We lived at River Place for 2 years (2BR,2BA brownstone with W/D). The previous management company was AEC, and they were completely inept in their ability to respond to and resolve maintenance requests. My frustration with AEC eventually gave way to pity as I learned that they could not manage to chew gum and walk, let alone manage an apartment complex.

During the last 6 months of our lease, PPM took over management operations. I saw big improvements from PPM. Primarily regarding the maintenance crew. The maintenance request response and resolution time improved siginificantly. My personal interactions with the staff were favorable overall. PPM has made some much needed improvements. But they have a very long way to go and I think they know that.

Our neighbors were generally quiet, but there were still occasions of late night parties and other adult activities in other units not adjacent to ours that could be heard. The brownstone residents seemed to consist of more 9-5ish types. This meant that our neighbors went to bed and got up early for work (like us) and were generally quiet during the work week.

During our 2 years there, my wife and I had about 8 different cars (employee lease perks) and none were ever damaged or stolen. Also, regarding the other complaints about car theft/burglary, you need to keep in mind that Detroit has some of the highest auto insurance rates for a reason. Car theft and vandalism is extremely high all over the city. The parking structure security is there as a crime deterrent. No one can make it crime proof.

It is true that you are only "given" one parking space, and you have to pay for a second space. This was explained to me before I signed the lease, so I knew what I was getting into. That being said, there are plenty of spaces in the parking structure. I think a better policy would allow each resident assigned parking spaces based on their unit's number of bedrooms, and leasees (2 max) in their unit, and then charge for additional spaces.

The utilities billing is clearly explained before you sign the lease (it was to me), and it is written on the lease. I don't understand the confusion there. I think people are easily caught up in the exictement of the property and overlook the details. You should always carefully read any contract (especially a 12 month rental agreement) and take plenty of time to sleep on it before forking over your hard earned cash. Be mindful of the immediate infatuation with the exposed brick walls and 15ft ceilings. You will get used to them soon. You may not get used to the utility billing program as quickly.

My biggest peeve is that the business leaders at PPM have an initiative to change the clientele and demographic at River Place... Its written all over the implementation of their policies. I know its a business decision, but I don't agree with it, and I am doubtful if it will be successful...

My personal recommendation is this:
If location is a factor and you absolutely have to rent an apartment in Detroit, consider River Place. The 24 hour visible security patrolling in lobby and parking structure is great for Detroit living. I think the brownstone style apartments represent the best value (more space, individual entrances, W/D in most).

Otherwise, if you're not limited to the interior of Detroit, then I urge you to seek better options beyond the borders of Detroit.

User Responses
From: reewwer	Date: 04/21/2008
who the hell you think you are fooling? you ca fool sum but not me my friend, you are part of ppm management, no idiot would ever compliment staff with rent increases and havbe all that bull to say. you were on the road with the noise thing, but thats all a hoax i saw right thru it, dont be fooled river place is river mad!
From: zingowes	Date: 04/23/2008
Sorry you think that I work for PPM. I have never worked for a property mgmt company. I've worked in the auto industry for 10 years. My review was accurate and honest. My rent was never increased (we were only there 2 years). We had the 2bedroom 2 bath brownstone with washer and dryer. Our lease was a special: $1150/month. Thats a lot less than what I now pay in southern California! I never said it was perfect. In fact it was far from it. However, I don't understand how someone could sign a lease without reading it thoroughly like we did. Next time, do your homework before you sign a 12 month lease with an apartment community. Don't let the pretty facade of exposed brick walls and wood beams deter you from making a smart and well informed decision. If you're not comfortable with the lease terms, then take your money elsewhere. And if you do find that you're in a bad lease situation after you signed the paperwork, guess what? Its just an apartment. Pack your stuff and leave. Why continue to pay if its so bad?

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