West End
Watergate of Landmark vs. Watergate of Alexandria: What’s the difference?
Investigating real estate in Alexandria can be a daunting task, and it becomes even more bewildering when similar names of completely different locations arise. For instance, Alexandria is home to two Watergates: Watergate of Landmark and Watergate of Alexandria. Although built by the same builders around the same time period, both of Alexandria’s Watergates have their own defining characteristics and unique benefits.
Watergate of Landmark
Sometimes called “Watermark” for short, Watergate of Landmark, located in Alexandria’s West End, packs itself full of pleasing amenities. Residents of these high-rises live a secure, comfortable lifestyle. The condos have 24-hour gated attention with attendees, are completely fenced and contain closed circuit TV for extra protection.
Watergate of Landmark, which dates back to the mid 1970s, offers numerous size options, too. Models come in four options: one bedroom and one bathroom, one bedroom and one-and-a-half bathrooms, two bedrooms and two bathrooms or three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms. Condos have 13-foot balconies, crown molding, upgraded kitchens, spacious closets and a laundry area. Also, residents can choose hardwood or carpeted floors. Parking, fitness center access and a 38,000-square-foot community center are a few more benefits Watergate of Landmark residents enjoy. Plus, pet owners can keep their pets in their condos.
balconies at the Watergate
Watergate of Landmark’s location also makes it desirable, especially for commuters; it’s near I-395 and I-495 and is a mere mile from Blue Line’s Van Dorn Metro Station. Plus, Watergate of Landmark is inside the beltway and near other modes of public transportation.
For those seeking fun and retail locations, Watergate of Landmark is near many urban establishments, parks, plazas and the Landmark Mall, for which the area around Watergate of Landmark is named. The area is also known as “Condo Canyon” because of the large volume of high-rise condominiums in the area.
Landmark Mall on Duke Street
Watergate of Alexandria
Built before Watergate of Landmark in the late 1970s, Watergate of Alexandria, in Alexandria’s North Old Town, features two- and three-story luxury townhouses located near many sites important to commuters and others. For example, Watergate of Alexandria is one block east of the GW Parkway and a 15-minute walk from Braddock Metro Station, giving residents easy access to Washington, D.C., and Arlington. It’s also 10 miles north of Mount Vernon, a few miles from National Airport and just two blocks from the Potomac River.
But Watergate of Alexandria’s colonial elegance makes it a superb place for comfortable living. The location’s Williamsburg-style row homes and landscaped courtyards and gardens add to the wide range of services covered by the condo’s association fees. Services include clean up, pest control, snow removal, landscaping and trash and recycling.
colonial elegance at the Watergate of Alexandria
The Differences between the Watergates
Watergate of Alexandria is very different from Watergate at Landmark
The original Watergate
Watergate is perhaps one of the most famous real estate names in North America. The original Watergate complex was built in Washington DC along the Potomac, sited in a location that made it ideal for members of Congress and Executive Branch staff. Watergate in DC is most famous for the burglary that occurred at the Democratic National Committee headquarters.
Ties to this break-in is what led to the downfall of Richard Nixon and what put the word “Watergate” in every newspaper in America, if not the world.
As the original Watergate was nearing completion, plans were made and land was purchased to build another Watergate in Old Town Alexandria. Old Town Alexandria had approved a sleek and modern complex known as the Alexandria House, so it was assumed that the Watergate of Alexandria would be welcomed by the city. However, the City of Alexandria balked at the modernization of Old Town, forever changing the trajectory of Old Town.
colonial elegance at the Watergate of Alexandria
The Watergate of Alexandria evolved into a condominium community that better fit with the surrounding neighborhood. The Watergate of Alexandria has architecture and a design style that echoes Old Town Alexandria. The condominiums here are townhouse style, sited around a courtyard and gardens as one my expect from a traditional Alexandria home.
Watergate of Alexandria is a far cry from the original Watergate concept. Watergate was not sleek and modern. There is no pool at the Watergate of Alexandria, and there are no tennis courts. But Watergate of Alexandria is a gem in its own right. It’s location in Old Town and the colonial /Federal style of architecture fits nicely with Old Town. Watergate of Alexandria is not far from the Braddock Road Metro Station.
After failing to get approval for the type of complex they were seeking in Old Town, the developers of Watergate then proceeded to build the Watergate at Landmark. Landmark is in West End Alexandria and thus, not really near the water at all. But Watergate at Landmark is truer to the original Watergate brand. Watergate at Landmark has a bevy of amenities including indoor and outdoor pools, racket ball courts, and much more. The community provides shuttle service to nearby Van Dorn Metro.
Watergate at Landmark
Watergate at Landmark is a large complex of 5 high-rises. Watergate at Landmark is a gated-community with 24 hour security. Homes here range from 1 bedroom to 3 bedroom condos. Each condo at Watergate at Landmark has a balcony. Watergate at Landmark has both surface and garage parking depending upon the unit.
As you can see, Watergate at Landmark and Watergate of Alexandria are very different from each other and in many ways they are both very different from the original Watergate apartments in Washington DC. Watergate of Landmark has become representative of some of the best condos that West End Alexandria has to offer. Watergate of Alexandria has melded into the community of Old Town Alexandria.
Homes for Sale at Watergate at Landmark
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1 - 4 of 25.
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(all data current as of
6/1/2011)
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$365,000 : 309 Yoakum Pkwy #1001, Alexandria3 beds, 3 full baths
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$209,500 : 309 Yoakum Pkwy #703, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$215,000 : 307 Yoakum Pkwy #1821, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
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$259,000 : 307 Yoakum Pkwy #1611, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
Homes for Sale at Watergate of Alexandria
Showing properties
1 - 4 of 4.
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(all data current as of
6/1/2011)
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$559,000 : 998 Royal St, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$564,900 : 1014 Royal St #1014, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$550,000 : 1015 Pitt St N #1015, Alexandria3 beds, 2 full, 1 part baths
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$495,000 : 1040 Royal St N #1040, Alexandria2 beds, 2 full baths
Listing information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Read full disclaimer.
photo credit: Mr. T in DC
