T E Brown Apartments-Elderly in Chicago, IL

Pros

• They love this place.
• The grounds and hallways are clean.
• The location is close to the ballpark.
• There were some great entries at the annual classic car show.
• A dear friend who is 98 years young lives there and is dearly loved.

Cons

• The management here is the worst.
• Regina should be reported to the Department of Aging and Disability for cruelty to senior citizens, as she is a bully who speaks to residents in a condescending manner.
• The security guard is constantly flirting aggressively, which is unprofessional.
• Pests are not handled in a timely manner.
• The seniors in this building are vulnerable to shootings from the neighboring housing project, with stray bullets coming through their windows.
• Management is very slow to repair windows and bullet holes.
• The property is disgusting, especially the manager.
• The security officer Jerry is unprofessional, very rude, and flirtatious, making visits uncomfortable; he also does not notify when packages are left and returns them to the mail lady.

Review

This community is best suited for seniors who want an affordable, centrally located option with clean, orderly common spaces and some social vitality - particularly those who can bring an advocate or family member to help navigate management and safety concerns. It suits residents who value proximity to events around the neighborhood, like ballpark activity, and who appreciate a building where the halls and grounds are maintained. In short, it is a workable choice for someone who can tolerate a degree of on-site friction and neighborhood risk in exchange for lower costs and a sense of community.

Those who should consider alternatives are clear. Any resident who depends on consistently respectful, responsive on-site management should look elsewhere. Families that require prompt maintenance, reliable pest control, and clear, professional communication will likely be frustrated here. Safety, harassment, and accountability matter deeply: the combination of management behavior and a security presence described as unprofessional, plus persistent pest issues and slow repairs, signals a mismatch for residents who need dependable treatment and predictable service. Additionally, neighborhoods with nearby gunfire incidents raise red flags for anyone prioritizing a high-touch, safety-first environment.

The strongest positives hinge on the tangible upkeep and social exposure this property offers. Clean grounds and well-maintained hallways create a approachable baseline for daily living, particularly for those who value a tidy environment with visible maintenance. The location provides convenient access to nearby events and amenities, and there are genuine signs of an active resident culture - evidenced by celebratory activities such as car shows and ongoing gatherings. A notable elder resident age 98 underscores a sense of longevity within the community, suggesting opportunities for intergenerational storytelling and peer support. These pros matter, especially for residents who seek modest social engagement without leaving the building.

However, the core concerns cannot be dismissed. Management behavior is repeatedly described as abusive or dismissive, with specific testimony about cruelty and condescending communication. The on-site security presence - while intended to reassure - has been criticized for unprofessionalism and intrusiveness, including inappropriate interactions with visitors and lapses in basic duties like notifying residents about packages. Pest control is reportedly slow, and significant safety hazards persist, including delayed repairs to bullet holes and windows in a neighborhood where stray bullets have been documented. These factors collectively erode trust in the building's ability to provide a secure, respectful home, and they directly undermine daily peace of mind for families.

In weighing pros against cons, the practical calculus heavily tilts toward caution. The clean environment and social opportunities provide real value, but they do not fully compensate for the risk of harassment, inconsistent maintenance, and acute safety concerns. Families should insist on specific, measurable assurances before moving in: a concrete pest-control schedule, timely handling of repairs, documented protocols for package delivery and notification, and a clear, enforceable code of conduct for staff that prohibits harassment and ensures resident dignity. A tour should probe whether management can demonstrate accountability, responsiveness, and a plan to address neighborhood safety deteriorations that could affect vulnerable residents.

The bottom line is pragmatic and decisive. This community can work for budget-conscious seniors who can actively supervise their own care plan, leverage family oversight, and value social events and proximity to local activities. It is less suitable for residents who require dependable, respectful management, prompt maintenance, and robust safety assurances. For families with significant safety or behavioral expectations - such as a need for harassment-free staff interactions and prompt, transparent problem resolution - alternatives that emphasize professional management and stronger on-site security are worth prioritizing. In the current landscape, this property is a conditional fit: solid on cleanliness and location, but conditional on whether management protocols and safety measures can be meaningfully improved.

This part of Chicago, Illinois, offers a convenient and vibrant urban setting with easy access to public transportation including CTA and Metra stations. There are several pharmacies nearby, making it convenient for seniors to access their medications. The area also boasts a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries to renowned restaurants like Portillo's and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. For outdoor activities, there are several parks within a short distance, providing opportunities for leisurely strolls and relaxation. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable hospitals in the vicinity such as Comer Children's Hospital and Rush University Medical Center. Additionally, there are cafes like Intelligentsia Coffee and Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe nearby where seniors can enjoy a cup of coffee or a meal while socializing with others in the community.

Transportation

• CTA - Sox-35th Red (0.2 miles)
• CTA - Cermak-Chinatown (1.7 miles)
• 59th st Junction (2.9 miles)
• Metra - LaSalle Street (3.1 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (3.3 miles)
• Metra - 55th / 56th / 57th St (3.3 miles)
• Van Buren Street Metra & South Shore Trains (3.4 miles)

Physicians

• Illinois Eye Institute (0.7 miles)
• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (4.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar (1.2 miles)
• Marz Community Brewery (1.4 miles)
• The Barrel (2.8 miles)
• Portillo's (2.9 miles)
• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (3 miles)
• Miller's Pub (3.6 miles)
• The Dearborn (3.8 miles)

Parks

• Ping Tom Memorial Park (1.9 miles)
• Burnham Park (2.3 miles)
• Coliseum Park (2.3 miles)
• Northerly Island (2.5 miles)
• Washington Park (2.6 miles)
• Chicago Lakefront (2.9 miles)
• Grant Park (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Comer Children's Hospital (3 miles)
• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (3.4 miles)
• St Bernard Hospital (3.5 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (3.7 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (3.7 miles)
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (4.6 miles)
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (4.7 miles)

Cafes

• Intelligentsia Coffee (3.9 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (3.9 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (4 miles)
• Blue Bottle Coffee (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5 miles)