Tenant Reviews for 1040 W GRANVILLE AVE

Right off the bat, if you are looking at at staying with the Sovereign, or any building owned by Lakeside Management, who owns the Sovereign, look elsewhere. I lived in the Sovereign for many years. The building was purchased a few years back by Lakeside Management, which is a subsidiary of Loyola University of Chicago. I can honestly say that the personnel of this building has significantly decline over the past few years. They tout that all utilities are included. Sure, but you know that it is actually accounted into your rent, so they are not doing you any real favors. They tout security of the building, but there is more on that in a bit. They tout that the neighborhood has a great deal of amenities, which is true, but fail to mention how sometimes it turns out to be a problem for residents, as is the case with the Edgewater Arts Festival every year which shuts down Granville Ave for a weekend, so if you have their gated parking, your car is useless for that weekend. There are other issues that are problems for residents in terms of accessibility and such; this is just one example. The front desk staff is either rude or they don't do their jobs, but spend their time playing on their smartphone. This is so much so that they put up notices in the elevators that all visitors to the building must first check in with the front desk so that the tenant may verify the visitor is legit. But with the front desk staff busy on their phones, randos get past all the time to the point that there have been thefts within the building of those dumb enough to leave their apartments unlocked. Sure, they are stupid to leave their apartments unlocked, but with a key fob entry system and survelliance in common areas, why is security so lax there? The full-time day time front desk woman (M-F daytime shift) is really rude and phoney in her attitude towards some of the tenants that she does not like. Maintenance is a joke here. There is one African-American man on the maintenance staff, who when he does not properly repair your issue, will respond with his favorite quote, "What more do you want?" Umm ... how about fixing the problem to the way it was before it was broke. I have heard him use that in reference to other tenants at the front desk with the staffer there for all to hear. Really inspires confidence in the staff, doesn't it? Further, I hated having anyone come into my apartment to begin with, partially because of my disability covered under the American with Disabilities Act (more on that later), partially because of their ineptitude or laziness, partially because of their rudeness, especially the aforementioned African-American male maintenance worker. In addition, they have some really bad plumbing issues. Hot water that will suddenly scald you while taking a shower for one, and in other instances, there were periods where the water was shut off for a few days because something went drastically wrong and ALL water needed to be shut off for a few days. The elevators there are a joke. There are two main elevators and one freight elevator. It seems like one of the two main elevators break down every other week, and typically on a Friday. They refuse to pay extra for someone to come in on a weekend to get it running, so you are talking about one main elevator and a slow, sketchy freight elevator to service 10 floors with 31 apartments on each floor and an 11th floor with 2 bedroom suites the entire weekend. Needless to say, those days, I have had to wait more than five minutes during peak times to get an elevator because they are cheap. The washing machines and dryers, which are subcontracted out, seem to always break down and while there should be two of each on each floor, in reality, you can count on one or two machines in each room being down a few times a month. This last paragraph is the most disturbing, however. I am someone who falls under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). Three times, the front desk and management was informed, verbally and in writing, by myself and through my health care provider, of my condition and the accomodation that was required for my condition. My accomodation was simple, just understanding of my condition. However, the reason I had to submit my ADA compliance request three times is that in all cases, they "lost" the written request. In the case of the last one, it was faxed directly from my health care provider, and they received that little notice that the fax went through. Then, at my request, my health care provider called to verify whether or not they received the ADA forms, and Cornelia, who works in the office, confirmed it was received. However, even after that, my request was not honored and when I inquired about the paperwork they directly received from my healthcare provider and was confirmed, a staffer informed me that there was nothing in my file. Three requests, ALL LOST. Seriously? So, the last two years declined from bad to absolutely horrible there and I doubt it will get any better. So after years there, I could no longer tolerate the ever declining care and issues that is continually occurring at the Sovereign. Avoid at all costs. All of what I say is true. When I first moved into The Sovereign, I loved it and that is why I stayed there, but again, those last two years were hell because of the decline of staff who really do not want to do their jobs. I cannot believe that a company that is a subsidiary of Loyola would be like this, but I guess Loyola is not paying that much attention to what goes on with their subsidiaries.

Hot water burns you when you shower, kitchen sink was painted and chipped off quickly. Ceiling leaked all over my bed. Maintenance came in while I was gone and left windows open when I wasn't home. Good thing my cat didn't get out. I also signed a paper that they were to come only when I'm home. Pest control busted the chain on my door to get into my apartment 10 minutes early while I was in the shower. Rude management!

I had a good experience until I told them that I was not continuing my lease. I was on vacation for 2 weeks and they entered my apartment for unspecified "pest control" issues. When I came back home I discovered that my door had been left unlocked for at least a week. I also had traces of pests in my unit that I have never had before. I asked for pest control to come and treat for the pests, and after several days had to ask again. I was also given no reason for why my door was left unlocked. A few days after that, I walked outside to go to work and discovered that my car had been towed from the spot that I pay for because "there is no visible permit." The permit is in the car, not to mention I have had to call tow trucks before because management/maintenance use the spots in the parking lot. They didn't get towed away of course. Things are definitely going downhill. I suggest looking elsewhere for apartments.

I loved my apartment. This was my first apartment on my own and I only left because I decided to live with my ex and they told me I couldn't have a roommate in a studio (this did aggravate me since I don't feel it's their right to tell me who I can/cannot live with). Anywho! the door staff was really nice, most knew me by name, one even knew my mom by name, haha. It made me feel safe coming home at night from either being out or babysitting, I was 19 when I lived there and I'm not over 5ft or weigh more than 100lbs...so it was nice to know there was someone that could see me come in:). They were always friendly, one even tried to comfort me when I came home crying! I got e-mails when I got packages, and they even called when I got food packages (edible arrangements, etc). They call when you have visitors...they got so used to my ex that they didn't even call to okay letting him up, which impressed me-they actually pay attention to what goes on in the building. I had no problem with maintenance, I had one favorite guy who pretty much always came to fix my things, which made me happy. He was really nice and always told me exactly what was wrong and what he did, he even cleaned my bathtub (amazingly) after cleaning out my drain once. I did have roaches...they were renovating the apartment next to mine, and I had a hole in the wall behind my fridge....it was terrifying! They were POURING out! I went to Dominick's, bought raid, and ran out of it in the same night! But the next day they started fixing the problem. An exterminator came every week to spray until I gave him the okay that I was comfortable with him stopping, and I never saw a roach after that! Rent was NOT difficult...I was unemployed 7 months of living there and still managed to get by on babysitting money! I did not have a car...the el is a block away. Parking cost an extra $100..which i don't understand why people complain about, it's gated and you're guaranteed a spot...try finding that around! I loved my first apartment, it was cute and just fine for me:). I would, and have, reccomended this building. I don't really have any complaints about management, some guy named Jeff showed me my apartment, had me sign my lease, and had my sign my lease away when I subleased....that's the closest I've ever came to dealing with management. As for visitors, parking isn't the worst, you can either pay...and keep paying if they stay more than 2hrs, or just drive around and find a spot on winthrop/kenmore, or have them take the el!

an't wait until my lease is up- the management is either unavailable or unwilling to meet with you. Maintenance is the same way. Let's not forget the mice infestation. You're better off spending more $$ for a better place and better people to deal with.

looking for a one bedroom for May 2012. How much is rent for this? Please help. Planning ahead. I like that its close to el.

I have been living here for over two years now and the condition of the building has continued to deteriorate. While I don't have any major complaints with the interior of my apartment the building has a whole is uninhabitable. The carpets in the lobby and hallways are old and musty and reek with pungent odors. Certain floors, specially 5 has such terrible smell wafting through the corridors that it feels like someone or something is has died and rotting. This is an old building but is not maintained properly. I believe the staff try their best, but IRMCO the company that owns the building just wants to maximize their profits but severely cutting corners. Additionally the quality of tenants are not the best either. There is definitely better value to be found for your dollar. Consider all your options in this neighborhood before you decide to rent here. The only plus points would be inexpensive gated parking ($115.00), and the gym/pool inside the building ($54.00) for tenants. Thai grill, the restaurant in the building does serve decent thai cusine.

I didn t mind living here, but it all went down hill very quickly. They towed my car even though I pay $115 a month to park it in the same spot everyday. The people who towed it damaged it and the building told me that they would reimburse me for the $200 I had to pay to get it out. So I ve paid over $1,000 over the course of me living there and they won't pay for their mistake. Also, don t plan on taking long showers here because the water temperature fluctuates every 15 seconds from extremely hot to cold then back to the temperature you originally had it set at. This is very annoying and you end up having to constantly get in and out of the stream to dodge the burning water. The hallways smell like smoke and the walls are super thin so don t plan on listening to any music because your will disturb your neighbors. Overall a very poor place to live. It may look nice, but watch out after you move in!!!

I lived at the Sovereign for 2 years and was satisfied overall, but I will be honest about both the pros and the cons. The Sovereign has a great location. It is near (withing 2 blocks) from both the 147 bus and the red line. It is also within walking distance to a drugstore and a grocery store. There is a restaurant and a gym located in the building. All utilities are included in the cost of rent, minus cable. The front desk attendants are incredibly welcoming to residents, but not as friendly to guests. All packages are signed for. Front desk attendants will call you when you have something arrive. As a college student those calls were like Christmas. The building is beautiful. It has history and a story to tell, but the age does affect certain aspects. I would describe individual apartments as charming or quaint. If you like the idea of modern high-rises, you will not like it here. However, if you want an apartment with character this is it. Expect windowsill paint to be peeling slightly. The bathrooms are not pretty to look at, but I had no problems with plumbing. Shower had low water pressure soon after I moved in, but when I called about the problem maintenance replaced the shower head quickly and problem was solved. I lived in the studio and was entirely pleased with the amount of space. I was able to comfortably fit a couch, full-sized bed, two dressers, two bookshelves and a coffee table. The kitchen did not have a dishwasher and was small, but I am only one person and was fine with washing my own plates. Closet space was good. For those of you worried about the building having no air, the window unit provided ample cooling power. Guests were usually too cold in the summer months. Maintenance attendants live on sight, so problems are fixed quickly (regardless of time of day). Walls are thin, so expect to know your neighbors and their drama.

I've walked by this place, many times. I viewed the building years ago and even though I didn't like the apartment the staff at the front desk was very friendly. This time the front desk lady was so rude...She wouldn't even try answer my questions! Then she told me that the leasing staff was out to lunch and that she didn't know what time they would be back. To top it all off, she hands me a "While You Were Out" message pad and proceeds to explain to me how to fill it out. Like I'm a total idiot... Someone please explain to me the sense in having an "Open House" sign outside with specific times to visit when no one is really there to show you the apartment?! Based on the comments I've read here from a previous renter and my own personal experience I would not even consider renting an apartment in this building. Thank you for saving me the trouble!