Beautiful Location, Frustrating Experience
August 19, 2026 - Review from Apartments.com
I’ve rented for many years with several property management companies, good and bad. Bracken House won us over with a stunning top-floor view of the bridge. Unfortunately, the view became the best part of our experience.
Problems started on move-in day. Despite arranging our arrival in advance, our unit hadn’t been cleaned or maintained after the previous tenant. We were told they were temporarily short-staffed and would catch up.
In our two years there, they never seemed to.
We had four water ...
leaks. After one, a roughly three-foot hole remained in our bathroom ceiling for months despite repeated requests. Our refrigerator was replaced due to a broken ice maker—with one without an ice maker. We waited months for one, then discovered they apparently had several in a closet. Package lockers were frequently broken, and pest-control requests were closed without action.
The problem was communication and follow-through. Requests frequently went unanswered; even a simple renter-verification document took nearly three weeks and repeated calls.
Deferred maintenance was visible throughout the property: cracking concrete, rusting and deteriorating railings. Areas bordering the public trail regularly accumulated trash, graffiti and apparent drug activity. I understand it’s city property, but Bracken House seemed to take little interest in conditions immediately surrounding residents. I regularly picked up trash and cleaned graffiti.
Noise was also significant, from both neighboring units and constant bridge traffic.
The final straw came when the rear staircase near our unit partially collapsed. We were first told they needed a contractor, then that it would be budgeted for the next year, and eventually that repairing it wasn’t a priority.
Then part of the property’s parking structure collapsed, taking elevator and mailroom access with it.
Thankfully nobody was hurt, but some older residents were left multiple floors up without elevator access for weeks. Bracken House offered to help with our added moving cost, but the amount offered didn’t cover it.
That summarizes our experience: problems were acknowledged, but follow-through was another matter.
Bracken House has spectacular views, but don’t let the view make the decision for you. Look closely at the property and ask about outstanding repairs before signing.
For us, the view wasn’t worth it.
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