Back when McLean Gardens was making the transition from rentals to condominiums, it got a little messy. There was an extended battle between the feisty tenants and the developers who couldn't really do the conversion without them. But with all of their early difficulties, McLean Gardens has become a wonderful place to live and own.
It is situated on a 43 acre estate just off Wisconsin Avenue, in the shadow of the National Cathedral. For decades, it was the summer home of newspaper owner, John McLean, who lived and entertained lavishly in a Greek Revival mansion designed by John Russell Pope. There was also a cast iron swimming pool, 18-hold golf course, stables, tennis courts, and When McLean died, his only son Edward and wife Evalyn spend his fortune on such trinkets as the Hope Diamond, and when Edward died, the original mansion was torn down to make room for affordable housing for the many government workers pouring into Washington during World War II.
In 1980, the developer bought out the feisty tenants and converted the original 31 red brick apartments into condominiums, and with interest rates at an all time high, they did not exactly fly off the shelf when they hit the market. But by the end of the 80's, the project was on it's way to becoming one of Washington's most popular addresses.
There is a swimming pool, although not the wrought iron one built by John McLean. The community also has a tot lot, community garden, dog run, 
picnic areas, and several parking lots with spaces that sometimes convey with a unit when it is sold. And while it is not on a Metro line, there is excellent bus service to downtown, and there are many fun restaurants and the city's worst Giant Foods store near the complex.
The condos have a variety of floor plans. Most are two levels, and the top floor units have loft space created from the old attics.
There are currently 11 units for sale, ranging from a 1-bedroom flat listed for $324,900 to a 1-bedroom with a loft for $465,000. Two units are under contract, and six have sold since the beginning of the year. Here is a summary of the recent market activity, including the units that are available for sale.
Please contact me if you are interested in this complex, and I'll make arrangements for you to to see the units that are available.
If you are planning a move to or from the Washington, DC area, I can help. Call, email or text me at:
Housepat@mac.com
202-549-5167
Licensed in DC, Virginia and Maryland
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