The new Chloe Apartments on 14th and E. Union are currently vacant, but opportunities for new businesses and 117 apartment units will make it a busy staple on the Hill.
The biggest retail tenant in the apartment building is Mode of Fitness, a 3,000 sq. ft gym with a green-living platform. It promises to be “convenient and affordable,” according to owner and general manager Dominick Lucia. “We’ve spared no cost on aesthetic, design and high-end cardio and weight equipment. We will open early and stay open late and will be offering fitness classes.”
Lucia says membership rates to Mode of Fitness start at $29 a month to the general public and Chloe tenants get the first 6 months free with discounted monthly rates in the teens after that.
“No one can really compete with our quality,” said Lucia. “The only gym [with comparable] equipment is the downtown Washington Health Club.”
Lucia says his company was recruited into that space by Chloe building owners.
“They said they were looking for something non-corporate, locally-owned with a great aesthetic and brand that was convenient and affordable to the local demographic.”
Mode of Fitness is the first official retail tenant of the Chloe Apartments, but there is space for two restaurants and five retail stores or businesses.
“I’ve heard they’re looking for a restaurant that features healthy, small plates,” said Lucia. “And I’ve heard rumors of an acupuncture [clinic].”
Property manager Chasten Fulbright won’t hint at what other retail businesses will be there, only offering that one of the restaurant openings has a letter of intent on the space.
Whatever moves in is sure to be dog-friendly. The focal point of the apartment building’s advertising campaign is Chloe, the King Charles spaniel featured on the huge billboards that stretch across E. Madison St.
“The Chloe has been designed with two courtyards, a rooftop community room, deck, green roof and off-leash dog walk. With all of those design elements built in, the Chloe fosters resident interaction at nearly every level,” said Fulbright.
Rates start at $950 for a studio but building manager Chasten Fulbright said residents get 2 months free for signing a 12 month lease. Tenants were able to start moving in Nov. 28 to begin their December leases.
Mode of Fitness’ tentative grand opening is Dec. 15, but Lucia said that date depends on a few housekeeping logistics.
Check out my flickr account for pictures of the building interior and Chloe, the spaniel.
