Tenant Reviews for 222 N COLUMBUS DRIVE

When I first moved in, I was very pleased with my apartment and the building in general. The staff were very helpful, the facilities top-notch and the views fantastic. Now that the building has gone condo, I have noticed maintenance decline significantly - the building just does not feel as well maintained any more. In addition, with the move to condo, management have become exceedingly intrusive, insisting on viewing my apartment on a number of occasions in a short space of time with little to no notice. To top it all off, with all of the development along Randolph and the river, the views of the Lake are quickly becoming non-existent. It just is no longer worth it for the price you pay.

The object is to sell you an appartment before the real estate bubble bursts, but they do not realize their clients have above average IQ's. As a tenant, I was sent my right of first refusal, and after investigation, it turned out there was no buyer for the appt... Oops! In the morning, getting the right temperature in the shower is art. We are 500 tenants who must coordinate to move at pre-determined times in a single of the six elevators. Moving after 6 is impossible, and week-ends are reserved for months. If you come here, it is to stay. Saw a tenant last week get turned back with his new couch at the door. Should have checked with management. Imagine, you visit the most beautiful Party room when signing... "It is for tenants!" Large screen TV! Turns out they forgot to say we could only use it for free during periods the management is open and has recruits to impress. If you want the room past 6 pm with more than 2 guests, then it is $150, and a deposit of $400. At that price, you must still end the party at 12 pm. Result, only the guards use the room. Each month, I need to pay $2.50 to some unknown corporation to issue me a statement, and now I have just been told I am priviledged to pay $3.25. Hey, democratie at its best. <br><br>The average experience of the staff is counted in weeks, not months or years.

We have spent one year in a high floor apartment - we were new to Chicago and not interested in buying. The new management has been rude & intrusive to those of us not buying and the quality of service & maintenance immediately plummeted. As we sought other apartments - some in other buildings acquired by Draper & Kramer - this sounds as if it is a common complaint. We also noticed the steep increase in gas prices after the addition of the grocery store. Even at 40 stores our view is increasingly blocked and there is almost hourly sirens from the firestation.<br><br>We also have cracking in the drywall that grows weekly - glad we were "just renters."

The building had some issues under Charles E Smith management, but these pale in comparison to the new management. Since going condo/rental they are unorganized annd unprofessional. They take no accountability for their actions, and try to put the blame on the tenant. Overall very unprofessional. I can't imagine spending close to $500,000 on an apartment only to have to deal with management and staff of this poor quality. There are a few that stand out and try to make things pleasant - but overall it left a poor impression, and I have decided to take my money elsewhere. Maintenance issues are taking more time to complete now then they once did.<br>The views on the east side are quickly being obscured by buildings going up. <br>The Bockwinkle's in the base of the building is nice, however you will pay for this luxury. The cost of the gas/heat/water for the building is split throughout the building amongst the tenants based on square footage. When the Bockwinkle's went in, our gas bill tripled, because Bockwinkle's is considered a 'corportate space tenant'. <br>Initially, we were pleased with our decision to move to the Park Millennium, however since the condo conversion we have been less than pleased, and are eager to move to a new location.

Our apartment was broken into. Most likely, as detectives in the area pointed out, it was an inside job. The building management responded quite poorly at first, but after a very strong push by residents, the management responded with some security upgrades that were excellent. All of a sudden the security is gone. Some of the technology is still in place, but the security personnel and the checks that prevent personel from security breach have all been removed. The building is under new ownership and they seem to be less than sophisticated and less than responsive to upgrades that need to happen.<br><br>Pros:<br>Location.<br>Grocery Store practically in lobby<br>On site dry cleaners - pay for the convenience, but quality work<br>Maintenance - They may be robbing us blind (see below), but they are nice and take care of our needs. <br>Amenities - on site business facilities - computers, library, xerox, fax machine, etc. <br>24hr front-desk (although sometimes apathetic in their role of providing services)<br><br>Cons:<br>The security - until measures are taken/reinstituted, your apartment will be "cased" and you will always need to make sure you lock your valuables away. There is definitely a scam going on here. For more informaton, call the Chicago police, they have an extensive case file on 222 N. Columbus with over 5 roberies taking place, that I know of. <br><br>Management - It was difficult under Charles E. Smith to get things taken care of promptly, or at least have concerns addressed in a civil and prompt manner. The building is under new management. I have no experience with Draper/Kramer, perhaps they make this item a pro.<br><br>Try to rent out the party room and enjoy a whole of beuaracracy and attitude (at least under Charles E. Smith).<br><br>The Elevators - for such a "luxury" residence, the elevator interactive display is intermediate at best, and the elevators keep you waiting much more than you would expect. <br><br><br>

After one year here, there is absolutely no charm in this large building anymore. We received notice that the rental building will be going condo during 2005.<br><br>The building and landscaping are all very lovely, but it's next to a fire station which means you'll hear sirens almost every other hour, both day and night. We paid quite a bit to live here. While our views weren't the best, we weren't prepared for the break-ins of 2004 and subsequent condo conversion.<br><br>Oh, and to the management personnel logging in and writing positive reviews using phrases like, "management is not responsible for my safety and belongings" and "management has nothing to do with keeping us safe"--you are NOT FOOLING ANYONE. You are the idiots who allowed your staff and vendors come through the building unchecked. You left security doors unbolted, unattended and gave tenants absolutely no sense of security for several months while multiple break-ins occurred. Shame on you for your callous disregard for our well-being. We paid above-market rent to live in what we thought was a classy building. So much for classy management personnel. So much for the Charles E. Smith management company.

The building is clean and the management and front desk staff are friendly. The management is not responsible for my safety and belongings but has responded appropriately to the tenant's safety concerns. <br><br>The health club is basic but better than most apartment health clubs. There can be improvements made to clean, fix, and maintain the equipment in a more timely manner. <br><br>No parking but who needs a car living at this great location? <br><br>