This place is one very small step above low income housing. First, when you walk into the lobby, you'll have to enter with a "security card" that is pretty cumbersome, and God forbid if you had to get into the building quickly. There always seems to be a low class transvestite hooker outside or a hoodlum waiting on the corner. When you come into the lobby, you'll notice it looks like it hasn't been cleaned since the 70s. When you get into the elevator, it almost always smells like dried puke and piss, and always has some vague stain, or crusted remnant of God knows what. Also, look at the elevator inspection sticker, and you'll see it has an expired inspection date from February of 2008. I've heard from several neighbors already of getting stuck in the elevator, so it probably would be best to walk if possible.

The rest of this crap-hole of a building is pretty much the same way. The so-called gym has equipment that is so old and smelly, I got nauseous from the stench of crusted sweat and spit, I couldn't finish my workout, and haven't been back since. The laundry room looks like a rapist's wet dream, with lights on a timer system, and one of those rip-off card systems including a dryer that goes on a 60 minute cycle.

Last, but not least, the apartments themselves. If you like to shower, or if you like hot water, then this is not the place for you. I have had to give up certain things I used to enjoy like actually being able to lather and rinse because the lukewarm water will run out in less than 10 minutes on a good day. I've contacted management countless times, and their most recent response has been to suggest a water saving showerhead, which gives the same amount of pressure as if my grandfather, who has a prostate problem, was standing above me and pissing on me. This was after complaining to management about it at least four or five times since I've moved in. Also, there is a fire department just around the corner, as well as a gentleman's club just down the street, and a covered parking lot across the building, so there is ALWAYS either a loud drunken ------- yelling at some hallucination, a loud siren, or some car alarm going off.

Over the last couple of weeks, I noticed there were a bunch of cars with their windows smashed in on Redwood St right in front of the building. (So you would think it best to park your car in one of the "secured" parking lots around the corner right' WRONG. The indoor parking lot owned by the glorious city of Baltimore has been having a series of break ins and there's always broken glass in many of the levels.)

If you are from some east block European country, or are used to living in the projects, then this building will live up the "luxury" the management seems so proud of. If you are not from one of these groups and are used to living somewhere where things are supposed to work like they should or if hygiene is important to you, then this is the last place you want to be. I can't wait for my lease to come up because I cannot wait to get the hell out of this building.

User Responses
From: urban_shocker	Date: 12/15/2008
I lived there 3 years ago, in the Marlboro bldg. Didn't have the shower water or car window smashing problems, but the rest of it sounds about right. And I was one of the lucky few getting stuck in the elevator. Fortunately it didn't last long. Expect hassles from management re: moving in/out and scheduling their freight elevator b/c of the main elevators' issues. A former (now fired I hear, took SM long enough!) manager actually told my friend she couldn't move out the weekend she needed to, nevermind the lease expiration. This is the same mgr who apparently painted the lobby black at some point, as if it's not dark enough.
From: Anonymous	Date: 12/29/2008
Hi, I am looking for some help in places to stay. I am a travel nurse and I will be starting at John Hopkins the end of Jan. My company named a few places I could stay. The list is Avalon at Centerpt, Park Charles Apt, Camden Courts and Marlboro Classic Appt. Any comments would be great. Thanks
From: Anonymous	Date: 12/31/2008
RE: the east block European country comment - I knew a guy from Serbia who lived in there and loved it! Had a 2 bedroom apt and he and his wife and 2 kids were snug as peas in a pod! Loved your review...
From: lemurianqueen	Date: 04/05/2009
loved the review. im planning to sign a lease next week, im not from serbia but i guess as long as i know going in.... location and price are my criteria. i hope you keep writing, that was great.

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