Congressman Patrick Murphy 'Bonds' With West End; Ribbon Cut On Newly Renovated Luxe Apartment Complex

WEST END -- The sound of a live jazz trio enveloped Washington's West End neighborhood early Wednesday evening, as Aria Development feted the formal unveiling of the city's newest luxury apartment complex.

Located at 1230 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, The Bond features 83 distinctive studio, one bedroom, and two bedroom units featuring European kitchens designed by Deborah Kalkstein of Contemporaria in Georgetown, three-inch natural white oak floors, Bosch washer dryers, and an advanced video intercom system.

Aria acquired The Bond in early 2012 from the International Monetary Fund, which had originally used the building for corporate housing, and undertook a $10 million gut renovation.

Speaking about the posh new redevelopment, Aria Development owner Joshua Benaim said: "We were attracted to The Bond's irreplaceable location just a few blocks from Dupont Circle, surrounded by top-rated restaurants, boutiques, embassies, and international institutions."

Joining Benaim at a ribbon cutting reception held inside the building's tented courtyard on Wednesday was Congressman Patrick E. Murphy (D-FL), among other D.C. notables. Murphy, of course, gained national attention last year, when he was elected as the youngest current member of Congress.

Guests were invited to tour the property during the red carpeted event, while sipping tall glasses of Moet & Chandon Imperial champagne. Each unit's programmable 'Nest' thermostat proved to be particularly popular, with the devices boasting the ability to learn the behavior of occupants while simultaneously allowing adjustments to be made remotely by iPhone.

Beyond celebrating The Bond's reopening and polished new facade, the party also served to announce a $5,000 contribution on behalf of Aria to Martha's Table, as part of the company's series of on-going community outreach initiatives.

Indeed, the complex's development team has already donated various finishes, fixtures, and appliances from the original building to a number of local charitable organizations, including Community Forklift, Champlain Court Cooperative, Latin American Youth Center LAYC-DC, and Sarah's Circle.

Monthly rental rates at The Bond begin at $1,900 with Oculus Realty of Gaithersburg, MD providing exclusive leasing and management services.