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Alban Villas
- 15 Townhouses
- Total Square Footage: 3,871 Square Feet
- Four Bedrooms
- Three Baths
- Two-Car Garage
- Elevator
- Spiral Staircase
Alban Towers and Community
- 226 Apartment Units
- One-, Two- and Three-Bedroom and Efficiency Units
- Underground Parking for 240 Cars
- Roof Deck
- Landscaped Plaza
- 24-Hour Resident Service Desk
- Heated Indoor Lap Pool
- 24-Hour Fitness Center With Cardio Theatre
- 24-Hour Business Center
- Grand Salon With Kitchen, Fireplace and Multi-Media Center
- Private Reading Library
- Private Balconies
- High-Speed Internet Access
Developers:
— Archstone-Smith, Edgewood, Colo.
— Encore Development, Washington, D.C.
Architect:
— Torti Gallas and Partners, Silver Spring, Md. |
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