Grand Plaza Chicago Apartments

Overall value. People are very friendly.

Noise travels ... probably something I'll get used to

I love how pet friendly it is - transformed the putt-putt course into a dog park and there is usually a dog or two no matter the time of day. Great to socialize with others or convenient if you are too lazy to go for a walk. Jewel Osco is right next door, sometimes I won't even put on a jacket it's so close. The gym is decent (could use another squat rack) - not too busy but could be that people are nervous to use it during COVID. One thing I really appreciate is how helpful the staff can be - for instance, I forgot my keys a lot when I first moved in, and the staff never gave me too much grief for letting me borrow one of theirs. I only recently started giving them tips (I don't forget the keys that much anymore haha) but only because I realized it was the right thing, not because they asked. Love the floor to ceiling windows. I have to say that the maintenance staff is top-notch - I've only had one issue (heating went out), i put in the ticket maybe 1 hour later someone was knocking on my door. I think he had it fixed by 4 hours tops. It only took so long because he needed to replace something so he had to go get the part, was very respectable and kind. I honestly should change my rating for the staff in this building to 5 stars, they are true gems.

Noise cancellation is pretty good - I live next to the trash chute so I can hear when people throw away trash (I put a sound/heat guard under my door, hoping it will block out some hallway noise) and for some reason can hear when people are showering upstairs or running a sink in the mornings. But it's just those small noises - can't hear voices, footsteps or TVs. For what I pay, the building is a bit outdated BUT I think I am paying for the location. I would probably appreciate it more if I was actually walking to work, but since the office is closed, I'm just in a really expensive studio in a fairly outdated building. The ceilings in my apt I never thought we too short but it is shorter compared to other buildings I've been to.

Great view, large unit, large bedrooms and closets! Awesome balcony. Tons of natural light in our unit, can't say the same for others.

LOUD. You can hear everything in the next unit. I swear the walls are paper thin. Internet is trash. Tons of homeless people outside, but I guess that's because of the grocery store. Can't have it all.