The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Baltimore, Maryland recently began welcoming the first homeowners. The project is being developed by New York based RexCorp, after changing hands because of some legal troubles during the construction process. The Baltimore project is the first ever condo project with no hotel component that will be branded and operated by the Ritz-Carlton.

“Baltimore has never seen anything like this,” said Kurt Hornig, sales consultant at the upscale development. “It’s like living in a Ritz-Carlton Hotel without all the guests.”

View of Ritz-Carlton Residences from Harbor East neighborhood

The community is located on Baltimore’s waterfront on the south side of the Inner Harbor near Federal Hill. The sprawling mid-rise structure occupies a 5.6 acre site and is packed full of lavish amenities and services to accommodate residents. A fitness center, indoor heated lap pool, billiards room, movie theatre and a meditation garden are some of the notable common area amenities available to residents. Valet parking, concierge services, and 24-hour security are also included services. For an additional charge owners can take advantage of maid service, in-room dining service, car cleaning, or provide accommodations for their overnight guests.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences is also a mixed-use project with an independent full-service spa known as THE pearl, which is already open.  Soon Oz. Chophouse will occupy the two level, 13,000 square foot restaurant space. Both businesses also have locations in the planned community of Maple Lawn in Fulton, MD. Oz. Chophouse describes its Maple Lawn location as a “swanky, yet casual steakhouse”. The Ritz-Carlton location plans to feature live jazz or classical music according to a recent article in the Baltimore Business Journal.

In addition to the amenities and services available to residents at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, purchasers also receive a 30% discount at Ritz-Carlton Hotels. Late checkout, VIP treatment and complimentary breakfast also offered according to Mr. Hornig.

The condos themselves range in size from about 1,600 – 5,400 square feet for one-, two-, and three-bedroom floor plans. At prices ranging from $1.3 - $5.2 million, the interior features are high-end of course. Solid wood-paneled entry doors, hardwood floors in the living area, tile and marble flooring in the bathrooms, and granite kitchens with top-of-the-line appliances are standard. Wet bars (some in the master bedroom), separate service corridors, a butler’s pantry, and private elevator access appeal to those who demand  and can afford an exclusive lifestyle.

Kitchen in model unit at The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Baltimore

According to Mr. Hornig, the project is built to the highest standards of construction. Mechanical systems are placed outside the units and are accessed from the hallways. Four layers of drywall were used on certain walls between units and common areas. Such construction practices improve sound proofing and are not typical in most condo buildings.

Time will tell if enough well-heeled buyers exist to purchase the 192 homes at The Ritz-Carlton Residences.  To date three closings have occurred, but the building is said to have many more units under contract.  Soon the development will face more competition for luxury buyers from across the harbor at the Four Seasons Residences.  That project is currently under construction, but not yet for sale, in the Harbor East neighborhood and will feature 105 luxury condominiums above a Four Seasons Hotel rising a total of 44 stories (494 ft.).  Adjacent to the Four Seasons tower will be the new headquarters of Legg Mason in a 24 story office building (350 ft.).

Rendering of Four Seasons Hotel & Residences and construction progress (Aug. 2008) with Ritz-Carlton Residences in the background

To learn more about The Ritz-Carlton Residences view the listing by Clicking Here.

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Source: CONDOAUTHORITY.com.

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