Mid-Century Modernism: Washington Metropolitan Area's Architectural Treasure and Its Market Impact

 Mid-Century Modernism: Washington Metropolitan Area's Architectural Treasure and Its Market Impact

Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas have long been a canvas for architectural innovation, where historical reverence meets modernity. Among the styles that have left a significant mark on the region's landscape is mid-century modern architecture. This design movement, which spanned from the mid-1940s to the late 1960s, emphasized simplicity, functionality, and a harmonious blend with nature. In the Washington metropolitan area, several architects stood out for their contributions to this style, shaping not only the skyline but also influencing the residential real estate market and the character of neighborhoods.

Key Figures of Mid-Century…

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Old Town Alexandria February Spotlight

It is one of the nation’s enduring visitor destinations as well as a favorite place to live, work and play. Located right on the western banks of the Potomac River, Old Town Alexandria is the historic seat of the City of Alexandria. With its scintillating blend of antique homes, upscale shopping boutiques and top-rated restaurants, it’s certainly a delightful place to spend the day, and/or evening. But those who come to pay a visit, often wish they could stay for good.

Alexandria was founded in 1749, raided by the British during the War of 1812 and saw significant action during the Civil War. Today, there is an ongoing and highly interesting dynamic when it comes to local homes, townhouses and condos for sale. The city and various preservation groups…

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5 Modern Secrets to the Home Selling Process

The thought of selling your home can be overwhelming—so many steps and variables! It’s also important to recognize that the real estate business is always evolving and adapting. Organization and prioritizing will go a long way when it comes to easing your frustrations. But taking advantage of new tools and techniques is also integral as you seek to maximize your return.

Establishing a modern home selling process is important across the country. But it is absolutely crucial in highly competitive real estate markets such as Washington, DC and its metropolitan neighbors including Alexandria and Arlington in Virginia, and popular parts of Maryland such as Bethesda and Chevy Chase. 

1. High Definition Photography

Image is everything in the new media…

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5 Reasons to Live at Muse in Old Town Alexandria

Muse in Old Town

Slated for a 2021 delivery, the new Muse condominium project in Alexandria’s Old Town North has been described by its developers as Artful Living. There’s more to the slogan than typical marketing jargon, as its location is in the city’s Arts Corridor. With 73 luxury condos for sale scheduled to deliver by the end of the year, the development is being shepherded by Carr Companies, with exteriors by SK&I Architecture based in Bethesda, and interior design from ADG of Alexandria. What are some good reasons for prospective buyers to scope Muse out? Let’s dig a little deeper. 

An Appealing Exterior

It’s hard to argue the visual appeal of Muse, with cubist brick structures backed by a taller glass and steel building. Old Town…

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Watermark’s Boutique Condos, Where Old Town Meets the River

Watermark in Old Town

With a prime location along the historic waterfront in Old Town Alexandria, a new chapter in residential living begins. Watermark is a boutique condo development with just 18 upscale homes for sale with floorplans from 2,675 to around 2,900 square feet of living space. Sales prices have ranged from $2,995,000 to $3,595,000. The handsome five story brick building at 205 Strand Street was developed by the IDI Group and designed by Rust Orling Architecture of Alexandria. While the facades reflect Alexandria’s traditions, they are also imbued with modern flair.

Before getting to all the bells and whistles these luxurious condos for sale offer, let’s distill a rather lengthy timeline, reflected through the lens of the City of…

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5 Reasons to be Impressed by Dylan Condominiums in Old Town Alexandria

Dylan Condos at Potomac Yard in Old Town Alexandria

With condo sales slated for Spring 2021, Dylan has been described as a new vision for refined living at Old Town Alexandria’s Potomac Yard. As many already know, the historic location was once one of the nation’s busiest railyards, and has since been transformed into a vibrant mixed-use residential and shopping community. Potomac Yard sits at the edge of the Potomac River, and is also adjacent National Landing—the new home of Amazon’s HQ2. Developed by FORTIS after a purchase from Pulte Homes, Dylan’s twin six-story buildings offer handsome brick exteriors complemented by spacious and aesthetically pleasing interior design.

Lush Art-Inspired Surroundings

The new Dylan community celebrates…

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22 West, Designed to Meet Its Environment

22 West Was Uniquely Designed

Old cities can present certain dilemmas when it comes to new commercial or residential developments. This is particularly true in a place like Washington, DC where the unique design of the original roadways poses extra challenges. A case in point is 22 West with its luxurious condos for sale in the West End neighborhood, where a lot of land became available, but its shape and location was hindering redevelopment. 

Located at 1177 22nd Street NW, Washington, DC 20037

To understand more fully, you have to go back to Washington, DC's original planning by Pierre L’Enfant. In 1791, the Frenchman drew a map in which ceremonial spaces and wide radial avenues would converge with a more conventional grid of north/south and…

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City Center, Creature Comforts During Uncertain Times

The Unique City Center Bubble Community

If ever a community concept fit a particular era, it’s City Center in Washington, DC with its chic modern condos for sale. Officially spelled CityCenterDC, the mammoth development in Downtown DC’s Mount Vernon Triangle is a bubble community in the truest meaning of the phrase. No, there isn’t a glass dome encapsulating it. But it is certainly a place where you can live, work, dine and shop, without leaving its bounds. That ultimate convenience has taken on added importance during a unique period in time that introduced new concerns and novel terminology, such as social distancing.

Five City Blocks in Mt. Vernon Triangle

It is one thing to live in a building with a couple businesses at the ground level. But…

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The Mid-Century Watergate Endures as a Vital Washington Destination

The Iconic Watergate Community

It has been nearly 58 years since the Watergate complex first broke ground and 50 years since its completion. History may best remember the sprawling waterfront property as the site of the nation’s most famous political scandal, with the 1972 break-in of the Democratic National Committee headquarters leading to the impeachment and resignation of President Richard M. Nixon.  Intrigue aside, the luxurious residential cooperatives for sale at the 10-acre complex certainly endure as elite places to live.

There has always been a distinct sense of style associated with the Watergate. The curvilinear concrete structures in Washington’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood embody a trailblazing mid-century modernist vibe, courtesy…

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3 Best Mid-Century Neighborhoods in the DC Metro Market

Mid-century modern architecture has enjoyed a surge in renewed popularity in recent years. And so, it makes sense that Washington Metro home buyers would look for the greatest concentrations of these intriguing homes.

We have singled out three particular examples in the greater DC area, based on livability, local amenities and iconic styles that embody the best traditions of modernism.

Hollin Hills, Alexandria, Virginia

There was certainly no way to omit Hollin Hills from the list. Located in Hybla Valley in the southern portion of Alexandria, this national historic district contains some 457 single-family homes built between 1949 and 1971. The neighborhood was the brainchild of developer Robert Davenport and architect Charles Goodman. The…

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