Just south of Alexandria, near the intersection of Richmond Highway and Huntington Avenue, stands a sixteen story brown brick tower called the Hunting Creek Club. The tower shares the neighborhood with a few other high-rises, the most notable being Montebello at the rear on Mount Eagle.
Built in 1972, the architectural appeal of the building is in that awkward stage that occurs long after “new” but just before “vintage”. This is of course a personal opinion, and others may disagree, but driving past the building on many occasions, it never struck me as particularly beautiful. But then, my work as a condo sales agent caused me to visit and closely examine the property and several units.
I have come to understand and appreciate the benefits of the Hunting Creek Club. Like many of the quirky condos where I do a lot of business, Huntington Creek Club is NOT for everyone. But, if you are seeking what Hunting Creek offers (proximity to Metro, close to Old Town, convenient access to the Beltway, reasonably affordable), you’ll find it here.
Hunting Creek Club is an easy commute to many major job centers: Pentagon, Crystal City, NW & SW Washington DC, Fort Belvoir, Arlington, Springfield and of course Alexandria are all closeby. Tysons Corner is a little problematic, but that’s the case for most drivers who don’t live in Vienna.
Hunting Creek Club has an unmanned guard station as you enter the front gate. The fact that the guard post is unmanned perhaps speaks most to how the neighborhood has changed since 1972. The parking lot is generous with more than enough room for residents and guests. At the rear of the property is a pleasant pool and tennis court hidden in the woods at the edge of Montebello.
The lobby and common areas were recently redone. They sparkle with new carpets and all is very well maintained. The stylings are a bit formal and in some ways fit with the era in which the building was built. This is not what one might find at the Midtowns or Carlyle Towers. Furniture from Pee Wee’s Playhouse is popular in many new condos but not here.
There is no shortage of lifts from the banks of elevators. The elevators are quick and I didn’t hear any sound from the machinery.
I’ve visited many units here. To be brutally frank, the exterior of the building and the turquoise carpet, while well-maintained, sets low expectations when one first visits the Huntington Creek club. But the units themselves are a pleasant surprise. They are generously proportioned, with logical floorplans. All have plenty of light from big windows.
Some units are dated, and could use a little refurbishing. But, many have been refurbished. Many of the units have been totally refurbished and are as nice as, or better than, anything you’ll find in new construction. These gems can be compared to the best at the Midtowns, Montebello or Carlyle Towers. These are a small step up from most of the condos nearby at the Huntington Club.
All in all, I find the floorplans to be logical and very nicely designed. I think most of these are in great shape and I love the views and convenience of Hunting Creek Club.
All this and I haven’t yet mentioned my favorite feature at the Hunting Creek Club: the balconies. Every unit I have seen has a very nicely proportioned balcony, with views that are as good as anything in the area. Some of the units look toward Old Town or the George Washington Masonic Memorial, others look toward the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Potomac. If you like balconies and views, you have to consider the Huntington Creek Club.
The prices here are generally quite reasonable. Units are generally more expensive than the Huntington Club, less expensive than Montebello and MUCH less expensive than the Midtowns.
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