Part of The Blairs in Downtown Silver Spring.

As micro-units and minimalism trend in cities around the world, it’s sometimes hard to imagine apartment living working long term, after coupling up and family building. Even a one-bedroom apartment can’t easily sustain two people for a lifetime.

There is one development, however, that is bucking the trend in the DC area by going bigger—and without the luxury pricing. The Blairs is an apartment community—home to young families, long-time residents and newcomers—that has been a part of the Downtown Silver Spring neighborhood for more than half a century (map).

A living room at The Blairs.

Originally, the property included 1,400 spacious apartments, as well as ground level retail space. Now family-owned firm Towers Cos. is expanding the property to include 1,700 additional units, including some studios, but mostly one-, two- and even three-bedroom apartments measuring up to 1,500 square feet. Some units include dens and/or balconies. A large park and additional retail are also planned. The expansion was kicked off this summer and phase one will be completed in 2017.

As part of the redevelopment and re-launch, Tower Cos. is offering newbies the chance to “Live Lucky”: renters who move in between August 1st and September 30th will be entered to win an entire year at The Blairs rent free.

The retail at The Blairs is among its most notable amenities. The project boasts a Giant, CVS, bank, and restaurants -- all actually on-site as opposed to simply nearby.

A kitchen at The Blairs.

In addition to the planned park, which will be a meeting and play space for residents, the development brings renters together through social gatherings, classes and sustainable education in their Lifestyles Program. The Blairs also includes communal amenities like a billiards room and wet bar, a patio featuring grills and seating, a dog park and gym. For more information on The Blairs Lifestyle visit the property's blog, here or amenities page, here.

Amenities at The Blairs.

Towers Cos. is big on comfortable apartment living and a great on-site resident experience. But it’s also part of a bigger community of shops, grocery stores, restaurants, bars and cultural hotspots in Downtown Silver Spring. Within walking distance are the AFI theater, Pyramid Atlantic Art Center, Adega Wine Cellars & Café, Babe’s Sports Bar, Regal Cinema, CakeLove, McGinty’s Public House, Highwood and Round House Theatres and Washington Sports Club -- to name only a few.

Also close by are the Silver Spring Metro and MARC Train stations. A Zipcar center is located on The Blairs property.

The Blairs is located just beyond the DC-Maryland border on Blair Mill Road between Eastern Avenue and East-West Highway (map). Prices range from $1,320 for a studio to around $4,700 for a three-bedroom with two baths. Tours are available. For more information, contact The Blairs’ leasing center at 301-495-6001 and visit the property online, here.