70 Capitol Yards

As silly as this may seem… I asked to be taken off the email list because I have not lived there for months Alexis replied to my request and said it was removed. Long behold… ANOTHER email, so I reply again with the same request. This time Sloane emails me back stating I need to submit in writing an official letter, sooo an email is not sufficient after it had been confirmed that I was removed? I get enough junk emails a day and should be a lot easier than what it is to avoid getting spammed every SINGLE DAY with irrelevant emails. Supposedly I’m removed now after a phone call.(allow people to unsubscribe from the mass amounts of emails ya’ll send a day)

I love living at 70 Capitol Yards! They do a great job of cultivating community within the building through a variety of fun activities and offers. The amenities are fabulous and the location is perfect. I’ve had a good experience with the leasing office and there is always a smiling face at the front desk. I look forward to calling this home for quite a while.

I’ve been living here for a few months now after transitioning from NYC after 15 years. The months leading up to my move to DC were nothing short of insane, but the one saving grace was working with the 70 Capitol Yards management team.
I’ll start with the signing of the lease part. My intention was to move in with a roommate; from the beginning, we were graciously taken care of and tended to. Granted, NYC is a totally different beast in terms of the housing market, so anything would’ve impressed me, but truly — the staff here made sure we were comfortable from beginning to end. Anyway, we ended up picking out what would be a perfect apartment. Sadly, at the time (for me) my roommate backed out within 7 days of our move-​in date and just before we signed the lease. While I was panicking, that anxiety soon dissipated because of the genuine understanding of my leasing agent, Erin and her colleagues. Not only did she help me find a new apartment in the building under such short notice, but she completely understood my circumstances and really went above and beyond to find me a perfect place to call home! She didn’t just help me, she offered her assistance with the utmost professionalism and kindness. That treatment really goes a long way.
I have to share… I moved in under the most strenuous of circumstances: my roommate backed out, I had a severe case of bronchitis (in the dead of winter) and was in the middle of a job hunt. I literally cried in appreciation and joy the day I moved in for a few reasons: 1. The staff made sure I had everything I needed upon move in, 2. there as a WONDERFUL «welcome» spread, which I’m sure they do for all of their tenants, but I had never been greeted with such warmth and genuine appreciation for my decision to move into the building. I mean seriously, who does that??? 70 Capitol Yards does!
Ok, moving on… I’m now 4 months into my life here in the building, I could go on and on raving about each and every single staff member… from those managing the front desk, the maintenance men and women, and even the security guards on the roof who have to deal with the pool-​side shenanigans (let’s be honest… the small pocket of «cool kids» who live here can get a little rowdy). I will spare you my soliloquy and simply say that each and every person in the aforementioned categories make our building a safe, warm, inviting, and downright excellent place to reside.
Lastly, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention one experience that also leaves yet another indelible imprint on my experience here thus far. I just started a new and demanding job, and life has been crazy as a result. I’ve been a bit of a hot mess trying to stay organized at home and tending to professional obligations. As a result, my rent was a few days late because I simply dropped the ball in the organization department. Instead of having been treated like a delinquent right off the bat, I was given the benefit of the doubt by one of the assistant property managers, Joseph when he kindly reached out to touch base about my payment. I was so glad that he did, because a) I probably wouldn’t have caught onto my error, but b) he did so with again, the utmost kindness and respect. That NEVER happens in life, and I cannot begin to express how much that means — especially when life gets a little crazy and overwhelming.
With all this said, in case readers couldn’t deal with my long-​winded Grammy-​esque ‘thank you’ speech, I hope you’ll take away the following:
1. It’s worth EVERY penny to live here. I’ve gathered that people think they «nickel and dime,» but if you want a first class experience, that’s what you’re going to get, and 70 Capitol is BEYOND reasonable, so those complaining need to check themselves, especially if they wanted a «budget airline» or «discount dollar store» experience. And seriously, when it comes to where you live, you can’t put a price on responsiveness and your sanity. Again, let me remind readers… I spent 15 years in New York (Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx and Manhattan, specifically)…so complainers have no idea how fortunate they are.
2. Compared to other DC properties, the management staff here is absolutely superior. They treat you like a person and they are more than reasonable. It just doesn’t get any better than that. Thank you, 70 Capitol Yards!
—end scene—

I lived here for about a year. I concur with Lindsay M’s review. This place feels kind of like a college dorm building with lots of dogs. (As a dog owner, I loved how dog-​friendly it was, but do NOT live here if you are bothered by dogs or the occasional dog poop in the building/​constant dog poop on the sidewalks outside.)
The apartments are cheaply made – our dishwasher and washer/​dryer combo both broke and leaked profusely. Neither was ever fixed. The apartments have absolutely no insulation. Factor in a significantly higher than expected utilities bill because you will run the AC/​heat constantly. The walls were so paper thin I could tell which shows my neighbor was watching on TV.
In general, the concierge people are sassy and/​or clueless (except the tall dude who generally worked night shifts… that guy was great).
Some genius shattered beer bottles in our hallway on a Friday night. I noticed when I walked barefoot to take out the trash and stepped in some of the glass. I told management about it the next morning and it wasn’t cleaned until Monday morning «when the cleaning crew came.» Real smart decision to allow that and even smarter to acknowledge the failure to clean it up in a timely manner.
Management will charge for everything they can. I recall a $ 5 fee just for giving you your rent bill. The building will jack up your rent dramatically after a year (as much as $ 250−300/mo). I know multiple people who complained about this, though I moved out before a year was up, which brings me to their draconian lease break policy.
I had to move out and break my lease on a whim and they were completely and utterly unaccommodating. They insisted on a month’s rent lease break fee and 2 month’s rent. Granted, this was all in the lease, which I obviously agreed to, but they would not negotiate anything whatsoever. They refused to even list the apartment to see if it could get rented out during the 2 months they held me to rent. When I asked why, or whether anything was negotiable, they told me «Sorry, we have to hold you to the lease’s terms.» That’s it. I was told this by multiple levels of management.
Then they screwed up the prorated rent amount. And then they conspicuously screwed up the carpet replacement fee by a few hundred dollars. And of course they charged the carpet replacement fee in the first place for a minor, almost unnoticeable stain the size of a quarter.

I lived in this building for 3.5 years and recently (thankfully, finally) moved out. Management changed last year to Bozzuto — the new grills and holiday decorations were nice, but lipstick on a pig is still a pig.
Management nickels and dimes residents for EVERYTHING. A $ 10 trash fee? An «account maintenance» fee? $ 500 («non-​refundable») to reserve the party room or the theater — amenities that you also pay a [non-​refundable] amenity fee for when you sign a lease? Not to mention the horrendous customer service from the leasing office and the front desk? The most minor infraction I’ve had to correct is a math error in prorated rent. The most major infraction is a $ 450 «painting fee» (to repaint ONE wall) when we moved out of one apartment and into another — because the neighbors were consistently screaming/​playing loud music/​threatening us through the walls and management refused to do anything about it.
Let’s also discuss the number of 23-​yr-​olds Bozzuto thinks they can cram into a one-​bedroom apartment. One Sunday afternoon I returned from a long business trip and the elevator reeked of vomit (a neighbor said the vomit had actually been there the night before — and when she told the front desk person about it, the response was «the cleaning crew left for the day»). There is frequently dog excrement all along the first-​floor hallway, because apparently people who can’t train their dogs also can’t pick up after them. My favorite might be the constantly sticky elevator floors, from some sugary-​boozy-​drink that someone couldn’t keep in a red cup they were holding. It’s gross.
This place makes me so angry I can’t even write coherently about it. I have never been happier to move out of place than I was when I left 70 Capitol Yards. Oh, also, I forgot to mention that they lost a package of ours. Sent us an e-​mail telling us we had one, and then just could never find it. So, to the future tenants. .. enjoy whatever was in that package.

Run Awaaaaaayyyyy!!!
When you first tour the apartment, it looks shiny and nice, and then you realize it’s all smoke and mirrors. Everything in the units was done as cheap as possible:
— you can feel construction refuse under the paper thin carpet
— the toilet is made of some Toys R Us plastic that molds after two flushes no matter how much bleach you pump through the system
— the bathroom mirror has literally started disintegrating
— the windows might as well be a fabric sheet, completely uninsulated from sound and temperature
…And that was before Buzzuto took over as the management company and killed the one thing this building had going for it, which was reasonable management and a friendly staff.
The building is now managed by an investment bank in NYC, with snotty unprofessional GW kids in the office tasked with blindly implementing nonsensical corporate policies while playing rich and powerful grownups in Forever21 suit ware. Rents are skyrocketing, fees are raining from the heavens, and the pool upstairs is filled with swamp slime and tears. Runaway my friends, run far far away…

All in all, my experience at 70 Capitol Yards was great — especially once Bozzuto management came on. They updated all of the amenities and their maintenance staff was great. In particular Nestor was always on the spot and kept everything running like it should. My only complaints are how oddly sound permeable everything was, and the inconsistency of the temperature.

I just moved here in May from California and not too pleased with the services offered. I got my first rent bill and found out that if I paid with my ATM card there is a $ 4.95 fee or even if I linked it to my checking account its the same fee. If you pay with a credit card forget it there’s almost a $ 65 fee for that. The only way to avoid a fee is write out a check and dropping it off at the leasing office. Also they have a processing fee for your utilities. It just seems like there is a charge for everything.
Upon moving in everything is a nonrefundable deposit for apartment, amenities or if you have a pet. If you want to use the amenities there is an additional non refundable deposit required just to use them. I wanted to have a welcome home party for my partner and have about 15 people. First, couldn’t use the roof since too many people and no passes to give them and if I were to use the club house there is an additional non refundable deposit. I would definitely understand if no else was able to use the facility, then the charge would be valid.
I guess I should end on a positive note. The gym is great and no additional non refundable deposits to use it :)
I will be leaving after my lease though. Not worth the money.

I’ve been living in a one-​bedroom in the Jefferson for about a year with my boyfriend and we have been really happy and satisfied overall. Compared to other properties we looked at in DC with similar amenities and Metro access, the pricing here is actually quite competitive (and significantly less expensive than sister properties the Axiom and 909, where we would have been stretched to afford a studio).
At around 750 square feet we have a good amount of closet space, a washer-​dryer unit of our own, a balcony, and all new appliances. The building itself is beautiful — even though Axiom and 909 are considered more upscale, from the start we actually preferred the steel and exposed brick style at the Jefferson. For what we pay in rent (about $ 1800/​mo) I think the amenities are fantastic — pretty decent gym, rooftop pool with amazing views of DC, 24-​hour concierge, free coffee service, business center, gorgeous common room, even a small movie theater. Other places we looked at with those perks in Penn Quarter, Mount Vernon Square, Columbia Heights, etc. were starting well over $ 2000/​mo for similar square footage.
We have had very few issues with maintenance or building staff and zero pest problems (knock on wood!). You can also paint your apartment as long as you paint it back the way it was when you move out, so we were able to put an accent wall in our living room!
As for location, we’re just a couple blocks away from the Metro and multiple docking stations for Capital Bikeshare, not to mention Nats stadium and the gorgeous new Riverwalk (can’t WAIT for there to be more businesses there). We love living in an area that is up and coming and changing so quickly, and despite the fact that my parents insist on constantly reminding me not to walk around by myself at night, I have never once felt uncomfortable walking or biking around my neighborhood at any time of day — it’s well-​lit, patrolled by multiple police vehicles and typically full of people walking their dogs even at 9 or 10pm.
It’s not perfect — the rooftop pool/​seating in particular isn’t very well taken care and gets super crowded in the summer. The printer in the business center is usually low on ink. People in the neighborhood are terrible about picking up after their dogs, an offense that should probably be punishable by severe public lashing (though I can assure you people are equally inconsiderate in the suburbs of Bethesda where I moved from). And we did hear about someone following a car into the garage last year and stealing some bikes, though honestly I think those occasional incidents are part and parcel of living in a major city.
In general though, we’re thrilled to be renewing our lease for another year now that we know our rent is going up less than 3% (yay!). The building management was recently taken over by the Bozzuto group, so time will tell how that change affects both the good and the bad. For now we’re delighted to live here and would happily recommend it to others.

The apartments and cells are very nice. I love the great view, granite countertops, a great walk in closet, and awesome appliances.
The management itself, however, is terrible. From day-​to-​day things, like getting a package or having them tell you «hello» when you come in the building is it’s perfectly fine and courteous. The problems come from the leasing office, which isn’t great. Their staff is completely disorganized, to the point where I have to contact them upwards of three times to get a single thing done. Like a previous reviewer said, a maintenance request is honored quickly and efficiently. It’s the managerial things that the Jefferson needs to work on.
If you’re looking for a really nice apartment with a great view, a great pool and some really cool amenities (the movie theater is really cool) then this is a great building. I don’t regret living here, but I wish I had set a realistic expectation on how useful the leasing office is and how untrained/​unprepared their management staff is. However, I haven’t decided whether this is on par with DC or just an exceptionally bad management group.
Albeit, the apartments are nice… just not a super great experience.

This review is for the Axiom next door but I had to write something because I have really enjoyed my experience here. First off, the only con is the price! Yes, they do nickel and dime you for parking, pet fee, pet deposit, pet rent, etc but it has been an absolute joy to live here. My dog really enjoys taking the super fast elevators and going on daily walks to the Capitol and Garfield Park nearby. I have also save hundreds by drinking coffee from downstairs and I do occasionally use the gym and computer lab. The Jefferson, Axiom, 909 also offers guestrooms for their tenants ($ 175/​a night for a one bedroom, one den) which we are taking advantage of when my family is coming in from out of town. We have been here for 3 months and the building has already thrown 3 party events and one event event had raffles and prizes. I really look forward to enjoying the rooftop pool this summer.
My tips for searching for an apartment is to get a place facing North so you will not get the sunset or sunrise which will save on heating/​ac bills. The apartment building is more expensive then the Onyx, but you are getting twice as much square footage and closet space. I also hate that the Onyx considers the living room area as a den when its not, but they do offer free breakfast each morning which is pretty amazing deal. We pay a crap load but we definitely have no complaints when it comes to our apartment and the staff is super friendly and accommodating. If you find yourself in D.C. for a limited time, the Axiom is worth the splurge.

Honestly, I have never had a problem with the Jefferson. When I needed a problem to be fixed, management fixed it. The people at the front desk have been nothing but nice and courteous. Unfortunately I had to live in the lower level of the building which has no cell phone service. It’s annoying going outside each time to make a phone call.
I like the way the rooms are set-​up, residents are nice and friendly, great bar area to watch games and host events. But here is the down side, if you are older then 30, I wouldn’t recommend living here. The Jefferson is definitely for the younger crowd. I mean, I can’t even tell you how many notices I’ve seen from management reminding the residents to behave on the roof. The behavior on the roof became so abrupt that alcohol was banned from it.
So basically, if you’re fresh out of college or in your mid to late twenties then check it out. But if you’re a young couple or young family then definitely look elsewhere.

Prices are going up, up, up. I got 2 ½ months free for signing a 13 month lease when I moved in. The concession is down to 6 weeks free. After the 13 months, you’re stuck with the market rate. For me, that’s $ 1875 for a 752 sq ft one-​bedroom. (I believe it’s higher now.)
No utilities are included. The windows are not at all insulated so plan to do it yourself or pay 20−30% more in electricity costs. I had a HUGE problem when I moved in because I was charged for the electricity used in the apartment before I moved in by PEPCO. The building managers were useless in helping me so prepare to fight PEPCO by yourself. I fought my $ 220 bill and won.
You pay a $ 100 fee plus $ 200 at move-​in for amenities: conference room, roof-​top pool, gym, outdoor courtyard, party room, and movie theatre. You can see the Nationals Stadium, Capitol, and Washington Monument from the roof but it closes after midnight. However, if you want to bring more than 3 people with you to the roof/​pool, courtyard, theatre, or party room, you need to put down a $ 500 deposit and pay $ 150 (non-​refundable).
Parking is $ 200 a month and expect to be on the waitlist at least a month after you move in to get a spot, if you’re lucky. Your only cable options are Comcast and FIOS which offers no deals/​savings after a year or less.
This is in SE DC so there is the question of security. You need a key to get in the main door. All guests have to be signed in. Residents have to come downstairs to meet their guests. You cannot leave a guest list. The concierge will check ID. However, there is only one concierge at a time. Sometimes, there’s no one at the desk and it’s not uncommon to see someone just follow a resident in or go in as someone is going out. Most of the concierges are women too so I’m not sure what they would do if someone dangerous did get in…
My floor has smelled very strongly of pot on occasion. There are four elevators and there’s something wrong with one of them every other month. I had to go out to Target to buy a new floodlight to replace a dead one in my kitchen in the middle of my lease. Maintenance would not acquire it for me.
See what other residents are saying at: