you know, I don't usually post on these websites, but I definitely use them when searching for an apartment. I have lived at the gelmarc for 1.5 years now, and I felt compelled to finally write something, as I see so many horrid reviews on here. The truth about websites like these--90% of the time, people don't take the time to write things when everything is okay and there are no problems...but the people that do have problems will ----- like crazy. I have had no problems at the Gelmarc in 1.5 years...and I think potential tenants should know there are a whole bunch of us who are happy to be here...my feeling is that the few (or maybe one person who keeps posting as others) that are so negative are taking out anger against the management because maybe they can't afford their rent, or had an isolated issue or incident, and are lashing out in this way hoping to get revenge. In any case, the bottom line is, the building is in a fantastic location, so close to many bars and restaurants, walking to dupont metro, and has parking. No, it is not the Ritz Carlton, nor do they charge ritz-carlton prices...but it is a clean and safe building in an a location...

Bottom line: I can seriously say I have had far fewer problems living here in 1.5 years than I have had in any of the 5 years of renting in 3 different buildings in DC.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/30/2009
True, the building is in an ideal location. True, the rent is relatively low for the area. And it's also true that there are plenty of tenants who are "happy to be here." But I think those happy tenants have low standards or are not paying attention. Is it a "safe" building? Well the person who posted here hasn't been here long enough to know that Gelman Management waited until a young girl was SLASHED TO DEATH IN HER BATHTUB to install video cameras, one of which frequently doesn't work. Plus, the light above the camera on the back door has been out for months -- in other words, the camera isn't going to help at night when most crime occurs. But the management isn't paying attention, and neither are the "happy" tenants who clearly haven't reported it. And our "security" guards -- while generally friendly -- are often asleep, some can't speak English, and consequently aren't going to be helpful in a real emergency. And have you called the "emergency number" ever? The people there couldn't care less about your concerns, they sound stoned out of their minds, and can hardly communicate in English -- again, not a great mix for a supposed emergency line. And what about the multiple inexperienced maintenance guys that have been fired over the past couple of years? We never hear why they were fired, but yet they had/have keys to all the apartments. And what about the elevators being broken down constantly? Does that make one feel "safe"? Bottom line: The "happy" tenants just aren't aware of their surroundings.
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/30/2009
Hi, I'm a happy tenant. I??d like to respond for myself at least that my happiness has nothing to do with lack of awareness. My impression is that this has to do in large part with expectations. I signed my lease in the expectation of a cheaper apt with good space and light, someone to take packages and a good location. Check. As for security, my DC memory goes through the 80s and 90s, so suffice it to say that I'm very aware of the issues. I remember well when our neighborhood was damn edgy with dealers and drug houses all over the place (ah, California and 18th), Adam's Morgan was a vibrant but sometimes unsafe immigrant neighborhood, and thugs used to regularly flash piece on 14th street. (And my brother was mugged and a good Samaritan shot during that mugging...on 18th and T!). Our neighborhood is a lot better, but I expect that this is still a city, and maybe my standards for what that means are colored by my long(er) memory. The security guards I take as discouraging factors, but I assume that the primary responsibility for security is mine. I keep my eyes open, I leave the hall light of my place on if I know I'm coming back after dark, I don't enter through the basement at night, I ensure nobody is behind me when I open my apartment door, I take my cell phone when I go down to do laundry, etc. And you know, I also know that ultimately, sometimes even that won??t do it. A friend in one of those well-filmed (guarded, sign-in) schwanky apts on 14th and U was assaulted in her apartment by a stranger who followed her off the elevator from a rooftop party of ??vetted?? people, so it??s never 100%. All in all, I just think the building ain??t perfect, but it suits my needs, and that the people who live in our building are a nice mix of immigrants, young professionals and plain old people living their lives. Given that, the security incidents likely are the freak ones, and nothing you can do for that but maintain awareness, don??t let strangers into the building yourself, etc. The murder of that girl was a terrible thing. But there was no sign of forced entry and she was stabbed multiple times, all of which, unfortunately, point to a murder by someone who knew her. As for the security guards, no, rock stars of safety they are not. But I will say that the one time I left my keys in the door, she noticed during her midnight rounds and knocked on the door to wake me up and remove them. Now, the maintenance and management staff, THAT I hear you on! The first building manager who was there was a wonderful older woman who had been there for years, and I miss her still. I also wonder why the others are suddenly "not affiliated" and assume they??ve what we might call, er, ??honesty issues.?? On the other hand, the cleaning staff are lovely women, and personally, whatever I??ve needed, it??s been done...if eventually. So still a happy tenant. Anyway, to each their own - security is a feeling as much as a set of preventitive measures, and, as such, highly personal. If you don't feel safe in our building, I hope you're been able to do something about it, whether that's moved away, or installed a double bolt. Take care.
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/01/2009
I totally agree with the original post here. I am mean look at the complaint someone posted as the next post. The guy is basically ranting on the entire building b/c he had one issue with paint damage to his front door that ended up affecting some part of his security deposit. Some people really do take advantage of this site by saying a building is bad b/c lof some individual problem that they have (may well have caused themselves) that have nothing to do with anyone else in the building. BTW, the girl who died was murdered by her EX-boyfriend not some criminal off the street.
From: journalist1	Date: 08/07/2009
I have lived in the Gelmarc many years. It is safe (the doors are locked), it is clean, and it has continued to have a congenial staff who work hard and do respond to problems. And definitely - location, location, location. However, there has recently been an upset resident who got all bent out and has been avenging that upset with the Gelmarc, i.e., by posting on this site (I suspect more than once) and with anonymous snide comments left on announcements posted within the building. I presume the resident is one and the same. Whoever this is, when their lease is up, I also have to presume they will be moving on. It's too bad that all other rental properties cannot be warned of this chronic complainer. The dissatisfaction will undoubtedly continue, wherever they land. Meanwhile, I'm content. By the way - the unfortunate woman was murdered by a known-to-her male, who subsequently fled to Argentina. He had been in her apartment, it was estimated by the DC Police, at least a half a day before the murder took place and it was confirmed he had been there with her before. I learned that by calling and talking to the homicide detective on the case.
From: Anonymous	Date: 10/21/2009
The "journalist" commenting on 8/7/09 misdirects their concern. Do you really think renters are posting signs for the fun of it? Don't you realize that if we weren't living with chronic roach infestations and constantly broken elevators and a/c units that people wouldn't have a reason to post signs? How about you direct some anger at management? Only those with low standards -- or people who are regularly on travel -- should consider renting at Gelmarc. And if you want something to investigate, journalist, why not look into how Gelman Management almost killed our inexperienced "engineer" Mohammed by forcing him to do demolition for which he was unqualified. A partial collapse at a different Gelman building. Guy is probably still in the hospital. That's the standard around here. Always cutting corners even if it jeopardizes peoples' health.

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