T E Brown Apartments-Elderly

Pros

• The grounds and hallways are clean.
• The property is close to the ballpark, which is a saving grace.
• A resident is 98 years young and the oldest tenant living there, and is dearly loved.
• The annual classic car show featured great entries.

Cons

• Regina should be reported to the Department of Aging and Disability for cruelty to senior citizens.
• Regina is described as a bully who speaks to residents in a condescending manner.
• The security guard is constantly flirting aggressively.
• Pests are not handled in a timely manner.
• Seniors are vulnerable to stray bullets from the neighboring housing project across the street.
• Management is very slow to repair windows and bullet holes.
• The security officer Jerry is unprofessional, rude, and flirtatious, and does not notify residents about packages left for them.
• There is perceived nepotism since the manager's son holds the security position and faces no consequences.
• This entire property is disgusting.

Review

Residents and visitors have raised a flood of concerns about the property, painting a picture of a place that feels unsafe and poorly managed to many who interact with it, even as a few notes of warmth and community surface here and there. The overarching thread is a deep dissatisfaction with leadership and day-to-day operations, especially around elder care, security, and maintenance, tempered by small glimpses of positive moments like clean grounds and local events.

One of the most persistent criticisms centers on the management, with repeated calls for accountability and changes in how residents are treated. Regina, in particular, is described as cruel toward seniors, a bully who speaks to residents in a condescending manner. Several reviewers explicitly urge reporting her behavior to the Department of Aging and Disability for cruelty to senior citizens, underscoring a belief that her conduct is not only inappropriate but potentially harmful to vulnerable residents. The sentiment is that staff interactions at the highest level can set the tone for the entire building, and many feel Regina's demeanor undermines safety, dignity, and trust.

The security situation is another major area of complaint. Reviewers describe the security guard as someone who engages in flirtatious, aggressive behavior, creating an uncomfortable atmosphere for visitors and residents alike. One caregiver notes that the guard's attitude worsens if you don't flirt back, and accompanying accusations claim unprofessionalism and rudeness. The concerns extend to practical matters as well: packages left for residents sometimes aren't properly notified or documented, with claims that the guard returns packages to the mail lady if there is no flirtation, potentially compromising medications or other important items. There is also a troubling suggestion that the guard's misbehavior is tolerated or overlooked because he is the manager's son, which feeds perceptions of favoritism and lack of accountability.

Safety and pest issues compound the sense of neglect. Pests are described as not being handled in a timely manner, and the building's residents are framed as particularly vulnerable given the surrounding neighborhood. The combination of proximity to a shooting across the street from a neighboring housing project and windows with bullet holes that take too long to repair contributes to a pervasive feeling of insecurity and risk. The longer these problems persist, the more residents worry about being in harm's way, especially those who rely on the building for shelter and routine.

Against this backdrop, some reviewers do acknowledge redeeming features. The grounds and hallways are noted as clean, which stands out as a positive aspect in contrast to broader complaints. The proximity to the ballpark is mentioned as a favorable factor, as is the fact that the property is government-funded in a way that some residents interpret as support for services they depend on. Additionally, there are moments of community pride and warmth: a resident describes a dear friend who is 98 years old and living there, proudly noting that she is the oldest tenant, with the speaker expressing love and affection for her. A separate attendee recounts photographing an annual classic car show held on the property, highlighting the entries as a bright, enjoyable event that brought some positive attention to the community.

The overall impression, as reflected in the reviews, is a complex mix of frustration and affection. On one hand, residents and visitors express strong distrust of the management, concern for safety, and frustration with how issues are handled, especially around elder care, pest control, and security. On the other hand, there are moments of genuine human connection and community life - the admiration for an inspiring elderly resident, and the shared joy of a local car show that underscores a sense of community spirit within the building. Taken together, the accounts suggest a place that many find fundamentally challenging and in need of serious attention from leadership, with a path toward improvement perhaps illuminated by broader community engagement and accountability.

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)