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CONDOS & TOWNHOMES
Desire to live near amenities spurs new development boom By Kathy Dean Before the global recession, condo developments were being built so quickly around Atlanta that it was nearly impossible to keep up with them. With real estate in full recovery mode, condos and townhomes are becoming desirable again as Intowners look for more city amenities. Potential homeowners want to enjoy the shopping, restaurants, arts, culture, parks and the Atlanta BeltLine, which has spurred new high-end condos and townhomes in the city. Decatur is also getting in on the act, too. Seventh Midtown, a new nine-story boutique condominium optimally situated at the corner of Peachtree & 7th, will offer residences that start in the $700s. Thirty percent are already under contract, although the ground breaking is scheduled this fall, with plans to begin closing in late October 2015. Anne Schwall, Vice President SkyRise/New Homes Group, Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty said, “Interest in Seventh Midtown has been exciting. Midtown residents are eager to be part of such a cutting edge condominium building. With only 20 homes available, residents appreciate and understand the exclusive opportunity to own at Seventh, and buyers want to take advantage of the current presale pricing.” She said that the build-out is almost complete for the temporary placement of the 7th Street Starbucks in the Shops at Viewpoint. Once Starbucks is relocated, the area will be cleared for construction to begin on Seventh Midtown. Starbucks will move back to become the building’s corner retailer after the building is completed. “Our residents are looking for more square footage than Midtown condominium buildings generally offer, and they appreciate the luxury finishes and features Seventh Midtown will provide,” Schwall explained. “They also want a lock-and-go lifestyle and walkability to fine dining and shopping, with easy access to Piedmont Park, the Fox Theater and the High Museum.” The spacious open floor plans feature top-of-the-line designer finishes, such as Italian custom-designed Pedini cabinetry, Wolf and Sub-Zero appliances, Silestone countertops and Waterworks fixtures throughout the home. The homes are also equipped with the latest smart home technology, including a Control4 home automation package. It’s hard to imagine a more central, exciting location in Atlanta than 15th Street, just across the street from Piedmont Park. That’s just where development is underway for Ansley Green, a condo community of six homes. The project is a collaboration of Miller Lowry Developments and King Real Estate Advisors. Excavation began in mid-August, and the condos will be finished in Spring 2015, according to Miller Lowry,
50 September 2014 | INtown
Above: The Water Tower Stacks will be built next to the iconic water tower at the corner of Auburn Avenue and Irwin Street in the Old Fourth Ward. Left: One of the luxurious bathrooms, featuring spa tubs and hardwood floors, at Seventh Midtown. Below left: SkyHill Townhomes on North Avenue in the Old Fourth Ward will be a short walk to the Atlanta BeltLine. Opposite page: The townhomes at Linden Place on Lavista Road near Emory University.
President of Miller Lowry Development. He said that people got excited about Ansley Green as soon as the project was announced. “We have had interest from day one, at our preview party that was held at the Piedmont Driving Club,” Lowry reported. “Currently, four units are under contract and one unit is reserved.” While the location is a huge draw, potential residents also respond to the exclusive, smaller building and low HOA fees. Lowry added that Ansley Green is particularly attractive to empty nesters and professionals -- sophisticated buyers who appreciate quality but are not interested in larger buildings. Ansley Green will be surrounded by landscaping and existing hardwoods, which will frame gorgeous city views, all visible from the rooftop terrace, which also features a lounge and bar for residents. Floor plans are open and spacious with abundant natural light. Residents will be able to customize their homes, and the high-end finishes include items from vendors such as Circa Lighting and Renaissance Tile & Bath. Linden Place Townhomes were designed to bring value and convenience to Intown residents. Currently under construction on Lavista Road near Emory University and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Linden Place will be completed this fall, and will feature 26 townhomes priced from the high $300s to mid $400s. “This is a very sought after real estate opportunity for young professional couples wanting to live near Intown neighborhoods and close to shopping, entertainment,
restaurants and work,” said Allen Snow, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage, Midtown. “Sales have just started and we’re seeing extraordinary interest.” Linden Place’s three-story townhomes range from 2,000 to 2,400 square feet with several different floor plan options, but all the plans are open with wonderful natural lighting. Other features include an oversized owner’s suite and exterior traditional/craftsman style with brick, stone and siding. Snow pointed to the Atlanta-located developer, Minerva Homes USA, as a prime reason for the value that Linden Place offers. “They have over 30 years of experience building high-end housing with unique architectural elements for the Intown real estate market,” he said. “Linden Place Townhomes are competitively priced in the market, and have a triple protection home warranty.” Atlanta’s Historic Old Fourth Ward will become home to The Water Tower Stacks, a community of ten luxury townhomes. Epic Development plans to break ground on the project this month, and to deliver the units, eight attached and two detached, in the second quarter of 2015. Jim LaVallee, Director of Marketing & Development with Epic Development, said: “Most of the units will be greater than 2,800 square feet, so we’re targeting the discriminating Intown buyer looking for the perfect combination of location, quality and style. The response has been overwhelming and we consistently have potential buyers adding their names to the VIP emails. A t l a n t a I N t o w n P a p e r. c o m