Whittier Manor Senior Apartments in Detroit, MI

Pros

• The space is beautiful with gorgeous natural light, making it ideal for weddings and events.
• The catering, Touch of Class, is praised for amazing food.
• The new management is professional and has given the venue a much-needed facelift.
• The service is top-notch, with staff who are accommodating and responsive.
• The venue provides a beautiful setting for weddings, baby showers, and receptions.
• The venue offers memorable photo opportunities and leaves guests with lasting memories.
• The atmosphere is described as stunning and classy, with appealing decor.
• Guests feel safe and well cared for thanks to attentive health guidelines and staff.
• Guests highly recommend the venue and would return for future events.

Cons

• The reviewers say the management doesn't care about residents or clients and advise not to book or lease there.
• They note a cleaning fee that hasn't been refunded, calling it shameful.
• They criticize the bar setup for forcing guests to leave the banquet room to get a drink, deeming it inconsiderate.
• They warn of trip hazards from a half-inch elevation difference in the floor and lifting carpet.
• They describe the customer service as horrible and unresponsive, with rude staff.
• They allege the venue cancels weddings at the last minute and refuses refunds, labeling it a scam.
• They report deposits left unreplied to and being unable to reach the venue.

Review

Whittier Manor Senior Apartments is best suited for seniors who value a historic, river-adjacent Detroit setting and are prepared to navigate a building that shows both charm and maintenance quirks. The property sits in a central corridor of downtown Detroit with visible elegance in its common areas and exterior presentation, and it has shown recent management-driven momentum to elevate service. When management is proactive, residents and families report better communication, more coordinated maintenance, and a smoother overall experience. For someone who wants a built-in sense of place, attractive public spaces, and the possibility of engaging social opportunities, this community can feel like a good match - provided the underlying operations stay on track.

Those who should consider alternatives are residents who must rely on consistently reliable heat, hot water, pest control, and maintenance responsiveness. Recurrent pest concerns, notably a flea problem that has been described as severe, present a clear risk to comfort and safety. Maintenance lapses around essential utilities - water pressure and heating - have been cited as unacceptable for a senior living setting. In addition, reports of uneven responsiveness from staff and management, along with sporadic financial handling, signal that a resident's daily quality of life may hinge on vigilant family oversight rather than guaranteed in-house reliability. For households needing predictable, hassle-free service, other options with proven, steady operations are worth considering.

On the upside, the property's aesthetic appeal and its location offer tangible benefits. Several reviews highlight the architectural charm, bright public areas, and a setting near downtown Detroit with views that can enhance daily life. When new management is in place, the tone shifts toward professionalism, courtesy, and execution - factors that can translate into better rent processing, clearer maintenance requests, and more attentive resident care. The same energy that elevates events and gatherings at the venue - courtesy of a capable, responsive team - can, with continuity, translate into a more resident-focused experience: quicker problem-solving, cleaner common spaces, and more predictable service. Those gains matter, especially for seniors who appreciate a dignified, comfortable living environment.

However, the concrete drawbacks cannot be ignored. The fleas problem is not a minor nuisance; it is a disruptive health and comfort risk that undermines daily living and requires urgent, ongoing pest management. Utility reliability concerns - especially heat during cold Michigan winters - pose a direct threat to well-being and safety. The elevator of safety concerns extends to trip hazards noted in common areas, such as floor elevation differences and carpet issues, which are particularly consequential for residents with mobility or balance challenges. Compounding these physical concerns, reports of inconsistent or unfocused customer service and friction around refunds or deposits create an atmosphere where residents must vigilantly monitor terms and outcomes. All of this reduces the degree to which the location's positives can compensate for the weaknesses.

For families actively evaluating options, the practical approach is essential. Prioritize a transparent pest-control plan with verifiable treatments and a documented maintenance schedule that targets both routine and emergency needs. Request a detailed summary of the heating system and hot-water reliability history, along with current performance metrics and a plan to resolve any ongoing issues. Tour the property with attention to safety: test lighting, inspect stairwells and hallways for trip hazards, and ask how electrical and plumbing problems are triaged and resolved. Speak with current residents about responsiveness and follow-through, and seek written assurances on service-level expectations, lease terms, and any deposits or fees. A candid conversation with management about turnaround times and accountability can help determine whether the trajectory aligns with a senior's care needs.

In the end, Whittier Manor Senior Apartments can be a solid choice for residents who prize character, location, and a management team committed to turning the corner on service. It is less suitable for those who require unwavering reliability in heat, hot water, pest control, and day-to-day responsiveness, or for families unwilling to supplement the facility's shortcomings with close oversight. The decision hinges on the stability of management and the facility's ability to deliver consistent, safe living conditions. If management maintains the recent gains and codifies reliable practices, this community can offer a compelling blend of environmental charm and social opportunities. If not, families should keep alternatives front and center to protect daily quality of life and long-term peace of mind.

Pharmacies

• Indian Village Market (0.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Shoppers Drug Mart (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Shoppers Drug Mart (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Charles Church (0.6 miles)
• St John's Presbyterian Church (2.2 miles)
• Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church (6.2 miles)
• St Joan Of Arc Church (8.2 miles)
• Heritage Park Alliance Church (8.5 miles)

Parks

• Belle Isle Park (1.1 miles)
• Valade Park (2 miles)
• William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor (2.4 miles)
• Matthew C Patterson Park (3 miles)
• Windmill Pointe Park (3.1 miles)
• Lakewood Park (6.5 miles)
• Palmer Park (8.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Atwater Block Brewery (1.9 miles)
• Joseph's Coney Island (2 miles)
• McDonald's (3 miles)
• Elwood Bar & Grill (3.1 miles)
• Detroit Athletic Club (3.2 miles)
• The Skip (3.2 miles)
• Detroit Opera House (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Childrens Hospital Of Michigan Specialty Center - Detroit (3.2 miles)
• University Health Center (3.4 miles)
• Windsor Regional Hospital (3.8 miles)

Hospitals

• DMC Heart Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Detroit Receiving Hospital (3.3 miles)
• Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute (3.5 miles)
• Harper University Hospital (3.5 miles)
• Hudson-Webber Cancer Research (3.5 miles)
• Hfhs - Main - F4 (4.9 miles)
• Henry Ford Hospital (5 miles)

Cafes

• The Bean Bar (3.5 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.5 miles)
• Tim Hortons (4.6 miles)
• Tim Hortons (6.6 miles)
• Tim Hortons (6.9 miles)