Bracken House

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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Parking garage partially collapsed. Couldn't access car for a week. Now forced to shuttle to another parking garage 4 blocks away

Despite the unexpected challenges related to the parking garage at Bracken House, management has responded promptly and effectively to address the situation. Their proactive approach in identifying solutions and securing alternative parking options has helped minimize disruption for residents. Additionally, Coastal Ridge has been present on-site, providing support and working collaboratively with both staff and residents. Their patience, responsiveness, and commitment to resolving not only the... parking concerns but also other outstanding issues have been evident throughout this process.

As a resident, I would also like to express my sincere appreciation for the property manager, leasing consultant, maintenance team, and corporate team. Their professionalism, communication, and dedication to resident needs during this time have not gone unnoticed. It is clear that a great deal of effort has been made across all levels to ensure residents feel supported and informed, and that commitment is truly valued.

Overall, the combined efforts have been greatly appreciated and have made a positive impact during what could have been a much more difficult situation. Read More

Bracken House is a wonderful place to live . It is centrally located right beside the Allegheny River and the bike path and directly across from downtown. The city views and the lighting on the Sister Bridges are spectacular in all seasons.

The property is well-managed. The office and maintenance staff are courteous and respond promptly to any questions, concerns, or issues. The current property manager is constantly making improvements and upgrades to the complex. There is an excellent... security system here. Rules and regulations are in place to ensure that everyone's rights and quiet enjoyment of the property are of paramount importance.

My husband and I have lived here for nine years and just renewed our lease. Our comfort level as to how the complex is run allows us to expect that we will remain here for many years to come. Read More

If you want to move in somewhere that has beer pong tournaments until 4 am then this is for you. That might sound fun but couple that with the thin windows that allow sound to flow right onto your bedroom then you’ll want to move out within a couple weeks. If you want to sleep at night, look at some of the newer and better properties in the strip district.