Museum House — Local services in Seattle

Avoid the Museum House if you expect your apartment to be move-in ready or management to honor their word.

I moved into Unit 1307 on July 2nd and immediately discovered that half the electrical outlets were not working, along with multiple other issues. Management was notified of the problems with photos on July 3rd, the morning after move-in. I received a reply from Katie Wentzel simply telling me to submit a maintenance request, despite the fact that I had already included detailed descriptions and photo documentation. Nothing was scheduled or addressed until I followed up repeatedly. That kind of response perfectly captures how management avoids responsibility by redirecting issues back to tenants instead of taking initiative.

On July 7th, electricians discovered a backfeed issue from improper wiring that was causing circuit breakers to trip. Backfeed issues can pose electrocution hazards and increase the risk of fire or equipment damage. This serious electrical problem made the unit unsafe and partially unlivable for nearly a week; it wasn't resolved until July 7th, after multiple electricians were brought in. I had no reliable access to power in my living room, and the hallway outlets were also non-functional.

Even worse, issues I was promised would be fixed before move-in were not addressed, including a deep scratch on the bedroom sliding door and a poorly sealed door that lets in outside noise. These concerns were raised during the tour a month prior, but nothing was done until after I moved in and submitted multiple maintenance requests. Even now, while the bedroom sliding door closes, it clearly does not seal out noise like the identical door in the living room.

During my tour, the leasing agent, Shane Sandoval, told me the doors were designed to block outside noise. When I brought up the issue after move-in, maintenance brushed it off, saying, "It's not supposed to be 100% proof." That response directly contradicts what I was told and ignores the obvious performance difference between the two doors.

When I requested a partial rent credit for the 6 days I lived in a malfunctioning, unsafe unit, Shane told me the issue was a "slight inconvenience" and that no credit would be offered. I found this response dismissive and gaslighting, especially given the severity, duration, and safety implications of the problem.

I highly recommend getting everything in writing and not relying on verbal assurances from staff, especially Shane Sandoval. In my experience, the leasing office does not follow through and does not take residents' concerns seriously. Proceed with caution.

Update 7/7/2025, 2:27pm: Management responded by stating I had signed a construction addendum and received rent concessions. To clarify, the concessions were promotional incentives, not an agreement to accept a unit with unresolved safety issues like electrical backfeed. The construction addendum referenced building-wide work, not a justification for delivering a half-functional apartment. Regardless of any discount, the unit should have been fully inspected, safe, and ready for occupancy, which it clearly wasn’t.

Update 7/7/2025, 9:12pm: Despite management stating the electrical issue was resolved, my outlets stopped working again tonight at 9:12 p.m. The same issue has returned less than 24 hours after being “fixed.” This confirms the problem was never fully addressed.

Future residents should be aware: this is not just an inconvenience; it’s a repeated safety and habitability issue.

UPDATE 7/14/2025, 8:09pm: Rating changed from 1 star to 3 stars.

After persistent follow-up and posting this review, management ultimately resolved the electrical and sliding door issues and will provide a rent credit. I appreciate the resolution and the recent responsiveness. However, it’s worth noting that these steps only came after multiple escalations, and the move-in process was far more difficult than it...

Beautiful Building, Questionable Management

I moved into a 1bd/1bth a week ago on 7/26/25. The building itself is great. The amenities are beautiful. Where I take issue is with the management.

I was given a parking space on P5. I have medical history in which the continuous circling around is going to be an issue. I tried out the spot and though I hate being that guy, I needed to make a Reasonable Accommodation request.

I called the second day of my move (7/27) to try to switch to a spot closer to the entrance of the garage. There was no answer so I left a VM with my request and contact info. Two days went by with no response and so I emailed Museum House (7/29) with a written request along with medical note from my doctor supporting the request.

Two more days went by with no response to either my VM or email. I called and Shane, one of the leasing agents, picked up. I discussed my medical history and request with him. His initial response was that the parking spaces have been leased and he didn’t think there was anything he could do. I stated that there was open parking in the 10s - 30s numbered stalls (see attached photos). There is construction still going on in the building and the raw materials are stored in the parking garage. I informed Shane there are construction materials in some of the stalls but there are several parking spots available. I’ve gone down both day and night over the past week and no cars have parked in these spots. Shane said he was going to find out what he could do for me and get back to me by the end of the day (again, 7/29). That didn’t happen.

Two more days pass and I happened to run into Shane in the lobby on 8/2 while picking up packages. He recognized me and stated, “I’m still seeing what I can do about your request. Our system does not make it easy to switch parking spaces. I’ll get back to you.” It’s now 8/3 and I still have not heard anything from Museum House.

The lack of communication and accountability is unacceptable. Not just from Shane but the entire management team. When I had questions about the apt/moving/lease PRIOR to moving in, a max of two days passed and I would get a response. Reasonable Accomodation is Washington Law. My request is simple. I don’t work in property management but it’s difficult to understand why this request cant be solved simply.

I lived in AMLI Arc and the management team there is phenomenal. I never had issues with responsiveness, accountability, or managing any requests. If you’re looking for an apartment, I’d highly consider that building. It is more expensive, but you get what...

A Glowing Review of The Museum House – A Dream in the Making!

I can hardly find the right words to describe how much I’ve fallen in love with The Museum House. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was taken aback by how much this place feels like home. It’s truly a blend of art, comfort, and the perfect balance of modern living.

But let's talk about the swimming pool—oh my goodness, it's not just a pool, it’s a dream. The thought of being able to swim there with my two-year-old this summer fills my heart with so much joy. The simple idea of splashing around with him, laughing as he learns how to float and play in the water, feels like a chapter from my life that I’m so ready to begin. That pool, it’s more than just a luxury—it's a gift that would truly enrich my family’s life in ways I can't even fully express.

I had the pleasure of touring the property twice, and I can’t say enough about how kind and accommodating the team was. They so graciously held a MFTE unit for me for a couple of days while I figured out some final details, and I’m so incredibly grateful for their patience and understanding. It's not every day you come across a team that genuinely cares and goes the extra mile to help make your dreams come true.

But here’s where my heart feels a little heavy—there’s a slight hiccup in the process. It seems my boyfriend (who is the main applicant I am just a co-applicant as he is the one with the HEN voucher )and I are running into an issue with the voucher. He has it, AND HIS CASEWORKER IS ABLE TO VERIFY HE IS INDEED PART OF THE PROGRAM, but apparently, there’s no physical voucher to show. The confusion is overwhelming, and I can’t help but feel a sense of heartache. I really thought we were just a couple of steps away from securing a place in this beautiful, life-changing space.

I don’t want this opportunity to slip through my fingers, especially when it feels like everything about this place is meant for us. I’m hoping this small technicality can be cleared up soon, because The Museum House isn’t just a place I want to live—it’s the home I’ve dreamed of, and I just know that it would make our lives so much fuller.

A huge thank you to the entire team for being so wonderful throughout this journey. Your kindness hasn’t gone unnoticed, and I can only hope the pieces will fall into place so we can start our next chapter in this incredible space.

Here’s to hoping the stars align so we can make this dream...