Question: Do you have any details in the new condos being built in Courthouse at 2000 Clarendon?
Answer: The Arlington market has been delivering about one new condo building per year over the last 8 years and will continue that trend with the introduction of 87 luxury condos at 2000 Clarendon, in the Courthouse neighborhood. Currently a hole in the ground, limited access pre-sales will start this week, with a projected delivery of Spring 2020.
Broad Range of Size and Style
38 total 1BR/1BA units range in size from 627 sqft to 739 sqft, priced from the upper $400s to mid $500s. The next jump is to a 1BR +Den with 1.5BA at 830 sqft, with 12 units starting in the upper $500s.
The most popular units, and fastest to sell, will likely be the 2BR/2BA options, of which there are 31, ranging in price and size from the upper $600’s to low $800’s and 973 sqft to 1,076 sqft, respectively.
There are two 2BR+Den/2.5BA floor plans, just six total units, with 1,362 sqft and 1,739 sqft. Based on the floor plans I’ve seen, the dens are legitimate/legal 3rd bedrooms. These units are being offer from $1.1M to over $1.4M and are located only on the top three floors (Sky Suites).
All units include one garage parking space. Additional parking and private storage are available for purchase.
Given current market conditions, I think the 2BR/2BA units are the best value at these prices. However, I expect all floor plans to be in high demand. Over the last three years, there has been an average of 28 two-bedroom condos and 23 one-bedroom condos for sale in April in the 22201 zip code. As of April 1 2019, there are only 11 two-bedrooms condos and 7 one-bedroom condos for sale in the 22201 zip code.
BELOW ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF THE UNIT DESIGNS AND OPTIONS:
- Concrete construction between all units (very quiet and rare for newer buildings)
- Owners can customize their units from a selection of wide plank hardwood flooring, quartz countertops, and cabinetry
- Chefs will be pleased to hear the building will have gas cooking
- Hardwood throughout the living areas and bedrooms is standard (no carpet anywhere)
- Most units have floor-to-ceiling windows, all have windows heights of 7’ or more
- About 70% of the units have a private balcony or terrace
- Floors 1-11 will have 10’ ceilings (9’ is standard in most condos so you’ll notice a difference)
- Floors 12-14 are Sky Suites and have 12’ ceilings with an upgraded appliance package
- Floors 1, 3, 6, and 9 are “loft style” with exposed ductwork, piping, and columns which provides for additional ceiling height
Luxury Amenities, Modest Fees
I’ve been pretty disappointed in the bland exterior design of some recent condo and apartment buildings along the R-B Corridor, but kudos to the builder, The Bush Companies, for spending on improved architectural design and materials to make this building look sleek and modern.
While condo fees are not finalized, the projected fees are quite reasonable compared to the rest of the market. 1BRs top out at $350/mon and the 2BRs at $500/mon. This is well below the average for one- and two-bedroom condos in Arlington. Owners will have access to amenities including:
- Two-level cascading pool & sun deck
- Rooftop terrace with Monument and Georgetown views
- Rooftop club room including kitchen and entertainment space
- Large fitness center with outdoor terrace
Who Is Building 2000 Clarendon?
The Bush Companies is the developer/builder of 2000 Clarendon. The firm has developed and built seven condo and apartment buildings with over 2,100 total units in Arlington including well-known communities Station Square (Clarendon), Lexington Square (Virginia Square), The PRK AT Courthouse (Courthouse), and Windsor Plaza (Ballston). In the District, the firm developed 2020 Lofts in the U Street Corridor and many other projects dating back as far as the early 50’s. Currently, in addition to 2000 Clarendon, the firm is nearing completion of The Lexicon in the NoMa neighborhood of Washington DC.
If you’re interested in learning more about 2000 Clarendon including access to floor plans, finishes, and pricing; or would like to reserve a unit during the limited access pre-sale period please email me at Eli@EliResidential.com.
I highly recommend you research Bush Construction before entering into a contract at 2000 Clarendon. My experience with them has been nothing short of a nightmare. Please read below for full details:
In April, 2019 I entered into a contract with Bush Construction for the purchase of a new construction condo located at 50 Florida Avenue NE, Washington DC, 20002, with an anticipated settlement date of August, 2019. Their repeated delays, poor communication, and outright lies have upended my life, and cost me thousands of dollars. Their latest lie is that construction is delayed due to DCRA furloughs, which I personally confirmed today to be false. Most communication came through their Agent, McWilliams Ballard, but originated from Bush Construction – specifically their VP, Andrew Viola. I have attached direct communication between my Realtor and Andrew Viola, Bush Construction VP to this complaint. On August 4th, 2019, I received an estimated settlement date of late August 2019. With just three weeks until my settlement, I gave notice on my apartment, and prepared to move. However, the settlement was delayed. I understand that it is a new construction building, and delays happen. However, it is now clear Bush Construction knowingly misled purchasers of the expected settlement date, which cost me thousands of dollars in avoidable expenses. As of April 8, 2020, the building is still not complete, and Bush Construction refuses to provide an estimated settlement date.
Timeline:
April 23rd – I purchased a new construction condo from Bush Construction Corporation with an anticipated settlement date of late August, 2019
August 4th 2019 – Bush Construction sent purchasers an estimated settlement date of late August
It took almost six months to complete the exterior site work; interior still not complete as of March 27th 2020
September 30th (one month after the estimated closing) – Purchaser option selections were still not complete
October 28th – Bush Construction informed purchasers that they would publish an estimated schedule by November 4th (schedule was not received)
November 13th – Two months after I selected my options, Bush Construction informed purchasers that they had not yet ordered the cabinets
Bush Construction stated cabinets were a “three week lead time item”. Again, on August 4th, they estimated to be complete with construction in just over three weeks. The fact that the cabinets were not in stock and ready for installation shows that the delivery estimate was not the result of a delay – it was disingenuous
November 23rd – Bush Construction estimated completion in February 2020
December 26th – Estimated completion further delayed until early March
February 4th – Bush Construction informed purchasers that they had yet to take countertop measurements
February 18th – My realtor contacted Andrew Viola directly to get a settlement estimate so that I could secure a lease for an appropriate amount of time. He refused, but stated that he would provide a schedule within two weeks. When she pleaded with him to even provide a “no earlier than” date, he rudely told her to “get in line”
March 16th – Bush Construction did not have the hardwood floors on site
March 26th – My realtor contacted Andrew Viola directly requesting compensation for Bush Construction’s failures, or release from the contract – he refused
April 7th – Andrew Viola falsely claims Settlement date is unclear due to DCRA furlough
April 8th – Andrew Viola threatens to withdrawal from contract; when I accept his “offer”, he refused
New construction delays are expected, but the situation described was not a delay – Bush Construction sent false information. The way in which Andrew Viola and Bush Construction have handled this situation is underhanded and appalling. On August 4th, there was no chance that they could have expected to close by the end of August. Had they communicated accurate information, instead of misleading purchasers, I would have kept my housing, without incurring additional costs. Instead, I have lived in seven different apartments in eight months because they will not provide actionable information. Bush Construction’s refusal to take any responsibility, apologize, or provide compensation for the terrible inconvenience caused has caused me incur thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs.
If after reading this you somehow still want to enter a contract with them, make sure it is full of contingencies, so that when you realize you’ve been lied to, you can get your deposit back!