Metro Convenience And Luxury Touches

New Building Takes High-End Approach

The Metropolitan at Largo Station, just a short walk from the Metro, is one of Prince George's County's most luxurious apartment buildings.

Rents are not in the stratosphere, though. They range from about $1,500 for a one-bedroom to $2,725 for a two-bedroom with den. Units range from about 700 square feet to about 1,700 square feet; some have balconies.

Construction began in 2005 on the 242-unit, five-story building, originally planned as a condominium. Work wrapped up in July, when residents began moving in.

Rico and Lori Brown have lived at the Metropolitan since September. The most important thing to them in choosing a home was convenience, which translates into fewer hours on the road and more time spent with family.

"Everything is really convenient in this area," said Lori Brown, who plans to start using Metro to commute once she finds local day care for her children.

"In terms of work, church, school and home, everything is within a 10-mile radius," said Rico Brown. Grocery shopping is also easy. "Shoppers [Food Warehouse] is a mile," he said.

Resident Kamonta Thompson said she finds Metro convenient. "It takes three minutes" to walk to the station. "It's good exercise. . . . It's nice. It's quiet," she said.

Resident Barbara Thompson (not related to Kamonta) agreed. "You really can walk it in about three minutes," she said.

The Metropolitan was started as a condominium building named Midtown Largo Station. It was converted to rentals this year. High-end finishes in each unit -- including nine-foot ceilings, granite counters, glass-front kitchen cabinetry, glass mosaic backsplashes, pendant lighting, and bathrooms with granite vanities and double sinks -- make it stand out.

Other extras in some units include upgraded appliances, hardwood flooring, built-in computer nooks and stand-alone showers in addition to large soaking tubs in some bathrooms.

There are also a variety of community amenities onsite. Residents can watch television on a large flat screen in the club room, visit with friends at the bar, get free coffee any time at the coffee bar, play billiards or foosball, watch movies in the theater, and play half-court basketball.

Barbara Thompson said she really likes the club room. "It would be nice to have a private party," she said. She is planning a gathering of about 25 friends, easily accommodated in the spacious room, which has dining tables, bar-height tables and bar seating.