The Flats On LaSalle- LaSalle Park Apartments

Not great, but also could be far worse. Just in the 6ish months I’ve lived here there’s been a revolving door of most staff members (we’re on our second or third group of managers), a cut of some people and hours (no doorman during daytime hours anymore; pretty sure management is no longer available at all on Sundays, contrary to what their website says. The combination of these two things means you cannot pick up Saturday’s UPS/​Fedex/​etc. boxes on Sundays), and a steady downhill trend of building maintenance and amenities (more on this in a bit).
The units are largely soundproof aside from impact noises (stomping/​pounding on walls). My neighbors a couple units over will throw loud electronic music parties (or something…) on occasion, and I won’t hear a peep until I step out into the hallway. Likewise, I haven’t heard any complaints from my neighbors about any music I’ve played, so I consider this place to be built like a bunker in the sound regard.
The units here are of an average build quality (though it is a condo building so a bit of this is up to the unit owners). My unit has some iffy plastic lighting (though the previous property manager did mention he would have been willing to change it, it wasn’t a big enough deal to me), floor tiles that feel half-​attached, bathroom door that can’t be closed all the way lest you want to be stuck in there, and some other things that are livable, but detract from the $ 1200/​mo experience. There’s also a crazy draft that’ll blow in through the half-​sealed bathroom window. Not fun.
There’s no thermostat or other means for you to control temperature other than opening a window. Fair warning if you’re like me and prefer it chilly. The heat vent will blow always starting in late September or so, keeping the place at whatever temperature they so happen to choose (seems to be upper 60s or lower 70s in my unit). There’s a dual-​sided radiator that got turned on in late October with no notice. Suffice it to say, I came home from work to an 80 – 90 degree apartment that day, so you could leave the windows open in January and the radiator would still keep you toasty. The radiator can be turned off, but it still makes tons of noise at times (mostly at night).
Regarding the deteriorating quality of the building: Either elevator seems to go out of service about once or twice a week lately. This was only a problem starting when the new management group took over in late September or so. This isn’t a «couple of hours» breakage, it means «a couple of days». The southwest elevator was out of service I think 3 or 4 out of the last 9 days, which is crazy. For a time the front walkway always smelled of animal feces, however this isn’t a problem lately from what I can tell. The laundry room will consistently have a washer or two OOS, and the money cards you’re forced to use will randomly stop working without notice, and trust me — it’ll happen when you have no cash on-​hand and have to do a ⁷⁄₁₁ run for cash back on a Big Gulp, because Murphy’s Law. Lesson of the story here, though, is to not keep much value on those cards at a time. It WILL be lost eventually.
Lastly, I fully expect rent will be rising soon, and probably in a big way. They’ve already enacted more nickel-​and-​dime rules (lockout fees and similar shenanigans) and started cracking down on the existing ones (though I use Divvy, it appears owning a bike in this building just got both more expensive and more logistics-​heavy). Despite all my complaining to this point, for the right person it could still be worth $ 1200/​mo — my commute to the West Loop is 12 minutes by Divvy bike and about 25 by train, it’s 10mins walk to the Mag Mile and 5mins to one of the best taco places in town (Velvet Taco), Target and the lake are both 10 minutes walk in opposite directions, etc. However, if rent goes above about $ 1250 – 1300, my vote would be a «no» unless this building does a turnaround as the new management gets further settled in. Even if you’re hellbent on staying in Gold Coast (which I’m actively looking to get out of, for personal reasons), there’s better bang-​for-​buck to be found, and Flats is right on the tipping point, in my opinion.

I previously posted a review of the Flats on LaSalle. The positive review was premature. In the year and a half that I have lived here, there have been several management companies and at least six different management teams. The current manager, Z, is the best that we have had of all the managers, yet, «the jury is still out» on this subject. But there are continued serious concerns: for the third time in two weeks, one of the elevators does not work. There are two elevators in this building of 250 units. Needless to say, the lack of good working elevators is a concern. Signs are not posted on the floors, as they should be. Repair people should be called immediately, I am a senior citizen who needs a cane to walk; I also have an old dog with very bad hips. Stairs are impossible for both of us. In addition to the faulty elevators, there is no personnel at the front desk during the day on the weekends; this is in opposition to the advertisement on both the internet and written materials of the building. My rent went up and some positive aspects of the building seem to go down.
Mary Anne Mupo

Great building, great location, great price. They just made a lot of improvements.

I guess we have to keep writing reviews about the truth because this place continues to put more money into removing these bad reviews, then they do into actually fixing problems! There has been mold here for the full year I’ve lived here, and I’m not gonna mention it for the 100^th time BC nothing EVER gets fixed! We had 3 full days without water this week (pretty common occurrence), washing machines that took my money, then flooded them with sewage water! The staff is unhelpful, not-​friendly, and is known well around here for «not getting packages»…when really they are just too lazy to look! I’m obviously not resigning my lease. Don’t let the low prices and model units fool you, this place is the worst!

I figured I should write an update, because I just renewed my contract for the 9^th year — and I am still living at the Flats on LaSalle. While I was very sad to see Regina and Araceli (previous managers) go, I really like the two new building managers: William and Eric. They have made many improvements around the building, like free WiFi and some comfy chairs in the lobby, new lighting, new flooring in the elevators, new front doors, and general restorations around the building. Whenever I had a question or concern, Eric was available and answered immediately — he lives in the building himself so it is so convenient to get and keep in touch. Whenever I had an issue that I needed support from William with, he was also available, both in person and by e-​mail, which I really appreciated. I never waited for an answer for more than a few hours, even on the week-​ends. We also have a really cool security person, Cynthia, who has been with us for several years now, and is a delight.
I guess what I am saying is that after all these years, The Flats remain the best value for me, and it is a community of nice people with whom I get along great. Congratulations to the new management for consistently professional and kind service. Many thanks!

I moved here from St. Louis and chose Flats on La Salle sight-​unseen from a craiglist ad. I made one trip up to check it out in person, and the next trip up, I moved in. Erik was very friendly and accommodating, and let me see the actual units that would be available. I chose one on the top floor from which I can view a sliver of Division Street. The building is dog-​friendly, and I have been very impressed with their commitment to that – they provide poop-​bags at the «dog relief» area out front, and the security guards make it a point to learn the dogs’ names and give them treats. It’s the little things that really matter! Package delivery is secure and reliable. Onsite laundry is convenient. Being on the top floor, I experience little to no noise. The building is old (it must have originally been a monastery or something – I would love to research it sometime) and adjoins the LaSalle Street Church. The lobby is quite gorgeous and well-​maintained, with striking stained-​glass windows. The courtyard is adorable. The vintage elevators are charming, and I love the elevator music (rock and roll classic, etc.). The rooms themselves have been updated with touches that I really appreciate, like stainless steel (albeit mini) appliances and glass tile backsplashes. A 5000BTU window AC is provided, which I also appreciated. I would say the most of the negative points I see on the other reviews are pretty standard for a studio apartment in this area. Such as: yes, the room is small. Yes, the bathroom is tiny (the bathtub is actually a half-​bathtub) Hot/​cold water is sporadic, and I am sure that has to do with the boiler system. On the plus side, you never run out of hot water! The city can be loud, but hey, you’re living in a city. Parking is a pain in the butt, but yes, this is Chicago. Have guests take the train – the stop is about two steps away. The other nuisances, like inconsiderate neighbors and the disturbances that come along with them, are pretty standard for living in an apartment building. I think the pros far outweigh the cons, and I couldn’t be more pleased to live here. I only had one problem with my oven, and both Erik and William arrived on a Friday night to come fix it – I totally didn’t expect that level of commitment, but it was certainly nice! If you are considering living here, I say do it. I really have no regrets.

So I posted a review a few days ago and it was taken down. guess I have to post another. DO NOT LIVE IN THIS BUILDING! A few months ago my apartment flooded after the office was closed, so I had to wait til the next morning to have anything be done. They still have not made the necessary repairs and there is now mold growing in my closet. The new managers are completely clueless on this building. I was withholding rent until it was fixed. They were then asking for half of the rent before making the repairs. what, are you kidding me? They then sent me another 5 day notice and the repairs are still not made. On top of that this building has a terrible bug infestation. If thats not enough, I’m sure the homeless people around the building will drive you insane. This is the worst building, and management company, I have ever come across. They will just rip you off! STAY AWAY!!!

Regina and Araceli are spectacular individuals and so wonderful to work with. They both care a lot about their clients. They both are so helpful, patient, knowledgeable and kind. They have assisted me with buying, renting and maintenance. Stellar all the way. Oh and thanks to Manuel the maintenance man as well. He is truly a craftsman and an awesome tradesman. Thanks again!
Sincerely, Rich

All I can say is that you should run from this place. Building Group Management is an awful company that has the most horrible people that run the place. I know of a tenant on the 8^th floor that the maintenance men drilled a hole in the cement ceiling of his closet in order to spy on him. He showed me a video and the pictures of the hole and you can certainly tell that it was drilled from the opposite side, like in the crawl spaces that are above the units. Run do not walk away from LaSalle Flats.

All,
Since the manager felt the need to send this to my unit owner I feel the need to post it.
Mr. X we have come across this lease on Unilocal!Reviews for Flats On LaSalle.
We do not have a Yolanda D. on our resident list but I’m assuming this is your tenant.
She is no longer harming her credibility but the credibility of your unit to future tenants interested in renting out your unit once her lease expires.
Let’s be clear, Regina has been extremely rude to me and my boyfriend and has not even attempted to address me personally about the issues. New Year’s Day I woke up to a neighbor having a party at 8 in the morning and another neighbor letting her dog bark out of control. Instead of Regina talking to me she sent this email to the owner of my unit. Again, I was subjected to uncontrollable barking and people feeling the need to have loud parties in the morning which I called the cops on.
Regina, you want to question my credibility I question your lack of professionalism again. I stand by calling the cops for both parties yesterday. If I feel that my peace is being interrupted I have every right to call the cops. When you decide to act like a real property manager and address me let me know. Talking about me in the lobby shows again your lack of professionalism.

I’ve been associated with this building for many years. I have units in the building that I sublet short-​term. I can’t say enough wonderful things about the staff and the building in general. Regina and Araceli run the office proficiently and are fantastic about returning calls or e-​mails. Manuel and Pedro are maintenance men extraordinaire and keep everything working well. Robert does a great job of keeping the building clean. The location couldn’t be better – close to downtown, public transportation, grocery stores, etc. I highly recommend this building for long-​term or short-​term stays!

I never thought I would love living in such a tiny space, but it’s perfect! My apartment is cozy, open, has tons of sunlight, and has just the right amount of space for me and my things (i’m a girl I have a lot). The closet is huge and I love my renovated kitchen. It is small but it is very impressive which makes it seem bigger. Plus my rent included TV/​cable, heat, water, and more. The management office is incredibly helpful, I am in the greatest neighborhood of Chicago, my neighbors are all wonderful (mostly professionals and students), all commutes are a piece of cake, and I can get drunk at the local bars and barely crawl home because I am so close to everything. Plus I feel very safe living here, which is very important to me being a single lady.
The vintage building is beautiful! I love making my girlfriends wait for me in the lobby with all the stained glass and other charms. I also tend to have lunch in the park out front (soo cool) when the weather is nice. Rent is incredibly competitive for the location, about $ 900/​month but the building has the amenities I need, and like I said, I really enjoy my place.
OH! I forgot the best part! I have an incredible roof top deck that I can use anytime! Talk about 4^th of July! I could see all the fireworks and it was so beautiful. Martini’s anyone? ;)

I was thrilled to find a rental even near the Gold Coast at $ 625 in the Chicago Reader while still living in Santa Monica, CA. But the rental agency said it was rented that same day. They had another one at $ 745. So I asked my sister to check it out for me. She warned me that it was VERY small — but no one knew the exact sq. footage. My guess was less than 300.
The outside of the building was pure vintage 1920’s charm, from the light fixtures, to the park benches gracing the front entrance and a lovely walkway placing the entrance back from the street. A convenient drive up mini-​circle allows for deliveries and parking for up to 15 minutes.
Two security entrance doors and elevators with a reader to gain entry and a buzzer that does not display the apt. unit for more security.
All units appear to have hardwood floors. Heat included in the rental. It was so warm in the unit I never used heat, despite single digit temps. In fact, I had windows open ²⁴⁄₇. Window air conditioner and quiet ceiling fan with dim light. Floor to ceiling built in cabinet and drawers at entrance. Trash chute across the hall.
The building was well-​maintained on the premises daily. Mail and packages were secure.
Laundry room operated with key cards, open ²⁴⁄₇. Rooftop deck boasted gorgeous city views — open ’till sundown.
GREAT transport and access to the best of Chicago. Two blocks or less takes you to library, Jewel supermarket, Chase bank, parks, Clark/​Division Red Line subway, 22, 36 and 156 bus lines, CVS and Walgreens drug stores, chain and quaint restaurants. Half mile is lakefront, State Street and Michigan Avenue, movies, theater, shopping of all kinds! Chicago has it all, and this is right in the center of it. In the other direction is Old Town 1 block over where Second City and Zanies comedy clubs are walkable to Wells/​North Ave.
That’s the good. Now here’s the not so good:
Parking was outrageous on the street, so hard to have visitors easily who drive.
The unit I lived in was extremely small. Basically, all that could fit was my portable dishwasher (the ad said built-​ins but none in this unit); wide screen TV, twin size bed doubling as sofa, coffee table, office chair with small desk. Instead of a desk or dishwasher, there could be a dresser. No storage included. The one very narrow closet is hard to access — really more like a storage situation. Despite track lighting, I needed a corner torch and desk lamp.
Occasionally I could hear a neighbor next door, but not often. Never upstairs. Windows face a building where sometimes there is late night noise. There was loud construction noise often. Garbage trucks blared from the alleyway, despite being 6 floors up at 3AM. City noises — el tracks, police cars at times.
Stuck with RCN cable — like it or not (included in the rent). They’re okay, but there are much better deals out there — which you can’t get because RCN has exclusive contract. The box from RCN didn’t work and an installer had to come with the newer one. He didn’t know how to hook up the DVD recorder, so that sat until I finally figured it out. I used AT&T for internet, which was a bit of a hassle because they had to access the telephone room. But it worked after that consistently.
Kitchen had no dishwasher as advertised, nor was the microwave a built-​in; it sat atop the fridge blocking one of the few cabinets. There was a tiny corner of counter space.
Tiniest bathroom ever had NO counter space and an awkward sideways sink. Kept the door open to get air circulation out of the window. The water pressure is good, however, cold water was wanky. It is a hair-​trigger effect from warm to scalding in seconds. So I have to set the water and then not touch it to take a shower. Sometimes there is no cold water at all, if the hot water has been running — in kitchen or bath. You can hear the water in the pipes whenever it runs in other units and in walls. The toilet is very sluggish.
There was damage on the walls from water leakage — not fixed prior to move in as promised.
The unit was a condo found through a rental agency that happened to be in foreclosure, which was never disclosed. I wound up moving within a few months. This is not the building’s fault, of course. Check out the landlord and management company. Check court records about foreclosures. Chicago Renter’s Ordinance requires any notice of foreclosure before you sign a lease. After, they have 7 days to inform you. If not, you can break your lease.
At the time I was there, several units and REOs were on the market in the building, starting at $ 53k (around $ 129K originally).

For this price and location, this place was better than all the others I looked at. Clean hallways and lobby, nice yard, and well maintained apartments. The maintenance guy takes real pride in his work and the office staff is friendly. I can walk to the train, to work and to the beach easily. Grocery store, restaurants and shopping all in walking distance too. Small apartments, but perfect for just me.