Olympus Update

view looking up
The Olympus
Please take a moment to read these important announcements: IMPORTANT: All vehicles must display a 2016 parking decal. Vehicles that do not display a 2016 decal will be towed at the owner’s risk and expense. Management Office Hours: The Management Office will be closed on Wednesday, March 2nd from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. for a meeting at our corporate office. If you are in need of assistance during this time, please contact the Front Desk. Hot Water: There will be no hot water in the building on Wednesday, March 2nd from 8:30 a.m.to 5:00 p.m. due to plumbing repairs. We apologize for the inconvenience. Fire Alarm Testing: Tuesday, March 1st between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The test will take approximately 10 minutes. Lobby Furniture Cleaning: The furniture in the lobby will be cleaned on Monday (2/29) afternoon. This area will be blocked off during the drying process. Garage Doors: Front garage doors our now open and the side doors are closed. Please do not move the cones in front of the side garage doors. Olympus ID’s: We wanted to remind residents that you are required to show your Olympus ID in order to check out keys, flatbeds, etc. Your driver’s license will not be accepted. Trash Rooms: All trash must be placed in trash bags and put down the trash chute. Please do not leave furniture in the A level trash room, in stairwells, or next to the dumpster. Violators caught on camera dumping their trash on the floor of the trash rooms or leaving furniture/trash in common areas will be asked to appear in front of the Board at a Due Process Hearing and are subject to fines. Parking Space Rentals and Sales: There are a number of residents who would be happy to rent a parking space in the garage. If you would like to rent out your parking space, please post to BuildingLink or let the Management Office know.

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Nature Center in Alexandria

Jerome "Buddie" Ford Nature Center

The Ford Nature Center is located in West End Alexandria not far from the intersection of Beauregard St. and Sanger Ave. The Nature Center backs to Holmes Run behind William Ramsay Elementary School. The Nature Center is sited on Dora Kelley Nature Park, a 50-acre wildlife sanctuary with a one-mile long nature trail that meanders along streams, wooded hills, and freshwater marshland. Staff naturalists at the Nature Center welcome visitors and "explorers" interested in Alexandria natural history. For groups of 8 or more, make reservations and a staff naturalist will take you on a guided tour of the Nature Park.   you can see live animals up close and learn about the cultural and natural history of Dora Kelley Nature Park.  For more information, or to make program reservations, please call the Nature Center at 703.746.5559. The Nature Center houses the following attractions and exhibits:
  • Live turtles, snakes, toads and salamanders
  • Aquarium with native fish species from Holmes Run
  • Exhibit on Alexandria’s birds of prey
  • Mary Anne Warner’s beautiful 16’ x 7’ oil mural, “Wildlife of the Dora Kelley Nature Park”
  • Mounted black bear, red fox, turkey and bobcat
  • Interpretive exhibits on local geology, prehistory, and history
  • Small reference library with children's section
  • Games and activity stations for children
  • Greenhouse with tropical rainforest plants
The activity room of Ford Nature Center is available for use and rental by community groups and organizations.

Volunteering at the Nature Center

A variety of volunteer opportunities are available through the Jerome “Buddie” Ford Nature Center for ages 16 and above. Positions include front desk attendant, park conservation aide, and park watch assistant. Volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups in outdoor conservation and trail maintenance are also available from 9am-12pm on the following Saturdays: April 12, May 17, June 14, July 26, and August 23. For more information, please call the Nature Center at 703.746.5559.

Homes for Sale near the Nature Center

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Why residents love Montebello condominiums in Alexandria VA

Montebello real estate agents.
Nesbitt Realty can help you buy and sell real estate in Montebello.
Each unit at Montebello features a balcony---often enclosed in sliding glass doors---and in-unit washer and dryer.
  • Gated community — There is no "cut-thru" traffic. Twenty-four hour guards maintain security at the gates.
  • Beautiful Grounds — Over thirty acres of trails, woods and well-tended grounds.
  • Walk to Metro / Easy Commute — A short walk connects Montebello to the Huntington Metro. Montebello is well-connected to area roads.
  • First-Class Amenities — Montebello is famous for amenities that are a step above the ordinary.
  • Modern Laundry — In addition to in-unit laundry facilities, every resident at Montebello has access to a community dry cleaner.
  • Balcony — Every unit at Montebello has its own terrace or balcony—the perfect place to watch the sun rise or set.
  • Walking trails — Take an afternoon stroll along the Montebello’s perimeter or venture along the nearby park trails.
  • Near Old Towne — Easy access to Old Towne Alexandria VA.
  • Near the Potomac — Easy access to the Belle Haven Marina.
These amenities, the grounds and infrastructure are well-managed by Montebello Condominium Unit Owners Association (MCUOA). Your residency at Montebello includes many free amenities including a beautiful community with two pools and an exercise room. On site and for the exclusive use of Montebello residents, there is a convenience store, dry cleaner, restaurant.

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How much is a view worth?

Pentagon City
Pentagon City as seen from Arlington Ridge in Arlington VA

When you're shopping for a home, how do you price a view? The view above is from a balcony at the Representative overlooking Pentagon City in Arlington County. Does this view make this condominium home more valuable? If so, how much more valuable?

Montebello condominiums
Many condos at Montebello have excellent views.

Like the Representative, Montebello sits atop the ridge overlooking the Potomac. Much of the best property in Northern VA is found on this ridge, because the elevation provides excellent vistas of the Potomac and the city.

westward view from Alexandria House
View of Masonic Temple and the shady streets of Old Town

The Alexandria House is not on the ridge, but down by the Potomac and surrounded by the smaller structures of Old Town Alexandria. Its balconies provide great views of the city and the river.

view from Port Royal
The Potomac River as seen from Port Royal in Old Town

Who's to say what a great view is anyway? Some people like the city view. Some folks prefer a nature view. Some folks like the monuments. And others couldn't care less about the view.

For myself, I never judge a view by standing at a window. Because when you live in a home, you don't stand at the window. You pass through rooms and halls on the way to do life's errands. I judge a view from the center of the room, or when seated at the couch. But in the end, it's all subjective. A view costs more, on that we all agree. But the value of a view is only known when the price a buyer will pay intersects with the amount a seller will accept.


Will Nesbitt About the Author --- Will Nesbitt is the principal broker of Condo Alexandria and Nesbitt Realty. Will specializes in condos, townhouses and single family residences in Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax County, Crystal City, and Kingstowne. Will resides in Belle Haven Estates just outside Alexandria VA in Fairfax County.

Are you dreaming about pools yet?

pool
Condo Pool
I know that summer isn't here yet.  But as the temperature climbs, I can't help but think about pools around the area.