Cathedral Mansions

I feel compelled to write an update, frankly, because I love living in this building so much. Two years later, it is still the best place I’ve ever lived in. Now we have bike racks available, and management is really trying to respond to our concerns and needs. It’s amazing to have found a place like this. I’ve lived in the DC area for 20 years, so I know the area well. But the more I talk to people about their living situations, the luckier I feel. I can’t imagine a better place to live. There is nothing that I want that this place doesn’t offer. No unresolved problems. No infestations. No major issues. No rudeness. No hidden charges or tricks. Everything runs smoothly and feels comfortable. This building even has a cute private courtyard with a fountain and BBQ grills where residents can sit under a tree, far from the hustle and bustle of Conn Ave — which I should use more.

In general nice place to live but beware, if you are unfortunate renting an apartment in direct contact with the next one thin walls will make your life a misery. The floor boards will creek when your neighbors walk and their conversations as clear as day. If they’re active, ear plugs will be your way of life. Outside of that, management is agreeable and fixes things right away. There is a nice unpretentious home-​like quality about the place and if your apartment is quiet, probably the best deal in town.

Probably one of the best apartment places I have ever lived in. The staff was pretty friendly and maintenance requests were always taken care of quickly.
I lived in an efficiency there and it was actually pretty nice. You get a nice entry room and the main living space. Plus separate room for the kitchen and bathroom which isn’t too bad.
I’ve never had any noise problems living here either. The place is pretty quiet. Not sure if that is due to the construction or the neighbors though. It is an older building so it can look kinda weird in the long tiled hallways (think the Shining) but it is well worth it.
They pay pretty much all the utilities except for gas and internet. Even for the gas you are only paying the stove so I was paying like $ 6 – 8 a month.
Price isn’t so bad for the location either. I would definitely recommend this place. Sad I had to move out though. But I had to move in with my girlfriend and getting a 1 BR in this building can be tough. You gotta get lucky with the timing.

Cathedral Mansions is the best place I have ever lived. You have to work a little to find it, as it’s not advertised on
or similar places — we discovered it in the Post classifieds — but it’s well worth the hunt for many reasons.
The price for a one-​bedroom is pretty good for its location. I used to live in the infamous Berkshire Apartments by American University, which was fine when I was a student, but not anymore. But, we’re paying less now, which is unbelievable considering what the building offers. And after checking out other buildings in the area, the rate definitely is competitive.
The management is helpful and friendly. At first I was defensive, after working with uncooperative and DMV-​like personalities in the past. But I’ve since let my guard down. They are quick to respond to maintenance requests and they always jump up to help you if you go into the office.
Parking is very expensive, something like $ 170 a month I believe. But street parking isn’t too tough to find most times in the year, and it’s never bothered me enough to drop that kind of money on a space. Just walk out back into the neighborhood and there lots of spaces on the street. That means you transients will have to buckle down for a DC license and RPP. You’ll only have to make a trek if you get back after 7:30 p.m. or so, or during the summer when lots of tourists are at the zoo. Even then, I’ve gotten lucky with spaces a number of times.
The units are little rustic, with old doors and exposed radiators, and lots of them don’t have dishwashers. But that gives it some originality that you don’t get in a lot of other places. They also are compartmentalized, as there is a door to every room, but this could be handy if you have a roommate. Or bad cats. Overall, it’s a cozy layout. The closet in our unit is gigantic. It’s no joke. And window AC units are included, which is something you don’t find in every old building.
Then, there’s the location. It’s halfway between the desirable neighborhoods — and Metro stations — of Woodley Park and Cleveland Park. It’s directly across from the National Zoo. That means a lot of tourists in the summer, but you can get up early and actually see animals, sans strollers. There is a row of shops in the building as well, including a new 7 – 11, a liquor store, drug store and Zoo Bar. Up the street in Cleveland Park, Yes!, Brookville, Magruder’s and Vace have all the groceries you’ll need. And there’s a rad dentist in the building too, Connecticut Avenue Dental.
It’s easy to get frustrated with something you encounter every day — a home, a colleague, a job — but that hasn’t happened here. It will be a sad day when I have to move.

You can’t beat the location of Cathedral Mansions: right across the street from the National Zoo and halfway between Woodley Park and Cleveland Park.
I have one of the smaller-​model 1BRs in the building, and it’s plenty spacious. High ceilings, large kitchen and bath, and nearly-​adequate closet space. Management staff is friendly and normally prompt with repairs.
I’m giving my building only three stars, however, because I do get the occasional pest (I live on the first floor) and because there isn’t enough parking. Rent is also high, although admittedly in line with the rest of NW DC.