Van Buren Place

Pros

• The residents in the senior community are kind, caring, and look out for one another.
• The West Loop location is highly praised for its convenience.
• The community offers easy access to local amenities like Target and public transportation.
• The building is well maintained, contributing to a pleasant living environment.
• Oscar, the operations manager, is known for being kind and responsive to residents' needs.
• The neighborhood surrounding Van Buren is loved by the residents.
• Many residents have made friendly connections with their neighbors in the community.

Cons

• The building manager was not very nice and sometimes lacked in professionalism.
• The lack of more engaging activities sponsored by the building was disappointing.
• The operations manager, while kind, could not fully compensate for the issues caused by the building manager's demeanor.

Review

The experience of living in the Van Buren senior community has been overwhelmingly positive for both residents and their families, as reflected in the heartfelt reviews shared by a satisfied family member. One resident's story stands out, illustrating how this particular independent living community provided a nurturing environment for her mother during her four years there. The sense of community was palpable; fellow residents were described as kind and caring individuals who genuinely looked out for one another. This camaraderie undoubtedly enriched the lives of all those who called Van Buren home, fostering meaningful connections and friendships among the elderly.

Location is often a critical factor when choosing a place to live, and in this case, the West Loop neighborhood proved to be an unbeatable choice. With easy access to local amenities, residents could enjoy simple pleasures such as walking to Target or hopping on the Jackson bus for trips downtown. For healthcare needs, convenience was also paramount; being just across the bridge from the medical campus made it straightforward for residents to attend doctors’ appointments without excessive travel burdens. The vibrant surroundings added to the quality of life at Van Buren, allowing residents to engage with their community actively.

Another crucial element that contributed to the overall satisfaction with life at Van Buren is the building’s maintenance and management staff. The reviewer particularly praised Oscar, the operations manager, for his kindness and efficiency in resolving any issues that arose within the building. His approachable demeanor made it easier for residents and their families alike to feel comfortable addressing concerns or requesting assistance when needed. However, not all aspects of management were viewed positively; while some challenges were noted regarding professionalism from a particular building manager—who appeared stressed due to personal issues—the overall sentiment remained supportive and optimistic about Oscar’s impactful presence.

Despite being an independent living community primarily designed without comprehensive care services, some residents expressed a desire for more engaging activities sponsored by Van Buren. Activities can significantly enhance social interactions among seniors; however, there seems to be room for improvement in that area at this community. Opportunities for organized events or group activities could not only provide entertainment but also encourage participation and bonding among residents who might otherwise remain isolated in their apartments.

Choosing Van Buren also seemed straightforward due to its close proximity to where some family members lived. Being nearby offered peace of mind knowing that loved ones were just minutes away should any concerns arise. An appreciation for the neighborhood was evident as well; it wasn’t merely about physical closeness but also about embracing an environment they could love together as a family unit.

In conclusion, both reviews highlight key facets contributing to making Van Buren a desirable option for seniors seeking independence alongside companionship. The welcoming atmosphere cultivated by considerate neighbors makes it feel like home rather than just another facility. While improvements are desired regarding activity engagement and certain management aspects, many agree that Van Buren provides fantastic value as a senior living community where residents can thrive amidst supportive peers in an enviable location.

Hospitals

• Rush University Medical Center (0.3 miles)
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (0.6 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (2.6 miles)
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (2.7 miles)

Parks

• Skinner Dog Park (0.3 miles)
• Skinner Bark Park (0.3 miles)
• Union Park (0.5 miles)
• Mary Bartelme Park (0.8 miles)
• Douglas Park (2 miles)
• Ping Tom Memorial Park (2.1 miles)
• Coliseum Park (2.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Kaiser Tiger (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• McDonald’s Global Menu Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• Parlor Pizza Bar (0.9 miles)
• Bandit (1 miles)
• Bar Siena (1 miles)

Transportation

• Cta (0.6 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (1.2 miles)
• Ogilvie Transportation Center (1.3 miles)
• Jamba Union Station / Chicago (1.3 miles)
• Cta (1.6 miles)
• Metra - LaSalle Street (1.7 miles)
• CTA - Clark/Lake (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.9 miles)

Physicians

• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (0.8 miles)
• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (3.2 miles)

Cafes

• Blue Bottle Coffee (1.6 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (1.9 miles)
• Intelligentsia Coffee (2.1 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (3.1 miles)