THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, June 15, 1996 TAG: 9606140501
SECTION: REAL ESTATE WEEKLY PAGE: 3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MARY ELLEN MILES, SPECIAL TO REAL ESTATE WEEKLY
LENGTH: 99 lines
Alexandria, a Virginia Beach neighborhood with more than 900 houses, built by at least five contractors, was developed about a decade ago, but has changed significantly in the last year and a half.
Lots in all sections of the large area, which was once set aside for a city park, are being developed because the city opted not to use the property. Glen View Drive is the main road, winding throughout the section and allowing access to Lynnhaven Parkway, Kempsville Road and Centerville Turnpike.
The subdivision is on the western edge of Virginia Beach; the Chesapeake line is a stone's throw away. Two building companies, Summit Construction and Premier Homes by NJP Corp., both with sales by William E. Wood, will soon boost Alexandria's number of houses to more than 1,000.
Marilyn Butler, site manager for Summit Construction, which started construction over a year ago on lots called ``Glenview at Alexandria,'' says more than 20 lots are left to build on.
``We're very centrally located, not far from the interstate,'' she says. Mature trees provide a backdrop to some of the houses, and some lots are adjacent to lakes.
Glenview offers four models, three- to five-bedroom styles, ranch and two-story. Base prices range from $118,900 to $125,500. Butler stresses the many standard features that Summit offers, such as stained woodwork, full front porch, large closets and storage space.
The most popular options are A-frame gables over the garaged, two-car garages and whirlpool baths with separate showers.
Ruby and Edison King moved into their three-bedroom with loft, three-bath Summit ranch six months ago, but already feel at home.
The outside look of the house is deceiving, Ruby says. ``So, when you get inside you say, `Wow!' It looks much larger inside, because of the skylights and loft,'' she says. Their lot is a bit larger, since it's on a cul-de-sac, and they're planning an in-ground pool and deck.
One of the reasons they chose the neighborhood was its convenience. ``Everything's so close, like malls, and it's very easy for me to get to work, at the Midtown Tunnel,'' she says. ``The area's also quiet, with no through traffic, and everyone's friendly.''
Their kids are able to safely play in the cul-de-sac and parks while catching glimpses of ducks and rabbits. ``Everything's here for kids,'' says King.
Jessica Warren, site manager for Premier Homes, which is handling 32 Alexandria lots, says 30 houses were recently sold within 68 days.'' All but a handful of buyers knew the area already, Warren says.
Five residents sold their homes and bought a larger Premier Home. Quality building and location, she says, was the reason the lots sold. ``Our builder is exceptional. He's a hands-on builder who does a lot of extra things,'' she said, with standard features like hardwood foyers, elongated toilets, swirled dining room ceilings, gas fireplaces, porches and master baths with garden tubs and double sinks.
``It's a wonderful area, so conveniently located to everything,'' Warren says. ``You can easily get to Norfolk or the Oceanfront.'' ILLUSTRATION: [Color Photos]
JIM WALKER
Porches and A-frames over the garages are popular features for many
homes in Alexandria neighborhood.
New construction began 18 months ago when the city relinquished some
land.
AT A GLANCE
ABOUT THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Public schools: Tallwood Elementary, Brandon Middle, and Tallwood
High schools.
Shopping Areas: Orchard Square and Woods Corner shopping centers are
close. Greenbrier, Lynnhaven, Pembroke and Military Circle malls
are all accessible.
Recreation: Neighborhood parks and lakes (where residents can fish),
Kempsville Recreation Center, Kempsville Library, YMCA, Centerville
Elementary School playground, and a few golf courses.
FOR SALE
At 5609 Dunn Loring Court, a three-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath house with
1,500 square feet, front columns and A-frame garage is listed at
$115,300.
At 1932 Harpers Ferry Drive, a three-bedroom, three-bath house with
1,858 square feet, skylights and upgraded siding was listed at
$119,970.
At 5521 Gettysburg Court, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath house with
2,200 square feet, A-frame garage, deluxe master bath and upgraded
siding was listed at $125,050.
SOLD
At 5612 Dunn Loring Court, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath house with
2,300 square feet, deck, stained woodwork and deluxe master bath
closed in May at $128,970.
At 5517 Gettysburg Court, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath house with
2,300 square feet, Nutone intercomsystem and upgraded carpet closed
in June at $126,330.
At 5605 Mclean Court, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath house with swirled
dining room ceiling and recessed lights, closed in February at
$125,000.
At 5501 Gettysburg Court, a four-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath house with
two-car garage, deluxe bath and swirled ceiling, closed in September
1995 at $128,000. by CNB