The Wharf | Condos for Sale | Washington, DC
Located along one of Washington, DC’s most storied waterfronts, the Wharf is a new mixed-use neighborhood and a highly popular visitor attraction as well. Positioned within the larger Southwest Waterfront area, this recently completed live, work and play community stretches for about a mile along the Washington Channel and Potomac River, occupying roughly 24 acres of land and 50 acres of water. Described as the largest private development project in the federal city, the Wharf has answered the call for shopping, dining, entertainment, and new housing.
This major reimagining of an existing locale is the newest and most ambitious stage in over two centuries of nearly constant evolution. The area along the waterfront predates DC itself and was a place of strategic focus once the federal city’s initial plans were drawn. From shipbuilders to fishmongers and local merchants, the early inland seaport was dotted with piers and wharves, shanty shacks and large single-family homes alike. Flash forward to the present and you’ll find a highly appealing collection of brand new construction combined with restored and renovated nods to the past. The residential elements are all new, however, with four upscale rental apartment communities, four world class hotels, and three very luxurious condominiums: 525 Water, VIO, and Amaris.
Winds of Change at the Wharf
Over the course of its long history, the Southwest Waterfront has seen major changes, often instigated by city planners seeking to redefine and revitalize the area. One major transitional era was the 1960s when many original structures were razed, with new midcentury modern condos and cooperatives taking their place. The modern era also brought major freeways to the area including the I-395 and I-695. In the early 2000s, the prolific developer PN Hoffman won the bid to move ahead with a new vision. PN Hoffman partnered with Madison Marquette in 2010, naming the entity Hoffman-Madison Waterfront. The firm of Perkins Eastman acted as master architects, overseeing the work of other notable architects for individual buildings. Phase One was completed in 2017, followed by Phase 2 in 2022. But despite the winds of change there are still welcome reminders of the past, including the Maine Avenue Fish Market which has been in continuous operation since 1805.
The first condominium to be completed at the Wharf was 525 Water, designed by SK+I Architectural Design and delivered in 2016. This was a foundational element of the overall project, a 106-unit full-service residential building a block from the river and adjacent Waterfront Park and The Green. The following year saw the completion of VIO, a modernist condominium with 112 luxury residences. Designed by WDG Architects and Handel Architects, the sleek structure is perched at the edge of the Washington Channel, directly overlooking the water. Amenities include a saltwater pool, a state-of-the-art fitness and yoga studio, a residents lounge, and 24/7 staff. Originally referred to as Parcel 9, Amaris is the most recent condominium delivery at the Wharf, completed in 2022 and designed by Rafael Vinoly. The building’s unique twisting glass façade and incredible views is further complemented by a staggering array of amenities including a saltwater pool, concierge, porters and valets, and an automobile elevator.
Those fortunate enough to live at the Wharf have an incredible number of community attractions to enjoy outside of their well-appointed condominiums. There’s the promenade along the river, numerous upscale retailers, multiple green spaces, permanent and floating wharves, boat slips and sailing clubs, an ice rink, holiday events, and several different music venues from small to large. Also worth noting are the 60-plus restaurants, bars, and bakeries, including two from Chef Gordon Ramsey (Hell’s Kitchen and Fish and Chips), Ilili with Chef Phillipe Massoud, Del Mar from Fabio Trabocchi, and Sea Table, an intimate dining experience about a modern yacht as it departs the Wharf and sets sail along the Potomac River. Of course, you don’t have to indulge in Michelin star eateries, there’s also plenty of good old pizza, french fries, twisted pretzels and ice cream along the wooden boardwalk.
To learn more about condos for sale at the Wharf, please call Andre Perez at District Partners at Compass, 202-400-3040.
The Wharf Condos, District of Columbia FAQs
Q: Are there any hotels at the Wharf where I could stay while touring the different condominiums?
A: Yes, Canopy by Hilton, Pendry Washington DC, Hyatt House, and InterContinental are all at the Wharf.
Q: Is there a real car elevator at Amaris and how does it work?
A: Described as the first of its kind in Washington, the car elevator is operated by valets who will take your vehicle down to its assigned parking space in the secure underground garage. They will also bring your car to you when you wish to leave the building.
Q: Are there swimming pools at each of the condo buildings at the Wharf?
A: Amaris and VIO each have swimming pools, but 525 Water does not.
Q: How far is it from the Wharf to Downtown DC?
A: The distance is approximately two miles. You can either drive or use the Waterfront Metro Station.
