A living room at The Alden

Aria Development Group has just unveiled its latest dramatic multifamily residential transformation: The Alden, located in DC’s Columbia Heights. On the heels of Aria’s $10 million renovation of The Bond apartments (Dupont Circle), the firm brought their sensibility and attention to detail to The Alden.

Forty-four one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are now available at the property, with monthly rents for market-rate units starting at $1,950. Twenty percent of the fully renovated apartments are designated affordable for qualifying tenants.

The Alden

The Alden, located at 2620 13th Street, NW (map), comprises three connected Colonial Revival-styled multifamily buildings constructed in 1904 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places as The Alden, The Babcock, and The Calvert. Aria paid $5 million to acquire the deteriorating property in 2012, and commenced a $6 million gut renovation.

“The Alden is perhaps one of the most beautiful buildings in the District, occupying a seminal role in the historic evolution from townhome to apartment living,” said Joshua Benaim, Aria’s Managing Principal. “It is situated on a truly picturesque block with easy access to the U Street and Columbia Heights Metro stations. The renovation allows people to enjoy the beauty of a quaint townhome with brand-new modern amenities and professional management.”

K. David Meit, CPM®, President and CEO of Oculus Realty, added: “The Alden’s one-, two-, and three-bedroom layouts blend state-of-the-art features -- such as building-wide wi-fi, remotely programmable Nest learning thermostats, advanced video intercoms, and indoor bicycle storage -- with the classic luxury of three-inch white oak floors, warm cherry cabinetry, and Bosch washers and dryers.” Oculus Realty is providing exclusive leasing and management services for both The Alden and The Bond. The Bond is now 98 percent leased.

The Alden’s historic renovation, financed by United Bank, involved the DC Historic Preservation Office, the US National Parks Service, and architectural history and historic preservation-consulting firm Traceries. The buildings retain their previous configuration and hardscape, presenting as a row of elegant three-story brownstone townhomes. Commented Roger Black of Blaco Construction, which managed the renovation: “Every inch of mortar was replaced with an eye to the historic fabric of the building as well as functionality for the future residents. After 110 years, the building was due for a historically informed facelift. The Alden is a project that has been built to last for generations to come.”

The lobby at The Alden

Brazilian designer Aline Trindade advised Aria on its interior finishes, bringing a fresh and contemporary feel to the interior. Yvette Freeman of Foundry furnished a model apartment in a playful, eclectic vintage style that accentuates the property’s historic charm. The award-winning landscape architecture firm Fritz & Gignoux created English gardens in the front yard; the firm is currently installing a landscaped terrace in the rear yard, the perfect place for a warm-weather picnic.

The Alden and The Bond are the largest of several Washington, DC investments to date by Aria Development Group, which also developed the ultra-luxury oceanfront condominium 321 Ocean in Miami’s South Beach and a number of luxury mixed-use projects in New York City’s SoHo and West Village.

For leasing information, please call (240) 447-7272 or visit the website at TheAldenDC.com. The website includes an interactive feature allowing users to discover the many historic details on the building’s façade.