New York City-based Aria Development Group has announced the delivery of its latest redevelopment project, The Clifton, a 156-unit community located just off Washington, D.C.’s 14th Street corridor.
The Clifton site was formed from two adjacent buildings at 1309 and 1315 Clifton Street, acquired by Aria in 2014 and 2015. The redevelopment preserves the original 1901 Italianate Revival-style front façade at 1315 Clifton. The buildings’ residents have been offered the opportunity to return to the renovated units at their pre-renovation rental rates, and those who choose this option will be able to move back in this summer.
The brand-new apartments range from studios to four-bedroom units. Many have private balconies or terraces, and all feature nine-foot ceilings. The kitchens feature Blomberg stainless-steel appliances and quartz countertops, and the baths include custom Rovere Grigio vanities. Each unit is equipped with a smartphone-controlled Nest thermostat.
“The Clifton offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the excitement of 14th and U streets while living in an authentic neighborhood and community,” said Joshua Benaim, founding principal of Aria Development Group. “… Aria conducted a study with a group of Harvard Business School students to truly probe how people want to live and shape their life experiences in our apartments. We combined their recommendations with what we’ve learned developing thoughtfully designed apartments in DC, Brooklyn, and Miami to create The Clifton.”
A number of community features are inspired by the Harvard study. A concierge-staffed delivery and pickup area includes package lockers, dry-cleaning storage, and cold storage for food and flowers. A kitchen and private dining room are located on the rooftop terrace, and a bicycle repair station, controlled-access storage, and a separate bicycle entrance are provided on-site. Enclosed parking for cars is located beneath the building.
The redevelopment also adds a fitness center, made in partnership with New York-based Homage Fitness, and a fully equipped pet spa area.
“The building and environs provide both tranquil spaces for contemplation and lively gathering spots for social interaction,” Benaim continues. “I can imagine residents catching some rays and grilling dinner on the roof deck, collaborating on creative projects on our co-working tables, then hitting the rooftop penthouse bar and lounge, and finally retiring to the chef’s kitchen for an intimate evening with friends.”
The Clifton is designed to achieve LEED Silver certification. It features a green roof and permeable pavers, electric vehicle charging stations, high-efficiency insulation and windows, water-efficient landscaping, and extensive use of recycled and regional construction materials. Residents can take advantage of free three-year car-sharing and Capital Bikeshare memberships, and the U Street and Columbia Heights metro stations are located within walking distance.
As part of the redevelopment’s community benefits package, Aria has also provided interior and exterior capital improvements for local institutions, including the Creative Minds Child Development Center, the Columbia Heights Community Center, and the Samaritan Inn, which provides housing and recovery services for individuals suffering from drug and alcohol addiction.