I apologize. I had not seen my building listed until after writing this. My building number is 7606, and have also posted this there as well.

I moved from out of state and am still getting used to Chicago life. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed living in this wonderful neighborhood just off the lake. The residents on these three blocks are wonderful, with three parks, and even a place to take my dog to play with other dogs. I feel safe enough day, evening and night, knowing that people are watching and willing to call the police if they feel it's needed. I've even had some one leave a note on my car when it was hit by a UHaul giving me the plates. Wonderful community!

As for the building, it's been renovated, but it is a hodge-podge of fix-its. The windows shake constantly and are not sturdy. There isn't enough plug-ins (only one in my kitchenette, and nowhere near the counters), and the walls are very thin. I can hear my neighbor snoring! The maintanence men take their lunch in the basement of my building and are very loud, and usually blast the TV. There are two washers and two dryers in the basement, and after I complained that one of the washers was broken, it appeared to be fixed, but only temporarily. It's broken again... Wintertime is hard for the maintanence because they have multiple buildings to shovel the snow, and it may take a day or two for them to get all of the walkways cleared. As for weekends, though, you're on your own, as the maintanence doesn't work saturdays or sundays. The windows are not thick, and during the winter months emmit cold air which contrasts with the heating. They provide the heat, but at night other residents open their windows and makes the heater blast the hot air, overheating the apt. The heater and water heater have both broken at least once, and it has taken DAYS to get them fixed. One weekend the water heater broke and when we called the emergency number we were told they knew of the issue and that it would be a few hours before the repair man could be there. It took three days to get it repaired.

Even with all these complaints, they have been efficient. When I complained of roaches just after moving in, they were in the apt the next morning to put a cream in places (and even took into account that I have animals and made sure not to put the cream in places where my pets would be). And when my fridge broke they were very prompt in replacing it (as in two hours after the call). I wasn't very happy that they went in w/o me there, but it was very nice to come home and see a new fridge and that they had moved all my food into it. I do recommend telling them they do not have permission to enter unless the resident is home.

As far as the credit check, I had no problems. I was told that if my credit was under 650 I would have to pay 2 months deposit, and if it was over 650 it would only be 1 months deposit. I did have to pay a partial month to be able to have the apt. Seemed odd, but at the time I didn't think much on it. Compared to other apts in the area, it's a steal. I didn't pay a pet deposit, just a low monthly pet rent- only for my dog!

If you need to talk to some one in the office, it can be troublesome. Usually I get a voicemail. I do not feel welcome in the office and must make an appointment if I wish to stop by. Even picking up papers they don't want you in the office- they'll tape it to their front door. Payments in cash are OK but not desired- they have to take the time to make a copy of it and give you a receipt....

Overall, I do recommend living within this community- not so much Lee Street's buildings.. It's usually quiet and it's very safe. I can walk my dog late at night and leave my door unlocked while doing so. There isn't much shopping within walking distance, but there is a gas station and a convenience store, and a Domminick's a few blocks away. Target, Best Buy, etc are a short drive down Howard. If you have a car, it can be a hassle to find parking, but there's a gas station on Howard and Sheridan that will let you park for $5/night or pay for a monthly spot. The maintanence, while noisy if you live in my building, is quick and efficient, even imaginative when dealing with problems (just see the locks on my over-sized windows!). I do intend on re-signing my lease simply because of the community and I work close to home. After that, however, I have every intention of finding a nicer place closer to the city.

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