A friend of mine lives in the condo building next door, and I saw several signs and banners outside Belmont Harbor Apts indicating vacancies and an open house. Stopped by and talked with the infamous Denise mentioned so negatively in other reviews. As much as I try not to judge people, I concur with other reviews in as much as she was abrasive. While in her office discussing apartments and the building, she twice hung up on someone who she said was her son. While waiting for an elevator, she berated a young lady and her mother for moving items on the passenger elevator instead of the freight elevator, and upon returning to her office after the brief tour, she yelled into the computer room at a someone that she "wanted to see them." I would enjoy living in a building with a responsible building manager, but I could tell she and I would not get along. During my tour, Denise became agitated and defensive by my questions regarding air conditioning/er, the kitchen features (and definite lack thereof) and the few building amenities.

Anyway, the overpriced one bedroom I was shown wasn't quite finished yet in terms of making it "luxury," as the banner outside the building proclaimed the units were remodeled to. Yes, overpriced--$1295 for a 1 br in this condition IS overpriced compared to my downtown convertible with a view. I'm not even going to detail the condition of the kitchen or bathroom, but they have a long way to go before they come even close to "luxury." And what's with that subtle roach spray/cooking gas smell in the hallway' Eww.

PS: I noticed an anonymous writer posted a short, glowing review of this building a day after I wrote the above. About the only accurate thing the writer mentioned was that the location is great; everything else is subjective. I also received an email from someone (last time I give my email address here) who wanted to know what I thought "luxury" is; apparently they thought I was harsh. I don't think so.

Luxury means a building with more than one passenger elevator larger than a closet.
Luxury means having hallway carpets that don't smell or look worn.
Luxury means having plenty of working outlets in places that make sense.
Luxury means showing apartments ready to lease that have all their renovations completed.
Luxury means installing new adjustable radiators with decorative shielding, rather than leaving the old, 50 year-old ones in place.
Luxury means having up to date appliances and decorative fixtures.
Luxury means having the common sense to seal up or take out a fireplace that doesn't work. "Vintage charm" only goes so far.
Luxury means making sure the supposedly new ceramic tiles in the bathroom aren't chipped, broken, or without grout between them.
Luxury means leasing a $1295 1-br with a bedroom window facing something other than a brick wall of another building 15 feet away. I realize this cannot be helped, but I would NOT want to wake up to the view of a brick wall.

And with that, I'm done. Good luck. qmzu4EHcaGAPVCPw2Fai

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/31/2008
concur with all your comments
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/05/2008
WOW - for a brief visit to our building, boy, did you nail it on the head. These apartment are NOT luxury at all - sure, they are decent and clean, but outdated and only cosmetically upgraded. The ovens are cheap and cook poorly, the countertops are faux marble laminate glued over plywood, the bathroom tiles are badly installed, and new bathroom sinks are ridiculously small. The halls smell like cockroach spray because there are TONS of roaches, the hallway carpets are badly stained. For a building that charges so much rent, make it look better already! And yes, the manager is VERY rude and abrasive. She needs to go! Brings down the building with her unprofessional demeanor. P.S. The above review is one of the best written reviews I have ever seen on this website - well done author!
From: blahblahgirl9999	Date: 09/25/2008
I do not agree with anything above. If you want ultra luxury, move to the Loop and pay $2,300 for a 1 bedroom, go for it. This building is a great value for the money and a great location. This building enjoyed a gut rehab recently and it shows. Its not the Ritz Carlton as far as finishes, but what do you expect at this price. I leased from Apartment People and they told me it was one of the best in the area. I also viewed units with Apartment Finders and was told the same thing and I believe for I could not find anything nicer then this building in this price range.

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates