What: Two brand-new two-story condominiums just east of Interstate 35 and half a block away from Riverside Drive. There are only two condos in this complex. They share one interior, first-floor wall and have separate entrances and garages. They are decorated in a modern style with cube-shaped art niches, circular windows, contemporary light fixtures and neutral paint colors. Both have many green building qualities, including tankless water heaters, air conditioners with a 14 SEER rating, dual-pane low-E windows and blown insulation.

The larger condo (at 1100 Upland Drive) has two bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and 1,760 square feet. The smaller one (at 1605 Old E. Riverside Drive) has two bedrooms, 2 1/2 bathrooms and 1,634 square feet. The building is on a corner lot, with the units facing different streets. (Old East Riverside is a small residential street that runs on a higher elevation parallel to the larger and busier Riverside Drive.)

These units are a short walk away from the eastern portion of the Town Lake hike-and-bike trail.

Where: 1100 Upland Drive and 1605 Old E. Riverside Drive, Austin

Amenities: The kitchens have Silestone quartz counters, spacious pantries, hickory cabinets, commercial sinks and stainless-steel appliances, including gas ranges and electric ovens. Both units have security systems and sprinkler systems. The lot has pecan, oak and loquat trees.

Agent: Peter Stiles, Green Mango Real Estate

Asking price: $329,900 for the condo on Upland; $309,900 for the condo on Old East Riverside

FYI: Michael Hamilton, owner of MidCity Homes, built and owns these condominiums. “We wanted to have a loft feel but be outside of downtown,” Hamilton said.

The main design difference between the two units is the placement of public and private spaces.

In the smaller unit on Old East Riverside, the first floor holds the kitchen, dining room and living room, as well as a half bathroom. Upstairs, the second story has the master bedroom, a master bathroom with a large tiled shower and two sinks, and a walk-in closet with windows.

At the Upland unit, the bedrooms are on the first floor. This floor has the master bedroom, master bathroom and walk-in closet, and a guest bedroom and full bathroom. The second story holds a spacious area that combines the kitchen, dining and living room. It has 13 large windows and six smaller windows.

This area is one of Hamilton’s favorite spots in the building. “I like to see the activity of the city, but feel very private,” he said.

The market: These condos are in Area 9. In January 2007, 13 townhouses/condominiums sold in Area 9, with a median price of $141,200, according to the Austin Board of Realtors. This compares to 8 townhouses/condominiums sold in January 2006, with a median price of $62,350.

source : www.statesman.com