Stalwart Complex Stands Firm on Alexandria's West End

Mayra Trevia studies the titles at the library at the Alexandria. Most books are donated by residents. (Ann Cameron Siegal For The Washington Post)

Convenience is a big draw at the Alexandria, a sprawling mid-rise apartment complex in the west end of the city of the same name.

It's even possible to live there without a car. In fact, Pablo Jimenez does just that. "It's close to everything. I can even walk to Metro if I want," said the six-year resident, although he also said he uses the community's private shuttle bus to and from the Van Dorn Metro station.

The complex, on a rise overlooking the intersection of South Van Dorn Street and Route 236, within view of Landmark Mall and two blocks from I-395, has neatly tended grounds and sidewalks that meander through grassy, treed courtyards, offering a respite from the heavily traveled roads around the community's perimeter.

There is plenty of nearby shopping. Cross Van Dorn Street at the light to shop at BJ's Wholesale Club or to patronize the restaurants and businesses in the Van Dorn Plaza. Turn south on Van Dorn Street for easy access to restaurants with an international flavor. Landmark Mall is only a block away, and though it's a bit challenging to reach by foot, it's doable.

"It's so convenient here," Jimenez said.

Suellen Medd, a technical writer and seven-year resident, agrees. "If something happens to your car, you can walk to everything you need."

While the location attracts people to the 1,524-unit apartment community, convenient amenities that go beyond the well-equipped fitness center and two swimming pools also get praise from residents. Kickboxing, yoga, low-impact aerobics and Pilates classes are offered several times a week at no charge. Two illuminated sand volleyball courts, eight illuminated tennis courts and an in-season tennis pro and shop are on site.

There are also an on-site dry cleaners and shoe-repair shop, two tanning salons, a cozy resident library and a large-screen, 32-seat theater that shows popular videos on weekends and special children's movies after school.

Before hopping on the bus in the morning, residents can duck into the on-site deli to buy a breakfast sandwich or a cup of coffee. After work, the deli, just steps from the bus stop, is a handy place to rent videos, or to purchase sandwiches, wine, greeting cards, groceries or nonprescription medications.

The Alexandria, formerly Oakwood Apartments, was built in the 1970s and was bought by Texas-based BH Management Services Inc. in 1999. The studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom units have gas stoves and open kitchens. Most have utilities included and 192 units have fireplaces. About three-quarters of the units have been updated with new appliances, cabinets and large, well-lighted vanities. Upgrades to the rest will be completed this year.

There is a coin-operated laundry on the first floor of each building, but several months ago management began offering stackable washer-dryer combinations in each unit (except studios) upon request, for an extra fee of about $60 per month.

For no extra charge, residents in the studio apartments can request a Murphy bed. Jimenez likes being able to store his bed in the wall unit when it is not in use, freeing up extra floor space.

Stella Livingston, the Alexandria's marketing director since September, recalled a story from the 1970s, when Playboy magazine promoted the property as a great place for swinging singles. "That's hard to believe now, because it's such a family place," she said. As an indication of how things have changed, the Alexandria will be opening an on-site day-care center in June. Plans call for a center that serves 77 children with a Montessori program, after-school activities and "parents' night out" events.

Lorraine Foster, who works for the FBI, doesn't have children, but chose the Alexandria three years ago "because they welcome dogs." When she and her poodle were out walking recently, they were quickly surrounded by children of various ethnic backgrounds who seemed to all speak the same language when it came to admiring the puppy.

Mayra Trevia, originally from Panama, lived at the Alexandria for a year before becoming a member of the leasing staff. "My friends with the diplomatic staff from Panama and Venezuela go back and recommend the community to their replacements," she said. "It's like a continuous chain."

The pleasant experiences that Trevia, Medd, Foster and Jimenez have had at the Alexandria contrast sharply with the postings of anonymous reviewers at Apartmentratings.com who give the complex a low rating.

Livingston acknowledges that prospective tenants ask about the validity of the complaints. "I say, 'Look around -- you tell me.' "

With a new management team in place since August, many of the issues have been addressed. Updated security access doors have been installed on buildings and new mechanisms have been added in problem elevators.

While parking is free and plentiful, some spots can be a tight fit if everyone doesn't park perfectly straight. Visitor parking passes are allotted one to an apartment, leaving additional visitors to park on the street, which may involve a bit of a hike.

In Foster's experience, "the maintenance aspect is great." Aware that some residents have expressed concerns over response time, Foster said, "It's how you treat them, I suppose. I'm very nice and don't yell at them." Service requests are followed up with a card or phone call by members of the office staff.

Medd, who has weathered several management changes during the years she has lived in the community, said, "To me, it's been watching a business success story in the making. They've sharpened up the way financial business was done and got staff trained." Having periodically looked at other apartment communities in the area, Medd is finally moving -- to another unit at the Alexandria.