Town Square at Mark Center Apartments

The property looked to be well taken care of. Nanette was super friendly and was the first person to greet me. She was very upbeat and enthusiastic in her approach. Not only was she highly knowledgeable of the property and the amenities, she was able to tell me what the overall area had to offer me while living there. If I had not decided to go with a private rental, I would have signed a lease at Town Square at Mark Center.

I am leaving a review for Nanette an amazing staff member at the front desk. She was courteous, well informed and friendly. She helped me go over my options and see what I wanted in terms of layouts and housing. She was fun to talk to and polite. Couldn’t say enough great things about her, recommend all the way.

Jennifer,
I left a voicemail last night. The timer was never an issue. The dryer stops heating period. Nothing has been fixed. I still have a pile worth of laundry that needs to be washed. Will likely need to go out in town again this weekend when the time permits.
update: 2÷27÷2016−−
After leaving the update responding to Jennifer that the dryer was still stopping I came home later that evening to a new washer and dryer. It took two months from the initial complaint that there was a leak in the W/​D and a burning smell (which could also be considered a fire hazard), to replace the machine. First, thank you for my new washer and dryer – I am making use of it now. Two: it’s unfortunate that it took this long and that coincidently, nothing was necessarily done until I left a review on Unilocal.Let’s not wait until someone holds us accountable on a reviews page such as Unilocal to be so responsive and quick. Thanks again!

I am reading all of these reviews and I can’t believe it. I came into the leasing office today at 4pm and the staff was AMAZING. I had my two young children with me, 3 and 7. They went above and beyond in letting them run around and feel at home. The leasing agent squeezed me in and took me to see the available apartment that was absolutely BEAUTIFUL. I didn’t have a chance to comb through everything but I didn’t see any bugs. I didn’t see any trash anywhere, even the elevator was clean. The play ground was empty but well kept. I LOVED the view from the balcony. I also have an outside storage space. I really don’t know how the move — in process will work, but thus far I really feel like I found a «home.»

Believe the reviews!!! I regret signing my lease. Out of desperation I moved here and regret it everyday.

BEWARE! I called the front office at 4:30 PM today to inform them someone stole over $ 3,000 worth of photography equipment from my apartment in the last 2 months. The woman who answered the phone sounded concerned at first but then asked, «well I don’t understand what you want?» I told her I didn’t want anyone entering my apartment without me being present. Afterward she became short with me and ended our conversation. After I made a police report, I had more equipment stolen when the maintenance man serviced my apartment. I guess that’s why they require you to have insurance before you move in. (So they can rob you) I actually like the layout of my apartment and the parking garage but I will not stay here longer than I need to! I now store my valuables elsewhere

FREAKS AND WEIRDOS IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND UNSCRUPULOUS people in the front office. To start: Lived there about 2.5 years. The neighborhood is FILLED with weird, nosey neighbors that constantly stare at you, or comment on how you are raising your kids or training your pets: They have LOTS of people in the community that seem to never work, are home all day, or, otherwise, just have TOO much ‘free’ time on their hands to the point they are out and about ‘analyzing’ what everyone else is doing, pretending to be «police», offering unsolicited advice, and being a general nuisance to those of us that have to work for a living. The ‘George Zimmermann” mentality is highly prominent in this community, and that, my friend, is NOT a good thing. You would think these people have a LIFE, but sadly, they do not.
I moved out about a month ago, and 2 doors down from me was a freaking wack-​job of a lady that told me she had PTSD from military service that had cameras mounted on her porch that panned around the streets: She spent the entire day looking out her windows and «watching» what was going on her closed circuit TV cameras outside her house and would «butt in» anytime she saw somebody doing something she didn’t like. A complete BASKET CASE, and there seem to be plenty in this complex. She would call the police on ANYBODY, for the dumbest reason… say, because she thought somebody «spoke harshly» to their dogs or 2 people were speaking loudly outside. Racist? Crazy? a little of both, but the lady had mental problems.
You are across the street from section 8 housing: which MEANS, you will have thugs, gang bangers, and drug dealers hanging out on the property and using YOUR basketball court that you are paying for. What the community did about in my time there? NOT a God D@mn thing.
Next: The grounds look like CRAP. They put no effort into beautification, and expect
trash and debris dropped on the streets to stay there for DAYS OR WEEKS.
Next: Front office staff = rude, snotty, uppity, and arrogant. Customer Service? not here!
Next: ‘Community Manager’: spineless with NO backbone whatsoever. There’s a «smoking ban» in the community, but when you see people smoking EVERYWHERE, well, good LUCK with getting that enforced.
Next: Shuttle Bus? NEVER on time — mornings or evenings. I’m talking 15 – 30 minutes behind schedule or running on the «whenever» schedule. Be prepared to spend lots in CAB fares.
Next: The place is OVER-​PRICED garbage. When I moved and saw what I COULD have been getting for my money elsewhere in Alexandria, I was disappointed that I had wasted 2.5 years of money on this DUMP.
Next: Location. NOT that great. Not that much useful across the street, and the ‘grocery store’ there is a complete ghetto DUMP — dirty store with kids riding skateboards in the aisles and everybody using food stamps: You need a car to get to a reputable grocery store like an HT, Giant, Safeway, etc
Next: They will kick you out or terminate your lease for ANY stupid reason, often without asking YOUR side of the story. Afterwards, they will attempt to extort money out of you and have you continue to pay the rent as you live there out of some DESPERATE attempt to maintain their revenue. When I looked at Alexandria Court records, they are just dragging tenants into court in DROVES. I guess you double your profits if you can collect rent from a ‘former’ tenant AND a ‘current’ tenant at the same time. Unscrupulous thieves. These people are desperate for money, unscrupulous, and will try to bleed you dry. I lived at another Equity community before this and had the same problems: Crooked staff looking to steal/​extort money. Somehow, I thought this place would be different: I was WRONG. Stay AWAY from this complex and stay AWAY from any Equity communities.
If there had been a way to give this place ZERO stars, or –1 stars, I certainly would have: Complete GARBAGE and a total waste of your money and time. Trust me, you can do MUCH BETTER.

Recently went to view this property. Nanette in the office is rude, and unprofessional. She rubbed us the wrong way from the very beginning, but we kept a positive attitude. We recently live in a gorgeous luxury apt on Eisenhower ave, but wanted to check out this place while deciding to renew our lease. She had a very Smug attitude the whole tour. We tried to make random convo & got nothing. We tried to ask questions pertaining to the property & her reply was «you can look online» or «its on the paper I gave you». when I asked what is the difference between two similar apts, she quickly replied «look online at the layouts». It wasn’t even in a nice way, as in its easier to see online. Once we got to the actual apt, she just opened the door and stood there. All she said was «are you done» when we approached her after looking around. The Apts itself are… ok, but not anywhere better to where we already live. I don’t know if its because we look young (29yrs) but it does not excuse her behavior. First impressions are a big deal and she ruined it. I rather stay at the place I am now, which has amazing staff, better looking apts & grounds, a gate, better gym & club house, prime location between two different metros, walking distance to restaurants and a movie theater… even though the rent is higher, than give this place that employs people like that business. I can only imagine what the actual residents have to deal with.

I would just like to place ANOTHER review on this HORRIBLE AND UNPROFESSIONAL apartment complex. After moving out for ridiculous reasons already explained, I received a phone Call regarding how I owed 124 dollars or it will go to collections. NO BILLS in the mail, nothing. Even though the complex was Given a forwarding address. I called the office on a Monday, was told a manager would call back wed. The FOLLOWING wed rolls around, no call. Call again, was told a manager was out and he’d call back. I asked them to call back and leave a voicemail if I don’t answer. NO CALL BACK. I call YET AGAIN a few days later and was told AGAIN the manager would call back. WHAT DO YOU THINK? No call back. After moving out because of bugs, I’m being charged for the CLEANING of the bugs that Orkin left, when the OFFICE told me not to worry about it. Will definitely be contacting higher management. DO NOT MOVE HERE. Save your money and go somewhere nicer. If you are military I would not, would not, would not, move here.

I love this community and plan on staying until I buy a house in the area. You definitely get your money’s worth! It’s super pet friendly. The management and maintenance team are great. I guess it’s under new management, and they’ve made some fabulous strides of improvement. The puppy poo spots have more than doubled; there’s a community meet your neighbors event monthly; a maintenance feedback mechanism has been implemented; the shuttle service is more on time and reliable; parking passes aren’t an issue — walk into the office and grab a few; there’s a ²⁴⁄₇ CVS across the street, and don’t forget the Starbucks!
This place has a bad rap due to previous management– it’s not the same, at least not from what I’ve seen.
Cheers!

I’m surprised by the negative reviews this complex gets. I’ve lived here almost two years and have not encountered issues like those mentioned (i.e. lack of response by maintenance or poor customer service from the office staff).
Maintenance has needed to come fix a few things, but they have always been prompt in answering service requests and completing the tasks efficiently and properly. I like being able to submit the service request through the online portal, and then I’m not left wondering if someone got the phone message.
The noise outside my door can get loud at times, but once I have the radio on (at a low level), I can’t hear it. Occasionally I will hear my neighbors on either side when they’re laughing loud. I enjoy happy neighbors, so laugh away!
The office staff, Nanette, Tarah, Lauren, and Nichole, have all politely answered any requests or questions I have asked. The one time I had difficulties getting something accomplished was only due to it being lunchtime, and, well, people have got to eat! The request was handled; it just took a few minutes longer than it would have if it wasn’t lunchtime.
I love my apartment and am very happy to call this home.

Looks can be deceiving. This place used to be good when it was owned by JBG. Once they became Equity. it became worse. Why would i pay for painting the apartment while there was no damage. Does not apartments suppose to paint and replace carpets anyway? On topt of that you have to pay for everything… gas, electric, water. Etc. Also the maintenance were anything but subpar. If you decide to live here just buy air mattress and dont touch anything. If you do put a little dirt on the walls you sure will pay for it. Better off. Buy a flying carpet to sit on so carpets stay clean.

Went to visit a friend at this place. Before I enter this apartment. I thought it was nice, thinking to move here. But once I got into his place, it wasn’t nice at all. Lots of things broken and damaged. For example the AC, kitchen plaint cabinet is pealing and the garage door not even work. I told him make sure to let the tenant know so they can fix it. They came and only fix the AC but not the kitchen cabinet nor the garage’s door. I told him just wait to see if any changes. Then month later the AC and the fab stopped working. I told him go back and let them know. But since he get out off from work around 5:30 pm by the time he gets to the leasing office its already closed. On our day off We went to notify them that the AC and the fab not working and they told us they will sent someone to fix the AC but the fab the lady at the desk told us that come back with the fab and she WILL swap it with the new one. So we went again today to get the new fab and get what they told us. «Can’t give you the new one because we don’t have any». I told them «so how can we access to the gym and they told us sorry we can’t do anything». if it was you what would you do? He’s can’t wait to move out of this place. And they just lost my interest. bad experience for him and especially for me. For who ever thinking to move in this place. Please read the review or do some research before moving in.

They say people never write good reviews and only write reviews when something goes bad. This is my third time staying at these apartments… and they pretty much offer everything I wanted… Its in a great location, has garaged parking, and the floor plans are spacious. The office staff was cool and answered all my questions and responded in a timely manner. I would like to say thanks to Tarah, Nanette, and Nichole for helping me out when moving in. They are great.

Called housing code folks, the place received multiple violations. I’ve been harassed, made afraid in my home, called names. This place has caused me lifetime physical injury, and is unsafe. Proof in coding violations. Pictures speak volumes. They laugh, make fun of you, think you’re stupid and they are untouchable. I pay a lot to live in conditions i am ashamed to even have guests
Any one wants to take legal action, message me, video have time, date stamped photos

If you are considering this place, DONT!
First impression is really important and it starts from the leasing office. The emails will lure you in with pictures and invitation. But once you get to the leasing office, it’s just downhill from there on.
We had an appointment with a person and when we walked in, nobody greeted us. Then someone came to us and said the basic questions blah blah (in the waiting room) and she sat on the table. Before we could answer she goes «anybody! Talk to me» in a demeaning manner and voice. So at that point, I said I don’t want to work with you and have someone assist us. Then Nannette helped us answer questions and such but oh boy, I couldn’t shake off the first impression that I perceived.
Apartment itself appeared to be nice. But I didn’t wanna tour because I believe in customer service and they didn’t have any. I will be living here for 1+ and I rather find something else that serve us better as a human.
Anyways, save your trip and stay away.

I need to update this based on the maintenance crew. The head of maintenance and one man-​dreads and he’s from Uganda? Dunno his name? Well, they both have worked hard to help me when there was a great deal of issues with this winter. They even helped dig my car out of the snow. The office staff is still subpar, but the maintenance crew has gotten better!

Where to begin… I guess I’ll start with what brought me here. Tonight marks the second night in a week that the fire alarm went off in our building and the fire truck is here —
It’s record cold right now, so it’s understandable things will go wrong. But the complex is so far behind on regular maintenance and whatever has been done was done so cheaply that things are going wrong nearly every week in our building or in neighboring buildings.
The big issue lately is the sprinkler system. It has been ailing audibly for months. It’s very loud, enough to hear in your apartment if you live near the pump. And has been constantly running trying to pressurize the system.
Well, three weeks ago something in the piping burst in the ceiling. A man came out to inspect it, he cut a hole in the ceiling, he left some sort of machine in the hole with the a power cord hanging down. And it’s been that way ever since. Nothing else was done.
Last week, Friday night at about 10pm, the pipes finally burst majorly. This set off the fire alarm and covered 4 floors in a waterfall of ice, a sheet of ice across the whole hallway at the top, and then a cascade of icicles to the next floor and repeat. Residents had to stand outside with pets and children in the sub 10 degree weather.
All week, nothing was done except some salt was thrown down to melt the ice.
Tonight, the same exact thing happened again.
It’s not isolated to our building either. I’ve seen the alarms go over elsewhere too, once the building next door had an alarm going at night and then going again the next morning around 7a.
Things go wrong, but you have a duty to people who pay to live here, to fix them. You cannot expect to buy the cheapest products possible, and also not fix them when they break.
Submitting a maintenance request is like tossing your hopes and dreams into a paper shredder. The maintenance guys are nice, but management won’t spend a dime fix your problem, so why bother having someone come look at it? Our AC didn’t work right for weeks in the summer. Finally when it was 90+ outside we complained and they came two days later. Similarly, the heater wasn’t working at the start of winter. I had to go figure that one out myself — same with the water heater.
Other issues:
This complex participates in predatory towing. Tow trucks have permission to troll around looking for vehicles to tow. They will tow any that appear to be wrongfully parked whether they are or not. They won’t bother towing non-​residents who park here during the day. They only come during the late night/​early morning — 12a to 3a to screw with actual residents.
The complex is supposed to be gated, but the gates, literally, NEVER work. A few of the pedestrian gates on the sidewalks simply don’t lock and have never locked in a year of being here. The gates are just cheap, and to reduce load on the system and breakages, they just keep them open during rush hours.
It’s so bad, I was trying to arrange a pickup to get my car from the mechanic. When I told the driver where I lived, he said «Oh I know that place, the gates never work, so I can just get you at the door.» I’m not worried about security — if riff raff wants to get in, they’ll get in. But it’s another indicator of the poor quality of everything here, that even people who do not live here know the gates never work.
The trash area is like something from Slumdog Millionaire.
The office staff, with the exception of a couple people, are some of the rudest people I’ve had the misfortune of meeting in my life.
Oh, the mailman is so fed up with people in my building not picking up their mail frequently enough, despite the angry notes he has left us!, that he has resorted to smashing the mail into the mailboxes until it fits. This has the side effect of making the boxes pop open, and crumpled masses of coupons spill out onto the floor
Residents will leave their dog’s poop on the ground within FIVE FEET of the poo-​bag stand and trashbin. That one is like, wtf, for real?
Parking is expensive, but residents CANNOT park in «Visitor» spots, and cannot park in reserved spots unless they pay the even more expensive $ 100 reserved placard. The only spots on one side of the complex are either visitor or reserved — so… Where can we park?
The basketball court is a hangout for area teens — not residents, just area teens from down the road. They are generally non-​threatening looking, but they break the doors on the building so they can keep coming back, and the complex simply doesn’t fix that either. If they addressed it, they’ve had to address the gates too, but that costs money
All in all, one of the worst complexes I’ve had to live in, ever
There is plenty more, but I think you get the point.

If you’re thinking of renting at Town Square, DON’T! I’ve lived here for two years and I can’t wait for my lease to expire so I can leave!
Read the other reviews carefully and you’ll see trends. First and foremost, the management is completely unresponsive to tenet needs. There are excessive fees above the rent. The construction of the townhomes is shoddy. They aren’t insulated so there are additional costs for heating/​cooling. The appliances and flooring are cheap. There is constant turnover of staff in the leasing office and service department which is always a reg flag. On top of all that, this year there is a community wide rodent infestation that management is desperately trying to downplay.
Save yourself money and stress. DO NOT LIVE AT TOWN SQUARE!

We lived here for two years and overall the experience was OK. I second the Unilocaler who mentioned being nickeled and dimed. The carpets, and I think we had brand new carpeting in our townhouse, were so cheap, they quickly wore and although we never wore shoes in our house, it always looked dirty. We could hear our neighbors above us and especially when they would come in and out of their garage and front doors and walk up their stairs. It sounded like they were stomping through our living room!
Upon move-​out, I elected for them to clean the carpet, but I would do the rest of the cleaning. I am a clean freak and that place was cleaner than when we moved in. Unfortunately, I was charged for a cleaning and although it took a week for them to get back to me and have the charge refunded, I am still confused at my bill and why I am not owed more of my security deposit back. Guess I’ll be calling again, and will have to wait a week again for a response…