Jason A.
Yelp
Going into this building, I understood it had a long history, changed ownership many, many times, and the makeup of its residents has shifted tremendously. I just finished living there for a full year and can say it has been one of the better apartment complexes I have lived in or visited since I moved to the DC area.
In my year there (April 2012 - April 2013), in that short time span, the make-up of its residents has changed drastically. What I would have previously pinpointed as perhaps 1/4 of its tenants being young professionals is now creeping to 1/2 (granted, this is just by my way of observation). The other half of the building is made up of young families and the sincerely elderly who I would venture a guess will live there until their last days. Given the amount of times I have seen Ambulances carrying away elder individuals (a nearly daily occurrence), it seems to be the case.
However, don't let that deter you. The rooms are large for what you pay. Its not the cheapest apartment complex in DC by any stretch, but its reasonably priced and you get a heck of a lot of space for what you are paying. All utilities (except internet/cable) are included in monthly rent.
The market in the building has expanded their selection, including adding beer and wine, but they still have not added any ability to take credit/debit. I would have shopped there almost daily if it hadn't been for their cash-only policies. They do have an ATM machine, but with a $2 fee (on top of whatever your bank may charge), it just isn't worth shopping there unless you desperately need something.
The management and leasing office has friendly staff, but are otherwise slow in responding to some issues and at times don't seem to be on top of all the paperwork. There were a few maintenance requests that went ignored until my 3rd request. More importantly, the initial requests I made when I moved into the room were ignored entirely. Nothing that changed how happy I was in the apartment, but damages from a prior resident I didn't want to get charged for once I moved out. So far no charges, but given how other apartment buildings in DC will screw you over in an instant, I remain cautious...
That being said, I do highly recommend living here. Columbia Heights is a great neighborhood and has improved dramatically over the past few years - and is still improving! You are steps from Mount Pleasant, on the major 16th street bus lines, and its not as far north as you may think.
People have complained about bugs. I never saw a single spider, roach, or big bug anywhere in my apartment. There were the occasional fly, but that's not terrible. Some people have complained about noise. At times noise echoes through the hallways, but it was never oppressive and it never ran too late. Granted this really is all based on who else lives on your floor and if they are loud.