Community Showcase.

Dallas-based JPI, an NAA member, in conjunction with JPI's Mid-Atlantic regional office in Vienna, Va., has begun the construction of 421 luxury apartment homes on a historic site once known as Square 457. Currently the largest residential development underway in downtown D.C., The new community, Jefferson at Penn Quarter, will feature a central lobby and recreational center fashioned after "five star" hotels, with a concierge and in-house business center, as well as a fully-equipped fitness center, dub room and resort-style swimming pool on a rooftop terrace.

JPI was selected by the General Services Administration (GSA) in 1999, out of 20 firms bidding to redevelop the site. The GSA bid called for a strict adherence to urban design standards and historic preservation requirements, which included rehabilitating the original 1855 facade and entrance of one of the tract's buildings, in which Civil War nurse Clara Barton once lived and worked. The GSA plans to eventually open a 4,000 square-foot museum on the third floor of the building in honor of Clara Barton.

The 421 upscale high-rise apartments will be located on 11 floors, beginning one floor above ground level, where the main residential lobby is located. Unit amenities will include 8.5 foot ceilings with crown molding, gourmet kitchens with specialty cabinetry and appliances, mantled fireplaces, luxury baths and spacious layouts with an average of 934 square-feet. The development will also feature several two-story townhouses and three-story penthouses with commanding views of the city. There will be private verandas for penthouse dwellers and a common rooftop terrace and gardens for the enjoyment of all residents.

The project will also incorporate a 250-seat live-performance theatre, space for a theatrical school and 44,000 square feet of neighborhood-focused retail, which may include an upscale grocer, restaurant and coffee shop. The 1.74-acre Jefferson at Penn Quarter will include underground parking for 324 residents and an additional 126 spaces for retail and theatre patrons.

NAA member The Morgan Group Inc., (MGI), has purchased 14.59 acres on a scenic bluff overlooking Coronado Island and wildlife parklands as the site for its venture in South County and its fifth luxury multifamily community in San Diego County.

Called The Missions at Sunbow, the 336-appartment home development will perch atop one of East Chula Vistas highest vantage points. The property is in the burgeoning Sunbow master-planned community, nestled on the north side of East Palomar Road between Medical Center Court and Paseo Ladera.

A project of MGI and Prudential Insurance Company of America, the development of the 21-building, California Spanish-style residential property marks the companies' first joint venture. Plans call for breaking ground this month, with the leasing office to open in the first quarter of 2002.

The Mission's focal point will be its 6,500-square-foot clubhouse, which will feature such country club amenities as a clubroom with vaulted ceiling and a movie theater with projector screen viewing, surround-sound and theater-style seating. In addition, the club will feature a large game room with a pool table, shuffleboard, game boards and other pub-like features. Adjacent to the game room will be a large teaching kitchen where residents can participate in cooking classes hosted by professional chefs from San Diego. Other lifestyle-enhancing amenities will be a state-of-the-art exercise facility complemented by a cardio theater and a professionally equipped executive business center with computers, Internet access, periodicals library, facsimile and copier services.

The property's outdoor retreat will boast a large lagoon, resort-style swimming pool and spa, an expansive deck area for sunning and congregating and two "tot lots" for children.

The Morgan Group's signature concierge services will be featured, including weekly continental breakfasts, complimentary video rentals, valet dry cleaning, theater and event bookings, poolside towel service and planned monthly resident activities.

Designed by Kaufman Meeks Inc., the property's Spanish design elements include earth-toned plaster exterior with wainscots, earth-toned tile roofs, iron rails, windows with stucco surrounds and wood shutters, and oversized patios and balconies.

Comprised of two building types, The Missions will offer five floor plans of one-- (126 apartment homes), two- (178 apartment homes) and three-bedroom (32) residences. Half of the residences will have one- and two-car attached garages, many of which will feature direct entry.

Apartment homes, which range from 724 to 1,327 square feet, will be outfitted with full appliance packages (drop-in stove, refrigerator with icemaker, microwave oven, dishwasher, washer/dryer and stainless steel sink with disposal) and feature door-to-door trash and recycling pick-up. Floor plans include nine-foot ceilings, crown moldings, custom cabinets, spacious walk-in closets and upgraded floor coverings. All apartments will be wired with additional phone lines for high speed computer modems and fax machines and feature individual intrusion alarms.

The Missions is approximately one mile east of Interstate 805. It is served by the award-winning Parkview Elementary School and Craig Rogers Park, where the Boys & Girls Club offers childcare and supervised after-school programs. The Missions overlooks the 11-acre Village Green Park, which is currently in the design phase, and is a neighbor to The Plaza at Sunbow, a 100,000-square-foot shopping center with a Ralph's supermarket, Sav-On Drugs and retail and food establishments.