I was first drawn to Esther Short Commons becuase they have a washer and dryer in each unit, dishwasher, lots of light, updated appliances, and card access on the main floor doors (which is important to me, being a single female on my own). I thought it was small, but tidy and cozy, so I was excited about moving in.

As it turns out, the apartments are SO small that you can't have more than 2 guests over without feeling claustrophobic, the dishwasher is crap (might as well hand-wash your dishes), most apartments have a view of their neighbors, and nobody seems to care about building security. I see poeple hold the doors open for other people all the time, without even knowing if they live there or not.

The last 15 months I've lived there, I've been forced out of bed in the middle of the night three times (2 am, 5 am, 3 am) due to the fire alarm. Two of those were due to non-residents pulling pranks. The other time, a robber came in through a second-story balcony and robbed the resident at gunpoint. The resident pulled the fire alarm for help, as he was bound to a chair. Fantastic. Add that to the fact that you have to stand outside, downtown, in your pajamas until the fire department allows you back in, and you have one hell of a night.

The people in the office are friendly, if not competent. They work with you when you cannot pay your full rent in one payment (which for my one-bedroom was raised from $580 to $595 after I had been there 6 months). However, I've received several notices on my door of money owing that, when I talk to someone in the office about it, doesn't seem to actually be owed. Their bookkeeping is shaky at best, and it seems they don't communicate with one another very effectively.

The parking situation is deplorable; the review from 2005 is inaccurate now. They charge an extra... $75' for an assigned parking spot now. I am not sure on the pricing because I refuse to pay. I ended up kicking myself for that one in the end, though, because all summer long (especially on weekends) I was forced to park upwards of 6 blocks from the building due to the farmer's market and events at the park. This is frustrating when you are trying to take several bags of groceries up to your apartment.

I will admit, they finally got rid of the carpeting in the (exceedingly slow) elevators... but that was only after several reports of drunk people peeing in there.

It seems you have to make less money to live in Esther Short Commons than other places but the rent is comparable. Most other communities offer a fitness room, pool, free cable, a parking spot, SOMETHING. ESC offers nothing but a tiny place to stay, and endless frustration.

User Responses
From: oliviacassadine	Date: 09/30/2008
I also live at Esther Short Commons and am aware of the "robber" situation. Unfortunately, it didn't happen as the "robbery" never took place. Also, the parking is only $25.00. I love it here!
From: foreverdowntown	Date: 10/03/2008
I also live at Esther Short Commons for the past 3years. I'm also aware of this situation of the robber, and this NEVER happened. You have your facts wrong!! Yes, the parking is only $25 a month of uncovered parking and $35 a month for covered parking. Which is REALLY cheep for downtown living. I love it here!! It's a great place to live ;o)
From: Anonymous	Date: 02/06/2009
It is true that the "robber" situation never happened, and that parking is $25....not $75...i dont know what the problem with your dishwasher is, but mine has always worked perfectly. Maybe you havent checked the pricing at other apartment buildings in downtown, but the rent here is fairly cheap in comparison. The apartments are small, but you're in downtown! Unless you want to buy a condo, get used to that.

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