AVANATH SCOTLAND YARD LLC · avg 2.8 ★★★★★ · Chicago
“If you have any self respect for your mental well-being, physical safety, and financial stability... DO NOT RENT AT TIMES SQUARE!!! There are people who stand outside of the entrances at all hours of the day attempting to sneak in the building for shelter or ask you for money. There are signs in the stairwells warning people to stop "using the stairwells as a bathroom" there are puddles of human urine in most common spaces, human feces in the elevator, rats in the garbage room, broken glass that goes 5+ days without being cleaned up, garbage piles in the building entryway, cockroaches in the units. There are tenants who scream loudly at all hours of the day, blare music at 7 am, etc. you can't even come and go into your own apartment without the guarantee of someone in the building asking you for spare change or a ride somewhere. They charge luxury apartment prices to live in a disgusting building with suspicious tenants. The cops are constantly being called, as well as the fire department. I would recommend living absolutely anywhere else before you consider spending $1400+ a month to live in this disgusting building. Complaints have been made to management and they do nothing about it other than assure you it's being handled (yet it just continues to happen). Don't waste your time or money.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I moved into Times Square Apartments with my daughter. This was the unsafest place for me to house my child. The senior property manager Liliana discriminated against me several times entered my unit with out my permission on several occasions destroyed property and rambled through my belongings then magically quit once I started to document her actions. I complained to Robin Vice President of Operations and she started to ignore my complaints she was actually racist as well. They hired an all black staff to try to cover up the fact they are racist and sent another Senior Property manager Paschen to enter my unit without my permission she even left my door unlocked and when I sent an email her response was if I needed maintenance to fix my lock she would put in an order. I’ve never had a problem with my locks. I asked for a reasonable time to have pest control come to my unit they usually left notices with a time frame once I started to complain daily they left a notice with no time frame and when I asked a time frame they ignored and told me this is their building and they can come in my unit when they please. When I first moved in the senior management refused to let me use the freight elevator she told me it was down indefinitely only for me to discover a caucasian and -------- resident using the freight elevator. I had to have mold removed from my heating units and bathroom walls they literally painted over the mold. Management was slow to respond and took 2 months to test and 3 to get the results of the test. Which is why I had it professionally done myself. There is a picture of the water below after one cleaning of one of the vents. The entire building is infested with roaches. Everyday I see roaches in the common area on the elevators and they have started to come in our units. They have gotten so bad I had to throw away my ac unit, beds, dishes, tv’s, shoes and groceries they even got in my couch. They come out of the walls literally. I can’t keep anything they have literally destroyed my family and caused us great mental stress to the point we could not sleep. My girlfriend woke up to a roach crawling on her face at 3am. The living conditions we were subject to literally caused my girlfriend to have a nervous breakdown. There are creepy people through the building I often get on the elevators with people whom talk to them selves. My floor smells like dog urine and feces literally the smell is unbearable. I’ve complained countless times. The carpets are old and wreak of dog urine. There are homeless people who sleep in the hallways and piss in the stairwell. I caught a resident masturbating in our lobby. Found out he was a resident after I called authorities. I’ve found baggies of drugs (heroin) in the elevator brought it to management only for nothing to be done about it. Children walk around this place. The elevators are always broken or pissy, there are drug addicts in and out of the building at night time. I have even spotted Gang graffiti in the building. In the summer time bugs just crowd around the window seals because the water from the ac units attracts them to the windows. Can’t leave windows open. They also locked me out of the resident portal once I started to complain so I could not put in a work order or pay my rent as a normally would do online to have a paper trail. The water in the tub and sink runs brown sometimes. I would not move here at all. The management is racist and the turn over rate for the property manager is ridiculous I’ve had 3 different property managers in 1 year. There is no peace of mind here. Poor quality apartments. Poor management. They are one of if not Chicagoland’s largest residential landlord. There is no excuse for the type of ethics exercised by the management. I will be taking swift legal action against this company, for the mental anguish I was put through, discrimination I was faced with and damaged caused to my property due to the negligence of this company. I WOULD STRONGLY ADVISE ON DOING YOUR RESEARCH.”
“In a word: roaches this place was absolutely disgusting. If you can avoid it, avoid it like the plague because that, quite literally is what it is. The hallways smell like pee (probably because I've watched me neighbor's dog pee in the hallways). My neighbors were rude and unsanitary, they also let their dogs run wild - peeing and pooping in the halls, and they never clean up after them. The roach problem started when it got warm in May. Luckily, management is super responsive. They had exterminators out 6-7 different instances to spray and do boric acid, and I had roaches beyond the day I moved out. It was absolutely disgusting, living there. Avoid it.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“The office staff is amazing. When ever I have a problem, which is rarely the management is on top of it. They are so nice and considerate, they take the time out of their day to make sure you are okay. Any management that takes time out to make sure their residents are fine is a big plus for me. I love my apartment super big, not a fan of carpet but it will do. Location is amazing, takes me about 15 minutes to get to work. Perfect location to bars, restaurants and wrigley field. Looking forward to renew my lease in a few months.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“Where to start... I have lived here for two years. They advertise a rooftop deck, but it hasn't been open since I moved here. They advertise a gym. It's small, smells horrible, and equipment never gets replaced. It's June and we still don't have our AC units installed. No reason was provided for not having them installed yet and when some tenants installed the ACs on their own, management put letters out warning them to take the AC units down. Also, office management changes every other week so make sure if someone tells you something, you get it in writing because it won't make it to the next manager.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“Had a terrible experience here. I made an initial appointment to view an apartment here on a weekday at 5:30. Being new to Chicago, I didn't realize how difficult it is to get on the redline during this time of day so I called the office to let them know I would be late. The woman in the office answered the phone very unprofessionally and was a bit rude and not at all accommodating to the idea of moving my appointment to a later time. She pretty much told me that the office closes at six and if i couldn't make it - too bad. She did mention however, that on Wednesdays they have late office hours and are open until 7pm. With this is mind, I made a second appointment for the following Wednesday at 6:30. My boyfriend made a 45 minute journey in from the burbs and I left work early specifically to see these apartments. We showed up at 6:30 on the dot and found that the office was closed and everyone had gone home. A tenant who was coming into the building said that the office staff usually leaves right at 6pm and he seemed surprised when I said I had been told they had office hours until 7pm on Wednesdays. Overall, I was extremely upset that the office staff were so unprofessional and inconsiderate of our time and interest. Obviously, this experience may have been a blessing in disguise because I can't imagine how they treat their tenants if this is how a prospective renter is treated.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“Came to look for apartments from MI and experienced sticker-shock. Wanted a safe, clean roomy apartment and finally found it when I came here. Very large bedroom with large windows. Apartment was freshly painted and clean as if I was the first tenant. Parking was a bit of a problem but was able to purchase a spot right across the street in a secured lot for a reasonable amount. Location couldn't be better. New Target store within two blocks and a grocery store is a block and a half. Friendly, neighborhood bar is right across the street, (great burgers), and a 7-11 is in the building downstairs. Clean workout room and laundry right downstairs in building. Building is very secure and management staff is on site and very responsive as well as friendly. The previous negative reviews are not at all representative of the present complex.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“This two bedroom unit is very spacious with an exceptionally large living/dining room and has more than adequate closet space. Air conditioning is available for rental and the electric bill is reasonable for this large a space even with the air conditioners running almost constantly during the summer. The management and maintenance are excellent and generally available with on-site management. The building is attractive with a cheerful well maintained interior. The elevators are almost always in working order. I think I had to walk up to my apartment once in two years. The location is very convenient to public trans and the neighborhood is safe to walk in at night and the sidewalks are salted early and often during the winter. The apartments do however have thin walls and I have had at least one neighbor whose night-time activities were way too audible at very late hours. Also although I am at a corner the hot water can be an issue at peak times like the early morning.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I just moved in and so far I like it. My boyfriend and I are new to Chicago and really like the neighborhood feel when you walk down the side streets. The apartment is small, no doubt about it, but the layout really works well (I live in the unit with the walk through kitchen). It takes some getting used to but you'll realize quickly you don't need much space to be comfortable. Everything is freshly painted and updated, with the only exception being the bathroom which I kind of like because it keeps some of the original charm of the building. The storage space is very limited, they have a large closet which takes up an entire wall, but its the only storage in the whole unit so pack light when you move here. I am in a west facing unit with tons of sunlight and a view of Wrigley field and the St. Mary church bell tower. I hate noise and the first night I was a little worried but I can't believe how quickly I got used to the street noise, which after 6pm isn't really that bad; a lot of sirens, we must be near a fire station and it's a reality of city life. As far as neighbor noise, I haven't heard a thing so far, you can hear dogs barking when walking down the hallways but as soon as you enter your apartment you can't hear them anymore. The hallways do need a major upgrade but its mostly aesthetic stuff, there isn't anything wrong with the hallways but I have noticed the smell of cigarette smoke but not cat urine like some people suggested. I haven't had much interaction with the staff but they've been great so far, no complaints. I'm from the suburbs and I feel safe here. I haven't had any maintenance issues yet but I'll be sure to post if I ever have any. Parking is what you would expect from the neighborhood, it's all about what time you try to park. Laundry facilities are adequate, people complain of the cost but if you go right across the street it's even more expensive. So far, I like it, it's perfect for what my boyfriend and I need. If you want the lap of luxury you should live downtown in a high rise but if you like neighborhood charm and are willing to sacrifice somethings then you'll love it here.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“disgrace. Smell of urine at side entrace doorway and nothing is ever done about it. Elevators break down and dryers in laundry room take your money but dont dry.,”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“The only positive thing about this builing is that the apartments are nice compared to other units in the area and it is close to the lake, grocery store, and public transportation. However these don't override the negative things like the hallways always smelling like pee and the trash always smelling whenever you enter through the side building entrance. The office staff always seems bothered whenever you go in and ask them to get your package for you and they just don't know how to manage an office at all. They also never hold resident breakfasts anymore so that the building tenants can get to know one another.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“The apartments are located in a good location. Only 4 blocks from the water! Street parking is not bad if you park before 7 p.m. The kitchen is very modern and the carpet was new in my apartment. But the bathroom needs major work and the bedroom is small. Now for the apartment complex... the hallways smell like cat piss, ALL THE TIME. And they are very out-dated. And the elevators are slow. Management sucks! They are incredibly inconsiderate and do not care about their tenants at all. It takes weeks to get things fixed, if it even gets fixed at all. The apartment complex claims that safety is there number 1 prioroty, but the back door lock was broken for weeks and mgt was "waiting for parts". Worst complex I have ever lived in.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“They keep the apartments pretty nice. I moved in just after having it remodeled so its in good condition. The hallways seriously need to be redecorated - I think that's the biggest downside to the place when it comes to appearances. The building could use an extra set or two of washers/dryers but there's really not space for them. The staff has had a lot of turnover since I first moved in which is never a good sign (just signed 3rd year lease). They're generally nice and helpful but they can also have their moments. It's little things mostly. A while back they used to do a monthly breakfast to meet your neighbors/staff or once I remember them doing a thing in the evening on the roof top. It's little things like that. Now you're lucky to get a grunt for a hello when you walk by. You rarely hear much from your neighbors but you can get a lot of street noise depending on what side you're on - after a Cubs game, this can be a very annoying thing.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“The side entrace smells so bad and the management dont do anything about it. I have actually seen a resident let his dog out the side door and pee all over the entrance. It constantly smells. This should be cleaned on a daily basis as too should the hallway leading from the side entrance to the elevators. Dogs are always peeing in the elevators too. Also, a few weeks ago someone decided to have a food fight in the hallway. This happenedon a Friday night. The food was not cleared up for 8 full days. The elevators are constantly breaking down. There is an issue with some of the dryers not working properly. Management need to be reminded 2 or 3 times before they fix and problem. Its a disgrace and I shall not be renewing my lease.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I moved into the building from out of state - and was a poor college student so I didnt have money to come visit before renting. I moved in because everything seemed ok, not great, but ok - good enough to live in for a year. I have been here almost a year, pay rent on time, ect. I made of list of things that have broken or gone completely wrong with the building at it was over 15 items. My heat broke, dishwasher broke, I highly suspect a maintenance worker who quit of stealing from my apartment, one of two elevators broke for a week, garbage shoot was broken for close to 2 months. If you take a tour you will see signs of all the things they are doing for their residents - but most of them they are simply "too busy" to do (take packages to apartments). They have even "lost" important deliveries when they did take things to my apartment. Overall - I know this place is cheap - and I guess you get what you pay for. If I had it to do over again - I'd go somewhere else, where things generally work.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“Positive comments: I have lived here for about six months and it is my first time living alone (without a roommate). I was happy to find a one-bedroom near the lake for under 900 a month. My apartment is really tiny and cozy, but it is perfect for me. New carpet was installed when I moved into the unit and the bathroom had just had the tub and tile painted white, both of which make it look very clean and fresh. The units have big windows, updated counters, tiles and cabinets and ceiling fans. I have had really good experiences with the management and they often come straight to help with any issue right away. I did notice some reviews about the manager being unfriendly, but I have never had a problem. It seems best practice is to be polite to management and pay on time, which is common sense. They also do nice things like you can call and ask them to drop off a package and they will change light bulbs for you. I feel very safe in my apartment and have heard my neighbors on maybe 4 occasions...this is amazing considering how many people have dogs! Areas for improvement: We do not have thermostats in our units, but I have been fine turning on the fan on the heating unit or opening a window to try and control it. Also, the elevators are very slow, old and frustrating. For some reason, one of the elevators is often not working in the evenings. The hallways need updating. The lighting is kind of dreary, dark colors on the walls and cheesy carpet. My friends are usually surprised to see that the apartment itself is cute after seeing the hallway. The move-in was kind of a disaster and my unit was not ready. Glad I will not have to do that again. Neighborhood: I love Buena Park and love walking around the really cute neighborhood between Broadway and the lake. Lots of cute restaurants, coffee places and nice bars. Parking is not easy, but I have lived in Lincoln Park and Lakeview so I am definitely surviving. Grocery store is nearby and it is great having a library and a 7-11 so close. Also, there are two theatres in this building with new shows every few months. Conclusion: I will be staying here for another year if rent does not go up.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“This is my second apartment. It is by far much nicer than my first one. The staff is very nice and I love the maintence guy. He is so quick and nice! It was also hard for me to find a nice place that allowed Dogs. The policy here is nice because you can have any dog under 40 lbs and if it is bigger all you have to do is ask and figure something out with the managment. One big problem which has nothing to do with the building is the parking around her in Lakeview. I used to live in Lincoln Park and I thought it was bad there...nothing compared to Lakeview! It is such a residential area that if you want to find a decent parking spot after 6pm, you'll have to park pretty far away. I live in a studio and it is small but cozy. One thing about it is the heat came on in nov. and it's still warm out. I have to leave my windows open because my place heats up to quickly... its buring! I think i'll be leaving my windows open all winter haha but that doesnt bother me. What people have to remember is that this is city living. Its expensive because it's Chicago and no it's not perfect...but compared to many places this is nice. I would move to a one bedroom when this lease is up. I never hear my neighbors, its close to public transportation, and I feel pretty safe. The gorcery store is only a block away and there is a dry cleaners and nail place right across the street. Also the laundry room is very nice and i've never had a problem using any machine. The excersie room is a plus too...its never busy I can always work out whenever I want. Whats not to like!!!! Come check it out!”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“The only thing I really hate is how the stairwells smell like trash and urine. My apartment is really quiet (I never hear my neighbors), but it's ultra tiny for how much the rent is. Randall (the maintenance guy) is my hero. I needed a new fridge and it only took 15 minutes from the time I complained the second time to get a new one. However...I had to complain twice before they fixed the problem. I haven't had any problems with the manager or the laundry room but the seated bike doesn't work in the exercise room. Unless I just can't figure out how to work it. Maybe that's me. Also, parking SUCKS in the neighborhood. You have to park at 9 am to get a spot less than a mile away. I was so frustrated by this fact that I sold my car. Luckily, the 36 stops right outside the building and the el isn't too far away. Of course, my opinion of that may change in the middle of the winter. I'm actually hoping for drafty windows because it's always ridiculously hot in the elevators, halls and my apartment. I'm sure I'll be leaving the windows open all winter because we can't turn off the heat. Now that I think about it...I have more complaints than compliments. I doubt i'll renew my lease.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I've lived here over a year but not by choice. I mean the building is nice, the people are very friendly but the manger sucks. When I moved here there was a different manager and he was the best, but now there's a different guy and he's the worst person ever. When you call or email you never get a response back. I've asked for things to be fixed over 3 months ago and they still aren't fixed. The manager always seems like he has more important things to do than help you. But to be fair the rest of the office team is very friendly and helpful, but unfortunatley they don't have any say in anything.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“It's a nice place. The management staff is very helpful and nice...HOWEVER I must add that their is an individual who plays their music far to loud to be healthy, a girl who wanders through her apartment with the windows wide open naked as a new baby, and a couple/individual who has a WHOLE LOT of sex in which they like to keep their window open when doing so amplifying the already loud screaming to a volume that could be heard on the south side. Other then those issues, which for some may not be negative, I love the place.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I have lived here for one year and two months. I have not had a single problem or horror story. My apartment is a one bedroom and is cozy and quiet and plenty of room for my husband and myself and our two kitties. My neighbors have dogs and do I ever hear any barking. NO, NOT EVER. Its so quiet. The new maintenance man is so nice and friendly. The office is always quick in taking care of tenants needs. The office is always open and someone is always available. Ignore the review about the bad manager because its totally untrue and unfair. He's great and learning. If your worried about parking then use the bus or the el which is close. I have been so happy here. It is HOT but I'd say its better than having no heat, right?”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I live in the building since 1993 and saw a lot of changes over the years. In my opinion, the building never was in a better shape and as clean as it is now. Management is very friendly and helpful. The maintenance staff is execelent and also very friendly. I just extended my lease and can only recommend the building.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I'm sorry but I feel bad for you if you think this is a nice place. Maybe part of it has to do with the neighborhood; I didn't know any better because I was new to Chicago; but I was actually embarassed to have friends visit. I know people who lived here in my same situation, who moved out the first chance they got. I can't wait to leave. Something is always broken, like the water heater or the elevator or a washer or dryer, and while there are some nice respectful people living here there are also some trashy jobless people who you can't believe would leave their trailer park. I'm sorry but this is just something I would have wanted to know before I moved so I could look in a better neighborhood for a better building!”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“This is the perfect apartment for those starting school or a new job. Rent is really affordable. Its a place you can bring your friends to and brag. The neighborhood is pleasant. Bus and train all extremely close. Lake with beach in walking distance. Close to nightlife. Local eateries are great and affordable. Street parking isn't as bad a you'd think. Dogs and cats are allowed but you will never hear any barking in your unit. Walls are very thick. I'm a picky person so if I like it here then you will too.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview“I have lived at Times Square for just over a year, yes I just renewed my lease. The building is well worth the money and the on-site manager is the best I have ever seen. He is quick to respond to issues and treats everyone with respect<br>. If you pay your rent on time, like you are suppose to, then you have nothing to complain about so stop bi*&^ing!!! You are the ones we want to move out anyone, or those who he won't renew because you are problem people.”
— 869 W BUENA AVE · Lakeview