Tenant Reviews for 1642 E 56TH ST

People should be allowed to smoke in their own apartments, IF the smoke did not stink up the entire floor. But it does, and for that reason, the building should be smoke free. Why is renovation taking forever? What a waste of money. The new carpeting is already stained....the old carpeting lasted forever and never showed a mark. MAC is totally inept, and treats their employees like crap. There used to be a waiting list to get into this building, now there are over 24 empty apartments! We're outta here when our lease expires. MAC cares about one thing -- the almighty dollar. That's business, and we understand that. What they don't understand, is the former owners kept the building one hundred percent occupied, and probably managed to make more of a profit than MAC is on this building right now!

I've lived in the Windermere House for almost a year, and it has been very enjoyable. You can't ask for a better location in Hyde Park... it's close the the lake, bus stop, metra, and the University of Chicago. I also love the size of my apartment, especially the large closets. Although the fitness room isn't great, it's convenient and saves me paying for a gym. Having a washer/dryer on every floor is also very convenient.

It is unfortunate that a historical landmark as Windermere is receiving such negative reviews because it is a beautiful building and it has ammenities you can appreciate but living with personal experience; I can relate it is becoming disappointing to see beauty taken for granted and only used for MAC's gain but a loss of quality living for residents. Since I have lived there, MAC took over the property and management staff has changed three times in a two year period. The building itself is going through cosmetic touch-ups and yes the luxury of underground parking will be extinct because of the new condo that MAC is building in it's place. You have to take your chances and park on the street like everyone else and get a ticket like everyone else. Pets and smoking are allowed in the units and some pet owners have no respect for their neighbors by letting their dogs eliminate themselves at the front door of the building when there is a park across the street. It's suffocating trying to breathe in the hallway from smokers and the stale stench of smoke seeps into your non-smoking unit. A lot of people have had enough and have moved out, its not the quiet respectable place it used to be where the manager lived in the building and took a lot of care for the residents especially the seniors that lived in the building had the red carpet treatment and it was like a family atmosphere. All that has ended and the current Resident Manager is a nice considerate person; but all the garbage that was left of the past is now dumped on her and there's only limitations on what she can do. I will not be surprised if another change of the guards (management) takes place again. MAC leaves a negative mark on Hyde Park.

The new MAC management is terrible. People can now smoke in the building whenever they want, the management refuses to adequately screen new residents--some people are really shady. The building is under renovation constantly, and there are no safety procedures used (MAC actually got in trouble for not safely getting rid of asbestos in another building, and the dust is everywhere here). Pets are now allowed, but the management refuses to keep loud pets from making noise at all hours of the night. We've been here several years, but no more--we are ready to move out of this mess!

I have lived at Windermere House for over 20 years and this is the first company and property manager that has improved this building and staff. I was shocked to read some of the negative comments about the building. I was born and raised in Hyde Park and plan on dying in Hyde Park. We have several U of C students and professors that live in the building. I am very excited about some of the improvements and renovation that will be taking place at the building in the near future. I encourage everyone to stop by my lovely building and maybe they will show you an apartment that you can move into. I love my apartment and I have offered to buy it but MAC isn't interested. Call the office at 773.643.1500 and speak with Shanasha, Eric or Nicole in the office

Some people that live here can not deal with change.. I love my apartment, I have a great view of the lake, the mainteance team is great.. I love the Staff.. I love how The New Management Company Mac Management is changing and renewing the building... I think that some people that talk badly about the windermere do not have a clue of nice living and they need to check them self at the door.. I love this place and you should see for your self...

To be fair, I moved here from a practically perfect place in D.C. so my expectations were high. Windermere disappointed on many levels. The building is run-down and getting worse, esp. with the new MAC management. The fitness room is a disaster, with leaking ceilings, broken air conditioners, and mold/mildew. The location is loud, with the Metra train and all of the street traffic (though I admit I am noise-sensitive). My apartment itself is also run-down. No dishwasher or disposal in the kitchen, 1970's cabinets, cracked plastic flooring. "Air conditioning" consists of window air units, but there is only one in my unit, and not in the bedroom. Don't let the advertisements fool you; this place has NOT been renovated in a long, long, while. One of the elevators often skips my floor, and i have to walk back down. There are pluses, however. The front desk staff are fantastic and very helpful, though disgruntled with the new management. Also, if you don't look closely, the downstairs certainly looks impressive. They also offer garage parking for $125 a month. There are 2 washers and dryers on every floor, and they are open until 10 PM. UPDATE: It has now been renovated, but ONLY the hallways were renovated. Units are same as always - Gross.

I have lived here for several years and have been very happy with it. The main reason I'm moving out is because I want a dog.

The apartments are huge with large closets and molding everywhere. The staff have always been very friendly and willing to help with anything. I never hear my neighbors and there never seem to be parties going on. I wish that the fitness center was in better shape though.

I long for my old home. I spent two great years at Windermere while my wife was in graduate school. It was so convenient to the university for her and to downtown (the metra electric) for me. I have never had an equivalent place. The indoor parking was great. The rooms were huge. My 1-bedroom had two bathrooms. This was perfect for any couple. <br> <br>The rent is high for Hyde Park, but low for the city as a whole. By square footage, it is cheap. I strongly recommend this for anyone in Chicago who wants a quiet place to live and entertain. <br> <br>It is a bad neighborhood and building for party animals. That is why I love it.