I have lived in the Lincoln School for almost two years and we really enjoy how close it is to downtown (although Eugene's downtown leaves much to be desired) and the fact that they allow dogs.

However, for this town, the pricing is quite steep and there will be some definite maintenance issues within the units that will need to be addressed in the next ten years or so. For example, our floor is becoming more and more uneven in places, even cracking tile in the kitchen).

Also of concern are the increasing utility fees that are being shoved onto the renters. When we moved in, gas (for the central water heater)and trash were paid for by the management, leaving each unit to pay for their own individually-billed water and electric service. Starting a few months ago, we are not only responsible for our own water and electricity, we are also expected to pay an additional complex utility fee (presumably for gas and ''). Last month (no A/C or heat being used at any time)our one-bedroom unit received a bill for over $30. This may not seem like a big deal unless you are already stretching your budget to afford the rent here in the first place so not everyone will be similarly affected by the new billing.

One other issue with the billing is that the way it is calculated is based on the square footage of the unit (even though this should have nothing to do with how much hot water you use), how many occupants are in each unit, and includes empty units split up among the current tenants. Last month there were at least four units empty (that's only counting those on the bottom level and facing the exterior--there was at least one more upstairs).

When I called to put in a complaint to our manager and get more information about the billing, I was denied and told to contact the third party service that actually handles it. They are in Texas. When I asked if I could get some information on exactly how the figures were calculated (how many empty units, formulae for billing), I was told that only the management could give this to me. I haven't yet gone back to the office to ask again.

In all, I paid $795 for a 1-bedroom (approx 700 sq ft) apartment last month once you figure in utilities. I pay an additional $25 per month for pet rent so subtract that if you don't plan to keep a pet. Why you can have two cats in this apartment but only one dog (of any size) is beyond me--ask my friend who moved out about how management refused to replace the linoleum tile in her bathroom even though it was stained bright yellow and stank. Or how she kept finding little pebbles of kitty litter in her carpet. You're sure to get a tirade from her.

Again, if this building were in the middle of the action in downtown Portland, the pricing would be a good deal. However, Eugene is not a big enough burg to justify it.

P.S. Please note that the landscaping is very nice but that your rent money is going to pay for four grown men to trim the hedges all around with clippers no larger than scissors. It took from about 10AM to 3PM just for this one task. The hedges and trees encrouch a little too much on the ground level windows, making it a security hazard.

I do not own a car but parking is prolific. Friends have had their cars broken into and the lock on ths bike shed had to be replaced and fortified within the last year.

Move-in ease: depending on where you live in the building, you may have to carry your belongings a substantial distance. No elevator.

Recycling service is excellent.

Nice big windows are not insulated and some units (like ours) are not able to keep up with the heat loss. A breeze can be felt coming in from closed windows. Expect a $60 electric bill in the winter to maintain a drafty 65 degrees.

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