1417 Belmont St NW Apartments

Despite many promises from the broker who rented me the place, this building is just not yet ready for residents. I moved in May 1 (I was the first tenant) and today, two months later, the building is still mostly empty, the gym is still not fully operational, I can't receive packages, the front door callbox doesn't work, many units don't have blinds (they installed mine 5+ weeks after I moved in), my parking spot is often occupied by others, and the front and back doors are often broken or left... open. The property manager, Birch Management, does not seem up to the challenge: Maintenance requests are often closed without being responded to and when they do come to fix something (set up thermostat, install privacy film to bathroom windows, move planters on the terrace), they do a shoddy job. The building itself is new and pretty nice, which large windows and a great location, but I get the sense that the craftsmanship is not master-class and that the design is ad-hoc (the gym has a dishwasher for some reason, for example). I've been able to get my unit in working order, and I love the new appliances, nice floors, and handsome kitchen cabinets. Certain building amenities have improved over time -- for example, the bike room is now open (but not particularly secure) and I am now receiving mail (after 6 weeks of delay) -- so I'm hopeful that things will continue to improve, but I would ask for some guarantees in writing before signing a lease. Read More