The Barrett

The Barrett is undeniably a beautiful building—the natural light, high ceilings, and prime German Village location initially drew me in. Unfortunately, that’s where my positive experience ends. After living here for 18 months, I can confidently say that Casto, the management company, does not prioritize its tenants. The most glaring issue has been the lack of working HVAC during the coldest months of the year. The building was without heat for most of this winter, an issue that first appeared in November of last year. This winter, the problem persisted from December through February, with only temporary, ineffective fixes. Instead of fully replacing the failing HVAC system—clearly the only viable solution—Casto provided space heaters as a stopgap. Not only did these drive up tenants’ electric bills and frequently trip breakers, but they also posed a serious fire hazard, as they were the only source of heat for many residents. The freezing temperatures inside my unit even caused my bedroom window to crack—and despite the urgency of the situation, it took them two weeks to repair it. Any attempt to receive compensation for increased electric costs or rent reduction was met with resistance. After persistent requests, I was given a mere 15% discount on one month’s rent—a completely inadequate concession given the months-long disruption to basic living conditions. For the cost of living in this so-called “luxury building,” this response was unacceptable. Additionally, there is zero grace period for rent payments—if payment isn’t received by the 1st, expect a $100 late fee immediately. Other ongoing frustrations include: • Spectrum is the only internet provider available in the Schoolhouse building. • The water pressure is consistently poor. • When the HVAC does work, it’s excessively loud. • The in-unit washer/dryer combo in some apartments is so inefficient that a communal laundromat would be preferable. I wish I could recommend The Barrett, but given these ongoing issues and Casto’s lack of concern for its residents, I simply cannot.

Heat went out on December 31, 2023, and it is still not working properly. Management is slow to respond, and provide timely updates. Corporate refuses to acknowledge issue and respond. They work with vendors that would rather make us freeze than not come in and fix a part on a Saturday when temperatures plummeted.