Beautiful, stylish homes and enriching, exciting lifestyles await you in thriving communities throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia.
May 6, 2019 — Washington, D.C. A new community is taking shape near Minnesota Avenue Metro in Northeast D.C., and District Towns at Parkside is the newest addition.
These urban townhomes by Knutson Companies are coming soon, offering an exceptional new home close to Metro, with access to the very best of the D.C. area.
Walkable amenities will include a community park area, 50,000 square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment spaces, 850,000 square feet of commercial space, three schools ranging from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, and medical services at Parkside Health Center.
Other nearby amenities include Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens, Kenilworth Recreation Center, the Anacostia River Trail and the new Benning Market coming soon.
For Knutson Companies, District Towns at Parkside represents the developer’s first residential project within Washington, D.C. Having built a strong reputation with its real estate developments in the Northern Virginia region, Knutson Companies has expanded its geographic footprint into this exciting new mixed-use development with a bright future ahead.
To learn more about these new urban townhomes and the further, evolving development of Parkside, visit DistrictTowns.com.
March 18, 2019 — Leesburg, VA. At King Street Station, Knutson Companies offers a collection of single-level condominiums in a convenient location just across the south King Street Bridge. It’s a rare opportunity for new construction in Historic Leesburg. The condominiums offered by the Knutson Companies are made up of four buildings, each featuring 16 individual residences. The spacious floorplans are designed with simple, tasteful elegance. The new condominiums come with assigned garage or outdoor parking places.
A neighborhood plaza offers a central gathering space for the new community — a place to picnic or just to enjoy the outdoors. Features include a spacious open-air pavilion with seating, a terrace and a lawn.
But at King Street Station, the lifestyle is as appealing as the residences. It’s an ideal location, steps from the W&OD Trail and all the excitement in Historic Leesburg. Residents can walk to a variety of boutiques, breweries, cafes and restaurants, including Leesburg’s popular Tuscarora Mill just around the corner. Plus, a commercial space on the ground level of one of the condominium buildings will soon be welcoming a new coffee shop.
To learn more about the new condominiums and the opportunity that awaits, become a VIP at KingStreetStation.com.
February 25, 2019 – Brambleton, VA. Brambleton highlights the Newman family in the Resident Spotlight. Say hello to Andrea Newman & her family! Having lived in a traditional 25-year old home in Ashburn Farm, the Newman family longed for a walkable, live-work-play lifestyle. In 2018 they made that dream a reality after having fun experiences in and around Brambleton. Their “ah-ha” moment came once they realized this was going to be more than an investment in a community; this would be a long term, active lifestyle for their kids to grow up in and for them to have as they continued through the many chapters of their lives.
Andrea says, “We have two boys, 14 and almost 11. Our Dog, Bruno, a Labradoodle, just turned 7. We LOVE our new home for many, many reasons:”
The Newman family chose the Sol model by Knutson – an end unit where they opted for the elevator, solar powered roof panels, gourmet kitchen and extra plumbing on the first and fourth floors for additional bathrooms and kitchenettes.
When asked to describe life in Brambleton, Andrea was quick to mention “Brambleton is a family-oriented town center community that provides all the benefits of living in a town center without the noise, traffic, parking issues, and congestion of most other town centers in Northern Virginia. It is super dog friendly and has almost everything we need within walking distance so we rarely drive our car. Schools are outstanding and there is a good mix of nature, residential, and commercial. We are literally 10 minutes away from Dulles Airport and 20 minutes from Tysons Corner.”
We asked and they answered.
Q: Any Brambleton events that you make sure not to miss?
A: Every season has incredible events: Christmas tree farm, Christmas festival, Santa Claus, 5k/10k runs and races, farmers’ market, live music, fireworks, fall festival, etc. At least every 2 months something big is happening at the Brambleton Town Center.
Says Ms. Newman, “In no time, we met our neighbors and in an amazingly short period of time we have become so close to many, that it feels like we have been friends for years. We are already planning out-of-the-country vacations together! It is amazing how this new community has created such new and lasting relationships among neighbors.”
Like 1/3 of their neighbors, the Newmans work from home in tech-related businesses. So, the morning routine is to get up, make breakfast and lunch for the kids, get them off to school, walk the dog, work hard, pick up the kids, go to the gym, make dinner, do a little more work, go to bed. They also volunteer a lot at the schools and are certainly familiar faces around the neighborhood.
Q: What’s your favorite Town Center restaurant and WHY?
A: At least once a week we go to Lost Rhino Retreat for dinner. We love the casual environment. We love that on hot days Bruno gets water before we get our beers. 😉 After we eat the boys can go safely back home or wander around so we can enjoy some time to ourselves.
The newly remodeled collection and distribution center, completed by HomeAid Northern Virginia, upgrades food pick-up area into a welcoming grocery store-like atmosphere.
April 5, 2018 – Leesburg, VA: Loudoun Hunger Relief (LHR) unveiled its newly renovated lobby and “client choice” food selection room at an April 4 celebration attended by LHR supporters, community leaders and local officials. The upgrades include a separate lobby for customers and a wide hallway that can better house food items for choice selection, giving families more autonomy over their selections, more privacy while they shop, and – as a result – more dignity while receiving food from Loudoun Hunger Relief’s distribution site.
“At Loudoun Hunger Relief, compassion and dignity have long been core values of our service to our neighbors in need,” said Executive Director, Jennifer Montgomery. “Now, we have a space that better reflects the underlying purpose of the work we do here. We want to make sure that no one in Loudoun is hungry, and we also want to make sure that all feel the welcome, compassion and respect that every human being deserves.” Explained Montgomery: “We love putting items out for choice—everything from bread to sweets, vegetables to deli items—but the way we were set up, it meant that people waiting in line could see those in front of them shopping and perhaps taking some of the things they really hoped for. It caused much anxiety and unhappiness, and it ultimately stole dignity from people who are working so hard to provide for their families. This renovated space now separates the lobby and waiting area from the food selection/client choice area – solving these issues, preserving dignity and giving our clients a space that serves them so much better. We are grateful to HomeAid Northern Virginia for the opportunity to make these improvements to better serve our communities.”
The renovated space was designed, constructed, outfitted and finished completely through efforts of HomeAid Northern Virginia, which builds and renovates homeless shelters and supportive housing facilities via the donated expertise, labor and resources of local homebuilders – enabling nonprofit organizations such as Loudoun Hunger Relief to invest more of their budgets in supportive programs and services rather than building expenses. Knutson Companies led the project as builder captain. Four of its trade partners and subcontractors – Eastern Applicators, ISI Flooring, NEKA Granite Marble Quartz, and Southern Electric Services Company – donated materials and labor to complete the project.
The remodel transformed a “dreary” and non-functional space into a cheerful, welcoming place with a private check-in desk and upgraded the food pick-up area into a more grocery store-like atmosphere. The remodel also added a room for shelving bakery goods and produce, allowing clients to select what they know their families will eat.
About Loudoun Hunger Relief
Loudoun Hunger Relief (formerly Loudoun Interfaith Relief) is the largest food pantry in Loudoun County and has served the community for 27 years. Last year LHR provided 1.2 million pounds of food to more than 8,000 individuals. 40% of those served are children. LHR distributes food to families six days a week, year round. Loudoun Hunger Relief was voted Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 2014 Nonprofit of The Year, Leesburg Today 2015 Reader’s Choice Nonprofit of The Year, the Loudoun Times Mirror 2015 and 2017 Nonprofit of the Year, Loudoun Now 2016 Favorite Non-Profit. For more information on LHR, please visit www.loudounhunger.org.
About HomeAid Northern Virginia
HomeAid Northern Virginia, a chapter of HomeAid America, engages the resources and interests of the homebuilding community and its corporate partners in order to undertake new construction and major renovations to properties owned by homelessness service providers that help homeless individuals and families gain stability and get back on the road to self-sufficiency. The organization was started in 2001 by members of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association (NVBIA), and since then, has completed more than 119 projects valued at more than $14.7 million, serving more than 98,500 homeless individuals.
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LEESBURG, VA (October 8, 2018) – The annual Great American Living Awards ceremony honors only the best and the brightest in all areas of the Northern Virginia homebuilding industry, including development, architecture, sales, interior design and marketing. Once again this year, Knutson Companies took home three awards for their continued excellence in architecture, interior design and marketing.
Receiving all three of the awards, luxury terrace townhome community, Brambleton Town Center was in the spotlight. The community’s Rockland model took home Best Design & Architecture and Best Interior Design and Merchandising for a home priced between $600,000 to $700,000. The community also received an Award of Merit for Best Community Brochure. The awards validate the company’s commitment to designing and building luxury homes in urban-style, walkable neighborhoods where homeowners can truly benefit from the difference.
“There is a company culture here that extends to every person we team with on our projects and I believe it is in that attention to detail, in everything we do, that allowed us to be honored,” says Don Knutson, President and Owner of Knutson Companies. “It shows in the breadth of the awards that we won, from the architecture to the interior design and marketing, and because of that I am so proud to be a part of this award-winning team.”
Knutson also is nearly sold out of Brambleton sister community, Downtown Brambleton, which offers luxury urban townhomes right down the street. This award-winning community also took home multiple design and architecture honors at last year’s GALA ceremony.
“It is incredibly humbling to be honored by our peers in the homebuilding industry who have such a deep knowledge, understanding and passion for what we do,” says Knutson. “Year-after-year, to receive these awards of excellence means not only are we being recognized for doing what we love, but it provides validation to our homeowners that they are receiving a top-quality home experience.”
The luxury terrace townhomes at Brambleton Town Center are now selling from $479,990 and the urban townhomes at Downtown Brambleton are priced from the upper $600s and upper $700s.
Founded in 2012, the Knutson Companies develop and build townhome, condominium and mixed-use communities within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and recreation. Everyone at the Knutson Companies is guided by being forthright with people, sharing in their excitement, and building each and every community like they were going to live there. Visit Knutson Companies at www.knutsoncos.com for updates on current and planned projects in and around the Washington, DC metro area.
Loudoun County, VA, January 10, 2018 – Knutson at Downtown Brambleton has won a Platinum Award for the category Development Up To 5 Stories, Built For Sale, in the 2017 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Award levels, including platinum, gold, silver and Home of the Year, were announced at the NAHB International Builders’ Show on January 10th, 2018.
Knutson at Brambleton Town Center features four-story, elevator townhomes offering luxury urban living just steps from the array of shops, entertainment, and restaurants in the retail center. Blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor living spaces, these homes invite open conversation and a brighter way of life. An expansive rooftop terrace – referred to as your Yard in the Sky – provides owners a perfect retreat or entertaining space. This collection of townhomes is a successful blending of urban lifestyle, convenience, and community enhancement
The design intent of the homes and the land plan, was to help tie the surrounding suburban neighborhood to the Brambleton Town Center. By providing a more transitional modern architectural style, the architecture was meant to add a spark to the livability of the town center and encourage an active nightlife for the Town Center.
Brambleton Town Center is a growing community, developed by Soave Real Estate and located in Loudoun County, VA, with a state-of-the-art library, movie theater, Harris Teeter, restaurants and parks and trails. Brambleton is also within close proximity to the Silver Line, Dulles International Airport, and the Toll Road, which provides easy access to both DC and Virginia’s vineyards to the West.
Now in its 34th year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, multifamily, affordable, remodeling, community and interiors. BALA is built on the principle that all great homes start with great design, no matter cost or size. Buying a home is often the most significant purchase people will make in their lifetime, and BALA winners spotlight what building industry professionals need to know to set their project apart and hit the right mark with today’s highly educated and discerning home buyers.
Additional Information about the BALA program can be found at bestinamericanliving.com. The 2017 Winners Portfolio, featuring design trends and project photographs, is available online beginning January 10, 2018. For more information on Knutson at Downtown Brambleton, please contact Joanne Fisher and Deborah Condrey at 571- 367-4778 or visit us at our Luna model 42389 Willow Creek Way, Brambleton, VA 20148 or online at www.LiveDowntownBrambleton.com
Great American Living Awards Highlights Local Builder and their Urban-Inspired Home Designs.
LEESBURG, VIRGINIA, UNITED STATES, November 17, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ — Once again, The KnutsonCompanies and its urban-inspired home designs were in the spotlight at the 2017 Great American Living Awards (GALA). Both the Luna and the Sol models, located in Downtown Brambleton, were recognized for design and architecture, validating the success of the company’s commitment to high quality homes that create desirable urban-style neighborhoods where owners can live, shop, dine, and be entertained. Adding to this year’s excitement, Don Knutson, president and founder, was honored with the GALA Hall of Fame award for his comprehensive contributions to the homebuilding industry.
The Luna at Downtown Brambleton (winner)
Design and Architecture, Attached Home
$600,001-$700,000
The Luna at Downtown Brambleton (winner)
Interior Merchandising, Attached Home
$700,001 – $850,000
The Sol at Downtown Brambleton (award of merit)
Design and Architecture, Attached Home
Over $850,000
Presented by the Northern Virginia Building Association, Washington Metropolitan Sales and Marketing Council, and the Maryland Building Industry Association, the Great American Living Awards recognize excellence in the new home industry in Virginia, Maryland, District of Columbia, West Virginia, and Delaware.
For additional information about Knutson Companies and updates on their current and planned projects, please visit them online at www.knutsoncos.com
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About Knutson Companies
Founded in 2012, the Knutson Companies develop and build townhome, condominium and mixed-use communities within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and recreation. Everyone at the Knutson Companies is guided by being forthright with people, sharing in their excitement, and building each and every community like they were going to live there. Visit Knutson Companies at www.knutsoncos.com for updates on current and planned projects in and around the Washington, DC metro area.
Rusty Foster
Bow Tie Strategies
(703) 646-1282
email us here
The story of the three-generation Osentoski-Ondrus family’s new home began with a flier and ended with a four-story elevator townhouse in Downtown Brambleton.
“Sophie and Chris, my daughter and son-in-law, go to the gym all the time. One day there, they picked up an advertisement for Downtown Brambleton. They came home and said, ‘We have to go see this place,’” said Gerri Osentoski, one of the family matriarchs.
Downtown Brambleton is a collection of 48 condominium townhouses — with three floor plans — clustered around an urbanlike town center with dozens of retail, dining and entertainment options in Ashburn, Va. Brambleton overall is the 2,000-acre residential community that opened in 2001 and continues to grow. It’s in Loudoun County, about 40 miles west of Georgetown in the District.
The Knutson Cos. is one several home builders in Brambleton.
“My thoughts and vision have been, and continue to be, that this location in Loudoun County affords a high walkability score,” said Donald W. Knutson, builder of Downtown Brambleton. “I was convinced that there would be buyers who’d park their cars and walk to restaurants and the cinema. Our community is proof positive that an interest in walkability isn’t something that exists just in downtown D.C. Walkability definitely exists in certain locations in the suburbs, too.”
Six people ranging in age from 15 to 75 make up the Osentoski-Ondrus family. “It all works for us here, and it’s fun,” said Osentoski, 69, the mother of Sophie, “because everyone has their own space. It doesn’t seem crowded. No one is on top of each other.”
Togetherness and privacy: Rooms are spacious, and the layout is flexible. Stephanie Ondrus, 75, the other matriarch and the mother of Chris, lives on the ground level in a full bedroom and bathroom suite with a micro-kitchen and stackable washer-dryer down the hall. “She’s totally independent. She has the whole floor to herself and can take the elevator upstairs anytime. And when she’s with us upstairs and gets tired, she can take the elevator down,” Osentoski said.
“Like a single-family home”: Big single-hung and casement windows fill the walls. “It definitely feels like a single-family home,” said Deborah Condrey, one of two sales managers. “Even the interior units are light and bright and seem like a private house.”
A unique option offered is installation of roof solar panels. “So far, two buyers have selected it,” Knutson said. “We anticipated some interest, and it’s part of our approach to the kind of living we offer.” The cost is $25,000.
Construction also includes features that go beyond code, said Chris Rouse, construction project manager. Foam insulation is sprayed into all flat exterior ceilings; walls shared by neighboring townhouses are insulated to enhance sound deadening; and exterior corners are sealed.
What’s nearby: Brambleton Town Center has dozens of commercial outlets and its own Facebook page — @brambletontc — listing things going on and local commentary. There are 250 acres of common-area green space, 15 miles of trails, a golf course, many parks, a sports center, Harris Teeter and a new county public library now under construction.
Schools: Madison’s Trust Elementary, Brambleton Middle, Rock Ridge High.
Transit: From the District, Downtown Brambleton is reached via Interstate 66 East, Virginia Route 267 West to Exit 7 onto Loudoun County Parkway, and then Ryan Road. Follow the signs to Brambleton. A Park & Ride bus runs through the community.
Chris and Sophie’s bedroom, adjoining bathroom and lounge are on the fourth floor. The lounge is where they hang out when they want to be on their own. A large TV screen hangs on the wall, two comfortable chairs flank it, and there’s a small fridge. Best of all is the huge roof deck outside a glass door wall.
“Quality outdoor space is important to people, especially those moving from a house with a yard,” Knutson said. “So we went the extra mile with the size of our outdoor terraces.”
[Dozing in (former) classrooms at Buchanan School condos on Capitol Hill]
On Chris and Sophie’s terrace is a six-person rectangular table, another smaller table, a sectional couch and three chairs, a grill and a supersize planter with flowers. Some people install an outdoor fireplace and TV.
As for the rest of the family, 15-year-old Nick and 18-year-old Hannah Ondrus occupy two bedrooms on the third floor, and their grandmother, Osentoski, is in the master suite.
“The second floor is where we meet,” Osentoski said. That’s the main living area with kitchen, great room and dining room area designed as an open plan space.
Images of Loudoun County often portray young families in minivans driving to their large suburban homes west of the beltway. Over the past 20 years, Loudoun’s population has exploded, nearly tripling in size. The forecast for the 2020 census predicts that number will continue to rise, topping over 400,000 people within the next four years. As a result, the region will see an increase in the demand for new housing—all of those people are going to need somewhere to live. Donald Knutson of Knutson Companies has a few ideas about the future of Loudoun’s new homes, where “McMansion” may become a thing of the past.
Knutson started his company in 2012 after spending 25 years designing, developing, and building residential properties alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. His experience and an entrepreneurial spirit motivated him to start his own construction company, and Loudoun county is reaping the benefits.
The company, according to their website, “builds quality townhomes, condominiums, and mixed-use communities within walking distance of shopping, recreation, and entertainment.” Knutson’s focus is to build on a smaller scale—with an emphasis on quality. In fact, his current goal is to build 100 homes of superior quality each year. He’s not interested in mass-producing cookie-cutter models of little distinction or character. Instead, Knutson Companies is founded on three basic principles: be forthright with clients, share in their excitement about the development process, and build each community as if you were going to live there yourself.
These principles are evident in each of the company’s projects. Knutson homes have exceptional curb appeal, extreme attention to detail, and high-quality building materials—evidenced by very careful planning. If this sounds like a new look for Loudoun County, it is. Knutson believes the county is ready for something different.
Loudoun boasts a population well below the national average, a strong school system, and a low unemployment rate that continues to attract young families with room to grow. However, the county is also seeing an increase in current residents who are ready to downsize their homes. Knutson communities appeal to both sets of homebuyers due to the meaningful size of their build, low-maintenance design, and walkability.
Rooftop terraces and elevators are just two examples of the innovative architecture that won Knutson five awards at the recent American Living Awards in October 2016. While country clubs and suburban communities remain popular with many residents, some are looking for a more urban feel, where they’re able to live within walking distance of retail, restaurants, and services located in a town center.
The development movement, called New Urbanism, is sweeping the country, but Don Knutson has coined his own term: “Surban”—urban centers set in the suburbs. Crescent Place of Leesburg and Downtown Brambleton are two communities Knutson is building with this concept in mind.
The 12 acres of Crescent Place consist of 224 residences adjacent to the W&OD trail and within walking distance of the stylish boutiques and trendy eateries of downtown Leesburg’s historic cobbled streets. With 75 percent of the properties already sold, a second phase was recently approved for development. Leesburg hasn’t experienced this level of residential building in years, and the town is excited about the arrival of its new residents.
“KNUTSON BELIEVES THE COUNTY IS READY FOR SOMETHING DIFFERENT.”
Downtown Brambleton in Ashburn includes 48 residences just steps from new restaurants, shops, and a movie theatre. A state-of-theart health club, running trails, and parks are enjoyed by the area’s residents as well. With the addition of the Silver Line metro coming to nearby Moorefield Station, downtown Brambleton will soon become more commuter friendly for those working in Washington DC and the surrounding suburbs, helping to alleviate traffic concerns and raising home values in the area.
Knutson is certainly doing his part to grow these communities. He believes in loving what you do and understands that, in the development world, everything takes longer than planned. His passion and patience for building gorgeous, functional communities are evident in his finished products. Building a home is personal and important, which is why Donald Knutson works hard to deliver something special to his buyers—and it shows.
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Image/Bowman Consultants |
A mixed-use community with 64 residential units and 7,100 square feet of commercial appears poised for development in downtown Leesburg.
Town Council on Tuesday night unanimously approved a special exception application for the project known as South King Street, located on nearly three acres on the east side of South King Street and bordered by the W&OD Trail, Church Street and Town Branch. The complex is being developed by Donald Knutson, one of the builders at the recently opened Crescent Place community along nearby Harrison Street. At the South King Street site, Knutson plans to demolish seven of the eight existing structures to build four four-story buildings. Those structures will include residential living, commercial space and recreation amenities.
As proposed, each multi-family residential structure will have an elevator, contain 16 dwelling units and 12 individual garage spaces for a density of approximately 22.5 dwelling units per acre, according to town documents. The recreation and open space amenities include a small park on South King Street and a seating area at the foot of Church Street adjacent to the W&OD Trail.
According to town officials, four of the eight existing buildings on the site are occupied by businesses that will have to relocate. Waterford Development’s building will remain because it’s deemed historically significant. Battery Warehouse and the other structures will be demolished. Because the land falls within a floodplain, Knutson’s KMI King Street, LLC, must still secure approval from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Additionally, the town’s Board of Architectural Review will have to sign off on the final design of new residential and commercial structures.
The residential element of the project is expected to house about 20 school-age children and have minimal impact on traffic, according to town staff, which recommended approval. The town’s Planning Commission also gave the site plan a thumbs up. The South King Street development is expected to generate roughly $1.5 million in revenue to the town over the next 20 years. Council members cheered on Knutson’s plans, saying it’s a strong proposal for positive and attractive development in what many consider a less-scenic slice of historic downtown.
Beautiful, stylish homes and enriching, exciting lifestyles await you in thriving communities throughout D.C. and Northern Virginia.
