City Homes: Detached condominiums are new concept for River Market living

April 3, 2011

City Homes offers a new concept in a prime downtown neighborhood that is unlikely to be repeated, according to Matt Zammar, senior sales executive with Coldwell Banker John Moffitt & Associates — Urban Living Center.

The 27 City Homes in the River Market neighborhood offer two-bedroom, detached, loft-style homes with a contemporary look. Eleven homes have already sold, two are under contract and 14 remain available. The two-story homes have concrete, stucco and brick exteriors in a modern, cubist design. They all have attached two-car garages, a feature virtually unheard of in downtown dwellings, said Zammar, who has been a City Homes resident for two years.

And, although these homes are detached with several feet between them, they are condominiums with all the benefits of a lock-and-leave lifestyle, he added. Each has a walled and gated patio entrance and green space leading to a back patio off the dining room. The walls surrounding the ground-level outdoor areas ensure privacy and safety.

The warm and inviting interior of each two-story home features an open main level that flows from the living room with gas fireplace to the sophisticated kitchen and dining room. A half-bathroom is also on the main level. In one floor plan, two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and private deck, are on the upper level. Another floor plan has one bedroom and bathroom on the main level and the master bedroom and bathroom on the upper level. Laundry closets for both plans are on the upper level. The lower level of both plans can easily be finished since it already has been stubbed for plumbing.

“I finished my lower level with another bedroom, bathroom, media room and additional storage,” Zammar said.

“City Homes offers the best in city living,” Zammar said. “You have a detached home with green elements made of concrete that buffers it from city noise and, because these are condos with maintenance provided, you have a lock-and-leave lifestyle.”

Buyers have a wide selection of high-end interior finishes including stainless steel appliances, choices of solid surface countertops, hardwood flooring, tile and carpet for the bedrooms. The expansive Marvin windows provide panoramic views of downtown.

The prices for the homes, built by Moffitt Development, begin at $374,900. Buyers who want to move in immediately may select a finished home and those who want to customize their home may select a “warm shell,” specify their finishes and it will be ready in two to four months, Zammar said.

City Homes’ amenities include a swimming pool and pocket park, maintained by the homeowners association. Homeowners association dues also cover water, trash, gas, snow removal, insurance on the structure and a property management company. Dues are 13 cents a square foot, which Zammar said is low for downtown where HOA dues usually run at least 20 cents a square foot.

City Homes also has full tax abatement through 2017 and then a 50 percent tax abatement for another 15 years, making the homes even more affordable, he added.

“When you consider the cost of a home in the suburbs that includes the mortgage, plus taxes, insurance, maintenance and utilities, the monthly combined payment of mortgage and HOA at City Homes is really affordable,” Zammar said.

Even with all City Homes has to offer buyers, Zammar said the best part is the location.

“I’ve lived downtown for 15 years and in a variety of neighborhoods – the Crossroads, Quality Hill and Union Hill,” Zammar said. “The River Market is the best. It has a real neighborhood feel, yet with an urban vibe. I can walk to the City Market for produce, sample global cuisine at various restaurants, or enjoy a run along the river front. Basically, downtown is my playground. ”

Zammar also easily walks to events at the Sprint Center and to restaurants and entertainment in the Power & Light District.

“With the economy getting back on track and the River Market already a popular place to live, this area is just going to explode with residents in the next few years,” Zammar said.

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