Golden Spike Apartments

Pros

• The current management has made efforts to address past issues and implement quality of life improvements for residents.
• The manager and her staff have been dedicated to making positive changes over the past two years.
• The Archdiocese of Denver initially communicated plans for improved conditions and a better living environment for residents upon acquiring the facility.
• Residents appreciate the attempts at holding meetings to discuss improvements, even if they feel frustrated with the outcomes.

Cons

• The building is bug-infested, with a severe bed bug epidemic affecting residents.
• Management changes frequently and consistently fails to address resident needs.
• There is only one operational elevator for 200 residents, which often breaks down, causing significant inconvenience and safety concerns.
• Security systems have been shut down for nearly a year, leaving the building vulnerable to unauthorized access.
• Residents report that management engages in subjugation, harassment, and intimidation rather than providing support.
• Many residents struggle with substance abuse issues, contributing to an unsafe living environment.
• Promises made by management about improvements have not been fulfilled, leading to widespread neglect and deteriorating conditions in the building.
• Ongoing construction projects are incomplete and appear to be poorly managed with little progress over time.
• Overall living conditions in the building are described as dangerous and uninhabitable.

Review

The reviews of the apartment complex in question paint a concerning picture of a living environment plagued by neglect, mismanagement, and safety hazards. Numerous residents have expressed their distress about the conditions they face daily, highlighting issues ranging from infestations to inadequate security measures. One common theme throughout these accounts is an alarming lack of care from management and a facility that seems more like a tenement than a place where people can find comfort and security.

One major health concern raised by multiple reviewers is the presence of bed bugs in epidemic proportions. For many residents, this issue came as a shocking revelation, as bed bugs were not something they had encountered before moving into this facility. The reports describe an environment conducive to such infestations, suggesting that poor sanitation practices and inadequate pest control are rampant among the management’s failings. This problem not only affects individual living conditions but also poses significant health risks to all residents.

Additionally, the social environment has raised red flags for many living in the building. It has been noted that most residents struggle with substance abuse issues, evidenced by disturbing finds such as drug paraphernalia near communal areas like elevators. This reality contributes to an unsafe atmosphere where undesirable activities take place openly, exacerbated by ineffective policing or monitoring of the premises. The reviewers expressed grave concerns about their personal safety due to the unrestricted access granted through unsecured fire escape doors and non-functioning security systems.

Compounding these problems are ongoing issues with basic infrastructure within the building itself. A criticism frequently mentioned across reviews revolves around the elevators—one elevator has been out of service "for repairs" for over a year while the sole operational elevator frequently breaks down, causing significant inconvenience for nearly 200 residents. Many individuals residing here have physical disabilities that make navigating stairs challenging or impossible; therefore, being trapped or unable to use these essential facilities presents serious consequences for their wellbeing.

The management's approach towards residents has come under fire as well. Multiple reviewers characterize them as oppressive and tyrannical—a stark contrast to any promises made when new ownership took over three years ago under the Archdiocese of Denver's administration. Initial meetings held with residents touted plans for improvement but have devolved into empty reassurances characterized by neglectful oversight and broken promises regarding maintenance projects that remain perpetually incomplete.

Lastly, while one reviewer offered a glimmer of hope in recognizing some efforts made since a particular manager took over two years ago—highlighting improvements in quality-of-life enhancements—the overwhelming sentiment remains one of dissatisfaction and mistrust regarding management's commitment to improving living conditions consistently. Despite attempts at fostering positive changes amidst systemic challenges, it seems clear that much work remains before this complex becomes truly inhabitable and secure for its residents.

In summary, prospective tenants should exercise caution if considering this apartment complex as their next home due to evident structural deficiencies, troubling health concerns related to pests and drugs within its confines, poor security arrangements making it vulnerable to external threats, continuous infrastructure failures specifically surrounding elevator access—and ultimately misleading representations made under new ownership which have so far failed expectations headed into their fourth year.

This area of Denver, Colorado offers a range of amenities that may be attractive to seniors looking for a convenient and bustling neighborhood. With several pharmacies, hospitals, and physicians in close proximity, access to healthcare services is readily available. The abundance of parks provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are various dining options including fast-food chains and local eateries for dining convenience. The presence of cafes offers places to socialize or enjoy a cup of coffee. For entertainment, there are theaters nearby for movie buffs. Places of worship are also within reach for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this area combines practicality with leisure options making it a potentially desirable location for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• The Lodge Cannabis (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)

Parks

• Ruby Park (1.8 miles)
• Pinecrest Park (2.2 miles)
• Overland Pond Park (2.2 miles)
• Washington Park (3.7 miles)
• Bonnie Brae Ellipse Park (4.4 miles)
• Mamie D Eisenhower Park (4.8 miles)
• Cheesman Park (5.2 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.1 miles)
• Englewood Grand (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.4 miles)
• McDonald's (3.7 miles)
• Illegal Pete's (3.7 miles)
• Cochino Taco (3.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Stella's Coffee House (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Aviano Coffee (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)

Physicians

• Porter Adventist Hospital (2.7 miles)
• Colorado Surgical Arts (2.8 miles)
• Center For Advanced Dermatology (3.2 miles)
• Native Roots Dispensary (3.7 miles)
• Kids First Pediatrics (4.6 miles)
• Kaiser Permanente Lakewood Medical Offices (4.6 miles)
• Cherry Creek Pediatrics (5.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Webb Center for Primary Care (4.5 miles)
• Cherry Creek Eye Center (5.6 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Denver (5.2 miles)
• Regal UA Denver Pavilions 4DX & RPX (5.6 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Littleton (5.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple Sinai (5.4 miles)
• St John's Cathedral (5.5 miles)