Urban life a cinch with Metro nearby

Condominiums and city living go hand in hand. This style of housing appeals to the same people who want to live in downtown Washington: young professionals or empty nesters looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle with plenty of transportation and entertainment options nearby.

Developers continue to focus on areas near Metro stations, recognizing the importance of the Metro system to potential condominium buyers. These buyers want the convenience of city living along with quick access to neighborhoods beyond their own.

In Northwest, developers are particularly attracted to the revitalizing neighborhoods of Columbia Heights and Mount Vernon Square, which have Metro stations and newly energized retail and entertainment locations.

Metro Properties Inc. has developed the Allegro, a condominium with 300 homes on 14th Street near Monroe Street, within easy access of the Columbia Heights Metro station, a gourmet supermarket, the revitalized Tivoli Theater and department-store shopping.

One-bedroom homes are priced from the low $300,000s, and two-bedroom homes start in the mid-$400,000s. Two-level penthouse homes with private terraces also are available. Monthly condominium fees range from $252 to $326.

The development includes a private fitness center, wireless Internet lounge and landscaped courtyards. The condominium homes have maple flooring, ceramic tile baths, a plasma television, 9-foot ceilings, a bay window or balcony, structured wiring and a kitchen with 42-inch maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances.

Call 202/722-7228 or visit www.AllegroSpaces.com.

The Non-Profit Community Development Corp. of Washington D.C. (NPCDC) and Sigal Construction Corp. worked together to build the Lofts at Columbia Heights at 2750 14th St. NW, within two blocks of the Columbia Heights Metro station.

The affordable housing units in this high-rise have been sold to District firefighters, police officers and teachers. Now the market-rate homes are being sold, and the builder is offering free condominium fees for two years for buyers using its designated lender.

Some homes will instead include an incentive of a free lease for a Mercedes for two years or $10,000 cash, again with the use of the designated lender.

These two- and three-bedroom condominiums, ranging from 1,025 to 1,406 square feet, include fireplaces, Jenn-Air appliances, pecan hardwood flooring and whirlpool tubs.

The homes range from $499,900 to $667,900. Condominium fees range from $449 to $512 per month.

Call 202/745-0033 or visit www.loftsofcolumbiaheights.com.

Torti Gallas and Partners Inc. designed both Kenyon Square and Highland Park, two condominiums under development by Donatelli Development Co. above the Columbia Heights Metro station.

Highland Park, on 14th Street at Irving Street, is nearly 50 percent sold out. This building includes retail shops on the first floor and up to 60 different floor plans within the 229 homes.

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