The "New" Management team has done a lot to pretty up Contryside and the surrounding landscaping. But the buildings have been owned by 3 partners since the 1980's. All of whom are making a ton of money off this conversion project.

However, that's not my gripe. I'm a capitalist myself. They took the risk to make it happen, they deserve the reward.

However, the removal of the lighting system on the streets is astounding. And the lack of snow removal and blocking garages does happen. Although this is the Midwest, and snow happens quite frequently, it should be cared for better. Garages blocked' Pathetic.

I've had similar issues with the outdoor team. One of the landscapers decided to use the big lawn care mower and cut the grass on a slope, sideways. This proceeded in shaving off a large chunk of sod, and cutting the rest of the grass milimeters high. Of course all of it died. Complain' They say "we are looking into it" and take down your information and do not (apparently) do anything about it. Because there's still no grass.

And there will be even less. Part of the conversion project plans to pave a huge area to create more parking. Walk your dog' Great! Just as long as you do it on concrete and blacktop . . by day.


Basically, Apartment management is always bad. The fees are low, the rent is pretty cheap, so what can you expect really'

The buildings are old. Bugs' All over. They get in because the foundations are cracked, and there's not much that can be done. Deal with it.

The roof leaks. I had a bad leak in 2007. Complained to management, and they said "I should open windows" to air it out. I said there was a moldy smell in the common areas too. They said I should air that out too. I said "Isn't that your job'". Still moldy smell. Still brown discoloring from the leak in my unit.

A contractor was supposed to call me to inspect damamges and repair. Not done. No call. WTF' I assume they'll patch it up before anyone walks through my unit to buy it, but come on, isn't mold a serious health concern'

I'm not sure if the new mngt is better than the previous. The current conversion is supposed to go 60% owner occupied, and stay 40% rental. But if the property management company stays as bad as they were, I'd be concerned with either owning or leasing.

Just think about owning a condo, where the majority of the building is run by the prior managment company' Ouch.

If you still want to buy' Look for a unit with new windows (no bugs, no draft), on the 2nd floor (yes, you can hear people walking above you), and on the corner. I can hear the person in the next unit snore themselves to sleep. Serious. Paper thin walls. When she moved out, I had become so accustomed to her breathing, that I had to re-adjust to sleeping in silence.

Oh, and the HVAC is poor. I dont' think they are upgrading that during the conversino. Just the landscape, so it looks pretty to potential buyers.

Structure' Unsound. Landscape' Pretty.

That basically sums it up.

Good luck.

User Responses
From: gilessnyder	Date: 06/21/2007
Very good points. What a pathetic mess. It did not have to happen this way. Maglardi was hoping to make a killing and it does not look like it will happen. Now, they have engaged a realtor called "American Dream." How utterly ironic for the residents and would-be buyers. It is more like "American Nightmare realtors." Prospective buyers should stay away or face the dire consequences.
From: superstarrisa	Date: 07/20/2007
Ugh. I agree. Well put. I love sleeping at night with holes all above me. It's awesome. Even my cat sneezes more. My husband has really had it bad because it all effects him more.

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