I lived at the Seasons for two years, and was disappointed to watch it evolve from a professionally managed building into an overworked "free for all" under the new ownership.

The new management is the epitome of "we're nice, but we have only one item in mind: maximum profit". Here are a few examples of both the "profit comes first" mentality, and other changes made since the complex changed ownership:

The building security was reduced shortly after the complex changed hands. A concierge used to be present 24-7 at the entrance of both buildings. Now, only one concierge "watches" both buildings. I'm sure this reduced the owner's security cost, but it also reduced the security of the complex. Not good from this tenant's standpoint.

Also, the laundry facilities are on only one floor of the building (which is a pain in the ass, particularly if you live on the upper floors), and the machines were recently upgraded. But the new machines do not accept coins - they accept only a card which is given to you by the management. You must recharge the card with at least $5 at a time - the card machine does not accept $1 bills. This is a very transparent tactic to "run up" the balance on the typical laundry card, while the owner earns interest on the card balance that you do not use until your next wash (and that may be a decent piece of change in a large complex like this one). May as well call this the "American Express Laundry System". If you lose your laundry card, you must buy another - it will not be given to you.

The Cable TV system (American Communications) is poor by today's standards - not nearly as much channel selection as I've seen from other cable providers. I have discussed this with the management on several occasions, and they agree that this company is not the best cable provider, but they have apparently signed a long term contract. So no options for another provider - it is American Communications, or nothing.

They are also now accepting pets (previous building owner had no pets policy), and an ex-neighbor of mine decided to buy a puppy shortly after that policy was changed. Her puppy loved to bark while she was walking down the floor hall. I could hear her try to quiet the puppy, but the dog was too young to make the "no barking in the building" connection. Nothing quite like a loud volley of puppy-barking right outside your front door at 5:30 a.m.

Last, I don't regard this complex as particularly safe, particularly the garage. I had a personal belonging stolen from the garage (even though it was locked), and I've spoken with some other residents who have as well (one had money stolen from her car).

I think they've cut back on the maintenance staff as well (I heard rumors to that effect shortly after the complex was sold, but I'm not sure how the current maintenance staff compares to the previous one). It recently took a week for them to repair a problem with my front door lock. Again, I'm sure a smaller maintenance staff improves the owner's income statement. From tenant's standpoint, slow maintenance is an irritating inconvenience.

Just to make sure this does not come off like an angry rant, the Seasons definitely has some things still going for it. The new owners are upgrading the gym - that is to their credit. They are also adding a new driveway, which will make entry/exit from the complex easier. And the Seasons does have an excellent location - easy walk to Cherry Creek North, the mall and Safeway grocery. Very convenient.

Just tread carefully prior to signing a lease - this place has some very real problems. The Seasons just isn't what it used to be. That is a disappointment - I used to enjoy living here. Now I can't wait to move out.

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