Grand Estates at Kessler Park

Dub65

Resident • 2011

Great Place to Live!

I moved here in January 2011 and just renewed my lease for another year last week. I love all of my neighbors. My upstairs neighbor is so quiet and respectful. My apartment wasn't the cleanest when I moved in but my standards are higher than most. I don't think I've ever moved into a new apartment that I thought was cleaned properly :) I have a great covered parking spot for a nominal fee and its right in front of my apartment. I use the gym daily and there is a machine for everything. The equipment is probably about 10 years old but all machines work properly. We just recently got new management and they are great! The last leasing agents weren't that great but the new manager cleaned house and the new agents are super friendly and extremely attentive. They are remodeling the clubhouse and I heard they are installing new tv's in the gym. They also installed a Keurig coffee machine with assorted favors of coffee and started showing movies in the theater room. The office is always busy with prospective residents and you will always be greeted with a smile and a big hello every time you walk through the doors. I know because I am in there every day to go workout. I am spoiled by the trash valet 3 times a week. Its great to not have to see ugly, smelly dumpsters everywhere. My electric bill is half of what it used to be at my last apartment and that is due to their energy saving appliances and a/c's and thats with 10-11 foot ceilings. Water bill is lower than my last place too and again is because the toilet and hotnwater heaters are all water saving brands and sizes. I havent had any maintenance issues really so cant speak as to whether or not they do a good job or not but theynseem friendly and speak as hou pass. I recommend this place 1000%! The only reason I would leave is if I decide to buy.

Current Resident 720918

Resident • 2011

Not the best, but okay

This complex has some good and some bad - just depends on what means more to you. My move-in experience was not the best - the carpet had not been cleaned, my air conditioner was not working properly, the disposal was broken, etc. But they responded to my requests pretty quickly, although it did take a few trips by maintenance before resolving my problem. This last maintenance request I submitted took 4 days to receive a response. The previous review about the paint in the cabinets is right on - but more so for me on the built-in bookshelves, so now all my books/photo albums have paint stuck to them. It's pretty quiet, although there are a lot of randoms (some scary, some not) walking around the property. Last weekend was the first time I had to call the courtesy officers for a large group dancing/fighting/playing loud music from their cars ouside my building and the officers arrived pretty quickly. But other than that it is a pretty quiet complex and I have never been able to hear my neighbors. My electricity bill during the summer was high and I never seemed to cool my apartment off (yes, I know it's TX weather, but when your bill is $200 a month you would feel better about that amount if you were not sweating in your apartment!). The office staff is extremely nice - maybe not the most attentive or communicative, but very nice nonetheless. The pool is OK... a lot of kids and last time I went out every single one of the chairs/lounges were ripped apart. The sauna is awesome though. The workout equipment is outdated and only the one treadmill works (not the bikes nor the stairclimber... there is not an elliptical). I can always find parking close to my apt, so haven't felt the need to spend the extra money for a covered spot or a garage. I work downtown, so that is extremely convenient for me. Still haven't quite made up my mind if it's worth the $800 for a one-bedroom, but certainly don't just mark off your list based on these reviews. Hopefully I'll update mine in a few months with new insights and saying I'll be renewing my lease (I am so sick of moving!).

childsja

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Love living here

I have lived here a little over a year and have had no problems. Maybe it is the building I am in (near the front) but I don't have any complaints about my neighbors making excess noise. Any repair issues have been handled quickly. I have not had any problems with the staff either. Love my attached garage, the curbside trash pickup and the location. I feel quite safe here. I do have some ants in the garage, but that will not be hard to take care of. I recently renewed my lease and will probably do so again. I have been impressed with how low my electric bill has been. It was easily 2 or 3 times as much in the apartment complex I lived in before moving here--and that was a smaller apartment.

acugirl

Resident • 2010 - 2013

It's frustrating that the quality of life has gone down while the price went up. DO NOT RENT ON THE NORTH SIDE OF THE COMPLEX. Construction goes from 7-7, 6 days a week on the new complex across the street. Bad enough with that, but our latest upstairs neighbors are the loudest we can remember. We can hear every step anyone takes, every thump their dogs' tails make. The sensor failed on the back gate months ago, and management doesn't seem to have much interest in replacing it. As someone else cited, it is up to Corporate to negotiate with the gate company. Or do much of anything, really. And the office staff has always turned over by the time I start recognizing anyone. We used to get even minor things fixed in a day or two. Our last batch of maintenance requests took three reminders over 2 weeks. I've tried to warn management/maintenance about the vines growing in the a/c units, but they are having none of it; I guess it doesn't matter until the unit actually fails. And from the review I just read, apparently not even then. They are still nice floorplans with pretty kitchens and bathrooms. Convenient to downtown/uptown. Would be nice to have some peace and quiet again, though. Really nice! ------review from 2 years ago---- So far, pretty good. The staff has been attentive and courteous, and most problems (all serious ones) get dealt with right away. It's a good space with good facilities. I've gotten spoiled with curbside trash pickup three times a week, though I still cart the recycling to the blue dumpster at the library. I'm usually able to park reasonably close to the apartment. After a few months of near daily applications of home-brewed Terro, the Pharoah ants are pretty much under control. This requires a lot more than the weekly extermination schedule can handle, but you just dot some borax syrup where you see ants and eventually they die. Don't stop sooner than 2 weeks after you see the last ant, or they come back. Quieter would be nicer, but the complex can't do anything about kids being kids or neighbors forgetting their alarm code. They are not the best nor the worst neighbors ever. Replace your shower heads, and you will have decent pressure; the ones that came with the apartment will give you a light trickle. USE SHELF LINER ON EVERYTHING. Looks nice when you first move in, but the fresh paint on the inside of the cabinets sticks to your dishes, which then stick to the counters and tables and the eating surfaces of the dishes you stack them on. It flakes off on your pots and pans and melts on your stove burners. Once it has started to stick to the bottom of your stuff, it is too late; you'll be picking paint chips off of everything you own. I am. But if ungluing my Crock Pot from its melted paint puddle is what drove me to post a review, you know, I don't have a lot to complain about here.

Current Resident 87040

Resident • 2009 - 2010

LovE. LOvE,loVe

It is so unfortunate that you dont here about the good things, people ONLY take the time to complain when they are upset with something!!! I love it here. The staff is awesome, and the majority of my neighbors are very friendly. I looooove my view of downtown, and the layout of my apartment is very very spacious. I will reccommend to all my friends!!! I give it 5stars

Current Resident 194023

Resident • 2010

No No

Please do move here. The manager is raging B, Donna. They have unetchical managment. I moved my apaftment was filthy. Nasty. The florrors were not done. I had a termite issue...... and no ever addressed and then when I left they stated I owed them money. I don't think so. If you won't or like getting bent over don't move here.

Current Resident 250699

Resident • 2010

Never had a problem

I moved here August of 2008 and i have never had a problem with management. I am a person of color and i never felt discriminated against. They never bothered me and i never bothered them. Maintenance was always on time, same day most of the time. It is most of the time very quiet and a great view of downtown and a very close to down town and Bishop Arts.

paolan

Resident • 2010

Never had a problem.

I've lived here for over 2 years and never had a problem.I read that some people have had problems with the staff, I've never experienced that. I've had to make a couple of maintenance requests and they were taken care of very quickly. Everyone in the office has always been very polite and helpful. This property is in a great location, it is always very clean and well-maintained. I highly recommend Grand Estates.

Current Resident 694807

Resident • 2010

Bad Management

I had requested a transfer to another apt, it was approved. It was not effective until my curent lease was up. Duirng that time I lost my job, could not afford to transfer or stay at current apartment. I put in my 60 day notice was told that my old expiration date of lease would be in effect. I moved out and at new location was contacted by a collection agency that I owe Grand Estates over 15k for an apartment I never moved in. Grand Estates informed me of their poily which I understood but I I did not enter into the new contract and they had memory lapses about me reverting back to my original lease which was not expired at the time I signed a lease for a new apartment which I never moved into.

Prospective Resident 908215

Prospect • Visited 2009

UNETHICAL MANAGEMENT

I was in the lease signing process when our family home burned to the ground Christmas Day! Because of the fire, my sons and I had to move in together as the house was a complete loss and they had no where to live. Therefore I had to lease at a different location to enable us all to be closer work - as they lost their autos as well. I called, emailed and physically went to the office to notify them of the horrific situation and my having to change locations, cancelling the check, where upon they said "No problem, do not worry about this, with all your dealing with!" This was within 24 hrs of giving them the checks. However they proceeded to deposit the check, knowing my situation and that I had cancelled the check! Of course it was returned nsf and they turned it over to collections for $150 plus $40 nsf charge! I am not only appalled at their lack of compassion, but they lied to my face! Please consider very carefully your interest in this property. If this is the way they conduct business with someone in a horrific situation, you can imagine the unprofessional way they will handle any minor issues or concerns you will encounter. I've contacted 2 friends who own referral businesses - 1 said they never recommend the property due to complaints they've received and the 2nd one was happy to hear from me as one of his current clients was ready to sign a lease with them and is now looking elsewhere! ... RENTER BEWARE!

Current Resident 782421

Resident • 2009

terrible

They nickel and dime you for every penny, they act like they're doing you a favor for letting you rent from them, i paid six months in advance for a six month lease and because i didn't sign a form that i was two months before my lease expired that i wouldn't be staying there, keep in mind i paid all upfront, they charged me an extra $320. When I complained the managment became incredibly rude with me. This place is awful, trust me don't live there it is not worth it you can find much better.

Current Resident 537864

Resident • 2009

horrible

I would have to agree that the management is horrible. Maintenance is very good. Friendly and prompt. However, when you can't rely on the management to relay the message, what use is good maintenance. I too had a late renewal notice. Actually, I never received a renewal notice. Donna "graciously" allowed us to use our one free late pass. Thanks since it was her fault that we were late in the first place. They've lost rent checks of ours, fortunately, we had proof that we had turned it in. However, I turned in a check for the water bill with the rent, because they said we were supposed to start doing that, and they got the rent check, but lost the water bill check causing the water bill to be late. Fortunately, the water bill people were not a**es so the reversed the late fees. And again, they told us to turn the water bill payment into them, but then when I went to pay it, the front desk lady had no idea. I've had difficulties with electricity as well. I've had ATT come out to install service and the service guys even had a difficult time with the management. Not to mention, that the rent is based on a weird system and apparently, we could move into a new apartment for cheaper then we could afford to stay in our own.

Current Resident 838570

Resident • 2009

Great Home!

Thus far have had no problem with management. The maintenance staff is always helpful and have been very timely in their response to my requests. Thanks for the doggy parks! GREAT view of downtown Dallas!

Current Resident 511272

Resident • 2009

Management is TERRIBLE!!! Just moved in!!!

I am a current resident here and usually don't take time to do this, but was mad enough to actually take the time to write this. First and foremost, the apartments themselves are really nice and noise has not been a problem at all. The two employees or leasing agents and "manager" are sub-par to say the least. (Quotes because: How do you manage if you are not in the office?) If you have a question noone seems to be able to handle anything alone until they have an office pow-wow and get an answer from above. All in all it is a great place to live if you have a garage because you don't have randoms walking by your car. Lastly, if you are disabled or have a handicapped sticker do not move here because you can never find a spot. There are cars with huge rims and def not handicapped always parked there.

Current Resident 282463

Resident • 2005 - 2009

I hated the apartments....

You have been warned. From the time I lived there until I moved out; I had a problem with Management. Lack of professionalism is a understatement. I would go in the office and they would just look at me like "what do you want"? If you are a person of color this is not the place for you. The property was awesome when Jefferson managed it.

Current Resident 424383

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Great!

Never had a problem with management, maintenance staff is always helpful and timely in their response to my requests. GREAT view of downtown Dallas!

Current Resident 917763

Resident • 2007 - 2008

I agree with Oakcliffgirl

I agree with the compliants about the management posted on this site. I really enjoy my unit and think the layout/appearance of this complex is fantastic, but everytime I have had to deal with management it has been a headache. They lost a rent check. I was locked out once after a flight and the "24 hour courtesy officer" said he was coming but stopped answering his phone and never called back so I had to stay elsewhere. I had the same issue with lease renewal as "oakcliffgirl", where I had to call repeatedly to request my renewal quote and my new lease, and on the last day to renew they called me at work and threatened me with the same prorated rent at the month-to-month rate. The service guys don't fix what they're supposed to, and most recently, when I had a clogged toilet I came home to find that they had removed the clog, and left the waste that caused it sitting on my sink. This is a beautiful property, but I am not going to renew just to avoid dealing with inept management.

oakcliffgirl

Resident • 2003 - 2008

Finally Getting Out!

The management, not just the managers, but the company - Grand Peaks Properties, is rotten to the core. In the two years they have run it they've given me my lease renewal offer late twice. This is a problem because if you don't have a new lease in place the month to month rate is not defined and by law they can charge whatever they want to. They jumped my rent by $280 a month until the new lease was in place (prorated!) and blamed me for everything. Later they blamed it on the 'computers being down' when I was on to their scheme at the last renewal...they didn't get to make their extra $$$ off me that time. Every year the rent goes up by $50 - $100 so that now it is just as cheap to live in Oak Lawn. So I'm outta here!!

Current Resident 993646

Resident • 2005 - 2008

Was Much Better When Owned By Jefferson

I, too, have seen the codnom on the stairs. It was there for two days. I called twice and nver got a response. Someone pushed it off the stairs and it sat there until someone finally came and cleaned it up. The grounds are not well kept. The grass looks like it is about to catch fire. Our July newsletter was all about how we would be fined and evicted if we used fireworks. There is always a negative slat to everything. The management is HORRIBLE!!!!!!! It is true that she is is quite dictatorial I am moving out at the end of my lease and will NEVER look back.

ahhgrshpr

Resident • 2007 - 2008

WORST. LIVING. EXPERIENCE. EVER

This was the 2nd time I lived at this apartment complex and it was awful. The asst. manager Donna is a RAGING #$^%$%. If you ever need anything from her she looks down on you like you farted, the apartments are noisy, the quality of some of the tenants is less than desirable and my apartment had bugs. Not just little bugs, but roaches coming out of the kitchen drain, then I got fire ants in my attached garage, then termites in the walls, then these other little bugs coming out of the outlet in the island in the kitchen. Complaint after complaint after complaint and nothing was done- until I gave my notice and magically, the bugs were gone. DO NO LIVE HERE IMO.....it's a horrible experience and you'll want to break your lease and move out like I did. I was a good tenant, paid my rent on time, didn't disturb others and had the worst experience.

Current Resident 150446

Resident • 2008

Swimming

I recently endured a situatuin at the apartments I live in and it was not a very satisfying result. I rarely bring relatives over to swim and he one time I did, they were treated very badely. I live by the pool and see people having pool gathering very often and never once have I seen any one told that they were not welcomed and they have to leave. I decided to let my nephew come over with a fewe cousins during the workday when the swimming pool was empty so that they could enjoy themselves. they were all ages ranging from 14 years old to 17 years old. when i did this i encountered a problem with the manager and she said they have to leave and use the excuse of improper swim wear and yet other residences wear the same attire and never had I seen them told to leave! This gets me to wondering if it was the simple fact that they were --------?

Current Resident 933679

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Never had a problem

We have a view of the pool and it is still relatively quite. I rarely hear any other neighbors. The parking is decent. The location is great. The staff so far has been great. My favorite part is the landscaping and the view of Dallas. Have not had any problems with neighbors. One thing some people might not like is the sound of the helicopter from Methodist hospital across the street. It can be pretty loud sometimes but it doesn't bother me.

SOLID4R

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Perfect Place

Well my fiance and I have been there 3 months now so I thought it was time to give a review because I came on this site looking and reading about different apartments myself. So if this helps anybody it's for the best. OK, I have nothing but outstanding things to say about this complex and am very glad I chose this to be our home. I mean the price for the location is amazing, seriously, as you know because I am sure you looked elsewhere in the Dallas area, if you're looking at these that nothing compares to the prices. I have had to call maintenence twice, once they came that same day the 2nd time they came the next morning. So what all these people are saying about how awful it is, is just untrue. Have had no problem with noise or hoodlems or bums or anything. We both at night have walked our dog after 10pm around the complex and nothing, people are nothing but nice here. Pleany of parking, the grounds are taken care of and the view from the pool is amazing. they even have a complex get together every month which I do not attend but will one of these days. We live on the 2nd floor and the view is the skyline of Dallas, we love it. Like I said, this is by far the best BANG for your BUCK in the Dallas area. Look no further, you have found your home.

Current Resident 683823

Resident • 2007 - 2008

ABSOLUTELY UNPROFESSIOAL AND WORTHLESS MANAGEMENT BIG NOOOOO

Horrible, While I lived there, It took them over a month to get a phone number programmed for the entry gate. After numourous requests and being nice nothing got done. Finally had to go down to the office and treating them like what they deserve got the job done. Withing 5 minutes of screaming to their face fixed the gate code. Bathrooms overflowed more then twice within first 4 months of living there. One time fecal material was flooting in the bathroom and they refused to come that night because there was a second bathroom and they expect you to put up with the smell and the unsanitary and against the health code situation overnight and dont consider that as emergency. Well Thats the general mentally of the managemnet and the maintainance stuff, so go figure. SOME of the stuff are very unprofessional. I am glad to have left this apt. It has good floorplans and cheap prices but the service is also very cheap and ------ as some of the surrounding area. Some of the stuff also reflect the Ghettoness. RUN LIKE HELL.

spmcmahon

Resident • 2006 - 2008

Great Value

Being so close to downtown, this complex is a great value. I currently pay ~$1.10 per sq/ft. The views of downtown are beautiful. The complex has a number of extras including a game room, business center and movie theatre, as well as a nice pool and workout area. There is a hottub, but it has been out of commission every time I've tried to use it, and I've lived here for the past 16 months. The grounds are nice, but their upkeep is relatively poor. Overwatering is a pretty regular occurance and makes the grassy areas quite muddy. There is a large dog run, but the maintenance of that area is also sub-standard. The breezways are cleaned once a year, maybe, and get pretty grungy, but the complex is otherwise attractive and fairly new. The location is great, as I am able to head out the door for an evening run with my dog in the Kessler Park neighborhood. The people in the office are very friendly, and the Care's team is great. My neighbors are all very nice. Response to apartment maintenance requests is my complaint. Multiple calls are often required. I current issue in my apartment has to date necessitated 5 calls, and the problem has still not been resolved. Overall, I've enjoyed living here, and plan to renew my lease when it expires in a few months.