Melanie and Patrick Penna desired to advance their careers in moving from St. Louis back to Atlanta, where both of their companies had offices, but they also wanted to downsize into a walkable area with a city view and modern architecture.
Patrick previously owned homes in Alpharetta and Lawrenceville, and the couple also had lived in a home in the Brookhaven area. The Pennas, assisted by Angie Niemann and Kent Sobolewski with Atlanta Intown Real Estate Services, focused on high-rise condos in Midtown, where Melanie rented her first apartment years ago. Piedmont Park, the cultural attractions, and the surge in restaurants and shops in Midtown appealed to the Pennas, who also have friends in the area.
The Pennas spent six months in “diligent online” research of Midtown condo complexes, examining the floor plans, amenities and health of the homeowners association, narrowing the choices down to these options, which they saw on two trips to Atlanta.
No. 1
Stunning view
A two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Viewpoint, on Peachtree Street, was modern, sleek and boasted a “breath-taking” view, Melanie said. The storage unit and built-in desk were two other attractive features of the property, which meant they would not need to turn a bedroom into an office for Melanie, who works from home. The property, built in 2008, was listed for the mid $300,000s.
No. 2
Viewed from afar
Another two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Viewpoint had an industrial feel, with exposed cement walls and soaring ceilings. Patrick viewed the property while Melanie was in St. Louis, capturing what he saw on video and sending the tour to her. The condo, built in 2008, was listed for the mid $300,000s.
No. 3
Big balcony
A two-bedroom, two-bath condo in 1010 Midtown, also on Peachtree Street, stood out with a designated dining space that was large enough for a four-seat table. Interesting features included a curved interior wall and a balcony about 4 feet wide and 50 feet long that offered views south on Peachtree. The condo, built in 2008, was listed in the mid $300,000s.
The Choice
No. 3. The Pennas put offers on multiple units in Viewpoint and 1010 Midtown, but faced either multiple bid situations or sellers holding firm on prices. With No. 2, the seller countered with a full-price offer and asked to stay in the unit for four to six months longer, and the timing didn’t work. Since moving in during 2012, the Pennas have added a transom window to the curved wall, creating an architectural feature and extra daylight for the second bedroom, and have decorated in a “rustic chic” style. Items such as an old steel coffee table and tailor’s cabinet used as an entertainment center are mixed with a glass dining table and stainless steel bar stools. “For us, location was really important. Obviously there’s lot of things you can change about the home or the décor, but you can’t change the location,” Melanie said. “We enjoy walking to dinner and being able to lay in bed at night and enjoy a beautiful view right down Peachtree Street.”
