Apartment Ratings | The Olivia (formerly PennMark) Ratings and Reviews

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Building used to be great until Stonehenge bought it (Not Recommending)

2008-06-11T18:29:17-06:00

From Oliviaresident: Ok, so I am one of the original tenants that moved into this building when it first opened in late 2001, so have seen it change over the years. I have lived in 3 different apartments in the building over the past 7 years (originally shared a 2 bdrm with ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): The Worst of Miami in the Worst of NY (Not Recommending)

2008-04-14T08:05:45-06:00

From ralphng: The current owners call their management company "The Stonehedge Management, LLC." Their workers call them "Stonehead" behind their back because they are cheap and incompetent and it is running the property into the ground. The original owner built the building and took pride in having its staff keep it up. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Rap music and pot (Not Recommending)

2007-09-03T11:57:28-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I moved into Olivia when former management was in place.Noise is the biggest problem. There is no noise insulation between apartments. Two drywalls and a few inches of air is all that separates you from your neighbour. You can hear their normal voice conversations clearly without even trying. You are ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Increase, increase, increase (Not Recommending)

2007-04-25T20:41:49-06:00

From -Anonymous-: This years rent increase was over 300 bucks per month. Negotiation? No chance! Stay away! We are looking around... who knows what the increase of the next year will be.. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): (Not Recommending)

2007-03-20T13:21:19-06:00

From -Anonymous-: My roommate and I moved in here 3.5 yrs ago and it was ideal for our situation and management was very nice. It was a great place to live. Since Stonehenge moved in, it has been a disaster. They raised the rent mid-yr which while they had the authority to ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): mixed review (Not Recommending)

2007-03-06T10:36:56-06:00

From ala737: We moved into the building three years ago, before Stonehenge took over. The apartments are nice, great views, great light, a decent amount of closet space, reliable appliances, but nothing fancy or special. We do hear noise from the hallway and the neighbors' phones ringing.

Having said all that, Stonhenge has ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): DO NOT MOVE INTO A STONEHENGE MANAGED APARTMENT!!! (Not Recommending)

2007-03-01T16:19:15-06:00

From -Anonymous-: We have lived in the building before the management changed and it was a pleasant place to live - close to transport etc. The fittings are a little old and not terribly reliable and the closet space is virtually non-existent, but the views are amazing.

The new management have turned it ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Olivia management sucks!! (Not Recommending)

2007-02-27T20:52:48-06:00

From itbobby: Olivia's management are full of the slimiest, most money-grubbing people I've ever dealt with. I would NEVER, EVER recommend that someone move in here. Here's my story...

I needed to move from a studio to a one bedroom in the middle of my lease last year. During the entire process, the ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): I love it here (Recommending!)

2006-12-29T13:43:58-06:00

From -Anonymous-: That last poster has no idea what he's talking about. I have lived here for a year, and have had no problems. I have a beuatiful apartment, great view and I love all the facilities. I like the new lobby better than the old one and never got to see ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Nice apartment, gym, roof. Stonehenge Sucks!! (Not Recommending)

2006-12-27T12:27:43-06:00

From RuinStonehenge: I moved in about a year after the building opened and was the second tenant in my apartment. About two years later, Stonehenge (May they burn!) bought the building at a huge premium and immediately set about defacing their latest acquisition.

The apartment is nice. Good layout, good closets, very nice ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): (Recommending!)

2006-12-13T22:31:19-06:00

From munseypark: Nice building,good location near the new Penn Station. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Security deposit (Not Recommending)

2006-11-03T10:39:59-06:00

From barman: I encourage everyone who has had a problem with this management, especially on matters of security deposit manipulation, to fill out a complaint to the Better Business Bureau at www.bbb.com. I too was charged for "repairs throughout apt" despite leaving the place in excellent condition, save for 1 very small ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Management succeeds spectacularly in reinforcing Jewish stereotypes. (Not Recommending)

2006-09-05T23:10:07-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Shifty, get-the-upper hand rents increase triggers ("It's not us, it's just the language in the 421-A rider.")? Check. Crafty nickel and dime behavior (install a fee loaded ATM and kick out Jenny, the sweet Asian dry cleaning concierge)? Check. Refusal to refund apartment deposits in full or in a timely ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Current Tenant - Very Unhappy by "Hidden" Rent Increases (Not Recommending)

2006-08-28T11:31:58-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I signed a 2 year lease and my rent today is $100 higher than when I signed. How is this possible might you ask? By some loophole real estate mumbo jumbo called a 421-a tax rider that lets them increase rents by 2.2% every year on an arbitrary date. They ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Do Not Rent HERE!!!- you'll regret it (Not Recommending)

2006-08-16T09:42:17-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I have experience with moving out and trying to collect my security deposit. It's HORRENDOUS and they do try to nickel and dime you- I fought with everyone in the management office and at Stonehenge. I left it in pefect condition and even hired a cleaning company to do a ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Do not rent here! (Not Recommending)

2006-07-14T09:17:41-06:00

From -Anonymous-: The building is awful--shoddily constucted--and the management is worse. They never dealt with any of the problems I had. Because the construction is so bad, noise is a huge problem. I basically heard every loud conversation my neighbors had. I have lived in a lot of apartments in NYC, and ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): my toilet has never worked better (Recommending!)

2006-06-26T16:21:12-06:00

From OliviaLover: I love it here since the new management took over! The halloween party was great, and they are now making us a roof top 4th of july blast.I have recccomended this building to several of my friends. The gym is free and the staff is wonderful.My apt has a fabulous ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Chris B -- rudest building manager I've ever interacted with (Not Recommending)

2006-06-21T11:31:39-06:00

From OliviaHater: the guy is a complete prick...our toilet overflew the other day and caused some water damage..there was literally nothing blocking the drain (both the maintenance guy and Chris himself acknowledged this). Chris saw that the place was disheveled because we are about to move out and claimed that the messy ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): GUS - BEST DOORMAN IN NEW YORK (Recommending!)

2006-05-26T17:06:55-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Knows the name of every person - 330 apartments. Top man.

"Flea in a bag girl" - get a grip you big fucking pansy!

I found a hair down the side of the fridge the other day. And a bit of avocado in the closet. A strongly-worded letter is being despatched immediately ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Management need to go (Not Recommending)

2006-05-11T15:08:20-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Place ok, more pros than cons. Management aweful,met ones on Ritz Plaza, same company as Olivia, they are worse, how they still are employed is anyones guess. Beaware of them. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): NO APT in NYC is perfect, but the units here are nice. (Recommending!)

2006-05-10T18:07:18-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I looked around at a lot of new buildings before I chose this one a year ago. YES, the original yellow, happy corridors were my favorite, YES the artsy retro carpet totally offended me... at first... but to be honest, I actually like coming home to it now MORE than ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Okay (Not Recommending)

2006-05-03T11:16:49-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I have lived in this building for over a year and I first signed my lease with the original Pennmark management. I only resigned because I didn't have time to look for another apartment.

The cons: I don't like the decor, some TVs and some equipment in the gym don't ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): (Recommending!)

2006-04-15T21:49:36-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT HERE!!! THE APT IS BEAUTIFUL...MY VIEW IS BREATHTAKING ...MY GYM IS TOP NOTCH :) THE STAFF IS BEYOND HELPFUL ITS LIKE LIVING IN A 5 STAR HOTEL...THE GAME ROOM AND SUN DECK A MUST SEE!!! THIS IS DEFINETLY A JEWEL IN THE CITY AND I CAN ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Expensive but worth it (Recommending!)

2006-04-01T13:06:22-06:00

From emmanuel@randon.biz: If you're not from New York, are just here for a few years and make good money, I really think this is a good deal.

The rooftop is awesome (probably of the best in the city). It closes at 12 AM, that's too bad. But you can still have great parties. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Recommended (Recommending!)

2006-03-31T17:22:46-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I would recommend this place. I've read all the reviews and don't doubt that the management have pulled some sneaky tricks on existing tenants that pre-dated Stonehenge.

But I only moved in recently and can only base my opinion on what it's like now, not how it used to be.

Positives:

It's ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Not What it Used to Be (Not Recommending)

2006-03-31T14:40:38-06:00

From -Anonymous-: When I moved into this apartment in October of 2004, it was terrific! I was so excited to have found a great apartment, no fee, in a non-broker building, where they even gave me a month's free rent...it was even rent stabilized!!

I liked the building once I moved in...nice ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Questions (Not Recommending)

2006-03-28T15:52:59-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I was thinking of moving into the Olivia but then read the reviews on this site. I'm very surprise to see so much negative messages. I haven't spent a night at Olivia but with all the comments about management and vandalism, it makes me think twice before moving in. Since ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Mixed (Recommending!)

2006-01-23T18:51:38-06:00

From -Anonymous-: The new management came in, and as a welcome gift, increased our rent (legally) through some rider we had all signed with our original leases. They didn't have the courtesy to wait until everyone's leases expired. The decor is somewhat gaudy now too.

The positives: access to Penn Station, every ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): (Not Recommending)

2006-01-17T19:48:17-06:00

From happyrenter996546546464: If it wasnt for Gus I would be out ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Expensive and over priced but nice (Recommending!)

2005-12-27T12:56:40-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Lived here for 18 months and yes Stonehenge have come in and raised the rent. I have seen nothing to indicate a poorer service, although management are walking around like the Roman Empire, they need to change there attitude to retain there clientel. The apartments are new and clean and ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Great Halloween Party (Recommending!)

2005-11-01T16:00:26-06:00

From -Anonymous-: The management company planning a halloween costume party was great last night. It was a great way of meeting new people in the building and the fact that someone could win 1/2 month free rent for best costume was pretty clever. I thought it was a great night and am ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Very dissapointing (Not Recommending)

2005-10-31T09:54:29-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I moved in a little over a year ago when it was still the Pennmark. The views are amazing on the higher floors. The apartments are new so they are clean and pretty solid. That's where the positive ends. The new management came in and turn the place porno. I ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): New mgmnt. paid too much delivers nothing except overcharges. (Not Recommending)

2005-10-30T12:20:24-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Ignore the anti-semetic postings, the new owners overpaid, period, and they are cutting service and upkeep while figuring out ways to gouge renters. Watch out! Left over staff great, but many leaving. Too bad. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Downhill after Stonehenge purchase (Not Recommending)

2005-10-24T21:34:24-06:00

From -Anonymous-: It's a sad but true fact that the new owners are greedy and sleazy. See their strategy in their own words:
http://www.stonehengeny.com/sections/strategy/strategy.htm
"reducing staff size whenever possible"
"opportunities for rent increases"
Pretty much says it all.

Unless you absolutely have to be next to Penn Station, this is not the right building. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): stonehenge sucks (Not Recommending)

2007-02-01T21:41:30-06:00

From sungcho: I've been here several years and ever since new managment came in they have been raising prices every chance they get and even mid year. To make up for it they decided to throw a halloween and xmas party. woop ti doo! These guys are the worst i've ever dealt ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): (Recommending!)

2005-10-19T15:44:28-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Well I must say what sour people there are out there in the world who will never be happy..I've recently moved into the Olivia and absolutely love it!! The doorman couldn't be any more lovely and helpful, the place is very well kept, the gym is very clean, the views ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Management is HORRIBLE (Not Recommending)

2005-10-05T22:14:51-06:00

From -Anonymous-: This place would be cool if it wasn't so expensive and the management wasn't so horrible. The ONLY reason I moved here was b/c I needed to be close to Penn Station. The neighborhood is horrible. There is NOTHING. No restaurants, no stores, nothing. And there are always 1.5 million ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Saw a lot of yarmulkes at the roof deck management change party. (Not Recommending)

2005-09-29T23:01:21-06:00

From -Anonymous-: And I hate to say it, but stereotypes about "The Tribe" do hold true: I can say unequivocally that the members of the new Pennmark/Olivia management are some of the most underhanded, dishonest, tasteless, and above all CHEAP people that I have ever had the misfortune of dealing with.

Midway ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Rent Increase at The Pennmark/The Olivia (Not Recommending)

2005-09-13T14:28:07-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Unless they plan on transplanting this mediocre building to a decent neighborhood, they may want to reconsider the proposed rent increases. I'm expecting them to come in and clean my bathroom & kitchen and line my toilet seat with platinum for what they want to add on... I'm moving. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): No longer good... (Not Recommending)

2005-08-29T07:55:02-06:00

From -Anonymous-: The place is now tacky, expensive and ugly. The new owners show no taste and are obviously extremely greedy. The 2% rent increase was loaded befrore they could legally do so.

Don't move here. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Left just in time (Not Recommending)

2005-08-19T18:13:19-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Take my word for it and contest any rise in rent they may claim. Turns out their accounting department skipped math class. ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Definitely downhill (Not Recommending)

2005-08-15T10:12:39-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I loved the bldg when I moved in - can't say I recommend it now. The new management seems, well, cheap. I just can't say it any other way. Maintenance seems to have been cut back (the elevators have partially stainless steel interiors, and they're looking smudged - the old ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): overpriced; dangerous neighborhood; greedy management; (Not Recommending)

2005-08-15T07:25:13-06:00

From -Anonymous-: The place has become a horror under the new management. They are asking up to 50% increases in rent when renewing (up to $4100 for a 650 sq foot 1 bedroom from a $2700); this is confirmed by a huge number of moveouts. The support staff has been cut. The ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Don't live there if you don't like NOISE (Not Recommending)

2005-07-31T08:49:10-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Don't live there if you don't like noise and average comfort at astronomical prices - I lived there for 3 years - the building is very poorly insulated - walls are extremely thin, you hear EVERYTHING that your neighbors are doing 24/7 - and of course they can hear everything ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): New Changes Suck (Not Recommending)

2005-07-29T09:13:32-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I agree that The Olivia sucks. I want the old Pennmark back. I have lived there for 3 years and have seen all the changes it has gone through: Having the roof deck close at 11, taking away the free weights,etc. The place looks awful.... ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Expensive and increasing but a nice bldg (Recommending!)

2005-07-28T15:50:22-06:00

From -Anonymous-: See philosophy of new management that went into effect about a month ago:

http://www.stonehengeny.com/sections/strategy/strategy.htm

I think this is an interesting aspect of their strategy: "Focus on properties with substantial discounts to current fair market rents because these buildings present OPPORTUNITIES FOR RENT INCREASES and reduced risks related to market downturns.

In general its ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Am I in Bangkok? (Not Recommending)

2005-07-11T16:54:55-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I could start by complaining how the new management had no record of the $11,000 I paid upfront in rent, and accused me and my wife of not paying rent. I could complain about how they failed to understand how long a 14 month lease is, and tried to kick ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): What happened to the Pennmark!? (Not Recommending)

2005-07-07T18:40:54-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Unfortunately the building formerly known as the Pennmark has dissappeared as we know it. The once understated, yet classy building with a nice gym big, windows, and eclectic yet tasteful lobby has been suplanted by a gross monstrosity that some bright soul dubbed "The Olivia: Living Above it All". The ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Good foot in the door of NYC (Recommending!)

2004-12-27T21:00:36-06:00

From hsdhingra: Great convenience, neighborhood is very commercialized but if you are a student, expatriate or just renting for a year or two, this building is for you. Superb staff, great lobby, fitness center, billiard room, sun deck and huge laundry room.

Building Manager is very helpful and knowledgeable and rents are par ... [click to read full apartment review]

The Olivia (formerly PennMark): Best building in new york city (Recommending!)

2004-09-15T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Great building. Great location. Views are amazing. Fitness Center is better than any of the gyms at my friends' buildings and it's free! good prices, great doorman, great staff ... [click to read full apartment review]