1350 N Lake Shore Dr Bldg

bihangteen

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Decent place, but there are better places.

I've lived here from Aug 31, 2008 to now, and not going to renew the lease because I need one bedroom apartment. I didn't have any major problem while living here, but there could be better deals than this building. GOODS: Location is absolutely faboulus. Great lake view from you window, steps from michigan avenue, #151 CTA bus stop right in front of the building. Door staffs are very friendly and pretty good in distinguishing non-residents from residents. Neighbors are very friendly (at least the ones I've met so far). Maintenance people are fairly quick in responding to your request. I once had a problem with leaking water from my a/c vent, maintenance team came within 1-2 hours after contacting them. Absolutely beautiful sundeck with great view. BADS (minor problems in MY opinion): I hate to mention location in both good & bad category. It is about 10 min walk to closest 'el' station (red) and big grocery store (Jewel), which is not too bad. But during the winter and/or when you are tired, that 10 min walk with bags of groceries may be extremely painful. The building offers commissory, but highly overpriced ($4.99 for 6-cans of diet coke). The fact that the building is located right in front of LSD offers you the view, but noise at the same time. Ambulances, police cars, motorcycle noises can be disturbing for some people (but do not occur frequently). Moreover, wind from the lake amy be too cold during the winter. Sound-proof is very poor. I can literally hear someone's conversations from the hallway, but I haven't had any major issue with noise from adjacent units (either they are really quite or walls are very well sound proofed). Heat & A/C is included in the rent, so I didn't expect max power from those units, but they are not terrible to live with. Overall, I really enjoyed my stay here. As long as the problems listed above is fairly minor to you, you will like the building like I did. But, I think you can find a cheaper priced units with similar spec (except for views) as 1350 N LSD apartment in gold coast.

Current Resident 47722

Resident • 2002 - 2009

Leasing Office is not even remotely service-oriented!

Mangement in the building is very helpful. Leasing, however, is a nightmare: You will be treated well when you first sign a lease, but that will be the beginning and the end of the Leasing Office's goodwill towards you. I have lived in this building for a number of years: each time I have re-signed my lease for my current apartment, I have requested a copy of improvements to which I am entitled (carpet cleaning, recaulking, paint touch-ups, etc). I have never once received the form or a follow-up call to my messages about same. This year, the Leasing Director has changed the process for renewing one's lease. He is sending a letter to all tenants *requiring* them to come see him personally to discuss their lease (it used to be an invite that arrived with your new lease. I work 6-7 days a week and our schedules do not match up, and at first I misunderstood the letter to mean that the I would be shortly be receiving both the "Lease Renewal" or "Intent to Vacate" forms. Instead, I received a second letter threatening to fine me $500 if I did not return a copy of the "Lease Renewal" or "Intent to Vacate" forms by the end of the month. Out of concern over the threatening letter, and the fact that I hadn't received my Lease Renewal, I intitated a call to him. During the call, the matter of whether to renew or vacate was discussed and I made my request made to him to forward both forms to me ASAP: it is now *8 days on* and I have received nothing! This is terrible service (and incomepetence) the likes of which I have never experienced in the many years I have lived here. It's really a shame, as I used to recommend this building to people I know (and like): wouldn't recommend it to anyone now.

Current Resident 574063

Resident • 2006 - 2009

upgrade

I have been living in 1350 building for 3 years and it was great to live there the door staff was great Angie and James made i very easy to come home to, and kimm have made a lot of updates like the lobby and lundry room, people are not give her the credit she need to be getting, yes there is some promable but it an old building. i feel like this if you dont like it move

Current Resident 999350

Resident • 2006 - 2008

Slightly above average

I've been here about two years and I grew up downtown. I agree with many of the negatives other posters mentioned, especially regarding management. The building manager has a heavy hand with residents and everyone does their best to avoid working with her. The leasing agents are average on their best day, but the staff, specifically the door men and women, are solid. It is true about the individual floors being only half updated; some are great, and some are circa 1975 - come check for yourself. When you visit ask to see floors that haven't been redone and by all means do not take an apartment without looking at YOUR unit. Also, ask if your apartment is across from, next to, or nearby a hospitality suite. These locations can increase hallway traffic and apartment noise. If you can, get a unit in the south tower. It is on banks which is a two-way street and it is considerably easier to get a cab. Views facing south in the south tower are the way to go. If you want to ask residents about their experience check out the commissary around 6 p.m. The plumbing sucks, but put in a work order every time you have a problem. They must fix it, it is what one is supposed to do, and the constant/honest reporting will annoy the building management. I've never had problems with my a/c or heat, but I'm sure some might. Some of the units have different upgrades; I've heard Draper & Kramer will try and command a higher premium as they add newer tile and flooring. The demographics of the building are unusual. There is an odd mix of young professionals, mid-careers, and retirees. All in all, its not a bad thing, but it can be a little strange. Each group has a different value set and that forces management to honor the respective priorities. My unit is quiet. I've never had problems with noise other than the occasional drunken idiot who is in every building. Of course, we all have alternatives and I still consider mine. But this building, and I looked at 12 other places this weekend, still represents a decent value, despite the more than 5% yearly rent increase. Like I said, slightly above average. Oh and don't count on the building provided wireless internet. It is a joke except that one can use it on the roof.

Current Resident 868714

Resident • 2000 - 2008

Good Living!

I rent in 1350 and I've met a lot of cool people. The gossipers here clearly haven't complained to the building or their neighbors and pay for it--barely and leave! The rules have changed so dogs are now accepted. Quick maintenance service. In-building convenience store/liquor/deli and dry-cleaners. Modernized with wireless internet, office room, laundry room with lounge, exercise room, thorough video-cameras and security front-desk, parking garage and washing, storage and bike room. You're paying for the Gold Coast location obviously! Division St. has more than bars like banks, restaurants, and Farmer's Market. Transit is everywhere. Goudy Park for kids, Lincoln Park, North/Oak beaches and lakefront. Every apartment has a fantastic view and the 24/7 rooftop deck are a wonder to see: Air Show, Navy Pier fireworks, Lake Michigan sunrises and sunsets, and a nice place to smoke or hang out [Photo].

Current Resident 226857

Resident • 2006 - 2008

There is better out there!!!

I have lived here for 2 years and I can't wait to find a new place. The building is very old with horrible pipes!!! Tub gets clogged very easily. Unless you have no hair this will become a problem eventually for you. Management is bad and treats tenants unfair--They allow you to have one dog but if you have money and can pay off the manager then you can have two(this person knows who she is) Rent jumps almost $200 every year--which is extreme. They will tour you around the remodeled floors but then will rent out an apartment to you that is not updated and the hallways smell and look like they are from the 1930's. They said that they ran out of money and couldn't afford to remodel all the floors. I was told mine would be updated and hasn't in 2 years. So make sure you see the exact apt you are going to rent out. On the positive note, I did have new stove, microwave and dishwasher. My view is great!!! But sometimes I hate to leave the apartment. There are a lot of older rich ladies that have nothing better to do but complain to management. So I guess if you are a hermit, don't mind unfair bad management, bad pipping system, and a garage parking that rapes you with prices, then this is the place for you!!

Current Resident 193561

Resident • 2007 - 2008

WORST MANAGEMENT EVER!

If you do not enjoy the smell of the foods other tenants cook, do not live there. It is an old very poorly maintained building. Management is terrible, I moved out the apartment, and still they tried to charge my account. Do not set up automatic payments with them, otherwise you will have a big headache if you decide to move. They will keep on trying to charge your account. There are many more properties better managed than this one.

Current Resident 108309

Resident • 2005 - 2008

disparity in comments here

It must be confusing for the people who are reading about this building here for the first time to see such a difference between the reviews. Here's the reason: there's no quality control in this old building. Some of the units are fine. Some of the units are real pits: no AC, plumbing problems, radiator noise - the value of a $650 a month apartment for about $1400 a month. The people with the bum apartments are essentially paying for the people with the great apartments. The property manager is a lazy, vindictive person who abuses her position. She is blatantly rude and mean to the residents and makes it unnecessarily difficult for the people who live here to get what they paid for. That's why maintenance is such an issue. And Draper and Kramer doesn't care how unhappy people are, because the price of rent has increased dramatically since she took the position at the property. (Rumor has it the surplus funds from the rent increases go to fund an illegal, customized apartment she is occuping rent free.) I hope the rumor isn't true, but it wouldn't surprise me. Rich residents have no problem spending money out of pocket and time to correct the problems in their own apartments using outside resources. But other residents who are working hard just to afford where they live, don't have the time and money to do that. Plus, they expected to get what was promised in the lease.

Current Resident 805462

Resident • 2002 - 2008

Great building

I've been here (in the 1360 North building) for almost 6 years and I think it's a great place to live. A lot of tenants have been here a long time and I don't hear many complaints from the ones I know. It is an older building but I've never had a problem with A/C or heat, if I did I'd be gone in a minute! Every time I've had a maintenance request it's taken care of same day. I think the building looks very modern- compare it to the 1400 building next door for example. The grounds and building are very well-kept in my opinion. Elevators are a bit prone to break down but are a lot better than some other places I've been. Front desk staff has always been friendly and helpful. As for dogs and kids, it's a dog- friendly building so that comes with the territory. A lot more dogs than kids. Generally it's a quiet building, there are a few younger tenants but I've never had a problem. It's not exactly like living in Evanston with the NU crowd! It's not cheap but is there a better rental deal in this neighborhood? I'm not aware of it and how can you beat the location? You are ON THE LAKE. 151 bus stop at the corner. If you are driving, you are 1 minute from LSD. In-building dry cleaners (OK not the greatest but very convenient) and Commissary (very well-stocked with food and other items- handy in Winter). At renewal time you can usually negotiate. I've done this several times (not every year). If you moved in at a discounted rate (like I did) you can expect that they will eventually try to get you to a higher level, depending upon the market conditions that year. I don't think that is unusual? I have valet parking (the cheapest) in the building. It's increased from about $200 to $240 in the 5 years I've been here. Bottom line- not cheap but it's a great location on the Gold Coast.

Current Resident 550045

Resident • 2002 - 2008

A Gold Coast Dump

I have lived at 1350/1360 for 6 years, but leaving as fast as I can. I don't even know where to start...each time I see prospective renters with someone from the leasing office I want to scream, "Run!!! Don't believe anything they say!!!" First, management is terrible. It is all about money for them and they could care less about the residents. I have a major appliance that has not worked for 2 months and I was told a new appliance was not in the budget. Unacceptable! Second, the hallways are never cleaned. I watched a food wrapper remain in the hallway for three weeks. I finally called the management office and asked if I could put in a work order for the halls to be cleaned. I was informed that they are cleaned every week. Clearly they don't monitor the cleaning. Third, maintenance is terrible. They used puddy to fix a leak underneath my bathroom sink and never came back to fix it. They told me the building is old and get used to problems. Fourth, there is mold growing in many of the apartments near the vents. Upon complaining I was told that mold does not cause problems. Incorrect management office. Fifth, the door staff is lazy. Although they are not to send visitors upstairs without calling, I am never called for guests. They just let people walk right in the door. Further, the lock on the "back door" into the freight area is broken. There is a man who picks through the trash on a weekly basis and he was standing in the entryway on a cold day. Why? Because they are too cheap to fix or replace the door. Here is the best!!! The general manager has taken a two bedroom apartment and a one bedroom apartment and converted it into a 3 bedroom/3 bath apartment and PAYS NO RENT!! Finally, this is more like a dorm than a residential building. Loud parties every weekend and very rude kids! DO NOT MOVE HERE! This is a terrible, run-down, out-dated building with terrible management.

Current Resident 217821

Resident • 2008

Lazy, unaccomodating, ends up costing you much more

I just moved into this building, and already I'm annoyed. I've lived in several high-quality apartments, and I have never found an apartment building that nickels and dimes you like this one. Simple things end up being complicated, because the management makes no effort to understand what it is like to be a tenant. An easy move was made harder for me, and I'll tell you, you DEFINITELY don't get treated well for your money. It's almost as if management believes that if you live here, money means nothing to you, so what's another $500 here and there? They'll just put it on your tab. (And deduct it directly from your bank account. Whenever they're in the office, and they have time, they'll explain to you what the charge was for.

Current Resident 329235

Resident • 2007

I don't understand

I really disagree with lot of the previous posts. I haven't been affected by the increase in rent since I've only been living there for about 7 months. I can certainly understand that it would be a real pain and I'm not looking forward to dealing with it. But as for everything else, I completely disagree. I have nothing but great things to say about the staff, and I don't have any problems with the building at all. When I moved in, my apartment seemed brand new. My floor is immaculate, and the building seems great. I love the views, the neighborhood, everything.

iGirl

Resident • 2005 - 2007

Totally Agree with Freaks and Frat Boys

Neighborhood: Great. Some of the staff: Great. Value for the money: No. Way, way, WAAAAAAAY overpriced for what you get. I totally agree with the Frat Boys and Freaks review. I am extremely glad I couldn't afford the 11% rent increase and had to move. It forced me to look at what else is available for lower rent and I found some incredible apartments (larger, newer) for the same or lower rent. I feel stupid for enduring the ridiculous attitude and rudeness of many of the tenants (mainly the young ones whose parents pay their rent) and the indifference and bad management when I could have been spending less money on a much nicer apartment where tenants are thoroughly screened. The few times I called for repair (there was no heat in December) I was told it was "only a draft from the window." Which wasn't the case at all - the heat was not working in several apartments. The rude maintenance guy told me there was nothing wrong and left. The next day I returned from work to find the shoddiest job of insulating the windows I've ever seen in my life - had I known they were going to put temporary caulk in the windows I would have done it myself and done a much better job. The point is, though, that the windows weren't at fault. There was no heat. After a week of freezing temps in the apartment the heat suddenly came on, the problem apparently fixed, but a huge mess in the windows left by the maintenance guy remained. A seemingly little thing that got to a be a real pain and a safety hazard: Animals and children frolicking in the lobby while their owners/parents gossip and pay no attention to what their pets/children are doing. Tripping over toddlers, crawling babies and unleashed dogs just to get to the elevator is normal, especially during the evening hours. Careless, rude parents/pet owners rule this building in the evenings, Division Street 20something drunks rule it later in the night/early morning. Barking dogs. Barking dogs. Barking dogs. Barking dogs. I repeatedly complained to management about a non-stop barking dog and was told the situation was "under control." Yet the dog continued to bark, bark, bark, bark all night long. The "no dog floors" system doesn't work because the noise from barking dogs above and below is as if they're in the room with you. They really need to make one tower a dog tower and the other tower a no dog tower. If you're thinking of moving in because of unbelievable rent, guess again and be warned: That rent will increase drastically when you get your next lease. If you're only planning on living here a year it's not a bad choice, but you'll have to endure a lot of noise and nuisance from your neighbors.

Current Resident 773331

Resident • 2005 - 2007

If you don't mind extra grief in your life, live here.

The building is an old building that has been remodeled to look like a new one. Consequently, there are always maintenace issues: brown water, loud pipes, elevators breaking down, some people in the building have no air conditioning, there is poor/no phone service on some of the floors. On top of that, rent increases $200 per year. Parking increases $30 every three months. At lease signing time, you are told to pay up or get out. The management is beyond unhelpful. If you have a problem, you are reminded that the building has a very high occupancy rate, and that you are welcome to leave. Elderly people, who have lived in the building for years, are being told that they should leave to make room for better paying tenants. It's shocking how cruel the management is to the building's tenants. The maintenance staff doesn't even bring tools to your apartment to make repairs. They just come, look at whatever it is that is broken and say it is supposed to be that way.

Current Resident 618544

Resident • 2007

IT'S A DUMP!

It's a Dump! The building is rundown. The staff are so unfriendly, not customer service oriented, and unprofessional. The Doormen are very unfriendly and unprofessional, it is very unwelcoming and uncomfortable to come home to, they rarely greet. The staff doesn't care the building is run unprofessionally. The Parking garage is horrible they ruin your cars.

Current Resident 887769

Resident • 1996 - 2007

NO

seem bldg is always having major repairs. If you don't mind the noise and surface dirt from air vents.

Current Resident 890805

Resident • 2003 - 2006

Frat Boys and Freaks

The tenant climate of the building is changing abruptly. Apparently the management is desperate to rent to anyone. Used to be professionals and senior citizens, now it's like living in a co-ed dorm or Section 8 housing. <br><br>If you don't mind: 1) Barking dogs, 2) being awakened by loud drunk kids coming home from Division Street at 2 AM yelling in the halls and slamming doors or 3) very odd people loitering in the common areas (one frequently walks around with a knife, another hands out "informational pamphlets") then this is a great place to live. <br><br>Much, much nicer apartments available for the rent they charge. They'll snag you with decent rent your first year to get you to sign the lease and then hit you with huge increases. The views are not THAT great and in spite of rules clearly prohibiting smoking in the common areas, the service areas and roof deck are smoker's lounges. Great if you smoke, but if you want to enjoy fresh air while you relax and enjoy the view you'll have to go somewhere other than the roof deck.<br><br>I didn't think any of this was THAT bad until I moved to a much nicer, better managed building and realized how bad 1350 was by comparison. There are buildings where management bothers to screen prospective tenants and enforce the rules of the building because they care about keeping tenants happy and prevent high turnover.

Current Resident 852390

Resident • 2006

1360 The staff isn't the friendliest of the buildings in the area. Some select doormen seem as if you are bothering them if you have to ask them a question. They seem as if they are doing you a favor while they are the ones at work. There a few select nice doormen. <br>The buildings need some upgrading. The carpets need replacing in the hallways, evelvators, and the freight elevator.<br><br>They could use a friendlier staff.

Current Resident 295905

Resident • 2006

Could be way better for the price they ask

The advantages: lots of light, nice view on the lake, close to Rush street, and that's pretty much it.<br>Been here for a little over half a year. The construction quality (window frames, doors, lightning, bathroom) is average compared to Europe. The lobby and the elevators need some rehab work. Too many college kids in the building.

Current Resident 358709

Resident • 2006

Fantastic

I've just signed a lease, my 8th with the building. The prices are high for 495 square foot place, but the view is amazing. The deck is amazing--except those go who to smoke at night. Seriously, I would buy here if it ever went condo, as it has been rumored (falsely) for years. The door staffs are wonderful--take a moment to learn their names. They are kind, helpful, and often funny. the engineering staff, almost to a man, is outstanding. Helpful, nice, and down to earth. I offered the guy a tip in my first month (as I did in other buildings). He refused saying it was against building policy. The management office is run by a terrific woman, who take care of any problem. Again, get to know them. The cleaners and grocery store owners are terrific. A lot of it is stopping to learn names or say hi. THe commissary prices might be higher than jewel, but when it is 12 degrees outside (or for me, almost always), it is great to go visit the guys and gals in the store. The cleaners are usually excellent (kind too). The apartments are good--kitchens a bit dated in mine, no dishwasher in studio, the worst? The doors on the closets two are off the rollers now and it has happened about 10 times in my years there. Yet, it is the best place I have lived.<br><br>THe key is getting to know people. Ironically, I don't know many people/residents myself. It is an interesting mix of people--older and younger. If you are young single, you might enjoy all the pretty people. If not, no matter. People are usually nice too. ALways a nice chat in the elevator (if that is your thing). The elevators are always on the fritz, I should mention. Besides my neighbor who screams alot, there are few issues. THe gym is usually empty too. NOt Eastbank, but free.<br><br>THe bottom line is if you take the time to get to know the staff, the experience will be even finer. My biggest issue are the dogs and NO ONE ever follows the rules about the back elevator. THe new GM, who is outstanding, is cracking down. THe new GM is honest, fair, and takes a personal interest in all your issues. <br><br>My only lingering question is, why did they stop redoing the hallways at floor 12?<br><br>A great place to live, take the El, the bus, anything to get anywhere.<br><br>

Current Resident 820791

Resident • 2004 - 2006

hard to please

I moved to the apartment in 2004 and am overall pleased. The staff is always nice. I'm a law student and need quiet times to study. I have it here. I am hard to please and they have done a great job. <br><br>I have recommended this place to my friends. To the person who made the "stepford residents" comment..maybe we are just happy. The parking is good if you know when to park. The zoning during spring sucks,but it has always worked out.

Current Resident 38318

Resident • 2005 - 2006

A decent starter apartment

My husband and I moved to 1350 straight out of college. We found it through Apartment People and signed within 2 hours. The leasing department has been great with us-- they even held the apartment for 2 months for us and pro-rated our rent so we could move in mid-month. <br><br>The location is really great and the apartments, while not creative or impressive, are nice and clean. The appliances are new and the maintenance staff is timely and friendly. The walls are thick, the carpet is nice and the utilities are inexpensive (our electric bill averages $40/month). <br><br>My biggest complaint would be with the front door staff. There were a string of robberies and although they've stop letting delivery people roam the floors, the sliding door system and the amount of traffic in the foyer is hardly controlled by the staff who lets basically anyone through without question. <br><br>My second biggest complaint would be the lack of community in the building. Although George in the Commissary gets to know everyone by name and the leasing agents may smile and acknowledge you in the hall, the neighbors are total hermits. And most carry small dogs dressed in designer labels. There are also several creepy men in the building who seem to loiter in the workout room. This can be uncomfortable. Gold Coast doesn't have much to offer in the way of community either. The people are fairly to highly snooty and there's not much to do. You basically have to head downtown or to Wells Street to find anything good to eat or anything interesting to do. <br><br>We happen to be leaving because they're raising our rent by $100 a month. Not sure if this is supposed to compensate for our great pre-move-in arrangement or if the building is really that much more expensive.<br><br>All in all, if you're working downtown and want a nice, clean no-frills apartment in a close, quiet neighborhood, 1350/1360 could be your type of place.

Current Resident 71860

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Welcome to Stepford

The employees, management and tenants at 1350 are robots. If you do not fit into their little "clique" then the game is over. In the middle of the night, you have envelopes shoved under the door for "tips" and the desk staff seems to double as a detective agency, spying on everyone who lives in the building. The apartments are poorly constructed and ugly for lack of a better word and residents would have more freedom in a dorm. When I moved in, I felt like something was a little 'off' about the people here. The constant smiles, the polite greetings. Little did I know that people feel that they have to do this in order to stay on the good side of the management.

Current Resident 820045

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Average

Have lived in 5 different buildings in the city. I rank this one 3rd.<br><br>Door people are friendly and helpful. <br><br>Management isn't.<br>

livingat1350

Resident • 2005

So far, I love it...

I relied heavily on this website to find a new place to live. This building seemed to be rated the best overall from most of the high rises although a few reviews did scare me. <br><br>I've been at 1350 for over a month now and so far I love it. The doormen are GREAT for the most part. A few aren't super friendly but for the most part they seem to know your name and are very helpfull. <br><br>I was really surprised that maintenace is a breeze. You fill out a form and the next day someone will come to fix any problem. I haven't needed any major maintenance just had an issue with my blinds. <br><br>Building is kept very clean. <br><br>Workout room is adequate. No it's not a gym but it has the necessities and it's free. <br><br>Laundry is awesome, haven't had to wait at all and there's 4 oversized dryers for .25cents. <br><br>I will say parking sucks in this area but you can always park in the building. <br><br>Finally, the one thing I've noticed that no one else has seemed to mentoin is, the other tenants that live in the building are so friendly. Every time I'm in the elevator with someone they ask me how I am etc. I was caught off guard at first, I work downtown and no one speaks in the elevators. But it seems like a great little community. And, I've found that many people have lived in these apartments for years and years. <br><br>So overall I'm very satisfied with 1350. I've heard they increase your rent after a year, but I did get a discount for signing so I'm assuming it will just go up to what it should have been. <br><br>I don't have a dog so I can't comment on that, but many people do on my floor and I can never hear them unless I'm in the hallway. I'm a young professional and although I would have preferred a building with more young people, the fact that everyone is so friendly makes up for it.