635 W BARRY AVE, Chicago, IL

I had several issues while living at this terrible place and it completely ruined my experience moving to Chicago and it was a true horror story. I had centipede infestations which traveled from my surrounding neighbors and was not addressed. I had a severe mold issue, where my expensive equipment, clothing and furniture were damaged and covered in mold spores. My health was affected and I even had yellow mold that looked like sponge forming on the floors which maintenance never resolved. See photos. The building has 70 percent humidity as it retained heat and moisture in the summer. There was no ac when we were told we would have it. We were told we would have a view and we faced an alleyway with complete darkness and management showed no remorse, empathy or sense of urgency in addressing my multiple work orders and complaints. I normally would never waste my time on making a review but I feel the need to warn those who are looking, as prospective residents, to BEWARE of the unethical management and poor and unsanitary condition of this building! I had packages stolen from my door multiple times and the entire winter I had to literally wear hoodies and use a space heater as my heater for the apartment was electric and not working properly. If you want to have adequate heat then expect a 150- 285 dollar bill. I cannot stress enough what a HORRIBLE experience it was living at this building and how poorly management handled everything or the lack of ... it was truly appalling. From an honest human to innocent potential prospects, Please be careful. I wouldn't wish my nightmare on any other person. Having a sibling who has had an extensive background in property management, and it is surprising so many things were not rectified or even seemed to be an emergency to the management as this is not the norm. I would have never guessed this would happen from the facade I was given at the time of leasing my place. It was a learning lesson but I am sure a blessing in disguise. Extremely disappointing. Hopefully the conditions improve but I wanted to share my recent experience of living my first year at this property.

In April 2008, Beal Properties bought the building from the previous owner. What was the first thing they did? Get rid of the recycling service. And the second thing they did? Raise laundry machine prices from $1.25 to $1.50. Now it's July and the price to do a load of laundry (wash and dry) has gone up to $3.50. And not only did they take away recycling service, but trash collection has been spotty. A month or so back we had trash piling up behind the building for weeks and rats were hanging around. Nice. Cons: - Elevator is old, smells and breaks down. - Hallway and stairwell both smell. Carpet needs to be cleaned. - I hear my upstairs neighbor at all times of the day. Whoever's up there must throw anvils around. Pros: - The area is cute and convenient. - Great access to the Belmont Red Line stop, and also 22 and 36 buses.