When 525 Hawthorne Place was converted, there was a lot to recommend the development – competitive pricing, good floor plans and some great views. Prices started in the $260s for large one-bedrooms in a building with a large pool, a sun deck, 24-hour door staff, garage parking and a fitness center – all steps from the lake in Lakeview East.
But Yo hears that even residents who love their units and the building have been less than happy with Vilas Development Corporation, headed by Ganesan “Dr. Vish” Visvabharathy, which converted the 200-plus-unit building to condominiums. According to one active resident, the developer has maintained ownership of some common elements, including the pool and laundry areas – key assets for residents and potential moneymakers for outside owners. The association would like to maintain and control these major amenities in its building, but negotiations reportedly have not gone well and the possibility of a lawsuit has been raised.
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