Steps From Metro and Adding Luxuries

Easy access to Metro and the night life and retail of downtown Wheaton top many residents' reasons for choosing Archstone Wheaton Station.

"Wheaton is a pretty hip part of the metro area," said Scott Douglass, a musician and recent college graduate who in November moved to the building with his girlfriend to be closer to her family. "It's a huge immigrant community, so there's tons of different restaurants and bars," he said. "There's a mall, a movie theater -- it's a pretty old suburb, so there's a lot going on here, and whenever we want to go downtown, we can do that."

Andre Moore, who moved to the Washington area from Atlanta two years ago, said he was attracted by the building's newness. At the time, the seven-story mid-rise was under construction and was called the Montgomery at Wheaton Metro.

The 243-unit building's name changed in October when Archstone-Smith bought it from its original developer and manager, Bozutto Group.

Archstone-Smith, which manages the building in addition to owning it, has been making small changes to the property, including redoing its clubroom; installing a concierge who helps field maintenance requests and deliver packages to residents daily until 9 p.m.; adding new computers in the business center; and mounting mirrors in the seven-level, covered parking garage.

"I just like it because it's so convenient to everything. And you're not too far from D.C.," said Moore, 37, who commutes to work downtown.

Convenient Metro access was a key factor for Arlene Pangelinan, who moved to the Washington area from Hawaii in September.

Driven by her dislike of cold weather, she identified a quick route to Metro and reasoned that the relatively new building would have a reliable heating system. Commuting to her office in Silver Spring takes her just 15 minutes, door to door.

Pangelinan, who does not have a car, also said she appreciates the easy access to many restaurants, a post office, dry cleaners, grocery stores and a shopping mall.

"Depending on the weather, I can quickly run to these places to minimize my exposure to rain, winds and snow," said Pangelinan, 43. "Overall, I feel safe and am comfortable walking to and from the Metro, Safeway or Wheaton Mall at night," she said.

Another plus for Pangelinan is her in-unit washer and dryer. Rather than having to walk outside to a shared laundry facility, Pangelinan can wash her clothes in the comfort of her own home.

Pangelinan said she also loves her walk-in closet, storage space, and open and spacious living area.

All apartments have extended vanities in the bathroom, built-in microwaves, ice makers, full-size washers and dryers, gas cooking, and ample closet space. Most of the 50 floor plans have wall-to-wall carpeting, though some unit types occasionally boast hardwood entryways. About 40 percent of units have fireplaces.

First-floor loft apartments have 20-foot ceilings and private entries from the street, and those around the pool have French doors that open to Juliet balconies. One side of the building overlooks heavily trafficked Georgia Avenue, while the other looks out on a quieter street and a community of townhouses.

Amenities include an exercise room, an outdoor pool, a business center and a clubroom where residents can hang out and watch television. There is also controlled access throughout the community.

"I like the amenities here," said Moore, who had his last birthday party in the clubroom. "I'm surprised I've been here this long because I like going from place to place, but I like it here," he said.