Ratekin Towers

Pros

• Nancy with the eligibility department sped up the process.
• Roy with Property Management was wonderful explaining the ins and outs of this place.
• There are group activities, a laundry room, a computer lab, and much more.
• The building itself is clean and very well organized.
• The dumpster site is always clear of trash.
• A trash chute is available on every floor, making trash disposal easy for residents.
• There is ample parking available for the tenants.
• The apartments are updated and comfortable.
• Every floor has a different themed lobby.
• This place is a great place to live for disabled and elderly.
• This place should be the cleanest apartment building in town after the cleanup.
• There are people around, so residents are never alone, and the neighbors are great.
• Everyone here is a community one is a part of.

Cons

• Residents are constantly smoking inside and causing drama.
• The place is described as an old abandoned hospital being visited by paranormal investigators.
• It is portrayed as the worst assisted living option in the county for seniors.
• There are no GFI outlets by the bathroom or kitchen sinks, and there are ongoing plumbing and code concerns.
• An eviction left the tenant with nowhere to go, and their health deteriorated.
• Cell phones do not work reliably there, with frequent service problems.
• There was meth contamination in the building.

Review

After more than a year and a half of anticipation, one resident finally reached the top of the waitlist, moved in, and settled into a building that blends activity, convenience, and a strong sense of community. The place offers a lively mix of group activities, a small laundry room, a computer lab, and more, which together help create a feeling of belonging rather than simply a place to sleep. The experience isn't just about the walls - there's a social fabric here: neighbors are often nearby, and the complex becomes a place you're truly part of. One notable note is the pet policy, which allows animals under 20 pounds, as long as they are up to date on vaccines, underscoring a community that accommodates residents while keeping health: a practical balance in daily living.

Two individuals are repeatedly singled out for helping make the move possible. Nancy in the eligibility department is praised for speeding up the process, while Roy from Property Management is commended for patiently explaining the ins and outs of living in the building. Such assistance is framed as a vital part of the overall positive experience, reinforcing the sense that this is not just a building, but a place where staff members are approachable and supportive. The stronger theme across the board is a feeling of connectivity: there are always people around, and neighbors tend to be great, contributing to a comfortable, communal atmosphere.

Beyond the core positives, a few stray notes pop up that remind readers this complex sits in a real, mixed urban space. One reviewer calls it a "nice place to visit" and mentions a local feature - an actual ledge across the street that makes for an easy skate run. It's a small, lighthearted touch that hints at accessibility and nearby amenities, even as other reviews highlight more serious concerns. The same reviewer's tone contrasts with others in the mix, illustrating that the experience can vary widely from person to person and from unit to unit.

Not every report is rosy. A family member recounts distressing experiences with their relative who lives in the building, describing constant smoking indoors and ongoing drama that fuels fear and reluctance to stay. The atmosphere, in this account, becomes emotionally exhausting and unsafe enough to beg their loved one to move. Such testimonies echo a broader warning that, for some residents, the social environment can be as challenging as the physical one, turning what might be a comforting home into a place of worry.

Another reviewer uses a vivid metaphor to express a deeper unease: the building feels like an old, abandoned hospital being explored by paranormal investigators, with a focus on uncovering "the old dead and missing." This stark image captures a perception of neglect and eerie tension, particularly for seniors who feel vulnerable in a setting that seems to hover between care and decay. It's a bleak contrast to the more upbeat experiences and underscores that the quality of daily life here can hinge on management, maintenance, and the social climate at any given moment.

On the Ratekin Tower Apartments' practical side, a visitor paints a mixed but detail-rich portrait: the building is clean and well organized, with a dumpster site that's almost always clear of trash and a trash chute on every floor - an amenity that makes housekeeping easier for elderly tenants. Parking is ample, and the apartments themselves feel updated and comfortable. Each floor features a different themed lobby, which adds personality and variety to the common areas. There's an on-site laundry room, though residents must pay to use it, and the overall vibe tilts toward a college dorm or military barracks for some, hinting at shared living that may appeal to some and feel less suitable to others.

Still, there are practical complaints that cannot be ignored. A persistent sense that the building is not up to code appears in several lines: no GFI circuits by bathroom and kitchen sinks, troubling plumbing issues, and noise heard at night. One tenant recounts an eviction, alleged theft within the apartment, and even counterfeit money passed around, all of which contribute to a sense of insecurity. Cell phone service is described as unreliable, and there is a lingering frustration with the possibility of obtaining Section 8 aid while living in the complex. The reviewer ultimately expresses relief at having left, underscoring that, for all the positives, serious safety and legal concerns can severely impact the living experience.

Despite these darker notes, some reviewers maintain a strong, consistent appreciation for the maintenance of cleanliness and the friendliness of staff. One reviewer who recently moved in highlights a very clean environment, helpful staff, and welcoming neighbors. Another emphasizes the place's suitability for disabled and elderly residents, noting a community dining room that serves meals Monday through Friday as part of a broader meals-on-wheels setup. Even as they acknowledge a meth contamination problem - described as an issue that can occur elsewhere as well - the sentiment remains hopeful that the building can emerge cleaner and safer, becoming the "cleanest apartment building in town" once a comprehensive cleanup takes place.

In the final word, the complex emerges as a place of contrasts: for some, it is a welcoming, well-equipped home with active social life, responsive staff, and convenient amenities that make daily life smoother. For others, it is a space shadowed by safety concerns, maintenance issues, and troubling experiences that undermine comfort and security. The strongest throughline is proximity to community and the potential for a supportive environment - especially when managers and staff, like Brittany in one recent favorable note, demonstrate care and effectiveness. The bottom line is clear: Ratekin Tower has real strengths that can shine for residents who connect with its programs, staff, and neighborly energy, but it also carries significant challenges that require ongoing attention to safety, maintenance, and community culture.

This part of Grand Junction, Colorado offers a convenient and accessible location for seniors looking to settle down. With a variety of cafes and restaurants within walking distance, there are plenty of options for dining out or grabbing a quick bite to eat. The area also boasts several places of worship for those seeking spiritual fulfillment, as well as parks for outdoor recreation and relaxation. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals nearby, providing easy access to medical services. Additionally, the community is served by reliable transportation options such as U-Haul for any moving or transportation needs. Overall, this neighborhood offers a well-rounded environment with essential amenities for seniors looking to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle in Grand Junction.

Cafes

• Sugar & Ice (0.1 miles)
• Starbucks (0.4 miles)
• Copeka Coffee (0.4 miles)
• Java Junction (0.7 miles)
• Peet's Coffee and Tea (0.9 miles)
• Red Rose Cafe (0.9 miles)
• Coffee Trader (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Domino's Pizza (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Old Man Grill (0.3 miles)
• Pizza Hut (0.4 miles)
• Subway (0.6 miles)
• Pollo Azado (0.6 miles)
• Burger King (0.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Grand Valley Baptist Association (0.2 miles)
• First Baptist Church (0.5 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (0.6 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (0.6 miles)
• United Ministries (0.7 miles)
• First Church of Christ Scientists (0.7 miles)
• Heritage Church (0.9 miles)

Parks

• Lincoln Park Complex (0.2 miles)
• Hawthorne Park (0.5 miles)

Physicians

• The Optical Center (0.3 miles)
• Juniper Family Medicine (0.6 miles)
• Western Slope Orthotics (0.6 miles)
• Western Medical Associates (0.6 miles)
• Trailhead Clinics (0.6 miles)
• Bigler Lynne RN (0.6 miles)
• Western Medical Associates: Moore Jr T A DO (0.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Orchard Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Advanced Pharmacy Services (0.8 miles)
• Walker Discount Medical Supplies (0.8 miles)
• City Market Pharmacy (1 miles)
• City Market Food & Pharmacy (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Community Hospital (0.7 miles)
• Grand Junction Va Medical Center (0.8 miles)
• VA Medical Center (0.9 miles)
• St Mary's Hospital & Regional Medical Center (1 miles)
• St Mary's Hospital & Medical Center (1 miles)
• St Marys Hospital (1.1 miles)
• Stagg Craig H MD - St Mary's Hospital & Regional Medical Center (1.1 miles)

Theaters

• Avalon Theatre (0.7 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul (0.9 miles)