Just south of Alexandria, near the intersection of Richmond Highway
and Huntington Avenue, stands a sixteen story brown brick tower called the Hunting Creek Club. The tower shares the neighborhood with a few other high-rises, the most notable being Montebello at the rear on Mount Eagle.
Built in 1972, the architectural appeal of the building is in that
awkward stage that occurs long after "new" but just before "vintage".
This is of course a personal opinion, and others may disagree, but
driving past the building on many occasions, it never struck me as
particularly beautiful. But then, my work as a condo sales agent caused me to visit and closely examine the property and several units.
I have come to understand and appreciate the benefits of the Hunting
Creek Club. Like many of the quirky condos where I do a lot of
business, Huntington Creek Club is NOT for everyone. But, if you are
seeking what Hunting Creek offers (proximity to Metro, close to Old Town, convenient access to the Beltway, reasonably affordable), you'll find it here.
Hunting Creek Club is an easy commute to many major job centers:
Pentagon, Crystal City, NW & SW Washington DC, Fort Belvoir,
Arlington, Springfield and of course Alexandria are all closeby. Tysons
Corner is a little problematic, but that's the case for most drivers
who don't live in Vienna.
Hunting Creek Club has an unmanned guard station as you enter the
front gate. The fact that the guard post is unmanned perhaps speaks
most to how the neighborhood has changed since 1972. The parking lot is
generous with more than enough room for residents and guests. At the
rear of the property is a pleasant pool and tennis court hidden in the
woods at the edge of Montebello.
The lobby and common areas were recently redone. They sparkle with
new carpets and all is very well maintained. The stylings are a bit
formal and in some ways fit with the era in which the building was
built. This is not what one might find at the Midtowns or Carlyle
Towers. Furniture from Pee Wee's Playhouse is popular in many new
condos but not here.
There is no shortage of lifts from the banks of elevators. The
elevators are quick and I didn't hear any sound from the machinery.
I've visited many units here. To be brutally frank, the exterior of
the building and the turquoise carpet, while well-maintained, sets low
expectations when one first visits the Huntington Creek club. But the
units themselves are a pleasant surprise. They are generously
proportioned, with logical floorplans. All have plenty of light from
big windows.
Some units are dated, and could use a little refurbishing. But, many
have been refurbished. Many of the units have been totally refurbished
and are as nice as, or better than, anything you'll find in new
construction. These gems can be compared to the best at the Midtowns, Montebello or Carlyle Towers. These are a small step up from most of the condos nearby at the Huntington Club.
All
in all, I find the floorplans to be logical and very nicely designed. I
think most of these are in great shape and I love the views and
convenience of Hunting Creek Club.
All this and I haven't yet mentioned my favorite feature at the Hunting Creek Club: the balconies. Every
unit I have seen has a very nicely proportioned balcony, with views
that are as good as anything in the area. Some of the units look toward
Old Town
or the George Washington Masonic Memorial, others look toward the
Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Potomac. If you like balconies and views,
you have to consider the Huntington Creek Club.
The prices here are generally quite reasonable. Units are generally more expensive than the Huntington Club, less expensive than Montebello and MUCH less expensive than the Midtowns. Check the links below for a search of area real estate.
Feel free to contact me at Condo 1 of Alexandria at anytime to tour this property or anything in Northern VA.
