Evergreen Tower

Pros

• Alexis was amazing.
• Alexis was very nice.
• The Old Town neighborhood is a historical gem.
• Government site inspections and new management standards have improved this residence.
• The facility for seniors and disabled people is great.

Cons

• They gave zero stars.
• They describe Wayne as rude, disrespectful, unprofessional, and confrontational.
• They say this is by far the worst housing development in Chicago.
• They state the unit smelled like dirty mop water and the hallway rug was nasty.
• They claim people have been killed in the hallway and the rug was never replaced.
• They say the inside of the unit looked like a mental hospital room.
• They say the kitchen is outdated, smells old, and has grease stains on the walls.
• They note the bedroom rugs are nasty with rips, the windows are dirty, the walls need cleaning and repainting, and the floors are nasty.
• They claim Alexis had little knowledge about the units.
• They state there is no security in the building and the intercom service is not working.
• They say the building deteriorated since Moorehead and Associates managed it.
• They describe the building as entirely occupied by government leeches.
• They call the situation a slap in the face to homeowners in the community with high property taxes.

Review

The collection of remarks paints a stark picture of a Chicago housing development that leaves many residents and visitors unhappy with its condition, management, and daily operations. One thread centers on the unit at 414 N Goethe, where the reviewer describes a cascade of sensory disappointments: the moment you step into the building, a potent smell of dirty mop water greets you, and the hallway rug is repeatedly labeled as nasty. There are even bold, if alarming, claims that violence has occurred in that hallway and that the rug has never been replaced. The overall impression is a space that feels neglected from the moment you enter.

Inside the specific unit, the testimony grows even more vivid. The living space is described as resembling a "mental hospital room," with a kitchen that feels outdated and smells old. The walls carry grease stains, and the bedrooms are criticized for their carpeting, which is said to be ripped and dirty. The windows throughout the unit are described as dirty, and the walls are in need of a thorough cleaning and a fresh coat of paint - not the watered-down variety currently on offer. The floors are also called nasty, completing a portrait of a unit that feels long overdue for a deep cleaning and modernization.

Against this backdrop of interior dysfunction, the respondent singles out Alexis as a bright spot in the experience. Alexis is described as very nice, and the reviewer notes that she "barely knew" about the units, which suggests a disconnect between staff knowledge and the conditions residents are experiencing. The reviewer pressed for real changes, offering opinions that the unit "needs to be redone from top to bottom," advocating for brighter colors, cleaner supplies, and even offering to lend a hand with cleaning or improvements. Alexis's demeanor stands in contrast to the negative conditions, but it's clear the person believes more substantive work was needed beyond cordiality and prompts for suggestions.

The narrative shifts to a longer arc about the facility's history and management. One author recalls moving their mother to the facility in 2004 and then again last year, describing the move as a "complete joy" in the past but acknowledging a sharp decline since the property came under different management. The writer attributes the deterioration to changes in management - specifically naming Moorehead and Associates as a previous steward - and laments the current lack of security and a nonfunctional intercom system, painting a picture of a building that feels insecure and poorly connected to residents and their families.

There are also voices that, while not living in Evergreen Towers, have visited both buildings and still claim that the complex is a "GREAT" facility for seniors and disabled people. These perspectives emphasize the potential value of the property and its role in serving a vulnerable population. The contrast is stark: on one side lies persistent dissatisfaction with cleanliness, maintenance, and security; on the other, an insistence that the facility's purpose and architecture hold promise for the community it serves.

From other corners of the conversation comes a call for more rigorous oversight and accountability. Some reviewers advocate for more government site inspections and highlight improvements tied to new management and accountability standards. They argue that these measures have begun to improve the residence, suggesting a path forward that relies on stronger governance and consistent enforcement of standards.

Yet not all comments soften with the passage of time. A portion of the feedback frames the building as a symbol of municipal or government involvement that may be at odds with the expectations of homeowners and taxpayers. One particularly pointed line describes the place as "entirely occupied by government leaches," pairing this sentiment with the Old Town neighborhood's status as a historical gem and a sense that the facility's presence disrupts the community for those paying high property taxes. This perspective captures a political and fiscal tension: the desire for public responsibility and improvements alongside frustration with how government-linked housing is perceived to behave within a valued urban enclave.

Taken together, the reviews present a complex portrait: a facility intended to serve seniors and disabled residents is repeatedly criticized for cleanliness issues, outdated interiors, and security gaps, while staff interactions offer glimmers of helpfulness amid broader systemic concerns. Some voices acknowledge improvements under new oversight and management, and others question the long-term viability of a building whose condition, security, and administration remain areas of contention. What emerges is a community wrestling with a facility that holds significant potential but is repeatedly challenged by maintenance, safety, and governance concerns.

This area of Chicago, Illinois is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood with a variety of amenities close by. There are multiple pharmacies within a short distance, ensuring easy access to medication and healthcare needs. The presence of reputable physicians, dentists, and hospitals nearby offers a sense of security for any potential health concerns. Additionally, there are numerous dining options ranging from fast food to upscale restaurants, as well as cafes serving quality coffee. The accessibility to public transportation makes it convenient to explore the city or visit loved ones. For leisure activities, there are theaters, parks, and recreational facilities in the vicinity. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of convenience and entertainment options for seniors looking to settle in a lively urban setting.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• CVS Speciality (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)

Physicians

• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (0.8 miles)
• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Portillo's Hot Dogs (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• Tao Chicago Restaurant (1.1 miles)
• Giordano's (1.1 miles)
• Eataly (1.2 miles)
• Rossi's Liquors (1.3 miles)
• The Purple Pig (1.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (1.2 miles)
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (1.4 miles)
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (2.2 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (1.3 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (1.5 miles)
• Intelligentsia Coffee (1.7 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (2.7 miles)

Transportation

• CTA - Fullerton (1.4 miles)
• CTA - Clark/Lake (1.5 miles)
• Ogilvie Transportation Center (1.7 miles)
• Jamba Union Station / Chicago (1.9 miles)
• Cta (2 miles)
• Cta (2 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (2.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (1.6 miles)

Parks

• Wicker Park (1.9 miles)
• Mary Bartelme Park (1.9 miles)
• Maggie Daley Park (1.9 miles)
• Churchill Field Park (2 miles)
• Churchill Field Park (2 miles)
• Wrightwood Park (2 miles)
• Union Park (2 miles)