In Bethesda, City Views And Modern Designs

Former AU Dorm Evolves Into Luxury Housing

The Park Bethesda apartments marked a sort of graduation this summer: The building, which used to be essentially an American University dorm, is now a luxury rental complex open to anyone.

The building was built in 1963 to house offices used mostly by the National Institutes of Heath. In 2000, it was gutted and made into apartments for American University graduate students. The school held the master lease and operated the 10-story building.

But now anyone can rent one of the 258 units. That includes students, many of whom remain in the building, which is in a neighborhood convenient to the center of Bethesda and to downtown Washington, as well as to the American University campus.

"The culture has to change because you've gone from all student housing to all public," said property manager Ryan Herb, who works for Riverstone Residential Group, the Rockville management company that has handled the year-long transition from university control. "Pretty much, it was a dorm and run like a dorm prior to us coming here."

More changes this year included the addition of a three-person on-site management staff, a professionally manned 24-hour front desk, Wi-Fi Internet access in common areas and an expanded fitness center. The laundry room was phased out as washers and dryers were installed in the units. A conference room, a business center and two resident lounges remain.

Herb said the building's appearance draws residents. "It's got kind of the look of a New York loft, with kind of an industrial feel, which hearkens back to the history of the building. There's a lot of pizazz and personality throughout."

Hallways are oversize, and the decor in the lounge and lobby is modern. Some units have floor-to-ceiling windows; some have views to Washington National Cathedral or to Northern Virginia. Kitchens have granite countertops and bars. Ceramic tiles in kitchens, bathrooms and hallways create a trendy feel.

Having lived in a house in Chevy Chase for 15 years, Nomey Druskin wanted to keep easy access to Washington, Bethesda and Virginia. But she didn't want to live directly on Wisconsin Avenue, where many apartments are clustered. She chose Park Bethesda for its woodsy setting, convenience and amenities.

The location is an important factor for residents. It's a short walk to a bowling alley; a gas station; the Capital Crescent Trail; and a shopping center with a grocery store, coffee shop and bank. A Ride-On bus that goes to Friendship Heights stops 10 feet from the building's entrance.

Druskin said that when she was apartment-hunting in February, her expectations were high. "I looked around to make sure the building was taken care of and well maintained," she said. "For me it's very important that the place looks good and clean because I'm used to a certain standard. It was a nice building right across from the Crescent Trail. It was great to see some greenery."

Druskin, 35, also praised her one-bedroom unit's balcony and its open kitchen and granite bar. "I liked the way the living room and dining room [were] set up. There are a lot of windows. It's very bright. . . . Everything about it is good."

The convenient downstairs workout room means she barely uses her regular gym membership. Other features important to her include security, concierge service and helpful staff.

The convenience and amenities also drew Ron Stoughton, 26, to the building six months ago. He said he's happy with the spacious layout of his one-bedroom apartment, particularly the updated kitchen. He said he uses the business center frequently for Internet access.

Although Eric Ellis had little say in moving to the building with his mother and younger brothers, his experience in the building has been positive.

Ellis, 18, stores his bike in the handy bike storage room and makes a 10-minute trek each way to his lifeguard job in downtown Bethesda via the Capital Crescent Trail. He also regularly helps himself to the free coffee, uses the fitness center daily, studies in the resident lounges and checks his e-mail on business center computers.

"It's a very homey environment," the Montgomery College student said. "It's comfortable, someone's always at the front desk, and they're always friendly."