2020 12th St NW

2020 Lofts

Completed in 2005, 2020 Lofts joined the vanguard of new developments popping up at a time when the U Street neighborhood began morphing into a newly trendy area. Just below the busyness of 14th Street, this modern building offers loft-style living in the revitalized U Street Corridor, an epicenter of culture, history and nightlife. The eight-story condo building features 146 units which offer outdoor living space and access to a sprawling rooftop deck with 360-degree city views – a welcome refuge from the never-ending action below. Loft-like floor plans include 9-foot ceilings and exposed ductwork. Natural light floods in from floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto patios or balconies, while streamlined kitchens come standard with custom wood cabinets, granite countertops and GE stainless-steel appliances. Maple wood floors, sliding barn doors, in-unit washers and dryers, built-in bookshelves and walk-in closets round out the amenities in all units, while many also contain gas fireplaces. Penthouses take it up a notch with bi-level living spaces and private terraces. One and two bedrooms span 650 to 1,100 square feet while penthouses are closer to 1,800 square feet. Prices start at $384,000 for a one bedroom and reach upwards of $1.5 million for a penthouse. Common charges start at around $700 a month. Amenities are geared toward a young, professional and social crowd, like the rooftop grilling area, party room, 24/7 fitness studio and business center. Although the U Street Metro station is literally steps away, underground parking provides additional convenience – for a fee – since nearby parking isn’t easy to find. A staffed front desk adds another level of convenience, plus security. Additional storage space is available for an added cost. The building is also pet-friendly. U Street has long been an epicenter of African-American culture, and the former stomping ground of jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway. Today, the revitalized area continues to attract a high volume of foot traffic heading to hear live music at Jojo Restaurant and Bar, the Black Cat and 9:30 Club. The historic Lincoln Theatre is another popular option for live performances. Meanwhile, surrounding streets are lined with restaurants – iconic Ben’s Chili Bowl is beloved for its equally iconic half-smoke sausage. As the name implies, Busboys & Poets is a gathering spot for food, community, books and events. And Le Diplomate, the brainchild of restaurateur Stephen Starr, channels a traditional Parisian brasserie. For groceries, Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are within walking distance. Boutique shops along 14th Street round out the many retail amenities, from Salt and Sundry for eclectic home goods to Crushed Skate Shop for skateboarding gear. Although U Street isn’t all concrete jungle, with Meridian Hill Park, also called Malcolm X Park, offering 12 acres of green space and a dramatic cascading fountain. The U Street/African-American Civil War Memorial/Cardozo Metro Station with Green Line service is only a block away, while numerous bus lines traverse 14th Street. Union Station is about a half-hour away on public transportation, or 15 minutes by car, depending on traffic. Reagan Airport can also be reached within 30 minutes on the Green and Yellow train lines.