Hollywood House Apartments

Pros

• The location is great with plenty to do.
• The staff are great and professional.
• The residents are fantastic people living in the senior building.
• The apartments are roomy and airy.
• Residents are incredibly nice and the apartments are well-suited for seniors.
• The lobby is clean and welcoming, with an inviting patio area for residents.
• The location is close to the lake and public transportation, described as clean, friendly, and safe.
• It offers 24-hour security and a parking garage.

Cons

• Heartland Housing has not provided security for five months.
• There is no one to protect residents from people entering the building.
• The intercom system has not worked for three years.
• Pipes have burst and flooded the front lobby.
• Habitat Company has been slow to answer tenant concerns.
• There is only one working elevator, which may not be fixed for over two months.
• The lack of reliable elevator service endangers seniors who need it to leave, shop, or visit the doctor.
• Heartland Housing is having money problems and cannot adequately support Hollywood House or its other properties.
• They have allegedly mismanaged federal funds (HUD) since 2021.
• Heartland is planning to sell the building, but the new owners are unknown.
• The City of Chicago Department of Housing launched a full-scale review of Hollywood House.
• The situation has been described as a horror show for residents.
• There are reports of bed bugs in the building.
• Some residents characterize the management as poor.

Review

The complex presents a striking contrast. On one hand, many reviewers highlight a superb location with plenty to do, easy access to public transit, and a strong sense of community among the residents. The building is described as being in a desirable spot - near the lake, across from Lake Shore Drive in a footprint that offers convenient parking for visitors and easy access to the city's amenities. Several comments emphasize that the apartments themselves are appealing: roomy, airy, and well-suited for seniors, with many mentioning that the staff are professional, welcoming, and approachable. The general vibe from numerous residents is that the people who live there are kind, the surroundings are comfortable, and there is a sense of belonging that makes the building feel like a home for many.

Yet beneath that positive surface, there are serious concerns that multiple reviewers brought to light as ongoing problems. A wave of criticism centers on security and maintenance: one reviewer bluntly calls the situation "Horrible," noting that Heartland Housing has not supplied residents with security for months, leaving the building vulnerable to outsiders. The intercom system allegedly hasn't worked for years, and a flood in the front lobby from burst pipes is cited as evidence of neglected infrastructure. The management company, Habitat, is described as slow to respond to tenant concerns, and at the time of the complaints there was only one working elevator, with a prediction that it might be out of service for more than two months. The elderly residents who rely on those elevators for groceries, appointments, and daily mobility are singled out as particularly affected by these issues. There are broader financial concerns as well: it's claimed that Heartland Housing is facing substantial money problems that affect not just Hollywood House but all of its properties, including alleged mismanagement of federal HUD funds earmarked for Hollywood House. The city has reportedly launched a full review of the handling of Hollywood House, and there are even whispers that the building may be sold to new owners whose identity is not yet known.

There is also a mix of smaller, everyday feedback that colors the overall impression. Several residents praise the morning-to-night staff - calling them "great," "very good," and "professional." The lobby, patio, and common areas are repeatedly described as clean and welcoming, with mention of well-maintained spaces like a pleasant lobby and an inviting patio. Some reviewers underline the senior-focused nature of the building by noting that the residents are mostly 62 and older, which can be a key factor for prospective tenants who want a quiet, age-restricted environment. There are mentions of 24-hour security and a sense of safety, plus the convenience of a parking garage with an extra monthly fee. In short, many people see real value in the building's location and the community it hosts, especially those who prioritize senior-friendly amenities and accessible transit.

Nevertheless, the discussion includes a recurring thread of concern about pest management and related issues. A couple of reviews reference bed bugs, posing questions about whether the building continues to struggle with infestations and how effective the extermination efforts are. One prospective resident explicitly asks about whether the building is non-smoking, hinting at the broader questions about the management of building policies and resident health. These points contribute to an ongoing tension in how the property is perceived, especially by those considering moving in. The juxtaposition of an appealing living environment with practical concerns about pests, policies, and financial stewardship makes for a nuanced view of the property.

Overall, the sentiment is clearly mixed. For many residents and visitors, the location and the sense of community are undeniable assets that make Hollywood House an attractive option. The staff's professionalism and the generally clean, welcoming atmosphere contribute positively to daily life there. At the same time, the reported security gaps, intercom failures, delayed maintenance, a potentially unstable elevator situation, and the broader financial and governance questions being probed by city authorities present real red flags for anyone considering long-term residency. Prospective tenants are encouraged to weigh the appealing aspects - location, senior-friendly amenities, and a supportive resident community - against the tangible operational and safety concerns that have been raised by multiple residents and observers. As the situation stands, verification of current conditions and a careful assessment of risk will be important for anyone making a housing decision at Hollywood House.

This part of Chicago, Illinois, offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS nearby, easy access to medication and healthcare services is ensured. Additionally, a variety of cafes like Starbucks provide pleasant spots for socializing or enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee. A selection of restaurants offer dining options for every taste, while several parks provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Close proximity to public transportation hubs such as CTA stations make getting around the city straightforward. Nearby hospitals like Swedish Covenant Hospital Cancer Care and Saint Francis Hospital ensure quality medical care is easily accessible. For entertainment, theaters like Regal Webster Place are within reach. Overall, this area combines convenience, healthcare facilities, recreational opportunities, and entertainment options suitable for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• Walgreens (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Mariano's Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Little Beans Cafe (3.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.2 miles)

Restaurants

• Little Bad Wolf (0.7 miles)
• SoFo Tap (1.1 miles)
• R Public House (2.2 miles)
• Cell Block (2.5 miles)
• Murphy's Bleachers (2.5 miles)
• Las Mananitas Mexican Restaurant (2.7 miles)
• Hydrate (2.8 miles)

Transportation

• Cta (1.3 miles)
• CTA Jarvis (2.2 miles)
• Cta (2.5 miles)
• Cta (2.6 miles)
• CTA - Belmont (3.2 miles)
• CTA - Fullerton (4.2 miles)
• Cta (5.5 miles)

Parks

• Warren Park (2.1 miles)
• Dubkin Park (2.3 miles)
• Horner Park (2.7 miles)
• Hamlin Park (3.6 miles)
• Wrightwood Park (4 miles)
• Independence Park (4.2 miles)
• Dawes Park (4.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Swedish Covenant Hospital Cancer Care (2.4 miles)
• Saint Francis Hospital (3.1 miles)
• Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center (3.4 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Webster Place (4.5 miles)

Physicians

• Lincoln Park Dental Specialists (4.8 miles)
• North Shore Physicians Group (5 miles)