I've read the other posts on here about 400 North LaSalle and it appears there were some reviews written with some ignorance about urban high-rise living.

Yes, the rents are high until you consider there are no assessments with the lease and other buildings downtown have $1,000 monthly assessments.

Yes, the building is going condo and all leases have a 60 day out. What has not been talked about is how tenants can also exercise the out clause. We're moving out due to job relocation and the lease clause saved us 8 months rent! Also, the building is not close to selling out -- they're not about to sell a rented unit when other units are sitting empty. You should be fine until the market rebounds and and people start buying again. IF you're there that long, maybe you might want to buy your unit. Projected assessments on a 2 bedroom are around $500/mo.

Yes, the individual climate control/thermostat only regulates what the building is circulating centrally. Having lived in another Chicago high-rise, the thermostat is a big help. It's much better to be able to turn off the heat in early Spring than have to suffer through warm outdoor temps AND compulsory heat. Also, it's not the building's fault -- you can't switch a 45 story building over from heat to A/C instantly and Chicago can get a quick cold snap (it snowed over Easter this year after hitting 70 degrees). Just imagine the lawsuits if they didn't err on the conservative side.

Yes, the "free" internet is mediocre. Not only is it not really fast -- it quits all together on occasion. DSL is a great option and the number of 2Wire wi-fi routers in the building is testament to its popularity.

Yes, the "free" cable/DirecTV is limited. You get a basic cable lineup with an option to upgrade if you want. We were disappointed when they modified the lineup and moved Food Network, SciFi Channel and FX from the basic lineup to an upgrade. However, you can use your TiVo with the basic lineup -- something you generally can't do with DirecTV. It is our understanding from MDU that the building will be moving to an all digital/HD setup within the year with all units receiving the upgrade DirecTV box for free. There was no word as to the exact lineup included in the assessments. Our thought was -- if you really want HBO, don't you automatically expect to pay for it'''

Now that we have covered our take on prior posts, here's our take:

We've been here for over two years. The leasing staff is friendly and helpful within certain limitations -- they don't have significant ability to negotiate lease rates. But, they will try to work with you and I find it hard to believe someone would be abrupt.

The noise is well contained. The location is really convenient to the Merchandise Mart, but train noise is minimal. We noticed significant noise when visiting a friend with a West-facing unit and her patio door was OPEN. However, our unit was immediately adjacent (yet South-facing) and we never had the noise she did. Also, the doors and windows seal extremely well. Patio doors have a two-stage sound insulation/locking system that keeps the noise and weather minimized. Our friend's unit was fine when her door was closed.

The walls and ceilings are also well insulated against noise. We have not had any problems with hearing our neighbors until recently when our new adjacent neighbor moved in and enjoys playing his home theater loud with the sub woofer turned up. It's an occasional thumping that the management seems to be vigilant about.

The units have washers and dryers IN UNIT!!! This is rare for a high rise. Most of the older buildings aren't plumbed for washers and you are stuck using the laundry room or a service. This is a huge perk.

It's a pet friendly building and specifically -- there's no restriction on the size of dog. Most buildings downtown have ridiculously low weight restrictions (25 or 35 lbs.). We have an 85 lb. dog and there are larger St. Bernards and Mastiffs in the building as well. Owners seem respectful and clean up after their pets. Just don't move in if you hate animals -- you will ride the elevator sometimes with as many as three dogs.

The pool deck has four gas grills, several outdoor dining tables and a jacuzzi. It's popular in summer and well maintained.

The business center doubles as a social room. There are public computers, printer/copier/fax and wi-fi for work and a plasma tv and stereo for fun.

The gym is limited (no free weights) but decently stocked with machines.

There is a laundry room that never sees action. It does come in handy for oversize loads (e.g. washing a comforter) and getting change.

The dry cleaners do a very good job and also handle package receiving.

All units have a storage locker and bike storage is available for a nominal fee ($5).

Our biggest complaint is parking, which isn't controlled by the leasing company. Access to deeded spaces is through the adjacent parking garage, which is managed by a parking company. The garage sets its own rates and offers a discount to residents. However, our rental parking rate increased twice a year and went up more than 20% in one year -- all without any prior written notice!!! Access is convenient. But, we eventually sold our car when we realized we only drove it once or twice a month. You can rent a car from Enterprise (located in the garage) for twelve days a month for less than you would pay for parking. Our expenditures dropped from $375/month (as of 2007) for parking to an average of $60/month in car rentals.

400 North LaSalle is a wonderful new building that is well maintained with solid amenities. We would have never moved and were ready to buy before the relocation.

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