DC is a bustling city of single-family row home to multi-unit conversions. For the most part, these are good for the neighborhoods and economy. Often the row homes will be in disrepair, in fact most developers prefer it that way. So, where there were unsafe and even volatile conditions, now reside gutted and updated condo and apartment units. Lead paint and plaster, old leaky windows, roofs and pipes all replaced by fire retardant insulation and drywall, up to code electrical and plumbing systems, and high efficiency windows, utilities and appliances. These often thoughtful conversions also make the best use of land in a rapidly growing city where zoning laws are as strict as any in the nation, and a height restriction is still in place. With every renovation, these old historic DC neighborhoods get a bit younger. Midddle class families can now enjoy the tree lined charm and convenience of these quiet NW neighborhoods. Many younger families are moving away from the square footage out in the subarbs for a more compact and streamlined urban lifestyle.
There is however one major drawback to most of these wonderful conversions. The dreaded "Garden Unit" or as I like to call it, the basement. Typically, little to very little natural light. Many times there are moisture issues. It is just not charming, and almost always feels cold and concrete. They are hard to market and difficult to sell. The bottom line is that without the bottom unit, most of these conversions would not make sense from a financial standpoint. The numbers just do not work. BUT... I would LOVE to see more conversions using the basement as additional finished square footage to the first floor unit, perhaps a bedroom and a den, and raising the price on that 2 story unit. Sure the profit margin will be smaller, but nobody would have to live in a basement, and the finished product would be that much nicer.
In fact there is a recent development that did just this and is a wonderful example of thoughtful development in an urban setting. Below is the address and the link, these are definately worth checking out.
158 Bryant Street NW- 2 units both are 2BR/2.5BA. amazing views.
Email me now or call me for more information about conversions in NW DC at christopher.heller@cbmove.com
703-403-3516
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