In the right apartments, the views are amazingly unparalleled but a view is just a view. The location is prime for a reverse commute on the Metra or someone who works a few blocks away but otherwise the location is average at best. For the price I expect more. Rental rates are for introductory rates to get you moved in the first year and then jump your rates by 15% to 20%. My apartment is advertised online at a 30% discount to what I am currently paying but they won t let me renew my lease for anything but the full market rate which is more expensive than Lake point tower. It is exactly the same as the mortgage situation. They get people to move in and then jack the prices up after the first lease. They have also increased the rates under the table by charging you for what use to be included. The new lease terms have you pay for heat and air-conditioning to the tune of approximately $85 a month. I never had to pay for that in the past it WAS included. Now it isn t. They even have the balls to charge you for using the freight elevator: a $400 elevator fee and a max of 2 hours allowed. $200 per hour!!! I m NOT KIDDING!!! It isn t nickel and dime crap it is hundreds of dollars a month in fees. The floor plan of the main lobby is being changed such that you have to walk outside to go to the grocery store, the bar and all the restaurants. I know boo hoo you have to walk outside to go to the grocery store, but that use to be a huge selling point for the building, and now that perk is going away. I loved being able to wear shorts and flip flops to the bar, McDonalds or the grocery store when there is snow on the ground. That changes in September 2009. Security is top-notch but to the point that it is bothersome. If someone comes by to visit you they can t get in without their picture being taken, ID information taken down and put into their computer system just like Big Brother s nephew and it is a hassle. There is always a line. Security won t let food delivery people past security so you have to go down to the lobby to get your pizza or sushi. Pizza Hut will not deliver to the building because of it. The view is amazing, the gym is adequate, and the tenants are either students who drink and smoke in the hallways and make lots of noise, business people who can t afford to live in nicer places, section 8, or ------ couples here to have a child. I like living here aside from the people, management, and the new lobby floor plan I m moving and would suggest against living here unless you fit into the narrow categories that make it a good fit.
O' Yea... Bed Bugs are still an issue too... As of March 2009 exterminators are in the buildings 3 days a week spraying. They are trying hard to get it under control but the building is infested and the common laundry room is a problem that isn t being addressed. Infested apartments are instructed to launder their clothes which spread the eggs into the next person s laundry. Insist that your apartment gets "sealed" because they are migrating in the halls and under the walls, and take your laundry off site.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 03/30/2009
This is one of the best, honest reviews of this glorified bed bug factory. Thank you for hitting all the positives and negatives.
From: dcil	Date: 03/30/2009
$400 elevator fee? i think that's the "move-in" fee that every building charges when you MOVE IN. jus sayin... i like the place
From: Anonymous	Date: 03/30/2009
Most luxury apartment buildings have, AT MOST, a $250 move-in fee. And this ain't luxury. I'm moving out of here to go live in a nicer building in Streeterville for less money.
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/24/2009
Students don't pay a move-in fee.

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