Flats Chicago

DO NOT LIVE HERE, DO NOT LIVE HERE, DO NOT LIVE HERE. You will your the place. The amenities will seem bright and shiny. You will want to swoon over the in unit washer and dryer. Little do you know that this is the worst rehab ever. They did everything for appearances and nothing for quality. We just had to move out of our unit because the pipes froze THREE TIMES in two weeks– and this is in a mild winter. Turns out they forgot to insulate them and now have to rip out the entire kitchen. This was just the final straw in a LONG list of problems. CLEARLY this place is a money grubbing sinkhole. And no, they didn’t pay for our moving expenses. Real charmers

This property management company is just horrific. They do not respond in a timely manner, if ever.
Most recent issue prompting this review. I come home one day to find that my bathroom is soaked in water. Why? The ceiling is leaking. I see that the light fixture is collecting water. I’m apprehensive to even turn the light on. I email the property manager and put in a maintenance request on a Saturday evening.
Didn’t hear anything, so emailed back on Sunday. She responds saying someone will come Monday. I say fine, and can they please clean the bathroom floor too since I had just had a house cleaner come not three days ago, and the bathroom is a disgusting mess. No response to that, but she asks the next day (Monday) for permission to enter. I say yes right away.
Get home Monday night and nothing has been done. Nobody has even entered my apartment. I try calling some other guy «Sean MyGrants» because he has left his contact information on a piece of paper in the apartment vestibule saying let him know if we have maintenance requests. I get his voicemail, leave a message. I emailed him too, on Monday. No response from either avenue. Monday evening still, asked Kimberly (property manager) for an update. No response.
Tuesday, email Kimberly for an update. She tells me «We attempted to get in the young lady above apartment, she assured that her dog was gated, however the dog is larger than the gate so she will be have to be home to contain him. We are coming back to her unit before she goes to work so that she can contain her pet. Thank you» Ok… fine, things happen. Tuesday night I get home and see that someone has come in to remove the light fixture off of the light in my bathroom. Bucket of water has been emptied. Bathroom still a mess.
Wednesday. I assume they are coming since the dog upstairs will be gated. I stay home in anticipation. They never show up. Email Kimberly at 2pm to ask her what’s going on, no response.
Email Sean today (Thursday morning) to say the problem has not been resolved, I haven’t received an update in 2 days, and ask for his supervisor’s information. I don’t expect I’ll receive a response. Emailed Kimberly asking for another update.
So, yeah. It’s been 5 days, and my apartment has gotten dirtier from the mud the maintenance people tracked in. Problem is not fixed, I have no updates, bathroom is still a mess. I can’t use my sink because water drips onto me.
I will definitely not be living here next year and will warn everyone I know to stay away. This is just one issue in a long line of issues. I thought I was one of those people who could skirt reviews and everything would be fine, but no. DO NOT RENT FROM THESE SLUMLORDS.

I am a new tenant in Flats 5411. I know that this is only one of the properties they manage, but I also realize that every single tenant who resides in their properties should at least deserve minimal access to the necessities boasted by their company. Especially the parking garage.
Having moved in on October 14^th, Ms. Daly and Jason Jafari, the agents who handled my domicile contracts over-​promised and failed to deliver. They have led me to believe that I could have chosen a parking spot right when I got here, and that at the very least, a garage opener would be made available to me. Not only was that not that case, I have yet to receive a garage opener, even though having a garage was a key reason for me in choosing this property. It has been 2 week. The ridiculous amount of time and effort wasted on my part to track down where exactly in the process they are, at applying for a garage opener, has called me into a deep sense of regret in choosing to live in this property. I realize that it is a process, and that there are applications to be submitted, paper works to be filed. But forgive me in assuming that this process is as simple as filling in a document, submitting it, approving it, and sending someone over to set up the garage opener. This string of events would take MORE than TWO WEEKS? It’s not open-​heart surgery, is it? Last time I checked, this country does not operate on the constitutional time line of the European Council.
To be fair, however, Tommy O’brien has always been respectful to me (which is why this place does deserve at least THREE stars), and have allowed me to leave my car in the garage, even though I cannot move it at will (without the garage opener). But even if he is not charging me for this period of time, like I have stated previously, having a garage was one of the reasons I chose this property, therefore, a portion of my rent would logically pay for the comfort of knowing that there IS a garage available as part of my accommodations, IF I so choose. But that comfort has been robbed from me. Because if this building didn’t have a garage, I would have NEVER signed any contracts in the first place.
Finally, in recent development, the management have allowed me to borrow their engineer’s garage remote, which really saves me a lot of trouble. So, at least the management strives to accommodate their tenant’s requests. I realize that the reviews for this place is very polarizing, some people obviously had a good experience here. But alas, I have to try to voice my concern somehow

I am a current resident and I have had it with this place. I used to live in 1325 w wilson and all was great. I however asked to transfer to 5411 w winthdrop since i wanted a two bedroom. After that happened the management just doesnt have it together and are not on top of anything. I get a called from corporate telling me if i could move out from 1325 due to a tenant wanting to rent my place and that i could move to 5411 on the 15^th of sept. That way they would refund my $ 500 transfer fee and i would only pay ½ rent in both locations. I then moved and until today all my rent has been caught up as ALWAYS and what happened? I get a 5 days notice letter that i owe $ 991! Wtf? I have proof on my online account that i paid all. And the one of the payments i made in check and is not posted online. I however have the bank proof. So they need to get it together and be more professional. Not only that but also we didn’t get our mail key when we 1^st moved in and keys were handed. The buzzer wouldn’t allow us to the gym, the heater wasn’t working, and we cant activate our dial. This is just ridiculous. The flats are beautiful and clean, but management just sucks. I dont recommend this building 5411 to nobody

This review is for a specific apartment at 1325 W Wilson:
The apartment space is small but they are nice. I like all my neighbors I’ve met so far and the security into the building and floors is great. However, the maintenance and management is TERRIBLE. You could call them for an emergency maintenance order and it will take them a week. I’ve had 2 refrigerator issues (not my fault either: 1 compressor went out, and the other frig flat out didn’t work and they had to send it back under warranty and were baffled how it was faulty). I had to call 4x and leave 2 online requests before someone finally came out. I lost $ 200 worth of food and they wouldn’t credit me, let alone respond to my email politely asking for a credit. On top of that I picked a time and date for window cleaning, an benefit they provided, and they never showed up for my scheduled appointment. They also never call or can even give you a timeframe of when they will show up to perform maintenance requests. It’s all done «3^rd party». To me this is unacceptable service level agreement, especially when you are paying $ 1,000 plus on rent.

From a former resident of 1325 Wilson:
The FLATS team was a great help in my move to Chicago. Coming in sight-​unseen, FLATS provided the support needed to sign a lease remotely, and the property manager, Joe, was even there on move-​in day to lend a hand.
My FLATS agent, Daly, never failed to go above and beyond during my much enjoyed time as a FLATS resident. The FLATS concept itself is a much welcome addition to the rental market in Chicago, with FLATS regularly hosting events that highlight the artistic talents of their residents and promoting residents’ roles in the community.
Regarding the unit, the abundant natural light, skyline views, exposed concrete ceilings, walk-​in shower, and in-​unit washer and dryer were wonderful to come home to at the end of the day. As for the building, the amenities — gym, secure bike room, lobby coffee shop, evening doorman, and rooftop complete with furniture, propane grills, and 360 degree views of the city — made 1325 W Wilson a great place to call home.
For those considering a move to the city, or those current Chicago residents looking for a new place to call home, I would fully recommend a FLATS building.
— Jacoby

We stayed at 1325 Wilson through Airbnb and had Excellent communication with the host who responded to messages in a very timely manner and emailed us a helpful guide to the flat and the area before we arrived.
The building was gorgeous and we really enjoyed staying in this flat. It was nice and cozy, well decorated, and had all the amenities. Just a few floors up, you’ll find the rooftop terrace (with sofas, grills, tables, etc) which provides one of the best, most epic views of the Chicago skyline. Coming back at the end of a long day exploring the city we loved unwinding up there with dinner, a bottle of wine, and the fabulous view.
Another advantage to staying here was the lovely café in the lobby. We would always start off our day with coffee and pie there before heading to the L (metro) which was conveniently located just a few blocks away.
We’ll definitely be staying here again and highly recommend it!

FLATS Chicago development has been amazing in redevelopment of the north side of Chicago. It has definitely made a positive impact to the neighborhoods targeted.
FLATS studio events have been great featuring local artist and giving them the opportunity to showcase their phenomenal work.
Overall, the concept behind the FLATS idea is genius! It has benefitted many in the community and I hope to continue to see many more!

I just renewed my lease for the Magnolia residence because I LOVE living here! As awesome as the other locations are, I love mine. I’m literally less than 2 blocks away from BOTH the Lawrence and Argyle Red Line stops. I’m also right next to Fat Cat (by far, my favorite restaurant/​bar in the neighborhood), not to mention the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera, and the historic Green Mill.
Having a washer and dryer in my walk-​in closet is amazing (making me kinda spoiled, really). Not paying $ 60 for wifi anymore is AWESOME and so is the gym! My favorite part is the vending machines though, cuz I likes me some late night snacks. The little things they do are sweet too, like leaving caramel apples at my door on Halloween or heart-​shaped cookies on Valentine’s day!
Along with living there, FLATS has allowed myself and another artist to curate their breathtaking 1050 W Wilson building into monthly art events. In grad school, we would throw pop-​up art shows in my (and my roommate’s) 2-​bedroom apartment. Obviously I can’t do that anymore in a studio apartment. Now, I get to do it in the ultimate DREAM space: a huge bank/​vaudeville theatre. FLATS provides the alcohol sponsors and press, and even sends artists and musicians our way… and we just do the rest. It’s like an amplified FREE version of the art parties/​shows we used to throw. On top of that, they let the artists keep 100% of what they sell (most galleries take 30−50%). Our last show, we had 4 artists sell work (one making up to $ 1,200).
FLATS apartments are beautiful and they’ve got great locations. I’ve also met a lot of other FLATS residents outside of my own apartment at their various events (all of which happen to be FREE). They build a great community and have continued taking an active role in letting myself, and other artists, pursue our passions! I would whole-​heartedly recommend joining the FLATS community, #WeAreFLATS !

I’ve lived in the 1325 Wilson building for a few months now and I have to say I am the happiest I’ve been in my 11 years in Chicago. The «micro living» concept has changed my life. There is less clutter (there has to be in 300sqft) and the only things that are a part of my life are the things I love. The communal spaces really add a lot. They increase your living area while simultaneous fostering a sense of community. For the first time in my life, I feel like I know the people down the hall from me and some have become great friends. The gym in the basement combined with the free bike have put me in the best shape of my life. My quality of life is the highest it’s ever been.
The only negative I really have to say is that the building manager can be a little long in responding. It took him 2+ weeks to respond to my last request. I didn’t need it fulfilled immediately, but at the very least respond in a business day to let me know you received it.

This post is long over due —
First off, I’ve been a very happy resident at both locations I’ve lived. First residence was the 5411 N. Winthrop building and, currently, the new 1325 W. Wilson building.
I’m not sure why there are such negative responses to Flats Chicago — it seems that these individuals really have not even taken the time to understand what Flats Chicago is all about.
Everything about Flats Chicago and the entirety of the Flats living experience has been nothing, but wonderful. The whole idea behind Flats radiates a fresh, hip and Chicago-​homegrown feel. Even down to the staff — they make you feel like family.
I seriously could write the longest review on how wonderful Flats Chicago has been and their incredibly unique approach on urban living — they’re hands down game changers in the industry!

I’m not sure exactly what these people are complaining about. This building is spectacular, and the amenities are amazing. This is not your run-​of-​the-​mill building — scents in the hallways — high-​end fixtures throughout the building. Not only that, when you’re a flats tenant, you can use the amenities in any of their buildings, but the gym here has everything I want, and very rarely busy. I love it here. No complaints whatsoever.

Beautiful units! And the FLATS staff was not only very sweet, but incredibly hospitable. I have been to a few FLATSStudio Art events, and every time is a great time. What a neat way to network!
All in all, my experience with them has been nothing but impressive. Can’t wait for the next show!

Brand new studio with finishes already falling apart. Cheap cheap cheap. Going cheap may save you money, but Flats can not justify its rents. Frozen sink in winter was not promptly taken care of and workmen brought in dirt and snow all over my apartment. Broken vinyl window never fixed. Unprofessional, unresponsive, not worth it.

I’ve lived in Flats now for 2 years. The first unit was at 5411 N Winthrop Avenue in their larger studio and then transferred into their one bedroom after getting our dog.
First thing people need to realize is that these apartments are all designed with micro living in mind. They’re spaces that are creatively made to save space which is brilliant in city living. I read a few poor reviews which is astonishing because these individuals obviously did not see their website and do research in understanding the Flats Chicago concept.
My partner and I with our dog Charlie most recently moved to the brand new Wilson Avenue building. We chose the 2 bedroom because we wanted more space separation to create different areas. We are so in love with the space. It’s the perfect size. It’s different and creatively laid out. It’s not your boring per usual apartment with too much space and and boring square layout. It’s unique. And fits our life beautifully.
People need to keep in mind too that these spaces were created specifically for CREATIVITY. Meaning a bedroom could be created into a living area. The kitchen areas could be a living area. They’re laid out uniquely for those of us who think outside of the box and enjoy being different.
The finished touches of washer dryer in unit. With amazing appliances and finishes in the bathroom don’t disappoint.
Whenever we have a problem with anything the staff in our building are on it in no time. They’re extremely personable and friendly in both buildings we’ve lived in.
The gyms also are absolutely amazing, especially the Wilson Ave gym. It’s huge and has tons of different abilities for your workout routines. Not to mention the roof deck view is stunning! And everyone I’ve met who lives here is super creative and wonderful to connect with -
I most recently started going to the Public Barber shop downstairs and AGAIN was amazed at the people who work their and their haircut was superb. And I pretty much get coffee and food (THE WEEKEND DONUTS OMG) at Heritage Coffee in the lobby.
Flats Chicago is simply amazing. The negative reviews are ridiculous. I’ve recommended Flats to tons of friends and so many love it. One of which most recently moved in to the unit up north off of Hollywood Ave. She’s loving it!
Go take a tour and see for yourself you won’t regret it :) !!!

Really small, but the amenities are great. Modern, bathroom gave me life.
Laundry in unit is unheard of
Gym is tiny, but private, so +
Floors would separate constantly
Elevator would break down from time to time
Very quiet neighborhood +
Friendly staff
I had my moments of bad attitude but they were always willingly to go the extra mile when I needed them.
I definitely recommend ! :-)

I should preface this with saying that I’m placing a review for the Wilson building and for seeing a few studios and one bedroom units. I do not live there, but spent time viewing them.
I was really excited for this space, but overall it was a huge let down. The Wilson building, on the outside was gorgeous and the lobby with the coffee shop was such a cute entrance, but the rest really fell flat.
Overall I saw several studio and one bedroom layouts. My biggest issue was that everything looked and felt cheap. They were not real hardwood, the closet sliding doors and shelves seemed to be merely plywood that was painted. The window blinds felt like they must have been there for 40 years. Loud and stiff. The windows were small, which I understand they couldn’t change, but the views were just totally not as dramatic as I was hoping. The weirdest thing about the kitchen is that there was no dishwasher anywhere. Brand new everything, but no dishwasher. Weird.
I guess honestly my surprise was that I anticipated something more for the price point in a cheap neighborhood. I pay less for a beautiful, large studio in the heart of Lincoln Park that was recently renovated and I thought, I have to get more for my money in Uptown. which you can, but not at Flats. The spaces are truly «micro units» which is a great concept in the Gold Coast, Streeterville, or Downtown, but not in Uptown. One of the windows even had the security fencing in it, so if you didn’t feel institutionalized by the empty cold halls, those were sure to finish the job.
I want to say that I’m not totally hating on them, they just felt cheap and way too small for the price. Their «large» studio (still smaller than mine now) was — I believe — $ 1,200 and for that, you could rent a large 1 bedroom in Uptown or possibly even in Lakeview.
If you’re expecting a tiny tiny tiny studio for $ 900‑1000 in Uptown with a «potential» view, than the Flats could be it, but I really left feeling deflated. Great concept, seemingly poor execution. Your money is best elsewhere I do believe.
I will also say that it seems they’ll let you do anything in the spaces. Paint. Mount, etc. Which is cool.
ps: I will say the staff was great. The person who organized my viewing was more than nice, if not overly energetic, and the girl who showed me around (Julie) was super nice.

This review is for our specific apartment on Winthrop Ave. The entire process of moving into and living at Flats was a nightmare. We were initially really excited about this building and the amenities. The leasing agent over-​promised and the subsequent experience under delivered.
We endured six months of unexpected construction — noise, dirt and dust everywhere, and excess traffic in our building. Our specific unit had appliances that did not work for nearly two months, a window that would not close in the middle of winter for over one month, and floor boards that separated and have still not been repaired. The construction is low quality and repairs take forever.
They promised bike storage and wifi both of which were not delivered until nearly nine months into living at Flats. Any type of inquiry is met with «we’re working on it, should be ready next week.» Apparently next week, equates to many months. It should also be noted that in our year of living there, the building went through THREE building managers. All three have been mediocre at best with regards to addressing issues.
On top of that, they had the audacity to raise our rent after all these problems and have yet to apologize for all the trouble endured. With so many housing options, I recommend you look elsewhere in Chicago and avoid Flats.

Avoid this trap!!! So much to say about this building! So the people whom wrote 4 – 5 stars… yes, when you tour the building everything looks beautiful, clean and you miss everything in between from the excitement.
Here’s my story:
Last year toured the property of a studio, loved it — was BEYOND excited to move in. The building was no where near finished, and I was one of the first 15 people to move in.
The gym: it is not state of the art like another reviewer mentioned. It is free weights/​dumbells, a punching bag, two treadmills, bike and maybe an elliptical (if I remember correctly I dont use it very often). The gym is small and leaves you a foot away from the other person and you are in a fishbowl with everyone watching you when they walk in and down the street.
The floors in the units are awful. Mine have begun spiltting and they scratch super easily. The bathroom floors are even worse because the fancy european shower spills water everywhere. even with a rug. Yes. I said it, the shower is the worst shower I have ever lived with and used. when touring. you see a beautiful two head shower one with a rainfall shower head. immaculate –right? WRONG– about 60% of the water goes spraying outside the shower and that is with the shower head angled toward the brick wall and me cautiously taking a shower. My rug is still sopping wet before I even get out.
Most units do not have a dishwasher — but there is a lot of kitchen storage space. I do give them that and closet space in general.
The views are awful — I was in a studio and moved to a one bedroom in the same building… the views were the same. awful. they over look to the other tenants windows and brick wall. and if you have a corner unit, you are about 4 inches away from the other tenants window looking at you.
The heater/​air conditioning is mediocre… loud and noisy it does keep my electricity bill low.
The internet: get your own! Most people in the building i’ve talked to ended up getting their own internet. A year later they are still testing and troubleshooting why the internet cannot hold a beat. it’s awful and cannot stream netflix or anything so if you work from home or are a netflix user… best to get your own.
Oh and there is no cable plug — so good luck with the bunny ears or back to netflix.
At one point the elevator had floor to ceiling on ALL WALLS graffiti that looked worse than a 4 year olds drawings. No offense to tenants that did this, but I do not want to live in a canvas. leave it your own unit. This was with what looked like sharpies and was there for over two weeks — several complaints made about this. I did not want my mother coming to visit thinking I live in a college frat house — I made her take the stairs to avoid seeing the embarrassment.
The management team promised and over sold this building to get tenants in. With all the headache and they are raising the rent $ 75 a month for first time residents in the whole building does not sound good to me as a start. Wifi still is half decent and there was suppose to be a bike storage room which still does not exist. I have a maintenance request from last week for a possible bathroom leak and have not heard back. Hopefully my bathroom isn’t flooded — I’m traveling.
I will NOT be renewing at the flats — for the price of $ 1274 for 450sqft I can go elsewhere in the neighborhood, get a two bedroom for that price and less headache.

Unfortunately I still can’t find our place (5411 N Winthrop Avenue) on Unilocal but I really feel like I need to update my review so other people will read, and I will write it here.
Our problems continue every day. Not just the fact that the construction just ended, and we moved last December, but they left all the mess behind. Promised to clean the windows from the outside, didn’t happened.
Promised to fixed the internet (free wi-​fi) didn’t happened. Everybody ended up paying for their internet.
The quality of the building is just ridiculous. I can feel the vibrating phone from my neighbors, not to mention the noise from their walking. The floor squeaks very bad. Nobody wants to fix the problem.
They changed their property managers three times in one year. Every one of them is equally not interested and responds to our request week or two later. Such a horrible company!
At the end we got a letter that our contract ends this December and it won’t be renewed. Oh thank u, I’m looking forward moving from this horrible, disorganized place.