The Shay Apartments

The staff at the Shay apartments are amazing. The concierge, April, has gone above and beyond for us ever since we’ve moved in. I’ve never lived in a building where the concierge goes out of their way to answer any and all questions or concerns. We go to her if we need anything, or any questions answered. I think of her as the encyclopedia of the building. She never gets annoyed with our many questions, or to help us with any issue. The maintenance staff, Javier and Alvin are incredible and very kind. I always enjoying seeing them and saying hello. They’ve been extremely helpful and have fixed any issues in no time. They’re kind, understanding and respectful. They’ve solved every issue without fail. Tommy in management is such a friendly face, you can tell he really cares about the building and the tenants. I’ve never had such a great experience with staff members, and that says a lot with my years and years of experience moving every year into buildings throughout the city. If you love Shaw and are looking in the area, this is your building. It’s a super convenient location and easily accessible. The amenities are well kept and plentiful. The move in is so easy and seamless.

My experience with Shay goes beyond 5 stars it was excellent and exceptional! Kai, April and Carla are an amazing team. What goes on behind the actual moving day, moving pieces and connecting, consideration and follow through assisted leading up to the actual day. Move in day. April assisted, reassured and was a calming influence down to each detail. Thank you. Kai, April and Carla!!!!

A couple of our friends live and speak so highly of the Shay that we decided to check it out ourselves. The Shay is a stylish apartment complex in the heart of Shaw, steps away from world-class restaurants and entertainment venues. The building impressed me with its modern finishes, desirable amenities and the panoramic rooftop views of the District. Carla, the Assistant Property Manager, is a very knowledgeable and warm-hearted individual who made us feel welcome and at ease right from the start. She kindly showed us a wide array of units, patiently helping us to narrow down our choices. What surprised me the most was how reasonably priced the rent was. The application process at the Shay was straightforward and quick (unlike the other buildings in DC!) and Carla guided us through every single step. Even though we ended up renting at another complex (closer to my partner’s work), I most definitely recommend the Shay. Its modern architecture paired with caring staff is what makes the Shay truly stand out.

I’ve been living at The Shay for just over two years now, and it’s been a great experience. Kai, the property manager, has been fantastic to work with—especially recently as I’ve been in the process of transferring units. She’s been incredibly responsive, helpful, and professional throughout the entire process. Since BMC took over, I’ve noticed steady improvements around the community, which have made the living experience even better. It’s clear they’re committed to making positive changes. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and am looking forward to another year at The Shay. Huge thanks to Kai for all your support, you’ve made a big difference!

I generally wait a month after writing reviews, and this is my review of the Shay. After touring over 15 properties in D.C., I ultimately chose the Shay Apartments for its balance of location, price, and space. Manager Carla was a standout—responsive, professional, and she and her team were attentive to any concerns I had, which made a big difference in my experience and ultimately led to my choice. Parking car garage was a must for me, and despite no assigned parking spots, there is plenty of space. The location in the U Street is a huge plus, with easy access to restaurants, bars, clubs, cafes, and the Metro (about an 8-minute walk). The nightlife can get loud on weekends, and street parking is limited for guests, but that comes with living in D.C. The building is a bit older; however, they are constantly making improvements and redecorating the place. Overall, the Shay offers a strong mix of convenience and service.

The staff at this building is truly what makes me happy here, and the main reason I’m giving this five-star review. Ms. April, the daytime concierge, is an absolute gem. Her warm greetings and friendly presence brighten my day every time I walk through the door. She is always helpful, professional, and genuinely kind—it’s rare to find someone who so clearly takes pride in creating a welcoming environment for residents. I would be remiss if I didn't mention a few others, too: Krystal, the evening concierge, and Candice, who works on weekends, are both courteous and attentive. They consistently provide service with a positive attitude. Along with Ms. Carla in the leasing office and Alvin in the maintenance dept—they’re responsive, thoughtful, and always ready to assist with any questions or concerns. While this building has its shortcomings, it’s the people who work here that set this place apart. I’m grateful for the hardworking and dedicated team—especially Ms. April—for making this a place I want to call 'home'.

I had a chance to do a site tour at The Shay and it was absolutely brilliant. I met with Carla Wynn and she was absolutely brilliant with her site tour. She addressed all my queries and really made me feel welcome at the community. Ask for her if you want to have your tour guided well. The apartment complex is pretty good, located at a fabulous place on U st. There are ample of community spaces at the complex and the gym is very good. Consider this apartment if you want to have active social life and then relax back into a community conveniently located.

We had the absolute pleasure of working with Kai, and I truly can’t say enough good things. She helped us secure an apartment last minute, and throughout the entire process, was incredibly kind, patient, and attentive! You could tell from the start that she genuinely cared about helping us, not just getting a deal done. She was respectful, responsive, and went above and beyond to make sure everything ran smoothly. It’s rare to find someone in this industry who is not only professional but also warm-hearted and sincere—and that’s exactly who Kai is. We’re so grateful for her help and couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend working with her if you get the chance!