Despite real 'issues', EXCELLENT PLACE
From:
-Anonymous-
Date posted:
9/23/2002
Years at this apartment:
2000
-
2002
Overall, Hunting Towers is my second-favorite apartment (out of 10 in 3 States) I have lived in (and the first was an Art-Deco Penthouse in the Midwest). I would recommend it for anyone who isn't trying to impress people who are superficial, and wants to live in the DC metro area.
Here are the good things:
1-It is QUIET
2-It is a safe area (at least compared to anywhere within 20 miles of DC)
3-It is right on the Potomac Tidal Flats, which means that despite construction (see bad things #1) you get a breeze and fresh air on even the muggiest days, birds (including nesting Ospreys and White egrets), and a lot of sun and sky if you face NE, E, or SE.
4-Love that early architecture! Some folks say 1950s, but I've also heard 1930s. The Entryway is Deco (obscured by renovations on one of the buildings, but only by bad paint schemes and modern carpet at 1202). Seriously, it is built a lot like the Pentagon, heavy concrete and steel, thus good thing #1, quiet.
5-Nice people: we have a few jerks like "Mr. bump into you with his bicicle", but 99% of the people are retirees, Diplomats (US and Other), US Military officers (Usually Majors or Lt Col, single) or artists. It is a freindly place.
6-It is CHEAP. I know the local tenants group argues about this, but maybe they haven't paid rent around here in other places. Your basic rent includes Heat, electricity, cooking gas, water, and unassigned parking. Yes, the parking is rough on nights when everyone is home, but I have NEVER not found a space. Sometimes the spaces aren't the ones you want. Oh well, ever tried to get an apartment that even HAS a space for under 1K in DC, Boston, etc'
BAD THINGS
1-Gigantic Construction Project as they tear down the North Building. From my apartment, Noise impact has been ZERO, Power went out 3 times (but one of those times it was lightning which wiped out all Alexandria), and Parking trouble has been anxiety (worrying it would get worse) not reality. Of course, I live high up and face the other way. So, if you move in, get an a apartment that faces the river or away from construction... Or, maybe if you are an industrial music type, save a lot of $$ and face the demolition...
2-Old Building without dishwashers, in-room laundry, elevators which don't shudder, etc. Personally, I don't care, because I look at birds and sunset all day and save enough $ to dry clean all my dress clothes and eat sushi on the weekends. Not everyone will feel this way. You be your own judge.
3-Bugs (as in La Cucaracha) in the basement. I have NEVER seen 'em in my apartment or even in the trash room on my floor in all of 2 years there. I do see them every day when I come into the basement. VERDICT: Don't live in the bottom floor unless you like bugs. Don't live here at all unless you think about 75 feet below you is far enough away for those thangs.
4-Lead Paint on old windowsills. My solution is not to chew on it. I would not recommend this as a place for small kids, for that reason. Kay Mgmt. is up front about this - as a result, there a few children in the building, also helping with good thing #1.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If they ever renovated this place to its past Deco Glory as Condos, they could probably charge you about a million dollars for them. More likely, they will tear it down in 4 years when Vdot puts it up for sale, and build some very new but very flimsy high rise where it stands and charge even more. If this review hasn't scared you totally away, check it out, and make sure to look at a riverview or high-up unit.
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