The Argonne

Current Resident 822249

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Great Location With Lots of Problems

This building has lots of problems - rodents (roaches, rats), a new set of managers every 3-4 months and awful smells. With the right management and a gut renovation to the whole building and not just the lobby - it could be a nice place to live.

Current Resident 515533

Resident • 2004 - 2006

Questionable management

Used to be a wonderful place to live. Decent rent rates, rooftop pool, small gym and great location. However, the building aas bought last year by a new management company, Carmel Partners, and things have gone down hill. Tenants have seen rent increases, decrease in services (front desk gone, more rodents, elevators out) and overall bad service. Recommend renting short-term. Be careful of managment.

Current Resident 564420

Resident • 2003 - 2006

Think carefully

Pros: Location, outdoor pool, spacious apartments.<br><br>Cons: Very poor management, slow and poorly executed maintenance requests, dire laundry facilities, poor building security, bad odor running through most of the building.<br><br>Overall, if offered a below-market price, it's a good deal. If not, your money will buy more elsewhere.

Current Resident 990205

Resident • 2006

mgmt, specifically the MGR - RACHEL suck!

the complex is okay, but the leasing agents are rude and the manager Rachel is rude, ignorant and lies. they are not timely, they loose checks and they will not call you back. i lived in 4 different places over the past 5 years, and mgmt (while poor)isn't that much worse than the other places i've lived - it's Rachel specifically who is unprofessional and not easy to work with!

Current Resident 472842

Resident • 2005 - 2006

This place sucks!

This building and mainly the management suck! The building is infested with rats and the hallways are like a cave. The manager is a twelve year old who does not know what she is doing and lies to your face, when and if she is here! As soon as my lease is up I am out.

rtjmca

Resident • 2004 - 2006

It's a city life!

Living in a city apartment, especially in adams morgans, there will always be problems with parking, roaches, noise etc. Park Plaza suffers from these as every place does. However I've enjoyed my two years. The door stafff are courteous, problems (e.g. broken waster disposal) get fixed within 2 days, the location is excellent and facilitied are better then most places. If you're looking to rent an apartment for a few years near adams morgan, this is as good as it gets for a reasonable price.

Current Resident 840719

Resident • 2005 - 2006

problems yes, but overall good

We've been here for almost a year and there have been many changes. The building is getting fixed up, the new lobby is quite nice and clean. The apartment is large and spacious and BRIGHT. For the HIGH rent we pay, I would expect NOT to have to deal with many of the things that we do have to deal with. The hot water runs out in the mornings- this is a real PAIN. I don't think we should have to deal with other people's dog mess (which IS a problem). There are roaches, I've seen a few- but we keep the place CLEAN as possible and avoid leaving out food. The smells are a problem with smells coming from the vents as well as in the hallways. The tenants association probabaly needs to be revamped. The amenities are GREAT and we love the location. If we thought we were staying in the area for the long haul, we would definitely move b/c it's NOT worth the rent. We like the management enough- they're nice and friendly and responsive when we talk to them- the problem is, that they don't actually solve any of the problems.

Current Resident 500244

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Awful property mgmt - great location

My door did not lock. My dishwasher and oven weren't functioning. No hot water. No mail. Poorly cleaned apartment when I moved in...these were just a handle of problems that I have had since I moved into Park Plaza in Aug 05. They gave me rental concessions, then re-nigged. Since they turnover prop mgmt staff so often, they can't keep their records straight so when one prop mgr told me that I didn't have to pay rent, the other told me that I did. These people are very difficult. The good thing is that the renovated apartments are gorgeous and so is the lobby. The fitness center is adequate and the convenience store in the bsmt works real well when you forgot to buy syrup for an early breakfast. Plus, the location IS WONDERFUL.

Current Resident 22594

Resident • 2003 - 2005

Very good place to live - ignore the whining

You'll see several reviews here complaining about the (new) management company. Ignore them. This is likely the organized work of a small handful of residents who participate in a "Tenants Association" that is long on rhetoric but woefully short on providing information or consensus-building. <br><br>These apartments are nice, spacious, and comfortable. The lobby is beautiful. There's an outdoor pool! A cafe and a convenience store IN the building. Location is pretty much unbeatable. Prices are fair - at least mine is; not sure what new renters are paying. <br><br>Some of the complaints on this site are not reasonable - they'd pretty much apply to any large urban apartment building anywhere in the world. You can pay a lot more for a lot worse. <br><br>The only complaint I'd agree with is that there are roaches - you'll need to take steps to control them, and the management needs to make a building-wide effort to address this. Rats are not an issue. <br><br>I've lived there for two years. I'm satisfied. The best place I've lived in in DC. It's getting a bad rap from a small group of disgruntled residents intent on fulfilling some protest hero fantasy. I'm not saying that the management company isn't a little dirty - they've been cited for some illegal actions including the 95/5 transfer and, more recently, 30 counts of charging rents above the rent ceiling. The actual facts of these cases have been reported in the Post and by the City Council; the tenants assn has provided very little information, but again, lots of rhetoric.<br><br>Don't rule out this building based on anything you read here. See it for yourself. Be aware of the issues with management (maintenance, etc. are fine; I'm referring to the underhanded dealings). Decide if the price you're offered is fair in this marketplace, and make an educated decision. In my opinion, you'll have a hard time doing better in this area at similar prices.

Current Resident 218359

Resident • 2005

Perspective Renters

The Park Plaza is located in a very fun part of Washington DC. The night life is nothing short of fantastic, while you are able to live in the neighborhood without paying outrageous prices. <br>The rooms themselves are very nice...save a few minor problems that a normal person could fix, light bulbs and things like that. I have not experienced any rats or roaches...and I feel that may have something to do with the way you take care of your respective dwelling. <br>The tenants however are a different story...they seem to be left over from the past 20-30 years. They are not friendly and seem to have a great propensity for complaints and general malaise. If you WORK and are a young person...I HIGHLY suggest the Park Plaza, location, room quality, and price...tough to beat. The 2 bedrooms are extremely spacious, and can easily be made into three bedrooms. After reading these posts of MOSTLY complaints I figure I might as well list mine. <br>Walking down the halls you would think you were in some sort of Psych. ward. The hallways can be a little ripe...but that is due to the Thai/Vietnamese/Mexican cooking that EVERYONE in my hall seems to partake in. Make a hotdog or some spaghetti, maybe even some lamb... but for god sakes stop using dogs and cats. Which brings me to another grievance, The DOGS. These people dont really look like a lot of them have the capacity to take care of themselves....rather another living thing. The Dogs piss in the elevators, the hallways...and generally all over. It is not good. <br>As far as the complaints about new management and all this corporate whining...its a little misplaced. I want a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing, clean apartment building, to go home to NOT A POLITICAL STATEMENT.<br><br>p.s. small gym, store, pool, all located IN building. <br>

Current Resident 369515

Resident • 2002 - 2005

A nice building with good ammenities

I've lived in Park Plaza for more than 3 years and like it very much. While some of the reviewers have complained about poor services, I've only had positive experiences with the management - they've been very prompt about responding to my maintenance requests and I've never had a bug or rodent problem. And they were very helpful when I choose to move into a smaller unit.<br><br>The services are excellent (laundry, gym - although small - store, and especially the outdoor pool). And the price is reasonable. All apartments have central air and dishwashers which is great after living in a place with neither.<br><br>Frankly, the biggest problem I've had is with fellow tenants who are not respectful wish to be confrontational rather than solve problems.<br><br>While I'm sure those folks do not represent the majority, they are frustrating to deal with.<br><br>Aside from that, I would have no qualms recommending this building to anyone.

Current Resident 401755

Resident • 2003 - 2005

Never Rent Here

My first several months under the old management were pleasant, particularly because of the helpful and friendly staff, as well as the excellent location of the building.<br><br>Since Carmel Partners moved in, however, Park Plaza became a total disaster. Their first Assistant Resident Manager was rude and unavailable, with a tendancy to roll his eyes whenever approached by a tenant. I was rarely at home because of work commitments, and even the smallest request would become a major ordeal.<br><br>Over the summer of 2005, all but one of the elevators were broken and the management never seemed to be in any hurry to fix them. The overall condition and hygeine of the building were deplorable as well. There was often pet urine left uncleaned in the hallways and a filthy odor was always emanating out of the lobby. The parking lot is infested with large rats at night, and I saw mice in the building on more than one occasion. Earlier this year, there was also an armed robbery at the convenience store in the building's lower level.<br><br>I was fortunate to leave Park Plaza this past August, after much confusion with the disorganized staff to confirm my exit date. Nearly three months later, I have still not received my security deposit, even though my studio was left in pristine condition. Such slowness and lack of concern is truly unnacceptable (and likely illegal given DC Landlord-Tenant Law).<br><br>It's truly a shame that such a great building in a lively, interesting part of town has turned into such a dump. I sympathize with the tenants who have been living there for years: Carmel seeks to elevate the rent and attract a wealthier tenant-base, expecting nothing but punctual monthly payments at the same time. The management company, however, makes no accomodations for its own incompetence.

pussycatdoll

Resident • 1994 - 2005

These ----ed Up People Make It Bad!!!!!!!!!

I have never lived in a place where the broke --- tenants wanted so much, but gave so damn little. It is a shame, for such a nice building to be occupied with such nasty, dirty, unhappy---- individuals. <br><br>My motto is: if you dont like where you live, move the ---- out! As for the new management, they are doing a better job than the old. The tenant association is a bunch of complaining --- non-working, disability receiving people who all they want to do is ----- and gripe.<br><br>I like it here, but I would like it better if you all would just get over it and move out. <br><br>I miss the old crew, Octavio, Timothy, Vivian, Tzehay, and Shaun. This place has gone to the dumps, I am glad I have a month to month,so I can get the ---- out of here.<br><br>Chris

Current Resident 940938

Resident • 2003 - 2005

Run Far, Run Fast!!

Friend lives in this building and complains constantly about having to battle new management for repairs (and it needs a lot). ROACHES -- lots of 'em, and the exterminator never shows up. Lobby usually smells like something died in there. On most visits, at least one elevator is broken. Unfinished painting in hallways for past year. Just generally nasty.

Current Resident 514004

Resident • 2003 - 2005

RE: "Wonderful person kept me here" - By Managment

Written by managment - Vivian is either tired, a ----- or a kiss --- - - All management has either been fired or quit in the last 10 months.<br>Smells- the foyer(wow!), trouble with properly completed repairs, 2 recent supervised inspections by the city w/multiple fails.<br><br>Management sucks --- - tenants are ok -generally cool people<br><br>Nice pool - get out early an get a chaise

Current Resident 600587

Resident • 2004 - 2005

GREAT LOCATION w/ Rooftop Pool

Convenient market and cafe on ground level, great swimming pool on garage rooftop.<br>New management has some miscommunication issues notifying tenants of changes/inspections, etc. 1 of 3 elevators has been inaccessible for over a month. I am not picky--I use the stairs. Stinky Lobby area. Small/cramped exercise room. My maintenance requests are always responded to in 1 day. <br>Street Parking is AWFUL if you do not have a reserved space in the garage. Friendly front desk staff.

Current Resident 661812

Resident • 2004 - 2005

New management is awful

The new management company, carmel management, that took over the Park Plaza apartments earlier this year (January 2005) is awful. They are very unresponsive to maintentance requests and even emergency situations. They are unethical and dispespectful. I would look elsewhere for an apartment.

Current Resident 671980

Resident • 2004 - 2005

a wonderful person kept me here!!!!!!!!!!!!

my experience at park plaza was wonderful. i met a very professional and helpful young lady there named Vivian. She was so helpful with getting my maintenance orders in and just a great spirit in general . People like her are the kind of people that make living more easy. If you are looking for a apartment at Park Plaza, then look up Vivian. She gets the job done. She is the reason I stayed after my lease was up.

Current Resident 176100

Resident • 2004 - 2005

don't live here!

This building was recently taken over by a large development company based in California whose sole objective is to run all of the current tenants out of the building so they can jack up the rental rates and then sell the building in a few years at an enormous apartment. Do you really want to conribute to these goals? <br><br>Perhaps if you're a new tenant moving into one of their renovated and ridiculously overpriced apartments, they will treat you well, but they have treated the residents who have lived here for years like crap. Good luck getting maintenance to do any work in your apartment or getting the management to return a phone call. Oh, by the way, they also abused a loophole in DC housing law so they could buy the building without offering it to tenants first as they are supposed to. <br><br>You'd be much better off living at the Chalfonte around the corner on Argonne Place. The apartments are nicer and the staff is very courteous. I lived there for 3 years and never had any problems getting maintenance to fix something -- any problem was fixed quickly and cleanly.

exposeyoutaj

Resident • 2005

It is what you make it!!!!!!!

I dont know what the problem is with Park Plaza, I loved my tour there. I was taken to the fitness center, the cafe, and the market, I also called through apartments.com, and they were very knowledgeable. I thought the staff was nice, cheerful, and energetic. I would live there if the price was in my range. <br><br>I visited the show units with Mr. Forbes and I thought he was nice, and did a great job. I have been around alot, and no other leasing agent would give me bus info, nor train info. He walked me through it. <br><br>Jason was great, and so was the other lady Vivianne. <br><br>I am still looking, so if you guys lower the price, call me.

sail60

Resident • 2005

Be careful...

I live in a renovated apt that is spacious, clean and quiet. Generally, I have no complaints about the unit. The only issue I have with the Park Plaza is the management staff. Timothy Ford is a confrontational, unprofessional and disorganized assistant property manager. I spend so little time in my apartment due to my work schedule, but in my dealings with Mr. Ford, my overall experience with Park Plaza has been extremely negative. If an attentive staff is what you look for in a property, do not move to Park Plaza.

Current Resident 471408

Resident • 2005

Puzzled re: last review

I can't figure out that last review, the one who complained about rats. Compared with the place I lived in Dupont, Park Plaza doesn't have that that bad a problem. And of course this is the urban core -- if you can't stand rats, move far out into the 'burbs, or, better yet, Duluth.<br><br>That said, this place is great. Don't let that review sway you, come see for yourself. My unit is large and all utilities are included and it has an AWESOME view. My neighbors are very friendly and there's a real community feeling. And there are four bus lines at the front door, five minute walk to the Green Line (Columbia Heights), 15-minute walk to the Red Line (Woodley). And of course the heart of Adams Morgan, which is a primo location.<br><br>I also love the free fitness center and convenience store in the basement.<br><br>As far as the review that dissed Tim Ford... huh? The guy is what's called FRIENDLY. He loves his job and his residents and it shows. Recently I had a delay in getting the freight elevator key to move some stuff so he deducted $250 from my next month's rent.<br><br>Like I said, I have no idea what the that other reviewer is talking about. I love it here, and I'm a pretty darn picky person. Check it out, you won't regret it. All my friends who have seen my place are really jealous.

Current Resident 623742

Resident • 2004 - 2005

RUN! RUN AS FAR AWAY AS YOU CAN

Oh my God, if you value clean, quiet, nice surroundings, then Park Plaza will not be the place for you. First of all the hallways are completely dark and the smell. I like animals, but the dog smell coming from the apartments is really unbearable. I couldn't take it at all. I just do not understand at all. <br><br>The rats are taking over Park Plaza. If you don't do rats, then you need not do Park Plaza. They are all over the place and it doesn't seem like there is anything that they are doing about it. The management is pretty cool with the exception of one person, Timothy Ford. My friends and I can't walk down the hall without Tim trying to flirt with one of us.<br><br>If you are desperate for a place to live, by all means, go to Park Plaza, but there are other places in the area that is much better for the price that you should check out.

Current Resident 616949

Resident • 2004

Good place

I recently moved here from Canada and knew nothing about Washington, DC. For the price, Park Plaza has the largest, nicest apartments in the area. The people are generally nice but the neighborhood is not so great. Women are constantly harassed by men on the sidewalks, but in general it is safe.

Current Resident 309051

Resident • 2003

Excellent Apartment!

I just moved a few months ago, and I have nothing but fabulous things to say about Park Plaza. It´s so close to everywhere I love to hang out (the 18th St. strip), yet it´s also pretty residential. <br> <br>My dog also loves it. There are plenty of other dogs to play with, and lots of parks to walk him at. <br> <br>I definitely recommend it here!