I am a short-term renter. The building advertises as non-smoking, but there is a recurring issue of…read morecigarette smoke on the fifth floor in common space of hallway near elevator and in nearby units. I was told after I signed my lease that this issue has gone on for years. There is no real way for the property manager or the condo board to enforce the building's smoking rule. Do not recommend buying or renting in this building, especially if sensitive to smoke.

It's a very nice condominium apartments building, front desk guy is in place…read more I love that they pets friendly (I was surprised that there is a lot of buildings in DC that don't allowed pets - DC is a very pet friendly..) Because it's a condominium apartments each apt looks different then others.. Location wise - it's great! But it's definitely on my top ten list... :)

I've been a resident of Van Ness East for the last seven years. Everyone who works on the property…read moreis very friendly and they make you feel at home whenever they see you. If you've been here long enough, they even greet you at the door with your name and a big smile! During DC's excruciatingly hot summer months, VNE's two swimming pools are certainly a huge perk. Remember to get there early as the pool tends to get packed quickly! One of my favorite things about VNE is the underground passageway to Giant. If you don't feel like going outside when it's raining or snowing, you always have the option to stay dry by taking this underground route. VNE does come with a gym but in terms of equipment it is very old and the equipment is rather limited. An addition of a TV would certainly make it a lot better. The one other thing I would note about VNE is that it's a hot bed for the elderly. Not to say it's a bad thing, but they certainly like things very quiet. A few of the people who are on the housing committee like to enforce their own rules and if they see anyone doing anything not to their liking they aren't afraid of speaking their mind. Besides that, it's a great place to live! In terms of accessibility, VNE is in extremely close proximity to stores like Walgreens, CVS, Starbucks, Giant, 7/11, Epicurean as well as the Van Ness Metro stop.

I've lived in vne for 3 years and sadly will be moving out this week so it only makes sense for me…read moreto tell people how wonderful the complex is. The building is old but the lobby was renovated recently. I am a huge fan of lobby's and I have to say they did a wonderful job. Besides the lobby, the rest of the complex is relatively out-dated and is in serious need of renovation. Even just changing the lighting in the hallways would really brighten things up. The staff at vne is the best staff you will find. They are really on top of their stuff and maintenance is literally at your doorstep if you have problems. There is also valet parking for guests, which is $7 /day but considering the location and hassle of street parking in the area, it's a steal. Plus, the guests don't know it's extra so it makes the building seem that much better. The complex has 2 pools. One in the back of the complex and one that it shares with the other apartment complex's in the area. The one in the back is very private but the one it shares is like a club during the summer. The crowd is mostly young professionals with some older folks and kids. Definitely a big plus in the summer! Plus, the shared pool stays open about 1 month after Labor Day. The building does have its downfalls with being so old. You will see the occasional dead/live roach here and there but that is unavoidable considering the year it was built. Most of the residents are older, which is great for noise but can be a hassle if you want to play your music. The walls are not that thick. This building is a steal. Factoring in the location, the underground pathway to the metro and giant grocery store, the pool, lobby, and rent prices, it is the best in dc! Oh forgot to mention it is a condo building so each unit is rented out by the owner. I love vne and will be sad when I move!

Positives outweigh any constraints. We are very content here. Buildings and beautiful grounds are…read morewell maintained. Our neighbors are both younger and older. Management is responsive to owner needs. Most of the rules promote safety first and best community interests for all owners. The many amenities and competence of staff provide for a full and comfortable environment.

I had a terrible interaction with a receptionist, Ms. Adams, in the management office. I've been…read moreliving at the Towers for 25 years and this is the first time I've had a negative interaction with an employee. I asked her about the use of dumpster bc I'm working on some updates to my unit. She kept lecturing me over and over again about how contractors must take the trash with them even though I explained to her they were doing that. I literally asked her to stop repeating herself and that I wasn't asking about disposal of contractor's trash but trash from my own projects. She refused to listen and told me I would get fined if I get caught. After telling me I wasn't allowed to use the dumpster, she said I would have to schedule it with the office. I asked her which office, she then told me to leave it in the trash room. I still don't have an answer to my original question:( Looking online to see if I can find the answer myself so I don't have to interact with Ms. Adams again!

I lived here for over 30 years and had numerous issues with management. In short, they are…read moreoverwhelmed, understaffed and simply don't care about providing good service. The building is old and is in a constant state of repair requiring high condo fees. But management is lazy and has a terrible attitude. They are terribly slow to address problems and do so in a surly, rude manner. Avoid living here and definitely avoid buying here. Also, the condo association is extremely rude and close-minded. I'm so happy I sold and got out.

Too many bursting pipes and leaks. Walls between apartments are way too thin. You hear your…read moreneighbors and they hear you! The facade is always under repair whim entails loud drilling and tons of dust accumulations on surfaces like tables and bed linens. The drilling is so loud, you have to leave your unit for hours. Living here is s nightmare!

As an owner since forever, I have to say I have been impressed with the new direction of the board…read moreof directors and management. They are made major improvements in processes, rules and keeping the building maintained. My family has owned here since the 1960's and love the location.

I don't recommend renting or living here. I have lived here for many, many years both as a renter…read moreand as an owner. I was thrilled and proud to live here and then own here. The location is great. It used to be very well maintained with a great Board of Directors & great management. This is no longer the case. I could give many specific examples of why you should run away rather than rent or buy here. Find another place to live. You deserve better.

Tyranny of the Board…read more I would not recommend anyone rent an apartment in the Greenbriar unless they enjoy being unduly fined $500 for unreasonable purposes without any repeal process. During my two years spent living in the Greenbriar my roommates and I were fined a twice for the smell of marijuana. We informed management that it the smell was not coming from our apartment but were told that we were the only renters on that wing of the building and that they would not even consider the possibility that the smell was coming from a owner's residence. We told the decision to fine us was made by the Board of which only owners are allowed to be on, and we were told that there was no way for us to repeal the decision. Additionally when I attempted to scheduled a time to move out, I was told that residents are now allowed to move out during the weekends. Like most D.C. residents I work weekdays 9-5 so I asked for an exception to be made. I was once again told it was up to the Board and that they would make no exceptions to what I believe to be an incredibly unreasonable and unfair policy. Additionally was informed that moving out "illegally" would result in another $500 fine. These are just two of the many examples I can think of in which we, as renters, were treated as second class residents in the building and were subjected to unfair regulations and threatened will financial penalties. Living in the Greenbriar was a never ending headache.

Some of what Karie says is true, but it's mix of students and older folks. They did have a…read moremanagement change recently and that is definitely good news, the previous manager was very difficult to work with. However the move-in times and scheduling an elevator or appropriate parking space seems to be on par for many buildings I'm aware of. Most board decisions of this this kind are made by surveying other buildings nearby. Compared to some other buildings it's definitely quieter and is well maintained, which I find is a plus.

My husband and I are going on year two. For the location you can't beat it. Right across from the…read morezoo and in between Cleveland Park and Woodley Park Metros.the property manager, Jo Ann, is wonderful. She remembers everyone's face and name. One complaint we have is since we have lived here there has been construction, but at least they want this building to be beautiful and up to date. We have never seen one roach or mouse. If there was more parking available we would be totally SPOILED here. I wouldn't hesitate to rent an apartment here again. One more thing is the building attendant is the best we have ever met. He is nice, accommodating, and fast!

Have owned here since 1998. Love the building and the office staff - the same for 20+ years. It's…read morean elegant, charming, and beautifully maintained building and grounds! Can't imagine a better place to live!

Just moved here from house in Potomac. This is a nice small boutique building with a good mix of…read moreages. Mostly seniors, but everyone seems active and engaged with community. We can walk everywhere and we love that!

This is a "follow-up", update review on the review dated 12/5/2017 on Cathedral Commons. First,…read moreand no disrespect to anyone, giving a rating of [5] on any type of review requires, is incumbent on the author to provide the written dialogue to support such a high level of opinion. Nice appliances and a friendly staff do not make [5] stars and really reads as a cant when it is critically analyzed. The facts are/include when a person/s show up to rent and actually have the ability to pay {or their parents...} the management company has done their due diligence, so students cannot be discriminated against of course. We now know D.C tenant law/processes a little better after this. My advice to anyone who takes the time to read this is document the behaviors/issues so to "memorialize" them, this in fact was critical in the cases of the [two] neighbors who were finally evicted prior to the federal marshals throwing their ***** out! The on-site and district management was very supportive and worked with us throughout these "dark" times to give us updates on the legal processes and also reimbursed us for rent and property damaged in the flood. Yes, most of the management and staff are very professional and actually follow-through on requests and are responsive to both verbal and written requests/concerns. Life on the 5th floor is now back to "normal" we are GLAD to report! This is a great location for us with all the "amenities close as well as work. Most everyone who lives here seems respectful and aware that they live in tight quarters and management/concierge staff are usually quick to resolve those small issues like people parking illegally and the wipes being empty in the fitness room. That all being said, and considering the "nature" of an apartment/condo living arrangements, this is a solid [4] stars. Thanks Juliana, Rocio, Lindsey, Terrance, Nordia, Grace, Innocence, Santos....!

We moved in only a few days ago and our experience has only been amazing so far! The staff is…read morefriendly and always helpful, the facilities are plenty and the appliances are good quality; which is different than our previous condo experience.