Southtown Square Apartments

Pros

• The Arbors is expected to undergo a remarkable transformation.
• A new management team is dedicated to providing a great living experience for all residents.
• The rehab project will provide tenants with a fresh space and an improved living experience.
• The community is poised to experience positive changes through renovation and new ownership and management.
• A dedicated team will begin revitalizing the property.

Cons

• The elevator has been out since 9/2/24, and residents say there's no acceptable reason for this long outage, blaming the owner.
• The place is dirty with hallways that smell, and the office staff are described as rude, disrespectful, and unprofessional.
• Maintenance is ineffective and slow, with residents noting that workers don't fix issues promptly.
• The property is dirty and unsafe, described as having violence and drug activity, with no money for repairs.
• Residents are afraid to leave their apartments after the office closes.
• The owner is criticized as ashamed of the situation.
• The office is unable to answer the phone, according to residents.

Review

The Arbors appears to be at a pivotal moment, caught between a wave of hopeful energy about a major transformation and a long list of real, on-the-ground challenges that residents say have lingered far too long. A number of residents express genuine excitement about what new management and a rehab project could bring, hoping for a brighter living experience, refreshed spaces, and a renewed sense of community. The prevailing mood among supporters is that revitalization and a fresh ownership perspective could unlock the potential residents have felt for years, with promises of updated hallways, better upkeep, and a more professional, responsive team.

At the heart of the optimism is the sense that significant improvements are on the horizon. Messages from supporters speak confidently about a dedicated management team that intends to elevate the living experience for both current and future residents. The rehab project is framed as a pivotal opportunity to give tenants a "fresh space and feel" that they can more fully enjoy, accompanied by a clear commitment to change and a renewed sense of ownership. For many, these statements convey more than just cosmetic upgrades; they signal a new approach to service, communication, and resident satisfaction, with plans to bring the property up to a higher standard.

Yet the optimism coexists with urgent and unresolved concerns that cast a shadow over the property's short-term reality. A resident recounts a critical accessibility problem: the elevator has been out since September 2, 2024, leaving a disabled friend on the third floor without a workable option for daily mobility. The fact that the units are subsidized adds another layer of urgency and frustration, with the resident insisting that there is "no acceptable reason" for such a prolonged outage and accusing the owner of failing to address a fundamental need. This complaint highlights how essential services - especially for residents with mobility challenges - are central to evaluating the success of any renovation and management overhaul.

The tone among several reviews also raises questions about the responsiveness and professionalism of on-site staff. One person questions whether someone can simply "answer the phone," suggesting a broader pattern of communication gaps that frustrate residents trying to seek help or report issues. Complaints about the office staff describe them as rude, disrespectful, and not very professional, while maintenance is portrayed as ineffective or inactive. The smell in the hallways and the perceived inertia in fixing the elevator add to a sense that the property's day-to-day functioning falls short of its promised standards, undermining confidence in the renovation narrative.

Difficult living conditions are another recurring theme. A resident describes the building as dirty, with a culture of intoxication and a sense of danger, and notes that violence is a concern. While some residents acknowledge the office staff's efforts, they emphasize that there is "no more money for repairs," which complicates the ability to reverse years of wear and neglect. The overarching frustration is not merely about aesthetics but about a deteriorating environment where basic safety and comfort feel compromised, and where long-tenured residents with decades of history in the building now fear what might happen when the office closes for the day.

Taken together, the collection of voices paints a complex picture: The Arbors is a place where real, meaningful improvements are simultaneously anticipated and obstructed by persistent operational and safety challenges. The renovation and new ownership hold promise for a more professional approach, better maintenance, and upgraded facilities, but residents are calling for immediate, tangible progress - specifically reliable elevator service, effective maintenance, a more responsive management team, and a safer, cleaner living environment. The tension between aspirational change and current hardship is palpable, and it shapes how residents experience daily life in the building.

Looking ahead, the key for The Arbors may lie in aligning the ambitious renovation narrative with consistent, transparent, and compassionate day-to-day reality. Residents are not opposed to change; they want to see it materialize in practical terms: functioning elevators, prompt repairs, clean common areas, and respectful, helpful office staff who can be reached when needed. If management can translate the optimism surrounding rehab and new ownership into reliable service, open communication, and safer, more comfortable living spaces, the community could very well transform from a site of frustration to a model of how a turnaround should feel for residents who have weathered long waits and uncertain progress.

Ultimately, the situation at The Arbors reflects a common dynamic in properties undergoing major changes: promising plans and genuine enthusiasm for renewal must be matched by consistent execution and accountability. Residents are hopeful but vocal, eager to see the promised improvements become visible in their daily lives. The next steps - addressing the elevator outage, restoring trust with a dedicated and courteous management team, and ensuring safe, clean, and well-maintained common areas - will be decisive in determining whether this renovation era becomes a lasting improvement or merely a shift in rhetoric.

This part of Fort Wayne, Indiana offers a convenient location with a variety of amenities nearby. There are several dining options including steak and lemonade at Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade, fast food choices like McDonald's and Rally's, as well as local pub fare at Pike's Pub. For pharmaceutical needs, there are multiple Walgreens and Kroger Pharmacy locations within a reasonable distance. In terms of healthcare, there are reputable hospitals such as Lutheran Health Network and St Joseph Hospital nearby, along with various physician offices providing specialized medical services. Additionally, there are cafes like Banh Mi Pho Shop and Starbucks for socializing and enjoying leisure time. Nearby parks such as Headwaters Park and Freimann Square offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation is made easy with the proximity to Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA). Overall, this area provides a blend of dining options, healthcare facilities, recreational activities, and transportation convenience suitable for seniors looking to settle in Fort Wayne.

Restaurants

• Baba's Famous Steak and Lemonade (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Rally's (1.4 miles)
• Pike's Pub (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• Waynewood Inn (3.2 miles)
• McDonald's (3.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Lutheran Health Network (3.1 miles)
• St Joseph Hospital - Emergency Room (4.9 miles)
• St Joseph Hospital (5 miles)
• Lutheran Imaging Services (5 miles)
• Huntington Memorial Hospital (5.6 miles)

Physicians

• TLC Hearing Center (3.4 miles)
• Adams Brian MD (4 miles)
• Su Salud Clinic (4 miles)
• Brooklyn Medical Associates (4 miles)
• United Surgical (4.1 miles)
• Super Shot (4.6 miles)
• St Joseph Orthopaedic Center (4.9 miles)

Cafes

• Banh Mi Pho Shop (4.2 miles)
• Starbucks (4.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.7 miles)
• Conjure Coffee (4.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.1 miles)
• Rich's Cafe (6.2 miles)

Transportation

• Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) (4.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Trinity English Lutheran Church Elca (4.8 miles)

Parks

• Headwaters Park (4.8 miles)
• Freimann Square (4.8 miles)
• Promenade Park (5.1 miles)
• Headwaters Park Lincoln Pavilion (5.1 miles)
• Kreager Park (6.2 miles)
• Lions Park (6.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Jefferson Point 18 (6.3 miles)