As a long term resident of River House, I am very disappointed and saddened to see how the Kettler takeover has gone.

Because of all their new polices, I am afraid what you will see is a very transient community develop which will bring a whole new set of problems. It was not unusual to meet people who lived here 10 years and were happy. The staff were like family, neighbors looked out for each other and it felt like home. It was never luxury, but a good value and stress-free living. Utilities were included and you did not have to commit to a new lease every year. Caftriz never worried if someone wanted/needed to move. They were always full and had people waiting to move here. Word of mouth is HUGE!

SO many people have moved out that they have now started giving new residents two free months to move in and even current resident one free month if they will stay. What does that tell you' I reluctantly renewed my lease with the rationale that the free month will pay for the new utility charges over the next year. Next year, after my rent increases again; the cost defiantly will not equal the value.

I do not hate Kettler, but will avoid doing business with them in the future. At the end of the day, it is a business, but they have upset a lot of people and that will not be forgotten. Like I said word of mouth is HUGE.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/29/2008
I completely agree. I first heard about River House when I was in St. Petersburg on business. My flight arrived the day before my meeting, so I decided to go see the Dali Museum. Someone in my tour group was from the area and we got to talking. I said how much I hated living at Crystal House (surprise, another Charles E. Smith property). He told me how great River House was. When CES hit me with a rent hike well into three digits, I remembered our conversation in Florida and decided to look into River House. It turned out to be a great deal. Much lower rent than Crystal House but with similar (or better) amenities. Of course, all of that has changed. Word of mouth is huge. And it works both ways.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/29/2008
I recently moved from River House because of everything everybody has been writing about. Wanted to stay in the neighborhood but Parc Vista didn't work because of Charles E Smith (and the same HVAC system at River House, where my stuff was constantly getting ruined from the mini-floods of the AC convectors). Decided against Post Pentagon Row because the long halls were depressing, everything was a major hike, there were no good views, and penny-ante charges for every little thing. Couldn't go to any of the Metropolitans because they are owned and operated by Kettler, which I will NOT reward after the miserable experience with their people the last few months, and especially the firing of all the union custodial staff. Discovered a wonderful situation at Warwick House on South Eads, which is run very professionally by Bozzuto Management. I love the management here, the apartments are lovely, my neighbors are largely highish income, mid-career professionals, like me, plus it's peaceful and stress-free. It costs a bit more (not much more because my individually metered utilities here are HALF of what I was getting apportioned in a one-bedroom at River House), but it is SOOOO worth it.
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/12/2009
Thanks so much for these posts! I'm moving from North Carolina to the Washington DC area for my new job and was considering River House....now I know not to waste my time.

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates