I moved into MassCourt last summer after looking at 15 apartments ALL OVER DC. We needed a 2 bedroom apartment with a lot of space and so we caved on a loft at MassCourt because we loved it...1200 sq. ft., 2 full baths, balcony, high floor, 2 levels, view of the Capitol dome, etc. The rent is exorbitant at $3K a month (including $35/month "pet rent" for our tiny, 6 lb. cat). Signing the paperwork, moving in, etc. was a breeze, very easy access to ramps, elevators, etc. The lease is iron-clad so be very careful to review it carefully or have a lawyer take a peak if you are concerned about something specific. NOTHING is included; you pay for water, sewer, trash, electric, cable, etc. And "trash" means there is a huge, ugly dumpster in back of the building, watch out if you are renting on a low floor. We've had no problems with maintenance requests and the place is kept quite neat and clean but only during the week. On the weekends there is often trash in the elevators, outside the entrances, in the hallways.

The office staff has been ok to us but I've heard a lot of nightmare stories from other residents. There is huge turnover. Same with the concierge staff, it's nice to have someone to accept packages but I've noticed there is a lot of turn over and they have gotten more brazen, being rude and unhelpful. Unacceptable for what we pay to live there. The concierge does accept dry cleaning as well. Security is "pretty good" but I blame some of those problems on residents. People let strangers piggy-back into the building all the time. The elevators require a key card but I see people push the button for strangers all the time. There was a weird guy in the elevator the other day (per my roommate) with his pants undone and the concierge refused to call the police. We called the police and a little while later the guy was arrested on 4th St. wearing nothing but boxers.

It's definitely not the place to live if you want a Melrose Place atmosphere where everyone knows everyone. It is rare to see anybody in the building; most people just say "hi" and that's it. There have been more noisy people moving in, we've heard complaints of some people beating each other and there is a very large dog that just moved in and it barks all day and is definitely over the 45 lb. limit.

A police car crashed in to part of the building months ago; it has been fenced off but nothing has been done to repair it, so it is an eyesore. There is a lot of construction noise in the area during the day (they are tearing down neighboring buildings) and non-stop sirens day and night.

The location is so-so, it is gentrifying some but it is more of a daytime area, most of the buildings in the area are business or government buildings which limits what will be built that is new. It is only about 2 blocks from Judiciary Sq. Metro and 4 blocks from Union Station and Gallery Place/Chinatown. The walk to Chinatown and the MCI Center can be a little sketchy at night. I would not recommend this area or this walk for women who are alone.

There is a decent fitness center which they probably charge for now but the first year was free for us because everything wasn't ready when we moved in. But if you go at peak times, no equipment is available and there are NEVER any towels. Pool and hot tub are nice and never crowded. The hot tub is open all year round which is cool.

Despite the ridiculous rent, parking is $175 a month more. It isn't run by the building so the whole thing is a big cluster-f*ck. Management and the Parking people couldn't get there act together and half the building was parking for free for many months - hilarious! It was sweet revenge. They let people pay to park in there during the day so if you come and go during the day good luck finding a spot near your elevator but at night it's fine and very secure.

Needless to say, we'll be moving out when our lease is up. For what we are paying in rate we can buy a place that is over $500K.

User Responses
From: happymel111	Date: 09/08/2005
Due to a medical emergency a police car crashed in to the building--yes, let's talk about this one. I wish residents' would understand that dealing with a historic building, built in the late 1800's and with original brick that was destroyed in the accident is not easy. About the sirens--you live in the city and it is part of the city living, but every night? That is a bit too much, isn't it?
From: happymeisaleasingagent	Date: 09/08/2005
HappyMe -- if you would spend LESS TIME POSTING -------- HERE IN RESPONSE TO TENANT'S VERY REAL, VERY TRUE CONCERNS/OBSERVATIONS, and DO YOUR FRIGGIN' JOB in the management office, perhaps Mass Court would be a decent place to live. Fancy that! lol
From: annonmassct	Date: 09/09/2005
yes, I bet finding brick takes 7 months. omg.. whole buildings have been built in 1/3 that time! I have NEVER seen a construction worker on that site. Its not easy to repair a building when there is no one working. maybe they are busy repairing the elevator..oh, wait, they arent doing that either.

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