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Washington Times
By Michele Lerner

The neighborhood surrounding the intersection of 14th and P streets NW, one of the most vibrant in Washington, includes the Studio Theatre; Whole Foods Market; the Logan Tavern; Caribou Coffee; and numerous unusual shops, galleries and restaurants to cater to the eclectic tastes of locals and visitors. Part of the excitement happening in this rapidly changing community is the development of modern condominiums and lofts by several dynamic developers.

Metropolis Development Co., developer of Lofts 14 and the Langston Lofts, has partnered with U.S. Property Development Corp. to design the Cooper Lewis Condominiums on the corner of 14th and P streets, which use modern architecture while incorporating the historic Pelz building into the project. The main level of the building will feature retail shops, and two distinctive walk-up residences have been created from the Pelz building.

In 1897, Paul Pelz designed the building at 1502 14th St. NW on commission by Dr. Samuel E. Lewis, a local pharmacist. Pelz is best known for having designed the Library of Congress and Healy Hall at Georgetown University. In 1925, Lewis leased the building to Edward and Jennie Cooper, who operated the Cooper Hardware store in the Pelz building for more than 50 years. Each of the two Pelz units, which occupy the second and third floors of the historic building, include two bedrooms plus a den and two baths, with a blend of historic features and modern convenience.

Thirteen floor plans are available in addition to those in the Pelz building, with open indoor areas and huge private outdoor terraces for entertaining and relaxing. Six of the most expensive units at Cooper Lewis Condominiums sold within the first month, priced from the $800,000s to $1.3 million. Base prices for the condominiums start in the $600,000s.

The Pelz homes include a historic lobby with the original restored staircase and decorative wood wainscoting. These homes include bamboo flooring, custom-designed exposed ductwork, exposed original brick walls and track lighting.

Each kitchen includes a dramatic breakfast bar with pendant lighting; a choice of laminate counters with stainless-steel edging, Quartzstone or granite; Italian-designed cherry cabinets; stainless-steel appliances; and track lighting. The bathrooms include 12-by-12-inch tile and a choice of a large-scale shower or a tub in the master bath. Individually controlled heating and air conditioning, a stacked full-size washer and dryer, high-tech wiring, and controlled-access security to the building and to the underground parking garage are all included features for this building.

The Cooper Lewis condos feature a dramatic fusion of brick, glass, steel and granite, with underground parking; a front-door security system; and a contemporary-style lobby with 13-foot ceilings, plaster walls with granite wainscoting and slate floors. Each home has 10- to 14-foot ceilings; ash hardwood flooring in the living room, dining room and kitchen; recessed and track lighting; and high-tech wiring. The kitchens will include Italian-designed cherry cabinets, a choice of granite counters and contemporary stainless-steel appliances.

Limestone or marble can be chosen for the bathroom floors, along with a large-scale shower or tub, and all baths include stone counters with cherry cabinets. The condominium floor plan found in residences 201, 301, 401 and 501 includes a living and entertaining area open to the dining area and kitchen, which has access to a balcony. A platform bedroom overlooks the living area; a full bath is just across the foyer.

The main bedroom includes multiple floor-to-ceiling windows, a walk-in closet and a bath with a dual-sink vanity.

Residence 205 features a 385-square-foot outdoor terrace and two levels of living space. The lower level has a powder room and a completely open living/dining and kitchen area. The upper level has two bedrooms, each with a private full bath and a walk-in closet. Residence 601 features an open living and dining area, an open kitchen, a wet bar with a wine chiller, a platform bedroom, a full bath, and a master suite with two walk-in closets and a bath. Upstairs is a 300-square-foot private roof terrace.

For information, call 202/462-6916, visit the sales center at 1522 14th St. NW or visit the Web site (www.cooperlewis condos.com).

Caption:
Metropolis Development Co., developer of Lofts 14 and the Langston Lofts, has partnered with U.S. Property Development Corp. on the Cooper Lewis Condominiums on the corner of 14th and P streets NW. [NO CREDIT]

Copyright 2004 News World Communications, Inc.
Record Number: 200401300904430075

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