Manhattan Apartments

The Manhattan Apartments provided exactly what my wife and I were looking for. When we moved from California we wanted to be in the heart of the city. A block away was Trader Joes, 4 – 5 blocks was Fred Meyers. 1 block north and south of us were two main streets for shopping, dining, bar hopping, coffee shops, etc. And we were only a 10 minute walk from the Pearl and downtown Portland.
In spite of all the surrounding attractions, this complex maintained a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere. Parking is not provided (although you could rent a space in the adjacent commercial complex for $ 50 a month), and can be difficult to find a spot on weekends and during peak hours (5−6pm). However, after a week or so we both learned where to look and didn’t really have too many issues finding spots. We both regularly only walked a block or two at most.
Coming from California I expected nothing but difficulty with landlords. What was very unique about this place is that they don’t hire some soulless property mgmt company to treat you like a number. Brian, the owner was always kind, responsive, and addressed us by our first names. He even brought us new shower curtains after we moved in. We had a clogged drain a month or so after moving in, and he came the very next day to fix it. Larry, the property manager lived on-​site and was also super kind, helpful, and just a good person. Both my wife and I felt very comfortable with both of them.
Very pleased with our experience!

I’ve lived here for over a year now and have loved every minute of it. The address can’t be beat as we’re steps from 23^rd and 21^st Avenue, not to mention Washington Park, several bus lines and the MAX. It’s a beautiful old building with crazy awesome deco charm. Super tall ceilings, tons of cabinet and closet space, fantastic hardwood floors, original window curtain rods /​chandelier /​«french door» windows /​kitchen display cabinetry /​etc. It’s all so great! My only complaint is that I’m not a fan of the bathroom. The toilet is old so it does not have a back to it and the tub is just a bit too small for me when I take the oh-​so-​rare bath.
As another review said, the heating bills are outrageously cheap and hardly needed because of the thick brick walls. My most expensive bills so far was somewhere around $ 40. Water, sewer and trash is included so all you have is heat and internet and cable (if you watch TV, lol).
With regard to complaints about the owner (Brian) and manager (Larry — a new manager as of six months ago) — completely unfounded. Both Brian and Larry are extremely nice and go to great lengths to keep this place nice. It’s an old building so things break but they always fix problems in a timely manner if it’s of pressing need. Not a day goes by I don’t see one of them working on the place so they obviously care. They smile, say hello and ask how I’m doing whenever I see them.
I heart the Manhattan!

Eek methinks not is right. I have never encountered as horrible a human being (human? really? more like android) in my life. I am serious. The owner is the biggest piece of S$%# you will not even know what to think. If you are lucky enough to catch him on a good day he’s distant and apathetic. On a bad day? A lying, deceitful, inhuman rodent. Problems with the plumbing or utilities are treated with little attention. You have to ask a trillion times for help and then if a phone is answered you are treated like gum under a boot. This is with the owner. The new manager seems a little more human but under complete control of the owner, and he has already been shoddy as hell to me… that’s why i’m about out the door. So the place in looks has charm. It’s an old art deco complex that is transforming into ikea crap owned by scum, and managed by a toad. This is not just my bad opinion. It has been a staple opinion by anyone with a heart and brain for years. I read reviews before moving in when the place had different management (awful) and the same low-​life owner. I figured whatever, it is cute. Big mistake– big. No place is worth it, and if you think so then you deserve it. I hear the rent has dropped but not for anyone who already is here, even if it’s ridiculous. Plus I hear a dog when I am specifically told no dogs allowed. I’m telling you, a lying sack of dirt. So um, move on is all I can say.