Harper Square Housing Co-Op

Pros

• They are glad they moved to a new place in the South Loop.
• The community is described as a residential community for everyone.
• The annual FunDay was very enjoyable, with vendors offering good deals and giveaways, and music that was good.
• The building is described as beautiful.
• The condos are spacious, and they loved them.
• The area is quiet.
• Long-time residents loved the building.
• Security was very helpful.

Cons

• The building had a major fire about a year ago, and a death occurred.
• The building has absolutely no sprinkler systems in case of a major fire.
• The reviewer is worried about safety due to the prior fire.
• Security is unprofessional and stares at residents for no reason.
• Security staff are always on the phone with loud conversations.
• They refuse to open the door when hands are full and harass residents for not using their fob.
• The security staff treat residents poorly if they're not among their favorites.
• The air conditioning system causes cracks in the walls and water leakage, with a wall and floor drenched by vent water.
• There is absolutely no parking.

Review

The building in question carries a heavy past year after year. It was the site of a major fire about a year or so ago, a tragedy that claimed at least one life. The memory of that incident lingers, not just in the headlines but in the everyday sense of safety residents feel - or fear. The absence of sprinkler systems in a major fire incident compounds those worries, and for some, the experience has left a lasting impression of vulnerability. One resident recalls being at her daughter's soccer game when the fire erupted, a personal reminder of how quickly a peaceful day can turn into a frightening emergency.

Security at the property is a frequent point of contention. Several reviews describe the staff as unprofessional, with persistent stares and loud phone conversations that create an uneasy atmosphere. There are consistent frustrations about doors not opening when a resident's hands are full - say, with a dog or groceries - even when the staff knows the person lives in the building. The sense that security treats residents differently based on whether they are among the staff's favorites adds another layer of dissatisfaction. In short, the security presence is seen as unreliable and sometimes unfriendly, leaving residents feeling undervalued and underserved.

Maintenance and building systems contribute to ongoing concerns. The air conditioning system is blamed for causing cracks in walls and for widespread water leakage. One family's experience was particularly disruptive: their son's room - its wall and floor - was drenched due to water coming through the vents. These kinds of issues suggest not only comfort problems but potential long-term damage to personal living spaces. The combination of a major historical fire, questionable security, and faulty infrastructure creates an undercurrent of anxiety for residents who call this building home.

Despite the harsh feedback, some residents have chosen to move on, seeking safer and more reliable environments. A move to a new place in the South Loop is described as a relief, signaling that for some, the best recourse is changing homes in search of peace of mind and better living conditions. The contrast between the old place's safety concerns and a fresh start elsewhere underscores how strongly residents value dependable safety and functional amenities in a home.

There are also brighter notes that paint a fuller picture of life in the community. The building is described as a residential space that welcomes everyone, a sentiment that emerges alongside positive memories of events and social life. Attendees at the annual FunDay enjoyed themselves, with vendors offering appealing deals and giveaways and music that many found to be enjoyable. The sense of community is reinforced by the remark that "I know someone who lives there," which hints at personal connections and a social fabric beyond the walls of the building.

A recurring thread across several comments is the sense of quiet, even if it comes with peculiar small-town-like quirks. Reviewers describe the property as peaceful and spacious, with "beautiful" and "loved it" sentiments about the condos themselves. The interiors are praised for being roomy, with some residents highlighting the spaciousness as a key positive feature. There is also a note about the changing seasons: quietness is occasionally interrupted in winter by wildlife - rabbits wandering about, and a pack of hungry coyotes - an odd but memorable image that speaks to the building's surrounding environment.

Nevertheless, parking remains a sore point. The recurring complaint of "absolutely no parking" underscores a practical and persistent frustration for residents and visitors alike. Alongside this, there are mentions of long-term residency and repeated experiences of security helping in certain situations, suggesting a mixed track record where some interactions with staff are helpful, while others fall short of expectations. The overall impression is a complex blend of pride in the property's potential and disappointment in its current realities.

Taken together, the collection of reviews presents a layered portrait of a building with a troubled safety history and inconsistent service, but also with genuine positive attributes. Some residents express deep affection for the condos and the sense of community that persists despite serious concerns. Others emphasize the need for better fire safety measures, more dependable security, and more reliable maintenance. For all its flaws, the property remains a place where people have lived for years, built connections, and found moments of enjoyment, all while grappling with the stark realities of safety, upkeep, and access.

This part of Chicago, Illinois offers a variety of amenities and services that may be suitable for seniors looking to reside in the area. With several pharmacies located within close proximity, access to medication and healthcare essentials is convenient. Additionally, there are multiple parks nearby such as Burnham Park and Washington Park, providing opportunities for outdoor activities and leisurely strolls. Transportation options include Metra and CTA stations for easy access to different parts of the city. In terms of healthcare, notable hospitals like Comer Children's Hospital and St Bernard Hospital are within a reasonable distance. There are also dining options ranging from casual eateries like McDonald's to more upscale establishments like Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar. Cafes such as Starbucks and Intelligentsia Coffee offer places to socialize or enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. Places of worship like St Philip Neri Parish cater to spiritual needs within the community. Overall, this area provides a mix of conveniences and recreational choices for seniors seeking a comfortable living environment in Chicago.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)

Parks

• Promontory Point (1 miles)
• Burnham Park (1 miles)
• Wooded Island (1.5 miles)
• Osaka Garden (1.5 miles)
• Washington Park (1.6 miles)
• Jackson Park (2 miles)
• South Shore Cultural Center (3.1 miles)

Transportation

• Metra - 55th / 56th / 57th St (1 miles)
• 59th st Junction (2.5 miles)
• CTA - Sox-35th Red (2.6 miles)
• CTA - Cermak-Chinatown (3.8 miles)
• Metra - LaSalle Street (5.1 miles)
• Van Buren Street Metra & South Shore Trains (5.1 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (5.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Comer Children's Hospital (1.4 miles)
• St Bernard Hospital (2.9 miles)
• Advocate Trinity Hospital (5.7 miles)
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (5.9 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (6.1 miles)
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (6.1 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (6.2 miles)

Physicians

• Illinois Eye Institute (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Leo's Den (2.9 miles)
• Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar (3.7 miles)
• Marz Community Brewery (3.8 miles)
• Fred & Jack's (4.1 miles)
• Lil's Something Kool Cocktail Lounge (4.1 miles)
• McDonald's (4.2 miles)
• City Life Cocktail Lounge (4.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.9 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (5.6 miles)
• Intelligentsia Coffee (5.6 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (5.8 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Philip Neri Parish (3.1 miles)