Tenant Reviews for 233 E Wacker Dr

I'm what people around this place call an, "Old Timer." I've lived here since 1998 and have a spacious one-bedroom The past few years have been sorta topsy turvy, building-wise. Around 2003, they seemed to change their marketing toward becoming an auxiliary dorm for International college students (that means SE Asian) attending downtown campuses. So those kids jacked up rental costs by about 15-25%, because...well, because corporate management can. Then over the past 5-7 years, they started making patchy renovations here and there. First, the lobby. That was an ugly nightmare that lasted 2 long years. Then the elevators. Even worse--elevator wait times went from 2-5 minutes way up to 4-7 minutes. Not bad, but if you need to get anywhere FAST, forget it. So now we're back down to 2-5 minutes. Longer if someone's moving in or out which seems to be every few days. 3 years ago, they started making "keeping up with the Jones's" style renovations to match features found in other newer buildings. Expanded exercise room, put in a cheesy computer area (for the 1 person in the building who doesn't have their own wireless). A couple years ago, the manager who had been here since forever quit (or got forced out? She wasn't all that pleasant the few times I had to chat with her), and the new lady seems hands-off. Maintenance is good, and the guys they have seem to have been here for decades. During the 2008-2010 recession, rent increases calmed down. But now...look out. 10%-15% increases have started showing up again, and Columbus Plaza seems to think they're now able to draw as much rent as the new(er) buildings in the neighborhood. Well, that'd be fine if the apartments looked like those places. Other reviews are spot-on about the condition of apartments. Old cabinets, no-feature appliances, seemingly low ceilings. But the biggest shock was my electric bill. Everything here is electric, and electric rates have gone up over the years. My monthly bills used to average around $100 in the winter. Now they're around $125-$175, depending on how cold it is. Summer, my bills used to be around $75-$100. Now they're around $100-$150. And there's no getting around it. I face north, and during the winter months, those freezing winds howl against my side of the building. I have to run my heaters continuously or the apartment feels drafty. While the apartments are nothing special, the building construction in really good. I rarely hear my neighbors, and there's only been one or two times I've had to call the office to complain, and the problem went away. I wanted to install a ceiling fan and was told that I couldn't because it might create a humming sound to the person above since the floors are concrete. Fair 'nuff. All the apartments have wall-to-wall carpet which is nice, except they use a low grade of carpet. When I first moved in, they told me I'd get new carpet every 2 years. Not any more. They only put in new carpet for new tenants or every 4 years. All in all, not a bad place. The fire station a block away is noisy at all hours. other than that...ok.

Location is good...well that's about it. You will think rent is OK for this kind of location, well let me tell you its a trap. Notice, that all the people saying "YES" for columbus plaza are only in residents who moved in within an year or so. And they don't know it yet whats coming for them next year. In the first year, to attract the new tenants they will give you market comparable rates even though apartments are nothing as compared to other buildings in area. But after first year or so you realize what you got yourself into, they will increase your rent by 20 to 30% each year, and since they understand you liked the location (not the apartment itself) and you just moved last year you wont like to go through the hassle of changing apartments every year. They will give you all kinds of crap regarding how the market went up, how the area has rent rising. So even though you will choose this building with no pool, no tennis court, non furnished apartment, small gym because of its location..either be prepared to pay good chunk from next year or look for much better options in same vicinity.

I lived there about a year ago and the very first day I moved, already problems.as soon we started moving in our things the office called me and said they need to speak to me,because they needed more paper work.I would think before they give you the lease and have your stuff being moved by movers the last thing you need to do is worry about paper work they forgot to mention to you,and ever since for a month there, management kept asking for other things more paper work they forgot ,more paper work,more rules to fallow,and some mornings before I leave to go to work,the door person say to me,oh by the way the maneger needs to see you,is this columbus plaza or is it a prison...management is so fake to your face,you can feel her bad energy oveytime you see her.Its crazy how they know each step you make it feels like they watch you on the cameras on each action you make,and on top of all that you are paying rent.THE HABITAT COMPANY Needs to take action on this people,and every tenant i spoke to they hate it there and cant wait for there lease to end,no wonder why you see so many people come and go,and the building smells like CURRY!!!!!!the hallways smells like an INDEAN RESTAURANT. ALL THIS REVIEWS ARE FOR SURE WRITTEN BY COLUMBUS PLAZA STAFF!!!!!!!!!!!ALL FAKE REVIEWS........

i have to say that most people rent here because of the wonderful staff! i've rented in many other properties downtown before, but columbus plaza has one of the friendliest staff in any building i've ever rented or toured before. since the new manager, i have also noticed a big improvement on resident events. i feel very appreciated here and maintenance issues are dealt with in minutes. if you do not believe me, just come and visit. i do have to say that parking can be an issue because it is valet only through the hyatt. however, the price for parking here is not that bad compared to all the others. that is probably the only negative comment i have.

I LOVE Columbus Plaza! I live here for 6 months now, but I new the condo before because a friend used to live here. You cannot find more spacious apartments. People from the administration are great and very helpful. I have a walk-in closet for me and my husband has one for him - how amazing is this? Besides, we have 2 extra closets. We have a great view of the river! I have nothing to complain...