The District’s New Manifest Destiny: Head (Yale) West!

NORTHWEST -- It wasn’t quite the Monroe doctrine, but the invitation to the grand opening celebration of the newly constructed Yale West Apartments building nevertheless conjured up a certain feeling of expansionism, as the latest residential addition to the Mt. Vernon Square neighborhood formally sprang to life.

Yale West’s developers.
A modern, amenity-rich complex that saw its first tenants move-in around the start of spring, Yale West is currently offering spacious studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units beginning at $1,945/month (before any incentives).

In exchange for such a substantial sum, residents are treated to a buffet of luxe services and features, including everything from a salt water rooftop pool to a 24-hour fitness center to a 24-hour concierge to granite countertops to panoramic windows.

Loulou.
And to introduce itself to the D.C. community, Yale West’s developers and management team, The Bozzuto Group, hosted a private welcoming party for residents, friends, and neighbors on Wednesday evening.

Serving double duty as a festive open house, the guest list-only event invited Washingtonians to explore the building first hand, with sweet and savory attractions carefully scattered throughout the property.

Some were naturals at rolling their own sushi.

…while others made-up for their fishy shortcomings with sheer force and willpower.
Inside Yale West’s main lounge, just off the lobby, guests were treated to a roll-your-own sushi/sake bar and platters of savory treats courtesy of Ping Pong Dim Sum. Thievery Corporation artist Loulou had also created a makeshift DJ booth/performance stage nearby to help get everyone into a festive mood.

Across the hall in the building’s pool room, Dolci Gelati had a gelato cart installed, with a handful of flavors proving popular on such a warm day. Indeed, given the heat, while nobody could be found working out inside Yale West’s gym, the boozie smoothies (health shakes with rum) nevertheless drew a crowd.

Meanwhile, on the third floor in a model apartment unit, Hill Country Barbeque could be found serving-up heaping plates of smoky sliders paired with chilled glasses of bourbon.

Still, the biggest draw of the evening proved to be Yale West’s rooftop deck. By 8:00p.m., the mercury level had fallen to tolerable levels and guests couldn’t resist the chance to sit outdoors and admire the expansive views of the surrounding city. Of course, the margarita station probably didn’t hurt either…

Already considered a bright bunch, being labeled a “Yalie” just became a whole lot cooler too.