Question marks not showing up on here...

First off, don't believe the hype. The bulk of positive reviews on here are from staff members pressured to keep the ratings high. How sad really. Not even creative enough to sound legit.

The deal...

I needed a place to live in a hurry after a great ski season in Breckenridge so I chose the Gardens as it was close to many places I frequent. I soon found out what a HUGE mistake I had made. First I was not allowed to see the apartment I was to move into. I was told that the man living there "wasn't very nice". Truth, he was probably being difficult because he was annoyed at the level of service during his term. My mistake but sometimes you have to roll the dice. I was assured that it looked just like the model. No, it didn't. Then when I did a walk through and voiced my concern that it indeed did not look like what I was shown, I was read the riot act and my legal obligations thus far. They roped another sucker! Not, "what can we do to make it better'" I then calmly spoke with a woman in the office and she immediately became frustrated and went straight to the manager or "J" the acting manager who again informed me that they could sue if I didn't move in. At this point I knew what I was dealing with. A chaotic office/property on the decline desperate to lease a vacant and revenue losing apartment.

When my sentence was almost over I informed the office of my intent to vacate. The bot on the other end of the line said "come in when you can to sign the exit paperwork. I told her I would when I returned from my trip if that was alright "no problem" I was told. As promised I came in but was then informed that I would have to pay for the days that I did not sign (30 day clause). I explained to "S" (you'll know when you see her as she has a head first brute like walking style) the situation and again immediately as if rehearsed, "S" begins to threaten me with lawyers. WTF!

So here are a few things to think about before the sirens can lure you in.

Dogs bark all day long. People leave their poor pets cooped up for an eight hour work day and the folks like me that work from home get to listen to it. Dogs are family not a Colorado accessory. Get a ski rack if you want to look cool.

Down right rude staff at times. Left hand doesn't know what the right is doing. Although I have a feeling the right hand is grabbing those free cookies at an unhealthy rate. Come on "S"..leave em' be.

Parking a total nightmare!! Imagine hauling your groceries two and a half blocks. Two trips' Oh yeah. Where's that can of tomato paste' Oh, it must have rolled under the seat- a third trip. "Wanna grab dinner' , sure but I can't be out late otherwise I won't be able to park anywhere near where I live! This can be fixed for 30 to 60 dollars I was told. You won't be able to afford tomato paste.

The way the buildings are constructed/situated you can hear your neighbors television as though you were watching it right along with them. I became quite familiar with Judge Judy's ruling style. Cops was a special late night treat. Nothing like a fine glass of Pinot and the sound of a drunk redneck explaining that he "didn't hit her that hard."

My kitchen counter could have been in the Smithsonian. One of the first television dinners in America was prepared right there.

The toilet is unusually low. I found my knees slightly above my head when sitting.

The bathroom sink is unique. As in, you can only wash one hand at a time because the faucet is angled strangely inward so only a digit or two can fit. The inside of the medicine cabinet looked liked a retired battleship- rusty.

The laundry facility is located deep in the bowels of the building. Bring a torch Frodo. You might find one in the kitchen as it goes with that era. There are TWO machines...two. Pet owners love to wash their pooches bedding in them. Your fluffy new towels that mom sent you will soon be soiled with "Sierra's" fur.

Oh, and the free coffee they love to sell you on, it's the color of the water that will come out of the tap in the bathroom at first (a ruddy brown) and tastes like the boxes it comes from. I was informed by a clearly disgruntled maintenance staff member one morning that the women who brew it were instructed to use only half a bag for each brew to save money. I know it sounds petty of me to mention but imagine; if that is a cost cutting technique, where else are they cutting costs'

Don't make the same mistake I did. Do yourself a favor and look elsewhere.

User Responses
From: craigmi	Date: 12/06/2007
I think that this reviewer should've done more research before moving in. It's not "their" fault that you said yes without seeing the place first, or that there is no place to park on the street, or that you didn't check out the laundry facilities beforehand. I lived in the gardens for one year and while it was noisy (something you expect with older buildings that have wood floors), it wasn't terrible. I then moved to the towers for 4 happy years and paid for an underground parking space for all 5 years that I lived in that community. It was worth it! Also, you have a 72 hour window in which to cancel your lease without penalty. Next time, a little homework might make you happier.
From: Anonymous	Date: 12/21/2007
This review hit the nail on the head. Incessantly barking dogs, no parking and rude, "could care-less" attitude from staff. Not to mention the penny pinching at every corner.
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/08/2008
I cannot believe all of these people complaining about parking. If you can pay over $1K for rent, you can throw in a mere $30 for assigned parking. For crying out loud - are you Jewish???
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/24/2009
WOW I would imagine being Jewish would have nothing to do with this persons situation! what are you....a douche bag?!

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