The Woodner is not the landmark it once was back in the 40's and 50's. Then it was a hotel that attracted famous people. I first visited the building in 1995 when a relative lived there. I obtained my own lease in 1998. It was better back then not great but better. Unfortunately it has all but totally gone downhill in 2008.

On the bright side the price could not be beat at the time and rent only went up $150.00 over nearly a 10 year period. The utilities are included but that comes at another price: comfort. There is no real A/C - instead they have swamp coolers which are useless in the DC humid summer weather. The stores are good but they are pricey and the restaurant is just not a good idea if you value your health.


There was I time I could not afford to move out so I stayed even though I was beginning to hate it there. Then as God would have it I was blessed with the good fortune that a career change can bring. However, by that time I had grown complacent and dragged my feet about moving. I was forced to see the light and could no longer stand by and ignore that it was time to go.


I just moved out this past weekend and I am happy to say that my new building is a breath of fresh air literally.


The Hard Facts:

Amenities
Swimming pool which is alright but I would never use it
Fitness room was too small for building this size and machines were often broken.
I only frequented the grocery store in the building which was very convenient even if it was overpriced. The staff were pleasant for the most part

The restaurant/Bar is not sanitary and often has drunk and disorderly patrons. One man was stabbed (to death I believe) in the lobby after a bar room altercation



Pests
Out of control. I killed three mice in the last 3 months. There is an ongoing roach infestation and bedbugs to the point that mandatory inspections and exterminations have to be made about every 3 months


Management
More often than not they were negligent to the point that the DC Housing Authority had to be brought in by a tenant association that was formed to combat management complacency

Noise
Loud slamming doors at all hours, building fire alarms at 3 in the morning, domestic violence, neighbors having sex, tenant above me tab dancing or bowling (what it sounded like). Children playing at the daycare playground. 16th Street traffic loud and clear DC fire engines - OMG


Safety
Within the last two years there were two killings in the building and I heard gunshots in the hallway about a month ago. There are rumors of the pest control staff stealing from tenants; as well as drug dealing, rape and robbery in stairwells.


Security
Guards are useless for the most part. Example I called in a noise complaint on my neighbor and left my apartment number. The guard that responded came to the correct apartment and got into a verbal altercation with them. Ok but wait he radioed the base to call the police on me WTF' Some of them will harass you even if they know you live in the building they ask to see your key card. I worked in security before so I know they are just doing what they are told to do but some of them are just pricks about it.

Tenants
Consisting a good deal elderly people but in recent years this is where the Woodner has consistently gotten worse. The caliber of individual regardless of their background is what is most important to me. It is the difference from the building resembling a poorly run retirement home which it already did to the street corner it has become. Complete with drunks, drug addicts and transsexuals. Some of the more disorderly and decrepit individuals often urinate wherever they please; spit and smear God knows what other bodily fluids everywhere else.
Upkeep horrid there are spots in the carpet in the hallways. It smells like a garbage dump and the trash disposal areas are atrocious. As of late A-side elevators do not work on the weekends at all.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 03/31/2008
I mostly agree with this assessment. There is nothing wrong with transsexuals, and I resent them mentioned together with drug addicts. Between the bugs and the useless management, especially the tenant services queen, who lies to tenants without a second of a guilty conscience, they are enough reason to leave this place. I was very relieved to move out. The only thing positive about it is that it's cheap. The air conditioning/heating unit is far worse than described. The mice aren't the real pests there.
From: fahque509684079685	Date: 04/01/2008
no one has ever been stabbed while leaving the restraunt. There have been some homicides in the building, but those were commited by individuals who knew each other. Never had a problem with the a/c or heat. Like most buildings of this size heat and a/c is provided by means of water from a central plant downstairs. Maybe these people are used to having total control of the heat and air.
From: locoates	Date: 07/16/2008
I was wondering if you could tell me about the bedbugs problem. I'm looking to move into the Woodner and I need to know how bad the bedbug problem really is and how the management is attempting to resolve it or what have they done to resolve it.
From: gocanada08	Date: 07/18/2008
Dear locoates, Do not decide to live somewhere there are any bugs! These pests can and do cause harm to the person bitten by these creatures. The harm includes: swelling, itching, painful lesions on your skin, et cetera! My mother told me about this. When she was a young career woman living in a flat with other young women roommates, her bed was LITERALLY crawling with the microscopic bugs!!! If there are any bugs you can bet there are LOTS others hiding during the daylight hours!!! Also, small rodents such as mice harbor bugs, as well! Check out other apartments at least TWO times bsfore you sign a lease, also!!! Remember: Cleanliness is next to Godliness. The bug problems only GET worse because the pests get immune to the poisons used!!! Take a white paper towel with you to the apartment tour. Use the paper towel to wipe various areas to see if the bug droppings are VISIBLE to the eye. Best of luck, an expert with apartment rentals and a medical backgound
From: Anonymous	Date: 11/07/2008
I lived @ the Woodner in 1980 while doing an internship @ the Department of Labor. I remember getting layed regularly. Lots of easy hoes! Also, a great exhibitionist couple used to get it on daily up against their window for all to watch. Then you`d see her in person and she`d be cold and hard. Much more bold with a stiff ---- up her ass and on display!...Damm, I didn`t realize that my itchy ass was from bedbugs! Why`d you have to tell me that!

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