Firelands Retirement Ctr Inc

Pros

• New ownership has improved the property, and maintenance is described as awesome.
• The apartment is nice and up to date with ongoing improvements.
• The maintenance staff is praised, with Noel highlighted as the best.
• The residence is described as great with many updates and upgrades.
• Residents say it is a great place to live.

Cons

• Tenants report chronic maintenance neglect and amenities that do not meet HUD standards.
• Elevators frequently break, sometimes both, preventing residents from mobility and causing missed doctor appointments.
• A sink has remained clogged for five years with no maintenance response.
• Residents cannot move to larger units despite doctor notes, and relocation requests go unresolved.
• Management is reportedly unresponsive and blames tenants, failing to communicate or address complaints.
• Security concerns arise after a manager allowed a recently released prisoner into the building, causing fear among seniors.

Review

The reviews present a strikingly divided portrait of a residential property that has seen both alarming problems and hopeful improvements. On one hand, a number of residents describe a situation that feels unsafe and poorly maintained. One person even starts by insisting they were not at any of the places in question and that the whole thing is a fraud, claiming they are at home and naming a person described as a stalker, Amy Gilbert. This opening statement sets a tone of mistrust and fear, hinting at complicated dynamics inside the building and a sense that some complaints may be dismissed or misattributed.

Several accounts focus on safety and daily living annoyances that compound into real stress. Tenants report that there is no air conditioning in certain areas and that downstairs bathrooms are not accessible, allegedly because of ongoing drinking problems in the building. They speak of amenities that are listed yet unavailable, and they claim the complex no longer meets HUD standards. The environment, they say, is one where basic comforts and predictable routines - such as being able to use essential facilities without restriction - never feel guaranteed. The sentiment conveyed is that the property operates in a way that leaves residents feeling uncertain and underserved.

Maintenance and infrastructure emerge as recurring flashpoints. There are claims of a sink that was clogged during a walkthrough five years ago and has never been properly addressed since, with maintenance described as almost perpetually absent. One writer insists that there has not been a competent maintenance presence for years and that there is no one to dispatch from other properties when needed. The elevator, a lifeline for many residents, is described as unreliable, breaking down frequently; at night, drunk individuals allegedly occupy the space, complicating trips to use the bathroom or to attend appointments, and the management's response is described as dismissive - suggesting that "it's not their problem" even after hours. These points sketch a pattern of neglect that makes everyday life far more burdensome than it should be.

The narrative extends into how residents are treated when trying to move or adjust their housing situation. One account details a constraint: moving into an efficiency is portrayed as being out of reach, while moving into a one- or two-bedroom unit was supposedly possible with a doctor's note, yet this remedy took almost two years to materialize and never came to fruition. The frustration isn't only about physical space; it touches on bureaucracy, health considerations, and the sense that accommodations based on medical needs are inconsistently applied or delayed, leaving tenants in limbo and uncertain about their next steps.

There are also pointed allegations about how the building is managed and who is allowed in or around residents. One reviewer describes a chaotic office dynamic, with a manager who allegedly snoozes and a problematic situation where a friend of a tenant who had just come out of prison was allowed into the building in front of the manager, an act that the reviewer views as a threat to senior residents. The fallout appears to be disciplinary and reputational, with a ban placed on the individual, but the portrayal emphasizes a broader perception of lax enforcement and safety risks that extend to interactions with maintenance staff and other residents.

In contrast to the heavy criticisms, there is a contrasting strand of feedback that speaks to a turning point. A wave of newer voices describes a fresh start under new ownership, with a maintenance team that is responsive and a manager who is actively improving conditions. Several testimonials praise the ongoing upgrades and the overall upkeep of the apartments, noting that the units are now up to date and that improvements are steadily continuing. In particular, a maintenance person named Noel is singled out as "the best" by multiple residents, and there is a sense of genuine progress and care in the newer management approach. This perspective paints the property as a place that is moving in the right direction, with residents acknowledging the positive impact of investment and attentive service.

The most candid line in the collection - "Enter at your own risk" - serves as a stark reminder of the ambivalence that characterizes the property's current reputation. It captures the fear and caution voiced by some tenants, even as others celebrate visible improvements and an improved living environment. The duality is evident: while some residents feel empowered by the new leadership and the improved maintenance culture, others continue to grapple with long-standing problems that they feel have not been resolved or adequately addressed. The mixed experiences underscore a complex reality where progress coexists with unresolved challenges.

Taken together, these reviews sketch a property in transition. The new ownership appears to have sparked tangible improvements - upgraded interiors, a more responsive maintenance team, and a positive shift in overall ambiance. Yet the older grievances linger for many residents: persistent maintenance delays, safety concerns, accessibility issues, and disputes with management that suggest a fragile equilibrium. For potential tenants, the landscape is therefore nuanced. If you value recent upgrades and a more proactive maintenance approach, the property may be trending in a favorable direction. If you prioritize reliability, predictable access, and consistent enforcement of safety and accessibility standards, there remains reason to approach with caution and to seek out specific, up-to-date assurances from management.

This part of Oberlin, Ohio offers a variety of healthcare services, including holistic gynecology, foot care, orthopedics, and general physicians. There are also multiple pharmacies within a short driving distance for easy access to medications. For dining options, there are local favorites like The Feve and Lorenzo's Pizzeria as well as familiar fast food chains like McDonald's and Wendy's. Places of worship such as Finney Chapel and Second Baptist Church provide spiritual support for residents. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby parks like Lorain County Metro Parks and Cascade Park, while hospitals like EMH Regional Medical Center and Mercy Health are available for medical emergencies. Cafes such as Bread N Brew and Panera Bread offer cozy spots for socializing with friends over coffee or a light meal. Overall, this area provides convenient access to essential services in a peaceful community setting ideal for senior living.

Physicians

• Whole Woman Holistic Gynecology (0 miles)
• Oberlin Foot Care (0 miles)
• Lorain County Coroners Office (0.1 miles)
• Oberlin Hearing Care (0.6 miles)
• Essel Emmanuel MD (0.6 miles)
• Center For Orthopedics (0.6 miles)
• Community Health Partners (0.6 miles)

Restaurants

• The Feve (0.1 miles)
• Lorenzo's Pizzeria (0.2 miles)
• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Wendy's (1.7 miles)
• The Depot (5.8 miles)
• McDonald's (5.9 miles)
• Burger King (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Finney Chapel (0.3 miles)
• Second Baptist Church (6.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (7.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (7.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (7.9 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (8.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (8.2 miles)

Parks

• Lorain County Metro Parks (4.2 miles)
• Lagrange Community Park (6 miles)
• Cascade Park (7.8 miles)
• Amherst Beaver Creek Reservation (8.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Emh Regional Medical Center (7.5 miles)
• Emh Regional Medical Center (8.5 miles)
• Mercy Health (10.1 miles)
• Mercy Regional Medical Center (10.2 miles)
• Physicians Answering Service (10.2 miles)

Cafes

• Bread N Brew (8.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (8.5 miles)
• Starbucks (9.6 miles)