Quality High-Rise Living Available For Those Seeking Security, Comfort by Alan B. Nichols Sophisticated and discriminating diplomats and other foreign officials who seek luxury, comfort, privacy and security in their living environment have any number of attractive options in the greater Washington area, which boasts some of the finest luxury high-rise short-term apartment complexes anywhere in the country. Here is but a sample of the outstanding properties you may want to consider: The Kennedy-Warren Owned by the private Klingle Corp. and managed by B.F. Saul, this two-building complex consists of a historic wing and a newer south wing. Located on Connecticut Avenue, NW, near Washingtonís business and embassy districts, the Kennedy-Warren can be considered one of the national capitalís most treasured sites. The elegant structure was designed in 1929 and opened in 1931 on the eve of the Great Depression. Taken over by creditors after ownership default, the building was revitalized by workers brought in under the federal Works Progress Administration program. During World War II, Army personnel lived there along with a select group of congressmen and senators, including Lyndon B. Johnson before his presidency. < br> The Kennedy-Warren is considered one of the most impressive structures along Connecticut Avenue. The buildingís original design called for a south wing, but depressed economic conditions led to abandonment of the project. It wasnít until 1996 when the owner, prompted by local political changes and renewed interest in urban living, decided to complete the design. Local architect Hartman Cox was commissioned, and the work finished in time for a recent opening. As with all high-end properties, security is a priority at the Kennedy-Warren, which offers key-controlled access to its apartments and garage. Residents can drive to their parking spot and take the elevator to their unit without ever going through the public-access areas. Known for its outstanding service, the complex offers concierge services and a virtual round-the-clock registration desk. Rental schedules can be tailored to meet individual guestsí needs. With a small store offering food staples and activity areas that include a pool, spa, sauna and conference center, the complex is completely self-contained. There is also a private members-only club in the old wing that is a combination lounge and piano bar. As for dÈcor, the complex features brilliant colors, geometric shapes and animal motifs in an interesting mix of modern and traditional styles. The Kennedy-Warren offers leases with terms of six months or more. Its high-ceiling apartments may be furnished for an additional fee. The Kennedy-Warren 3133 Connecticut Ave., NW Washington, DC 20008 (866) 313-3133 www.kennedy-warren.com Korman Communities A fourth-generation family-owned and operated company, Korman Communities offers high-end, short-term lease rental apartments situated up and down the U.S. Northeast corridor in densely populated urban areas. Korman Communities has one location in the Washington metro area, and will open a second property in downtown Washington close to the White House in the spring of next year. Opened in November 2002, the companyís 123-unit high rise in Arlington, Va., lies between Virginia Square and Ballston Commons, central to shopping and public transportation. Korman Communities is seen within the short-term luxury rental market as the innovators of the corporate suite concept, always operating ahead of the industry trends. Available on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, or with a longer-term lease, the sophisticated one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments are carefully and elegantly appointed to provide every discriminating comfort, yet they retain a homelike feel in keeping with the Korman philosophy. According to the companyís Web site, "The Korman family for nearly a century has been developing the art of ëhomemakingí and created the Korman suites to offer a home away from home living environment for sophisticated people on the move with important things to do in the world." Most of the units in the Arlington location have private balconies and all have wall-to-wall carpeting, sliding glass doors, granite countertops, and state-of-the-art electronics and communications equipment, including 27-inch cable televisions. The controlled-access building has an outdoor lap pool, business and conference facilities, as well as a fitness center and is serviced by a full-time concierge. Early next year, the company plans to open its eagerly anticipated second location in Washington, D.C. This will be a 144-unit high rise at 17th and H Streets, NW, within a block of the White House and in the heart of the business district. With its close proximity to Washingtonís K Street business corridor and Embassy Row, the community is expected to be extremely popular with diplomats and foreign business and government officials. Korman Communities 880 N. Pollard St. Arlington, VA 22203 (866) korman-4 www.kormancommunities.com The Lansburgh Located on 8th St., NW, the Lansburgh describes itself as "an oasis of elegance and comfort to those who appreciate the finer aspects of city living." With more than 300 furnished and unfurnished rental units to accommodate your short-term or long-term stay, there is much to do while residing in one of the hottest areas of downtown D.C. On site are fine eateries such as CafÈ Atlantico and Jaleo. You can also take in a show at the Shakespeare Theatre, walk up two blocks for an event at the MCI Center, or enjoy shopping and movies at the Gallery Place, all just steps away from Chinatown. If you prefer to never leave the building, enjoy swimming in the sky-lit multi-lap indoor pool, work out in the 24-hour fitness facility, spend time in the party room or have the full-time concierge assist you with your plans. With four Metro stops nearby, you donít need a car, but garage parking is available. The Lansburgh, managed by the Mark Winkler Co. and based in Alexandria, Va., is known for its exceptional service and caters to D.C.ís most prominent clienteleóso confidentiality and key-controlled access are a must and keep discriminating clientele returning. The oversize apartments come with standard high-speed Internet access and floor-to-ceiling windows for extra light, with several floor plans available. The furnished units are luxuriously custom-designed and are available on a monthly basis, providing all appointed amenities and weekly maid service. The Lansburgh 425 8th St., NW Washington, DC 20004 (888) 725-1085 www.thelansburgh.com The Palisades Among Washingtonís top luxury high-rise apartment complexes, there is much to choose from. Many are outstanding and offer impeccable services, as they are used to clientele who are used to the best. Oneís choice of rental property then often comes down to location. The Palisades, which opened in September 2003, is located in downtown Bethesda, Md., where the ambience may be slightly different from Washington proper but similar in its proximity to fine shops, restaurants, public transportation and other amenities. The Palisades is a multistory complex with 310 apartments, ranging from studios to three-bedroom units. There are an additional 50 penthouse suites with one to four bedrooms on the top three floors. The complex is managed by Virginia-based Southern Management, the largest privately owned residential property management company in the mid-Atlantic region. According to the company Web site, the Palisades combines "indescribable luxury" with "charming sophistication." In addition to a 24/7 concierge, amenities include a 24-hour fully equipped business center, a 24-hour fitness center that the company touts as the best in Bethesda, an indoor pool and a rooftop sun deck. Unlike some of the other rental complexes, the apartments at the Palisades rent under 12-month leases only. Utilities are included in the monthly rental assessments. The Palisades 4835 Cordell Ave. Bethesda, MD 20814 (888) 612-7897 www.thepalisadesapts.net Alan B. Nichols is a freelance writer for The Washington Diplomat.