Conversion of 1321 21st Street NW, a front-porch row house built in 1921, into a six-unit luxury condominium building in the Dupont Circle neighborhood is expected in November 2013, one year after receiving
Historic Preservation Review Board approval. The Rubin Group acquired the property in July 2012 for $1.25 million.
Located across from the intersection of 21
st Street and Newport Place, the Newport 21 Condominiums include three one-bedroom and three two-bedroom units ranging from 500 to 1,200 square feet in size. The premier two-bedroom unit has exclusive access to a large 600-square-foot rooftop deck with unobstructed views to Georgetown University. There are two parking spots on the property.
Andrew Rubin, a principal with The Rubin Group, tells Elevation DC that the building was constructed without any zoning relief. However, as the property is situated within the Dupont Circle Historic District, the design was a product of close coordination between the Historic Preservation Office (HPO) and architect James Phillips of
Workshop t10 on behalf of the Rubin Group.
The project includes modest alterations to the building's front, raising part of the roof at a shallow angle and tucking in a basement entrance. It also has a rectangular rear addition (three levels and a cellar) built of brick, metal and glass, and a stairwell/atrium space with skylights connecting the original building and the addition. According to the HPRB staff report and recommendation, the applicant worked with the HPO to maintain the original building's architectural features, to bring down the overall height, and to pursue a massing that is compatible with the pattern of development for rear buildings/additions in the area.
Some neighbors initially objected to the addition, but Rubin said his group met with them and dispelled most all concerns. The Dupont Circle Conservancy, a non-profit preservation group, voted to support the project provided that no part of the addition would be visible from the street.
The design adheres to the HPO goal of differentiating the new construction from the original and maintaining fidelity to the time of construction. The classic front façade of the historic Wardman house has been maintained, while the new rear addition with its mostly glazed rear façade is architecturally distinctive.
The price of the condos will range from about $399,000 to about $900,000. Sales of the condos will be handled by
Beasley Real Estate.