Chateau Clare

Pros

• The building is well maintained as a historical former school.
• It offers ADA-compliant affordable Section 8 apartments for disabled residents and those over 55.
• The apartments are unique with a good fire rating.
• There are 4x4 storage units available.
• Handicapped accessibility is available.
• The property has internal security cameras for added safety.

Cons

• The building has old, large leaky windows and no insulation or soundproofing between units.
• There are only three washers and three dryers for 88 units, which is insufficient.
• There are no assigned parking spaces for residents.
• Mail packages are frequently stolen.
• Residents smoke inside the building despite a smoke-free policy.
• Management is inadequate and communications with tenants are poor.
• Security cameras exist only inside and none are outside.

Review

This historic former school building stands out in the neighborhood for its character and careful preservation, and it now serves as ADA compliant, affordable Section 8 housing for disabled residents and people over 55. The layout and architectural details carry a certain charm that many tenants appreciate, including the sense of living in a place with a history. The property offers what appear to be distinctive, accessible apartments and even 4x4 storage units, which many residents find valuable in their day-to-day lives. In particular, the availability of handicapped accessible units and the overall design focus on accessibility are repeatedly noted as strengths, making the building feel welcoming to those who need additional support or accommodations.

Inside, residents describe the units as unique, with fire safety features that meet a good rating, and storage options that add real utility. The combination of historical aesthetics with modern accessibility creates a living environment that feels special, especially for tenants who require certain accommodations or who value a residence that is tailored to an older or differently-abled population. The presence of 4x4 storage units is repeatedly highlighted as a practical perk, giving residents extra space for belongings that won't fit elsewhere in the apartment. This mix of charm, safety considerations, and practical storage contributes to a sense that the property is well suited to its intended resident demographic.

However, the building's age also brings a number of practical drawbacks that impact daily living. One recurring issue is the condition of the windows, described as old and leaky like those found in a traditional schoolhouse. These leaky windows, coupled with a lack of insulation, contribute to drafts and higher energy costs, making climate control a challenge for residents. The absence of soundproofing between units means that noise travels easily from one apartment to another, which can affect privacy and sleep quality. For tenants seeking quiet, comfortable living, this lack of insulation and sound control stands out as a meaningful hurdle.

Another area of concern centers on building operations and community amenities. The small laundry situation stands in stark contrast to the size of the resident population: only three washers and three dryers serve 88 units. This limited capacity can lead to long wait times, scheduling hassles, and frustration for residents who depend on timely access to laundry facilities. In addition, there are no assigned parking spaces, which can create daily inconveniences for residents who rely on cars, whether for medical appointments, shopping, or other necessary trips. Together, these amenities - or the lack thereof - shape a sense that some practical needs are not being fully met.

Security features in the building are a mixed bag as well. While there are some security cameras inside, they are not positioned on the outside of the building, which may leave exterior areas less monitored. This setup has implications for residents concerned about exterior safety or who worry about potential incidents in common areas. Compounded with ongoing mail security issues, tenants report ongoing theft of mail packages - a problem that underscores gaps in secure delivery and parcel handling within the building. The combination of interior surveillance and vulnerable mail streams can create a sense of mistrust or unease among residents, particularly those who rely heavily on mailed deliveries for medications, benefits, or essential communications.

Another persistent issue relates to the building's smoke-free policy. Despite the stated policy, tenants report that people continue to smoke inside the building. This not only subverts the rules but also raises concerns about air quality, secondhand exposure, and overall comfort for residents who chose a smoke-free environment for health or personal reasons. The ongoing enforcement gap around smoking underscores broader questions about how well the community is able to uphold established policies and protect the shared living spaces.

Finally, the management of the property emerges as a central point of critique. Tenants describe a need for better management and noticeably poor communication with residents. This broad assessment suggests that residents feel responsiveness is lacking and that important updates, repairs, or policy changes aren't communicated promptly or effectively. In a housing complex that serves a vulnerable population, strong, proactive management can make a decisive difference in day-to-day satisfaction and safety - and the current sentiment points to a substantial opportunity for improvement in coordination, responsiveness, and tenant engagement.

Overall, the property presents a compelling blend of historical charm and accessibility that makes it an appealing option for disabled residents and older adults seeking affordable housing. The dedicated features - ADA compliance, thoughtful storage, and a robust fire safety framework - provide a solid foundation for comfortable living. Yet the practical realities - drafty windows, poor insulation and soundproofing, limited laundry facilities, lack of assigned parking, interior-only surveillance with external gaps, mail theft concerns, and smoke policy enforcement - cast a long shadow over the experience for many tenants. The strongest path forward lies in addressing these operational and maintenance gaps: upgrading building envelopes where possible, expanding laundry capacity or systems, reconsidering parking logistics, enhancing exterior security measures, safeguarding mail delivery, enforcing the smoke-free rule, and strengthening management communication. If these steps are pursued, the building could fully capitalize on its strengths and deliver a consistently higher-quality living environment for its residents.

Physicians

• Pulmonary & Sleep Office of New England (0.5 miles)
• Emily Ackerman (2.1 miles)
• Attleboro-Cumberland Oral Surg (3.1 miles)
• Physicians of Ri Medical Enterprises (3.5 miles)
• Orthopaedic Associates (4.8 miles)
• Lincoln Primary Care (5 miles)
• Rhode Island Dermatology & Cosmetic Center (5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Cvs Caremark (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5 miles)
• Walgreens (6.1 miles)

Parks

• Dunn Memorial Park (1.1 miles)
• Fletcher Field (7.7 miles)
• Lincoln Woods State Park (8.3 miles)
• Hauser Field & Playground (10.6 miles)
• Choate Park (10.9 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.3 miles)
• Patriots Diner (1.4 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.8 miles)
• Wright's Dairy Farm (2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Ice Cream Machine Co. (4.6 miles)
• McDonald's (4.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• New Life Worship Center (6.2 miles)
• Church Of The Nazarene (8.5 miles)
• Our Lady of Grace Church (11.3 miles)

Cafes

• Muffin House Cafe (7.5 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)
• Starbucks (9.2 miles)
• Honey Dew Donuts (9.4 miles)
• Starbucks (9.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (10.4 miles)

Transportation

• Ryder Truck Rental (10.7 miles)