THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 1, 1996 TAG: 9605310420
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ANAHITA WAGER-SMITH, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 109 lines
Is it possible to live in a condominium development and enjoy a sense of the outdoors as well as quality craftsmanship?
The residents of the Willow Point at River Walk say it can be done - and all for an affordable price.
Careful thought and extra care has been going into building this 160-unit community located off of Dominion Boulevard in Chesapeake.
Fort Worth Development of Virginia Beach has been building single-family and condo homes in Tidewater since 1981.
In order to combine an elegant living environment with natural surroundings, the dwellings feature nine-foot ceilings, plaster walls, vinyl-clad double-pane windows, raised panel cabinetry, plastic covered shelving, six-panel solid-core doors, window sills and insulated sliding glass patio doors.
The insulation merits the Virginia Power energy saver label.
Todd Bucheister, owner of a construction company, is pleased with the quality of his recent purchase. ``I work construction,'' he explained. ``They take a little longer to build here as they are more quality-oriented than the average builder,'' he says.
With a young daughter, Priscilla, Bucheister says he also appreciates the area's safety since his daughter plays in front of his residence. He has recently recommended the location to a friend who will move across the street.
The limited commercial development combined with natural-barriers and manicured grounds evoke a sense of security for the residents. In addition, its central location and convenient mode of living suits a range of residents from first-time buyers in their early 20s to empty nesters in their 80s.
Bob and Mildred Shull and their poodle, Tinkerbell, enjoy the quiet and convenience of their residence. Bob Shull was a rehabilitation counselor before his retirement.
They have moved several times since then and they are pleased with their latest choice. They make good use of the close recreational facilities and Mildred Shull enjoys long walks around the premises.
The brick and vinyl exterior is a cross between a Williamsburg and a New England Village with an interior design ranging from contemporary to traditional.
The five floor plans allow for a variety of amenities and design features that include cathedral or pan ceilings, skylights, inset entertainment areas, palladium windows, Jacuzzis and fireplaces.
The one- to two-story custom-crafted two-bedroom units are built in clusters that allow a front and back entrance for all units. Professionally managed, the condo fees are $59 per month and are expected to remain at a minimum due to the limited exterior maintenance.
Willow Point was opened in 1991, with construction currently at a midway point. Development is planned until the end of 1997.
``Since the beginning of the year, we have been the best selling condominium development in the area,'' says Site Manager, Lana Cary. The price range is from $70,900 to $82,900. Some VA buyers can move in for as little as $99 cash.
Cynthia Short, a senior insurance specialist, one of the site's first residents, knew what she wanted even though she was a first-time buyer.
``Per square-footage dollar, you can't beat the quality,'' she says. She made her decision two years ago based on extensive research and bought because of the location, quality of construction and price.
As she puts in long hours in the office, the maintenance-free living is definitely and added benefit.
``People who buy here get the most bang for their buck,'' says David Webster one of three partners of Forth Worth Development. ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
ANAHITA WAGER-SMITH
The condominium development is particularly suitable for those
buying their first homes or for empty nesters.
Cynthia Short finds the maintenance-free living for a working woman.
AT A GLANCE
VP Map
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Public schools: Betty M. Williams Primary, Crestwood Intermediate,
Crestwood Middle and Oscar Smith High schools.
Shopping: Greenbrier Mall is five miles away, Old Dominion
Marketplace is about a mile away.
Hospital: Chesapeake General Hospital in Greenbrier is two miles
from the neighborhood
Recreation: The River Walk community pool, clubhouse, gym, boat
ramp, hiking trail; River Crest Community Center.
Assessments: The city assessor's office reports a range from $65,500
to $79,400. 1996 sales figures show a high of $81,000 and a low of
$67,300.
FOR SALE
The Dogwood Model, 1,262-square-foot, two-bedroom, two-bathroom with
loft, palladium window, cathedral ceilings sells for $82,900.
The Hickory Model, 1,144 square-foot, corner unit, two-bedroom,
two-bathroom with pan ceiling, optional fireplace sells for $79,900.
The Magnolia Model, 1,000-square-foot, lower-level flat,
two-bedroom, two-bathroom with elegant dressing area, large walk-in
closet sells for $72,900.
SOLD
At 716 Willow Green Court, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,262
square-foot Dogwood model, with loft, built in 1996 closed in March
at $84,099.
At 218 Firewood Court, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom,
1,144-square-foot Hickory model, with fireplace, built in 1996
closed this spring at $81,000.
At 504 Willow Green Court, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, 1,041 square
feet Oak model, an upper-level flat, built in 1996 closed this
spring at $76,500. by CNB