Maple Pointe Apartments

Pros

• Residents appreciate the new appliances and renovations that enhance their living spaces at Maple Pointe.
• The management company responds promptly to resident issues, demonstrating a commitment to customer service.
• Some tenants have experienced reduced rent due to the new owners' subsidy from CHA, providing financial relief.
• Many residents enjoy the various amenities available, such as a library, community room, and organized activities like bingo games.
• Security guards are consistently described as courteous and helpful, contributing to a sense of safety within the building.
• Overall, some residents feel that Maple Pointe is a great place to live considering its affordable rent and community atmosphere.

Cons

• Residents feel that the building has transformed from a safe, senior-oriented community into an unsafe environment filled with rowdy tenants and uncontrolled pets.
• There are frequent complaints about dogs running loose, defecating in and around the building, and even instances of dog fights, creating a hazardous atmosphere for families and individuals with disabilities.
• Many former amenities and safety measures have been diminished or removed since the new management took over, leading to concerns about security and overall living conditions.
• The renovations carried out by the new owners have been criticized for being low-quality, using toxic materials, and resulting in faulty appliances that do not meet residents' needs.
• Tenants report feeling neglected by management when it comes to maintenance issues, including persistent problems with heating, air conditioning, water pressure, and phone services.
• There is a widespread perception that management takes advantage of vulnerable residents by failing to return security deposits and providing inadequate support.
• Long-term residents express frustration over increased noise levels and disturbances from new tenants who do not adhere to previous regulations regarding guest limits.

Review

Maple Pointe, a formerly quiet tax credit building intended for seniors aged 55 and older, has become a focal point for mounting discontent among residents. Originally designed to offer reduced market-rate rent alongside limited HUD Section rentals, the building is now experiencing significant upheaval after its acquisition by Standard Communities about two and a half years ago. Once known for its strict rules—including a maximum occupancy of two people per unit, a weight limit of 20 pounds for pets, and round-the-clock security that enforced check-ins for guests—the deterioration in management standards has left long-time residents feeling increasingly unsafe and neglected.

Residents have voiced serious concerns over the rising number of larger dogs permitted within the premises, with reports of dog fights in the garden area and unsanitary conditions due to dogs defecating both inside and outside the building. Many families with children reside in the complex, creating an urgent need for more stringent pet policies. The failure to control not just pet-related incidents but also a growing rat problem exacerbates frustrations among tenants who feel their living environment has become hostile. Complaints range from aggressive behavior exhibited by some new tenants to issues with safety when entering or exiting the building—particularly affecting those with disabilities.

The renovation promise made by Standard Communities has instead turned into what many describe as a nightmare. Residents allege that rather than improving living conditions, management opted for cheap materials and substandard appliances amid renovations. Issues such as toxic glue used for laying down luxury vinyl plank flooring—which resulted in bubbling—and inadequate heating systems that restrict temperatures have sparked frustration. There are accounts of ovens taking an excessive amount of time to heat up while freezers frost food instantly. Furthermore, the newly installed thermostat system reportedly offers no control over temperature settings, leaving residents unable to adjust their comfort levels independently.

Water pressure has also become an issue; management’s response to complaints was that residents should purchase additional faucets at their own expense to remedy low pressure caused by "energy conservation" measures established by owners. In addition to these facility issues, financial troubles are surfacing as well—claims from multiple residents state that security deposits are not being returned promptly or at all despite legal obligations under Illinois law mandating returns within 45 days.

However, it is important to recognize that some voices among Maple Pointe's residents have countered this narrative by expressing satisfaction with their experiences post-renovation. While acknowledging imperfections like occasional elevator outages—common in any aging multi-unit residence—they emphasize responsiveness from management when addressing individual concerns or maintenance issues. A certain segment appreciates improvements such as lower rents due to CHA subsidies and praise new amenities like digital thermostats and updated fixtures in renovated apartments.

In contrast to complaints about security lapses under new management, positive reviews highlight efforts made towards enhancing community engagement through tenant meetings, activities like bingo games, library facilities, and access to computers—all aimed at fostering connections among residents despite challenges faced during renovations. Security personnel have received commendations for their professionalism amidst tensions regarding safety; however, these praises do little to assuage fears raised over diminished security protocols since ownership changed hands.

Ultimately, as Maple Pointe grapples with its identity crisis—from a haven designed primarily for seniors into what many perceive as a housing project rife with chaos—the future remains uncertain. Long-term residents lament what they once cherished—a peaceful community ideal for aging without worry—transformed into an environment where safety concerns clash against newfound freedoms brought forth by policy changes under Standard Communities’ administration. Depending on which side one aligns with—the dissidents voicing dire warnings or those finding solace amid struggle—the overarching question persists: can Maple Pointe reclaim its legacy or will it continue spiraling into discord?

This area of Chicago, Illinois, offers a convenient and vibrant living environment for seniors. With multiple pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, within close proximity, accessing necessary medications is easy. There are also various dining options nearby, such as Giordano's and Portillo's Hot Dogs, ensuring a range of culinary choices. The presence of reputable hospitals like Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Shirley Ryan AbilityLab provides peace of mind in case of any medical emergencies. Additionally, the abundance of cafes like Starbucks and Blue Bottle Coffee offer cozy spots to relax and socialize. With access to public transportation hubs like CTA stations and Union Station, getting around the city is convenient. Parks like Maggie Daley Park and Grant Park provide green spaces for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. Overall, this area offers a diverse range of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking to enjoy city life in Chicago.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Giordano's (0.6 miles)
• Portillo's Hot Dogs (0.6 miles)
• Tao Chicago Restaurant (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Eataly (0.8 miles)
• The Purple Pig (0.9 miles)
• Rossi's Liquors (0.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (0.7 miles)
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (0.9 miles)
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (2.6 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (2.6 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (2.9 miles)
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (2.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (1 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (1.1 miles)
• Intelligentsia Coffee (1.3 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (1.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)

Transportation

• CTA - Clark/Lake (1.1 miles)
• Ogilvie Transportation Center (1.4 miles)
• Cta (1.6 miles)
• Jamba Union Station / Chicago (1.6 miles)
• Van Buren Street Metra & South Shore Trains (1.8 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (1.8 miles)
• CTA - Fullerton (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (1.1 miles)
• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (2.6 miles)

Parks

• Maggie Daley Park (1.5 miles)
• Grant Park - Butler Field (1.7 miles)
• Mary Bartelme Park (1.7 miles)
• Grant Park (2 miles)
• Union Park (2.1 miles)
• Skinner Bark Park (2.1 miles)
• Skinner Dog Park (2.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (2.1 miles)