First off, this is an older condo building, so the individual characteristics of the units will depend on how many features the individual owners have invested as well as the general maintenance in the unit. Many units may not have dishwashers or up-to-date appliances. The building has a small laundry facility within the building. Since the building is older, the windows on the lower floors may not offer the best sound proofing. Be aware that the building is on Belmont and near Sheridan, which are two busy bus-filled streets.

As far as the building goes, it is a decent older building, nothing special. It does have a swimming pool and sundeck on the top floor (free) as well as a small party room (fee). There is no workout room within the building. There is storage available to residents, but once again, the owner may already have stuff in the storage locker, so it would be best to assume there would be no storage available for a renter.

Bel-Harbor recently remodeled their hallways with new carpeting and lighting, though it still feels like an older building (outdated elevators). The lobby looks like Miami in the 50s--complete with tacky acrylic chandelier, curvy walls, and a doorman desk that looks like it was made by a high school wood shop class. The lobby also has a drycleaners and an entrance to a smoky bar/tavern/restaurant (also within the building) which functions as a neighborhood watering hole.

The building has great public transportation--the CTA 146, 156, 77, 151, 135 all have stops within a block or two. Taxis are plentiful at most hours along Belmont and Sheridan. The attached parking garage stalls are purchased by the owners; parking may be available monthly by an owner (expect to pay at least $100-200 per month). Free street parking is very difficult to find (you must have additional car stickers to park on the neighborhood streets) or virtually non-existent. If you need to drive, be forewarned that Belmont and Sheridan are frequently jammed on days when the Cubs play (Wrigley Field is only a couple miles away).

As far as the resident mix, there are a good number of owner-occupied and rental units in the building. Because Bel-Harbor is in Lakeview, there is quite a mix of different people------, seniors, students, etc., and the building is generally quiet. Because Bel-Harbor is a condo building, there will be rules and regulations owners and their renters must strictly follow. Be prepared for a small move-in fee for holding an elevator.

User Responses
From: rsnchicago	Date: 04/03/2005
Thank you for a decent review of our building. We're not flashy...just a good older building that's maintained pretty well.
From: chitownrob	Date: 02/13/2006
You are very welcome. I just revisited my review from a couple years ago. A good friend of mine still lives in this building, so I visit once every couple weeks. Nothing's changed here. Same doormen, same interiors, and same wonderful indoor pool. It's a decent quiet building, although my friend's apartment has thin walls...nickname's his next door neighbor "the hacker" for his endless coughing.

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