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“The building, which was built in 1926, is located directly in the path of progress,” says the website for Bold L&H Lofts. In the path? No wonder East Garfield Park is suffering! Get out of the way, and let that progress through!
I kid.
Sometime in the past couple of years, LK Growth and Bold Development adapted the six-story Lindemann & Hoverson warehouse at 2620 W Washington St into 68 lofts and retail space. The developers restored the building’s entrance and terra cotta-clad showroom, created new storefronts, installed new windows to match its old steel-sash windows, and repaired the brick and terra cotta exterior. They built a green roof and applied for LEED Silver certification (something the development has yet to receive, according to the US Green Building Council), had the building declared a Chicago Landmark in early 2009, and pulled in an award for preservation excellence from the city this year.
The developers describe the homes as “true industrial lofts” with new lighting, exposed brick, minimalist kitchens with maple cabinetry, custom-designed aluminum shelving, and granite countertops, and new white-tiled bathrooms. The building itself “offer(s) a multitude of Gold Coast amenities at a fraction of the cost,” including free Wi-Fi, two new elevators, a roof deck with community grill, private garden areas, and a dog run.
Rent started at $950, with in-unit laundry running an additional $55 and parking an additional $110. The last time Bold Development updated the project’s website, all but one of the units were under lease.
In our search for more information about the building, we came across a Facebook group created “to provide a central, accessible place for residents…to meet one another, and to voice concerns regarding the building, as well as the community.” Its wall reveals plenty about life in and around the lofts, from a laundry list of maintenance problems, to the realities of neighborhood crime. Some of the choice comments and questions are:
Hey, who stole my pumpkin? There were 4 outside my door on Saturday morning, but only 3 on Sunday night. They aren’t meant for taking.
Someone tried to steal my tire overnight, on Talman – just watch out. Check your tires before you drive!
Is it me or are the elevators getting darker as each light slowly goes out?
I haven’t been able to get a decent wireless connection in weeks.
My car was broken into last night on Campbell. I know there’s not a lot anyone can do about it, I mean that’s what you get for living in a crappy neighborhood…but just fyi.
Are people allowed to use their apartments for carpentry businesses or building boats? Just asking because that’s sure as hell what it sounds like the person who lives above me is doing every day, and if you can’t tell by the sarcasm on here, it’s REALLY annoying.
word is that Cory was robbed at gunpoint right outside the buidling in broad daylight! Another good reason to get the Hell out of that place.
Funny story; a cabbie once asked me “Are you SURE you want me to let you out here?” when he drove me to our building.
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
I made the terribly unwise decision to move into this place when it first opened back at the end of May in 2009. The developers and management continually lied about building details in order to convince people to sign leases. What was supposed to be an enclosed, grassy rooftop dog run turned out to be some astroturf thrown over one side of the wooden deck, and secured by some extra cinderblocks. It smelled just fantastic in the summer, as you can imagine. The tile floors in the elevators were done so cheaply, that the tiles kept popping out every day. Developers solution? Why a piece of plywood placed overtop for months works just as well!
We were promised to have a divider installed separating the bed area from the rest of the loft, and after several promises and ignored requests, that never happened either. The pipes in the garage also leaked rusty water onto the cars, causing paint damage that the management refused to address.
All of that without getting into the personal safety issues of the surrounding area. Residents who parked their cars on the street habitually had them broken into, people were robbed in front of the building at gun point, and the empty lot east of the building was frequented by drug dealers and prostitutes.
The place was a hellish nightmare, and after 4 months there I gave up, broke my lease, and moved out. I implore anyone else that considers moving to Bold L&H because of what appears to be a good deal, to strongly reconsider. Lying and unresponsive management is bad enough, but the risk of bodily harm is not worth any discounts you might be given to live here.
I agree with Jordan. Many broken promises and maintenance that was lacking big time for nearly 8 months. Cars were broken into every week, smashed in windshields and yet with the “security system” in place there were never any arrests. Everything was sugar coated with BS. The developer believed so much in the building and neighborhood that he moved in. NOT! Thanks for posting, the place is a nightmare for anyone with pets. The area around the building is littered with trash and often street lights are out. Not a place to walk outside at dark alone…ever. Stay away from this building and Kass Management!
I live on the same block as this building. While I don’t have trouble believing the building itself isn’t as luxurious as described, I think the comments above vilifying the neighborhood are not completely accurate. No this is not Lincoln or Wicker Park; it’s not even East Humbolt Park level yet. But the amount of crime and the state of general safety in the area as described by comments above are overblown.
First of all, being right near Dodge Elementary school the area is very well lit and very well patrolled by the police.
Second, living in the area I monitor Chicago Crime website weekly and never once have I seen any robbery at gunpoint take place near this building. I haven’t seen robbery at gunpoint take place near Washington Blvd between Western and California EVER! Do car break-ins occur in the area? Yes, but not weekly as described above. But guess what — car theft/break-ins happen in every neighborhood. It comes with the risk of parking on the street. I’ve been parking my car on the street — sometimes on Talman even — for 2 years and have yet to see my car vandalized. This is anecdotal, yes, but with the proper precautions like keeping any valuables out of sight you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.
Don’t get me wrong — EGP has a lot of development to go to become a desirable neighborhood to live for any reason other than a central location within the city. But most of the bad crime stays west of Kedzie. And EGP is literally a walk in the park compared to West GP and parts of Lawndale.
I read this article last week when it was originally published and it hasn’t set well with me. While I do not live in the Bold L & H Lofts building, I am very familiar with it and live somewhat in the area—just over by the United Center. I have been very active in trying to improve the neighborhood—for instance, my husband and I, along with a core group of other community members lead the petition drive that got us the Pete’s Fresh Market full service grocery store that is coming to the corner of Madison and Western in 2011. I have frequently walked the 2620 Bold L&H Lofts building distributing flyers for various neighborhood events to encourage involvement. The owner has been gracious enough to host a couple of social mixers that brought other people from the neighborhood to the 2620 building to meet residents and mingle. He also personally connected me with some residents in the building that he knew were interested in gardening so that they could participate in some community gardens we developed just east of Western Ave. In my opinion, the owner cares very much about the building, its tenants, and is always looking to foster a sense of community with the residents of the building.
Having been both a renter and a landlord in the city for years, there’s no better deal out there price-wise for what you get—the amenities listed in this article are true—a true concrete loft building, a heated parking garage, free WIFI and killer views—plus the rooftop deck with a bar-b-que, café tables and a dog run. And from what I understand, the utilities are very low, as the building is built according to LEED specifications and is waiting certification.
It’s not a hidden fact that the neighborhood is going through redevelopment. That’s why the pricing is much better than the Gold Coast or other established areas. Parking in the Gold Coast is over $200 and Bold L&H is $110—and street parking is free. Is there crime? Yes—there is everywhere in the city. When I lived in a very nice area of Wrigleyville, I was mugged at gunpoint, had my apartment broken into and had my car broken into— so it’s everywhere. Like one of the other commenters mentioned—you have to be smart—don’t leave stuff in your car out in the open—don’t walk home by yourself from the EL at 2am— and if people in the building want the neighborhood to improve, then they need to get active and attend their local CAPS meetings if they don’t already. The cops need to hear your stories and complaints—you are the constant eyes and ears of what is happening around your building. They can put together a special sting operation if you want to end the prostitution that you are witnessing, drugs, etc. There is also a very tight Block Club on Maypole — I’ve bumped into the gentleman that organizes it when I was passing out flyers one day and I believe they have monthly events like game night or a dance. Getting to know neighbors cuts your risks for being a victim of crime significantly. People can also get involved with the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance that heads up the East Garfield Park New Communities Program and Quality of Life Plan: http://www.garfieldconservatory.org/new_communities.htm
Over here by the United Center we are constantly faced with similar safety and quality of life issues—but as we’ve learned, sticking to yourself and just complaining about it doesn’t get anything accomplished. Once we became active in our community and got to know people, the area GREATLY improved. Regarding trash around the building— make sure the area gets on the next clean and green for the ward—call the alderman’s office and complain. Request that L & H or Kass gets some permanent garbage cans from the city for in front of/ around the building (the kind that are bolted to the sidewalk).
As far as the quality issues inside the building, again, I don’t live in the building, but I would assume that a lot of those kinks have been worked out. After all, the building is BRAND NEW and with new construction it takes time to make corrections. I noticed on the Facebook page that mostly all of the complaints were posted in 2009 regarding quality issues about the building. For instance… the elevator floors situation— apparently, the elevators’ floor tiles had very expensive glass tile that was installed incorrectly and since then, new porcelain tiles were installed. Wood was put on the floor due to move-ins and due to construction to finish the project. The dog run situation that Jordan describes is not the dog run that I’ve seen– it is now a fenced off area on the roof and it has been totally improved. The fact the building stays full says many residents like the building.
From what I know of my interactions with the owner and Kass Management, they care very much about the residents—even the owner walks the building and asks if residents are happy and what can be done to make the building an even better place to live. If the owner ever found out a resident was this unhappy he would correct it right away. Kass tries to provide great service, and things do happen sometimes— residents can always reach the owner at info@2620lofts.com. Believe me, Bold L&H management and ownership want residents to be happy!!!! Otherwise, they’d be sitting with empty units and losing valuable rent!
For a purported outsider, Heather, you do a great job of coming across as someone who works for the owner or manager of this building.
Joe, I assure you– I do not work for the owner of this building, or the management company—nor do I work in the real estate industry period— the only real estate interest I have is the roof over my head. As I clearly stated in my comment, I am friendly with the owner after I initially approached him (literally cold-called him) to host a community social mixer. I have been on multiple tours of the building over the past two years and have seen improvements with my own eyes–i.e. the elevator floors, the rooftop garden and the dog run. Not only have I toured the building with the owner and heard his ideas for plans, improvements and the sheer pride he has in the building, but I have also experienced his commitment to make sure that tenants are happy and feel a sense of community. He did not have to open up his building to host events in which all of his tenants were invited (we also distributed flyers in the building to invite tenants to other events taking place in the neighborhood, upon the owner’s request to keep them involved). I also attended a social event for the tenants in which the owner was encouraging feedback from tenants and he even got Alderman Fioretti to come and listen to tenants’ concerns, answer questions and provide neighborhood updates. Very rarely do building owners of rental properties show this much interest.
Therefore, Joe, when I read the article, I felt the need to stick up for this owner and the building, and I found it to be pretty irresponsible that the author of this article chose to focus on comments from a FaceBook page that are outdated, rather than taking the time to actually interview any of the current tenants.
One more thing— if you notice, majority of my comment was focused on improving the neighborhood and concrete resources/ ideas for people as to how to do so. Speaking as a resident of a simliar “developing” area that is plagued by many of the same issues, it frustrates me when people sit around and belly ache about it, but never do anything. No owner of any building is going to wave a magic wand and make all of the social ills of the neighborhood disappear. It is up to the residents of the community and there’s power in numbers. When I moved over to the United Center area in 2007, I would hear gunshots at night when I took my dog out, had drug dealers and gang members CONSTANTLY camping out on my corner and across the street and hookers turning tricks in a vacant piece land two doors down. Guess what? While things aren’t all peachy, I don’t have drug dealers setting up camp on my corner anymore–got the vacant lot fenced in so that it isn’t a hang out for hookers, and by doing other things to keep the neighborhood clean, building a community garden, etc. it’s not as fun for the gun wielding gang bangers to hang out in droves in the local park. And this all happened by joining forces with other neighbors and getting our voices heard by the police, our Alderman and showing our commitment so that they had to follow through on our complaints/ requests. People have to show up!
Just as, if residents of 2620 are not happy with something about the building, then they need to contact the owner to get resolution.
Heather,
I’m curious as to why you use one name / e-mail address here, and another in the Facebook Group?
Umm, Joe, not that I owe you an explanation, but I do not go under my real name online due to safety issues. Why do you care? Please don’t answer that, because I don’t really care what you think. Forgive me for concentrating on the real issues regarding this article, rather than your concern about what “handle” I’m using. I’m certainly not the first person on the Internet to use multiple aliases to protect my identity for safety reasons.Good Bye.
Heather,
My concern over your identity is obvious.
When someone violates Facebook’s Terms of Service and lies about their identity, as you’ve just said you do, and has multiple onlinie identities, there’s good cause to question their motives.
My guess is that your “safety” concerns revolve around being safe from FTC fines for fraudulent endorsements.
I think that the developers did a GREAT job with this buliding from what I have seen on the pictures I would’nt mine moving into one of these unit these is an up and coming area that will grow rapidly GOOD JOB!!!!!
Now let’s get an update for someone who lives in the building- I do not know “Heather” but she is right and I can tell she has met Larry by what she is saying. Yes, there have been a few things wrong, but it is a NEW renovated building like someone said and there are always going to be issues. If you have concerns, express it to Larry and he will try to improve what you ask. I can tell his heart and his soul goes into this building to the point where he is even having an office built for him just so he can spend a couple of hours a day during the week in the building incase anybody wants to talk to him and express concerns. 68 units in the building…how often can you say most renters have a relationship with the owner, let alone see him/meet him on a regular basis. Not very often. There is not one safe place in a city. I am a female and have to take my dog outside when not using the dog run and I feel safe, but you always need to watch your back no matter where you are. I am on my A-game when I go out there, but it does make me feel better knowing there are schools surrounding. I always see neighborhood kids outside playing. Everyone is really friendly and kind in and around the building. Only crime I saw were a few guys trying to break in to the trains sitting on the tracks. Cops were called immediately and I saw them show up in a few minutes and search the area. There are always cops rolling around here. Saw a car parked in front of the train tracks one night too and a cop pulled up behind them within a few minutes, searched them and told them to leave the area. There are always cops sitting by the train tracks above as well. I feel renters are always going to have something to complain about. Go buy a house than and pay to have someone constantly fix the shit that goes wrong. I think Kass Management and Larry are very nice and understanding people. They will try to accommodate any needs you have. I enjoy living in L&H Bold. I think it’s a great building and is constantly improving.
Why do so many of the commenters on this post sound inauthentic?
Since you’re such a booster, C, I’m inviting you to show me around the building on a video tour, and ask directions to the building.
Correct me if I’m wrong by taking me up on my offer.
The skeptic in me says you’d have to borrow a dog or the occasion.
I’ve been here since the opening of the building and besides having my spare tire stolen the first 6 months I was here, I haven’t had a problem at all. Like some of the posts say you have to be smart living in the city, no matter where you live. Its new and it will take time for things to happen here (and it has). Yes, there are a few locals who are threatened and may have a problem with the people in the building but if you speak to some of them when you see them instead of ignore or stick your nose up like your better than them, then yes, you will have problems no matter where you live. Some people are not comfortable living around certain people (Joe) so they automatically say negative things about neighborhoods. There is crime everywhere and people need to understand that. If you make yourself a target, then you will be one. this is the price of city living and no I haven’t lived my whole life in the city. I’m from the ‘burbs. Is that authentic enough Joe?
M. and C have the same IP address, and I’ll give odds that they’re the same liar.
Do you people not realize that what you’re apparently doing is illegal – and that it is a big honking warning flag that scares people away from your building even more than the neighborhood does?
Hey dumbass. Same IP address is because we live in this building. We use the same free wifi service that the building provides. If you spent less time checking IP addresses and more time on actually getting facts on whats going on over here then maybe you might be a more credible person. Come over and I will give you that tour you asked C for.
Joe,
You’re trying to tear down the good someone (besides you) is trying to do for the city of Chicago. Turn your attention to something more positive and from what I gather, you don’t live in the building or in the area. If you are not helping, then you are the problem.
Well, M., I’m always up for meeting classy folk like you.
You can leave me a voice mail at 312-280-9780 x 100 with your correct name and return number to make arrangements to meet me at the building.
Anyone taking bets on whether M. will follow through and prove to be an actua resident of the building unrelated to ownership?
Joe,
I’m in 405. I’m here til 2p Monday-Friday and I can show you how classy we are. Let’s see if you’re up to it. Better yet, you can come today. I will be here all day. Take time out of my off day to show you around. Let’s see if your talk is real. 708-432-6718 and leave a message. Peace.
M.,
Per our phone conversation I’m looking forward to meeting you at the building Wednesday at 10.
Any updates in your visit?
M. left a voice mail cancelling our scheduled visit.
lol, you people are HILARIOUS!!! this is better than reality tv, probably because it’s reality! i, too, am moving into the united center area in a few weeks, and am looking forward to the funny & lively debates between joe, m, c, etc – let’s keep one thing in mind – we have to work together to build the neighborhood up by working together, not by discouraging other from joining and helping buildup a neighborhood you’ve already invested in; it’s counter productive, and will only have a negative impact on all our property values. less threatening posts, more neighborhood involvement (you know who you are…).
dby,
Not very many renters who expected the great neighborhood a Web site promised want to spend their time building up the neighborhood their landlord actually delivered. It’s HILARIOUS to think that many of them will.
Why do you sound so much like the same promoter we’ve seen above?
I know that this is a rather old thread but I came across it because I’ve been researching 2620 Lofts since my girlfriend and I are looking to move into a new place in Jan 2013.
After reading all of this, we are ruling this place out. We have been trying to set up a showing for the past week after seeing a listing on Craigslist. In our experience, setting up a showing for a place has usually been an almost effortless experience but our contact here has continually traded emails with us and promised to call us and has not followed through.
Our contacts name….Heather. Just saying…
I am looking for an apartment in this price range (1-2 bdrms). If anyone does’t like the area ,I’ll take over the lease in early 2013. Heather , if you have any thing available around United Cntr., please let me know . I grew up on the westside. This is a legitimate request.
I have left at least 5 messages for both Heather (email AND phone) and also the building management with no communication back. I would have loved to have rented one of these units for June, but it’s been 2 weeks without a peep. That doesn’t bode well for what it would be like if you actually needed maintenance or assistance once in the building. After reading these reviews, I am not surprised. Just a warning that the customer service seems to be pretty bad. A shame, because I really did want to rent a unit.