I've been living in the Teweles Seed Tower for over a year now, and I wouldn't have stayed when my lease expired if I didn't have hope for the property.

Moving into any transitional neighborhood has its risks and benefits, and you have to applaud the Teweles Seed project for pioneering in what (in any other city) would have been a no-man's-land for residential redevelopment. I predict that the Teweles Seed Tower will be remembered for being the first breath of gentrification in this specific neighborhood. There have been issues with noise, trash, vandalism and cleanliness in the past, but I have to admit that things are on the upswing and the environment seems to be stabilizing. As of September, cleanliness and noise do seem to be finally under control. For those of you who moved away in the first year, I'd encourage a second look either now or in a few months. I think you'll be surprised by what you see.

However, I would agree with some of these comments about the elevator situation, and notably about onsite security and cleaning services on the weekends. These are still sorely needed and would have prevented the elevator situation from perpetuating in the first place. The "broken windows" theory was in full swing here for several months - because no one repaired the vandalism immediately, it sent a silent message that it was socially accepted behavior which invited additional vandalism. We've spent the summer combatting this learned perception, which is very difficult to un-teach once it's learned. At one point, management could not hang a memo in the lobby or elevators without someone defacing or shredding them. Things felt very hostile.

I do feel some sort of onsite security is still necessary in the evenings, especially on weekends. The neighborhood isn't quite stable enough to trust a keycard system as the first line of defense. While it's not inherently unsafe, it's not inherently safe, either. Crimes of opportunity would be very easy here, because there are multiple points of entry for the building, not all of which are secured or supervised with large groups coming and going.

Also, I'd agree that management should strive to increase its presence and availability. Much of the dissent here seems to revolve around management perceived to be absent or uncaring. Management can easily disprove this perception through more frequent, timely and supportive communication, which costs nothing but time. This also disproves the idea here that management has no idea what is really going on in the buidling.

If I could change one thing about the building, it would be to staff the office with part-time, low-wage clerical help to "sweat the small stuff," so the management can focus on impacting the big issues. I would agree that some responses are often delayed days,weeks and even months. I can see how some people would feel "put off," which only breeds discontent. It would also be nice if the office was open later - most of the tenants are at work for the entire schedule of weekday office hours, leaving Saturday as their only option for what could be an urgent issue. I haven't always received a response to voicemails left, either, which is concerning. There clearly needs to be more staff to support the needs of the residents.

If you are disappointed, frustrated or, most importantly, ready to take ownership for your community, I would encourage you to inquire about the resident association. It would definitely separate the complainers from the activists.

User Responses
From: HHobbs	Date: 10/31/2006
I think it is too late for most people to come talk to the management or join the resident group. It looks like most of the people with complaints on here already moved out.
From: TimBur	Date: 01/17/2007
I didn't even know there was a resident association. When did it start, how do you get on it? What are they working on? I have lived here since June and never knew it existed.
From: ennaibot	Date: 04/30/2007
I have to admit I'm not aware of a resident association. This would certainly make a big difference. I do appreciate that the office has longer hours now, 6 days a week, but still feel they are missing out on the ghetto fabulous FUN that is Sunday mornings.
From: jfgreer	Date: 05/10/2007
There is no resident association. They tried to start one up a loooong time ago, miserably. Just like most things they start, or say they'll do, it never gets done. And that was back when there was more than one person in the office. Now, the chances of anything like that are probably slim. Seems management has other priorities, 'cept I'm not sure what they are...
From: corcovado	Date: 05/30/2007
What is wrong with this picture. The people who actually live here need a better life for their dollar. If management can't or won't give us that chance then we need new leadership. As it is today, the worst possible neighbors are the ones who have it good because nothing happens to them ever. Are we are just expected to deal with that.
From: Anonymous	Date: 03/25/2008
There is no resident association and never has been one in the whole time I have lived here. Gotta wonder why. It would have made a big diffrence.

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