Columns on Wetherington

sealy1978

Resident • 2013

I am not sure where all these negative reviews are coming from. I recently moved in to the Columns and LOVE it here. The staff are courteous, professional and accommodating. Not to mention simply lovely people. The small issue I have had with my apartment (fire alarm going off when shower runs and lighting pilot on fireplace) maintenance was here promptly and fixed the issues immediately. They will come out to simply change a light bulb if need be!! The apartments are beautiful and quiet. Before choosing the Columns, my husband and I looked at every apartment community in a ten mile vicinity and the Columns were by far the best choice.

rlstephan

Resident • 2012 - 2013

This apartment community is not at all what I was lead to believe. The apartment is outdated, old fixtures, lighting and carpet. The model is very misleading. There is no parking for guests of residents. No one cleans up after their dogs.

Current Resident 286969

Resident • 2012

For a single professional woman, you couldn't want anything else. Attached garage!Fireplace! No yard work!Fitness Center is open 24-7 which I will use at all hours, due to my schedule. Very neat and clean.

Current Resident 785606

Resident • 2011 - 2012

A great, safe place to live! Very upscale community.

Current Resident 956520

Resident • 2012

This place sucks

Each day here gets worse than the day before. I can't wait for my lease to end. High utility bills, office staff is unprofessional, neighbors are nasty. Beware.

dmt123159

Resident • 2010 - 2016

New management working hard to improve and update facilities. Worked it out so we could stay and were very accommodating and responsive to our needs. This is our sixth lease renewal and best experience to date. Maintenance has been very open and responsive to our needs. Very concerned and caring approach to prior residents and new tenants. Very enthusiastically recommend. Nice neighbors, great facilities and very safe and clean. This is a great place to call home. Renovations are beautiful. Highly recommend.

Current Resident 24048

Resident • 2012

Hardly Luxury

I am moving out when my lease is up. The parking is horrible if you have guests visiting. The noise issue is the worst. I am in a second floor unit so I don't have it that bad, but my neighbors down stairs complained a ton. We conducted "tests" to see what was causing all of the noise, and it turns out, just walking through the kitchen makes the pictures on her walls rattle. The rude teenagers are terrible. They would take my 2 year olds toys from her at the pool, also they are probably the ones responsible for all of the broken glass and trash at the playground (that's right, broken glass at the playground!). Then there are the lovely ladies in the office. They are so rude and unpleasant. They made a mistake processing my rent check, blamed it on me and then, once they figured out that it had been their mistake, they did not apologize. I am not sure if they have refunded the "late fees" because they made no mention of it. Also, since Ackerman Group took over in July, I have yet to receive one of their utility bills, so I don't know how much I need to pay monthly. I have requested a copy and alerted the staff several times. This is not what I would refer to as a "luxury apartment."

Current Resident 174019

Resident • 2009 - 2011

Stay away

I cannot begin to list the number of issues I have encountered in the last two years so here are a few: Noise - unbelieveably poor construction resulting in poor sound separation Costs - rent has gone up from $829 to $899 to $946 Utilities - water and sewage based on sq footage not oppucancy so as a single person I pay the same as a family of four or more! Pets - Unbelievable -poop everywhere -dogs barking (especially in the unit above me) Residents expected to photograph owners who don't Clean up Office Staff -not sure if they have any experience and are certainly NOT professional. Rarely able to reach anyone personally and they don't return phone calls. Found myself dealing with corporate regional manager ..... Thug teens running around / vandalism. ..... Exterior lights out constantly ....... Cheap carpet .....drafty windows. ......crowded pool with non-residents. ......Air filter only changed once in two years. .....cheap appliances. Lots of empty units!!! I do love having a connected garage and I love the floor plan of my unit .... Just not going to put up with the rest the Columns fails to offer! Their focus is now with attracting corporate clients .... There is no value In keeping good individual tenants!

Current Resident 79841

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Good place to rent

I don't think these other tenants who have written reviews lately on here are being fair... This is an apartment community, I've lived in quite a few, including sanctuary place in Hebron, and charleston pines in Florence, and you will get the same complaints anywhere! I give the new management credit for updating the community, it is beginning to look great. As far as the girls in the office, I haven't had a problem, they are very nice, professional, and know me by name. My husband, myself and our kids have lived here for a year, and are only moving out in January because we bought a home. As far as apartment complexes go, this seems to be the best around, and we've been very happy here.

Current Resident 791014

Resident • 2008 - 2011

Looking forward to end of lease

I've been here several years and we are now on the 3rd owner, which are not any better than the last two. I've yet to speak to a decent, professional office employee, especially with the current owner. They group every renter, regardless of rental history, in the same group as everyone else. Also, they are apparently incapable of picking up a phone to call a tenant when there is a problem. The little vague notes on the doors is the main line of communication. In fairness, they have done a great deal of improvements around the property which looks very good. Overall opinion, when my lease is up, I will be moving.

Current Resident 528508

Resident • 2011

RUN! RUN !

I hope to be out of here soon, do not buy into Ackermann taking over is making a difference cramp. Someone from their office probably wrote the two good reviews. The ladies in the office talk down to you and treat you like a you do not matter. Which does not make much sense, since you help make sure they have a pay check. The apartments have paper thin walls,cheap cabinets and even cheaper carpet. Yet,we pay over $1000.00 a month. We were told this was a upscale place but most of new people moving are not my idea of decent. Fighting,parties, dog poop everywhere.Please,don't waste your money or time!

Current Resident 478040

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Don't do it.......

Sounds to me like Ackermann has planted a few good reviews on here.......I cannot recommend living in these apartments and if you walk through the neighborhood and ask current residents, I KNOW they will agree. Yes, Connor was awful. But Ackerman hasn't been much better. Office staff is friendly but will never return calls or act on complaints. My maintenance request from last month has not been completed. There is dog poop everywhere (since there seems to be no limit on number or size of dogs) along with garbage that no one seems to pick up. Pool had a nasty scum line on it all summer. There is NO parking, so if you need more spots than what will fit in your garage, good luck. And we can't forget the troublesome kids that roam at all hours of the night looking for something to destroy. They even set a tree on fire last month! We cant wait to get out of here, even if we have to pay a little more.

Current Resident 667984

Resident • 2011

New management in the knick of time...

Thank goodness Connor Group sold this property to the new owners. It is still early but I can already see a difference. My issues are being resolved and the office ppl are very nice. They came into a mess and I know it takes time so rather than leave I thin we will stick it out!

greg6601

Resident • 2011

EXCELLENT

Since the Ackermann Group took over maintenance requests are responded to promptly, office staff is extremely nice and professional, this community is unique because you do not feel like you live in an apartment community. Private entrances to your apartment, direct garage access to your apartment, no big parking lots. I am extremely satisified with columns on wetherington and now with the new management in place this community is a wonderful place to live.

Current Resident 472245

Resident • 2011

Run as far away from this place as you can!

The day we were given our keys, we walked in to find the unit absolutely filthy. Duke Energy had to point out to me that the water heater had a major leak - btw, we were paying for that water. Mgmt finally replaced it, yet made mistakes, resuling in us being without hot water for weeks. There was mold everywhere, dirt, spider webs, bugs, electrical outlets hanging out of the walls, floors that were missing multiple pieces, vent covers that were complete covered with dust, both bathroom showers had mold/mildew all over them. After multiple complaints, I was asked if I was above cleaning. They thought I should stop complaining and just start cleaning. Mind you, we hadn't even been able to move in at this point. By chance, we opened the dishwasher door, and found it covered in mold, with a very strong smell of mold. The tub of the dishwasher had about 2" of extremely dirty water sitting in it with black mold all over the walls. It was disgusting. I was told that I should lower my standards - keep in mind this place is described as "luxury" living. One last issue, we couldn't really live there due to the filth and the air quality. We stayed for about a week and took off (had to leave for showers every day anyway). For the time that we weren't able to live there, our utility bill was $170.00! BEWARE - avoid any Connor Group ran property. Research beforehand. You will find numerous issues identical to this.

Current Resident 260267

Resident • 2010 - 2011

I must agree with the comments written 7/6/11. Additionally, when I move in the apartment was filthy! Had I not been moving from out of state, with movers in route to unload, I would have refused the apartment and waited for a complete cleaning. The carpet was so bad I hired an outside company to come in and work on the carpets at my own expense. This isn't a luxury apartment complex, I have lived in several. However, given there is no competition in this area they can get away with these claims. Be aware you are paying for that fictitious advertisement since comparable size apartments and condo's rent for less. I will break down each category; Parking is ok (3)if you don't have over-sized vehicles that will not fit in the small garage or short driveway. Noise levels are ok as long as you remind indoors. However, if you go outside you must deal with the neighborhood children toddlers to teens. Hey folks this is an apartment complex not your personal backyard. Grounds, well they are mowed but I haven't figured out what they pay their grounds keeper to do other than drive a golf cart to the dumpster and work on it for an hour and then disappear. They haven't replaced the mulch there is bare ground and weeds and trash sits around for weeks, I have probably picked up more than the grounds keeper. The mowing company does a poor job. Safety, I can only give it a two since they never replace the outdoor lights! Construction gets a two, everything leaks, the fixtures are cheap the heat/air is poor! Maintenance, he tries very hard but often doesn't have the correct parts and must use replacements from other facilities. The Staff is extremely nice and "sales" their product, I truly think they believe they have a good product but I'm not sure where they've lived or their exposure to other facilities. So, my final rating compared to other luxury apartments that I have lived in, is that it rates a one. For the area it might fair much better. Between Heartland's bills with mandatory cable it isn't worth the money. Look some where else. I would not move here again based on my experience.

Current Resident 199662

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Poor management is reflected in the quality of apartments.

First and foremost The Connor Group (management for The Columns) cares about making money. Their website states they will "improve bottom line performance 44% within three years after an acquisition", and it is very clear that will do anything to make this a reality. The "luxury" apartments are poorly maintained and are equipped with the cheapest fixtures available. Also, The Connor Group owns Heartland Regional Power, the company you will (hopefully not) be paying utilities to when you are staying at the Columns. You are forced into getting cable at a higher rate than what Insight charges for the same product, and you are forced to pay "processing fees" like you would not believe. All in all it was a ridiculous experience, the lack of customer service was appalling and the turnover rate for The Columns employees was unreal. If someone promises you something do not expect them to still be employed in 6 months when you need to follow up.

Current Resident 86667

Resident • 2010 - 2011

DITTO THE LAST REVIEW HEAD FOR THE HILLS AS FAR AWAY AS POSSIBLE!!!

THEY SUCK!! You will NEVER get your deposit back, they charge outrageous fees for water, force you to get cable, don't maintain their "luxurious" apartments. What a laugh. You can hear your neighbor sneeze for crying out loud! The management is rude, opinionated, unprofessional, degrading, and does not even uphold their own lease agreements.

Prospective Resident 45562

Prospect • Visited 2011

Run !!!

The Connor Group/Heartland (owners of the apartments) people will literally turn you upside down until all your money falls out of your pockets then throw you to the side and count it on the way to their luxury cars !!!! Extras you will pay-water bill $80-100 per month (Connor group also owns/operates their own water/billing company), you "have" to carry cable $100.00 plus (even if you don't own a tv) , if you are just 1 day late on your rent $100.00 late fee, and then when you move out they won't even allow you to do the walk through-and don't even think about getting your deposit back-look elsewhere !!!! google the connor group then click on the webcast earnings-unbelievable !!!!

cthjrc167

Prospect • Visited 2011

Do not waste your time!!

I have not lived in Columns, but I do have a scenario I would like to share. My boyfriend and I are moving to the Florence area at the end of July. We drove over from Louisville,KY(about hour and 1/2 away...but are originally from KS) for an appointment at Columns. We waited and waited and no one showed up to give us our tour. I signed up for this appointment at least a week in advance. So, we went on our marry way and headed back home WITHOUT even seeing the apartments. The sales manager called me to explain the situation and didn't even offer to pay for our gas or give us a deal on the apartment. All she said was that she would be willing to set up another tour date. As you can see, all it seems is that they want to get you into a unit and get your money. THEY ARE EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL!!!!!!! The units looks very nice from pictures, but if you are looking to rent from someone who cares and is professional about their business, DO NOT RENT FROM COLUMNS!!!! Try somewhere else! We decided to go with Woodsprings. They are extremely reasonable in price and have more amenities than any other apartment complex! I hope this review helps for others that are not familiar with the area!

Current Resident 407798

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Stuck in horrible lease

THIS IS THE MOST HORRIBLE PLACE TO LIVE.. PLEASE THINK TWICE ABOUT RENTING FROM THIS LOCATION AND ANY OTHER LOCATION THAT THE CONNER GROUP OWNS.. I HAVE ONLY LIVED HERE FOR 6 MONTHS AND I AM LOOKING INTO BREAKING MY LEASE.. I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS FROM THE DAY I MOVED IN AND ALL I EVER HERE IS THAT THEY WILL PUT IN A WORK ORDER BUT UNLESS YOU CALL OVER AND OVER AGAIN NOTHING GETS FIXED.. WE HAVE ISSUES WITH ANTS AND KEEP IN MIND WE PAY A MONTHLY FEE FOR PEST CONTROL.. BUT WERE TOLD THAT A WORK ORDER WOULD BE PLACED AND IF WE COULDNT WAIT, WE CAN GO PURCHASE OUR OWN STUFF TO STOP THE ANT PROBLEM... REALLY THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT ANY ISSUES THAT THE TENANTS HAVE, ALL THEY WANT IS TO GET YOU INTO THE COMPLEX.. THE HEARTLAND REGIONAL POWER THAT YOU PAY ON TOP OF YOUR RENT FOR WATER/CABLE/PEST CONTROL, ETC IS OUT OF CONTROL.. THEY ALSO CHARGE YOU TO PAY THAT BILL.. IM GETTING IN CONTACT WITH KROHN & MOSS ATTORNEYS TO SEEK ASSISTANCE WITH ALL THESE ISSUES ..

Current Resident 780360

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Columns

I have been living in the Columns for approx. 1 year and for the most part the complex is fine. The staff is helpful and maintenance responds quickly to service calls. Parking can an issue times and the units are beginning to their age.

Current Resident 573532

Resident • 2009 - 2010

Steady decline, one thing after another.

I moved into these apartments in February of 2009, and I have to say compared to my previous living situation I had very few complaints. This is the only apartment community you'll find with an attached garage which is great, and the driveway outside the garage on our apartment is nice. ALL APARTMENTS NEED THIS SIZE DRIVEWAY, as some only have a small pad which causes residents to park there cars anywhere and everywhere. I have few complaints about the quality of the apartment itself, it's what I'd expect for an apartment, particularly when you compare what you get for the rent here vs elsewhere. The landscaping crew they hire here is absolutely horrible... they simply don't care. I don't understand why a landscaping crew needs to start at 8 in the morning on an apartment complex that they only spend a few hours at, but I'm tired of being woke up every week by these idiots. Now for the "GOOD" part. The management at the Connor Group is GREAT at lying to their customers. When I moved in I had two requirements. 1) I could get DirecTV when my contract with Insight was up. 2)My rent wouldn't increase drastically when the lease was up. I was told DirecTV wouldn't be a problem, and rent would only marginally increase, if at all, when we renewed the lease. Then management changed! Guess what... NO DirecTV and my rent increases by $100. So I, a very good resident who has NEVER been late on rent, threatened to move and they said that's fine, they'd have no problem filling my apartment at the price they were raising my rent to. There used to be a nice entrance to the Columns, now the new management has made this look like a damn business entrance rather than MY HOME. I'm sorry, but I don't want to look at a sign that says "Move-in Special" lit up every day! The whirlpool at the pool broke down, so instead of fixing it like residents requested (and the old management planned to do), the new management filled it in with concrete. My recommendation: For 930 a month, go find a nice house to rent where you don't have to deal with apartment management. Hell, it's a buyers market.

Current Resident 556668

Resident • 2009 - 2010

Sorry BAD APARTMENTS

This place used to be a nice place to live. Since the new owners have taken over it has went down hill. The new owner keeps raising the rent and adding more fees to the rent that it prices people out of there homes. They call these luxury apartments however, the only luxury is they have a garage and a private front door. There are no special items like microwaves, crown molding, nice cabinets, or bathrooms in these places. The appliances are old as the air conditioning and heating units. The heating units are in the ceiling and are so noisy that you almost need ear plugs to sleep. They don't work if you use to much hot water you wont get heat. The great benefits are they are located in a nice area. They have move in specials that allow those who can't afford the rent in and they tear up the area. They have no restrictions on type or size of dogs. The dog crap is so bad that my kids are tracking it in the house because the owners don't have to help pick it up. The kids run the complex at all hours. I have seen the police out here more in the past year than i have seen since I moved in. The kids play yard is an accident waiting to happen. Tree roots are growing out into the play area. The dirt has eroded and they have not put any more in the area. They once had a bussiness center that we could use but that has gone to the way side. The club house is not really conducive to a party. The pool has no rules. They allow dogs, skateboards, bicycles in the pool area. They don't have enough chairs and recliners. They allow drinking of alcohol in the pool area as well as smoking. My son was burnt from a cigerette because someone threw it on the ground. There is only one maintence person and he is having a hard time keeping up. They care about us so much they now close the office on the weekends. I was hoping that i would'nt have to move again for awhile but it looks like that is going to happen. They have been raising the rent by $75 to $100.00 per appartment after they get you in the apartment. One thing they are good at is lying to you. They now have a new beautiful sign at the entrance. It has a red sign on it that make you feel like your in a red light district. Real Luxury. The water and sewage bill is high they charge you by the size of the apartment not by what you use. It pays to have a lot of people in the apartment and be in a small apartment. You can use a lot of water and the people in the three bed rooms pay for you. Ther ammenties are none. Wait a basket ball court and a golf green that need to be redone. The bike trail is a trail aroung the pond with no trail or sidewalk to the trail. I think there letting section 8 in here now with all the kids and police activity. They have had three managers in the past year.

Current Resident 532209

Resident • 2010

Think Twice

The Columns lures you into moving in here by offering you a great move in deal. After your lease is up, they will raise your rent 75-150 dollars a year. So if you are looking for a home then stay away; If you are looking for someplace to live and be miserable for one year then by all means come one come all. When we first moved in it was a great place to live with a great staff. The staff said that when it was time to renew our lease we would get the current special. LIES!!!! BEWARE!!! This place has gone down hill from there and turned into section 8 housing over ran with children. I have been almost hit by kids driving fast while walking my dogs. No One cleans up after their pet. They cut the mans hours who normally cleaned up dogs messes to save a buck. You will pay a very large monthly fee every month owned by the same company that owns the buildings to pay for the water, sewer, trash, pest control, and forces you to have cable. You never see pest control even here. Just another way to bend you over. STAY AWAY we can not wait to move