Living Atop Wheaton Metro Station Offers Diversity, Convenience

The distance Irvin Dallas traveled to move from his Wheaton condo to the MetroPointe apartments was only a few blocks. But the move to the new seven-story building atop the Wheaton Metro station in November brought back memories of his Chicago childhood neighborhood.

With its mix of market-rate and subsidized apartments, including some designed for people with disabilities, MetroPointe is home to a wide range of residents.

"I like the idea of the diversity of the people in the building. Where I grew up, on my block some were doing well financially and some not so well. It's a real mix here, and I find that appealing," said Dallas, 58, who moved with his wife, Carolyn, into a two-bedroom market-rate apartment.

Of MetroPointe's 173 apartments, 35 are restricted to residents whose income is below 50 percent of the area median income, which was $99,000 in 2007. Another 18 apartments are reserved for residents who make 30 percent or less of the median income.

Some of the residents in the subsidized apartments pay 30 percent of their income, while others pay a reduced rent. For example, the market rent of a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment ranges from $1,555 to $1,800 a month. The subsidized rental cost is $803.

There is a waiting list for these units. A part-time on-site residential counselor helps coordinate financial, child-care and other services.

Six of the subsidized apartments include special features for the disabled, such as lower countertops and showers that allow a wheelchair to roll in. Several of the residents in these units were able to move directly from nursing homes.

"MetroPointe accomplishes the county's goal of smart growth, workforce housing and affordability. It is smart growth at its very best," said Michael J. Kator, chairman of the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission, MetroPointe's owner. The property was developed by the Bozzuto Group.

Danielle Richardson moved into one of the subsidized units with her 3-month-old son in October. She used to drive to her job at Elizabeth Arden in Northwest Washington. But since she moved to MetroPointe, she takes Metro, which is right outside the building. In coming months, an elevator will directly connect the apartment building to the Metro station.

MetroPointe now stands where the Wheaton Metro station's Kiss and Ride and taxi stand used to be. Those areas have moved to the station's other entrance, on Veirs Mill Road.

"I put a deposit down on the first day I heard of MetroPointe," said Richardson, 22. "I like the kitchen and the big windows. It's like you can look out and see the whole world."

Apartments, which range from studios to three-bedrooms, have nine-foot-high ceilings and six-foot-tall windows. The kitchens feature black appliances, ceramic floors and Shaker wood cabinets. Most units have walk-in closets, and a few have balconies, dens or lofts. All include stackable washers and dryers.

All of these features drew Michelle Nguyen. After living in Silver Spring for more than 20 years, she moved into MetroPointe with her husband, Timothy, and their 6-year-old and 4-year-old sons in October.

"The location is great. Everything is in walking distance," Nguyen said. "I feel like we're in the center of everything. Even if it snows, we'll never go hungry with the Safeway across the street."

She said she also likes that Westfield Wheaton mall is just two blocks away and several restaurants are even closer.

On nice days, Nguyen said she likes to let her boys run around in the building's courtyard. When it rains, they enjoy playing in MetroPointe's large clubroom. The clubroom includes two flat-screen plasma TVs, several seating areas and a pool table.

In addition to the clubroom, residents can use a business center equipped with computers and a conference table. A fitness center has treadmills and weight equipment.

"I chose MetroPointe because it's brand new. Living here, I feel like I'm in a hotel or resort. It's very luxurious," Nguyen said. "I never want to go anywhere. I just want to stay home."