Harriet Tubman Terrace

Pros

• The renovation is beautiful.
• The new floors, cabinets, bathroom, and kitchen are outstanding.
• The staff and the manager are kind and attentive.
• The property manager was friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful.
• It is a very nice place to live.
• It is a great place.
• It is the best place to stay.

Cons

• The property is not suitable for people to live in.
• There is mold.
• Rats, roaches, and bed bugs are present.
• Renovation is underway with tenants living inside.
• Dust, spiders, and water outages occurred for three days straight from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., affecting seniors on the premises.
• This situation is not OK with respect to the Disability Act.

Review

The reviews present a picture of a senior housing property that shines in one area and struggles in another. On the bright side, the location has undergone a beautiful renovation that many residents notice as soon as they walk in. Fresh floors, updated cabinets, sparkling bathrooms, and a modern kitchen give the space a bright, new feel. The praise doesn't stop at the aesthetics - the staff and the manager are repeatedly described as kind and attentive, creating a welcoming atmosphere for those who call the place home.

Yet there is a stark contrast between the renovated interiors and the realities of living there during a renovation cycle. Several comments raise serious concerns about suitability and safety for residents. Pests emerge as a major problem in some reviews, with mentions of rats, roaches, and bed bugs that cast a shadow over the otherwise fresh improvements. Mold is also cited in at least one report, amplifying worries about health and comfort in a building that is supposed to serve seniors. These issues paint a troubling picture for anyone considering moving in, especially those who require a stable, low-stress living environment.

Another point of tension is the ongoing renovation process itself. Tenants are described as living inside the building while work continues, which some reviewers say leads to dust, spiders, and general disruption. There is a specific concern about work hours and noise - dust and activities occurring for three days straight from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - while seniors are trying to rest or go about their daily routines. The juxtaposition of fresh, new finishes with the inconvenience and potential hazards of a construction zone on living spaces creates a complicated, conflicting experience for residents.

Related to these living-condition concerns is an explicit critique regarding disability access and compliance. One reviewer states flatly that the situation is not okay with respect to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, emphasizing that the current setup may not adequately protect or accommodate seniors with special needs. This kind of feedback underscores the importance of accessibility and safety considerations in senior housing, especially when renovations are in progress and residents are still occupying the building.

On a more uplifting note, another thread of reviews highlights the strength of the property management team. For those who were actively searching for senior housing, the property manager is described as friendly, knowledgeable, and extremely helpful, offering substantial support and guidance. This strong professional presence is appreciated by prospective tenants and current residents alike, suggesting that when the management team is engaged in the process, residents feel seen and assisted.

Overall, the sentiment across the reviews ranges from highly positive to cautiously guarded. Several statements describe the place as "very nice," "great," and "the best place to stay," reflecting genuine satisfaction with the environment, the renovations, and the friendly staff who make an effort to create a welcoming community. The recurring sense is that the location has substantial potential and appealing features, particularly once the renovations are fully completed and the everyday living conditions are stabilized.

In sum, this senior housing property presents a compelling mix of modern, appealing upgrades and strong, caring management alongside significant concerns that cannot be ignored. The updated interiors and the responsive, courteous staff are clear positives that attract residents. At the same time, pest issues, mold, ongoing construction, dust and noise, and questions about ADA compliance raise alarms for anyone considering moving in, especially seniors who deserve a safe and comfortable home. The ongoing challenge for the property is to reconcile the lure of the renovated spaces with a living environment that meets health, safety, and accessibility expectations - so that the positive aspects can truly define the resident experience rather than being overshadowed by the criticisms.

This part of Berkeley, California offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies in close proximity, accessing necessary medications is easy. The nearby parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. In terms of healthcare, there are several reputable physician offices and medical centers nearby for comprehensive care. Various dining options ranging from casual eateries to cafes offer convenient meal choices. Public transportation options such as BART stations and bus stops make getting around the area hassle-free. Additionally, entertainment options like theaters are within a reasonable distance. Overall, this part of Berkeley provides a well-rounded and accessible environment for seniors looking to enjoy their retirement years with convenience and comfort.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.1 miles)
• CBCB GFTCRD (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Farmacy Berkeley (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Parks

• Grove Park (0.2 miles)
• Willard Park (0.7 miles)
• Presentation Mini Park (0.9 miles)
• Temescal Creek Park (1.5 miles)
• Cedar Rose Park (1.7 miles)
• Live Oak Park (1.9 miles)
• Berkeley Rose Garden (2 miles)

Physicians

• Sutter Urgent Care: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (0.5 miles)
• Berkeley Pediatrics (1.4 miles)
• Kiwi Pediatrics Medical Group (2.4 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center - Mosswood Building (2.4 miles)
• One Medical (3 miles)
• Sutter East Bay Medical Center (3.3 miles)
• Urology: Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation (5 miles)

Restaurants

• Homemade Cafe (0.8 miles)
• Mezzo (0.8 miles)
• Bakesale Betty (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.6 miles)
• Saul's Restaurant and Deli (1.7 miles)
• Fentons Creamery (2.2 miles)
• Cato's Ale House (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Caffe Strada (1.1 miles)
• Highwire Coffee Roasters (1.3 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (1.9 miles)
• Hal's Office (2.8 miles)
• Bicycle Coffee (4.2 miles)
• Cafe N!ne (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)

Transportation

• Emeryville Amtrak (1.7 miles)
• MacArthur BART Station (1.9 miles)
• El Cerrito Plaza BART Station (3.5 miles)
• West Oakland BART Station (3.9 miles)
• Lake Merritt BART Station (4.1 miles)
• 20/21 Bus Stop (5.1 miles)
• Fruitvale BART Station (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Bay Street 16 (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center (2.3 miles)
• Kaiser OB-GYN (2.4 miles)
• Sutter Alta Bates Summit Medical Center: Summit Camps (2.5 miles)
• Highland Hospital (4.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley (4.3 miles)