★ ★ ★ ★ ★★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 30, 2024
This is a special place: don't hesitate if it is in your budget
Perks:
Concierge Staff: Exceptional staff who are helpful and caring. They ensure security, manage packages, hold deliveries, and assist with concerns, providing safety and convenience compared to neighboring apartments.
Package Pickup: Packages are secured in a locked room behind the concierge, avoiding issues seen in other complexes where packages are left in the open or in overcapacity rooms.
Events: Thoughtfully planned events with great food and drinks, I attended even though I am not the kind of person who goes to these things. It's just worth it here!
Residents: Friendly, helpful, and considerate neighbors, primarily working professionals, not college students or loud children.
Quiet Hours: Enforced quiet after 10 PM.
Amenities: Includes a steam room, steam bath, top-notch common lounge areas, coworking lounges, pool cabanas, and courtyard.
Location: Proximity to Bulls Stadium, DPAC, ATC, and main downtown walking streets, with easy access to Highway 147 without traffic lights.
Safety: Despite being downtown, it's safe with increased foot traffic and proximity to the Justice Center.
Maintenance: Responsive and efficient with good communication. Maintenance staff like Ashley are particularly noteworthy.
Common Areas: Well-maintained and inviting. The gym could use some updates like a new multifunction machine and replacing worn-out equipment, straps, and cushions.
Disadvantages:
Roaches: Common in shared areas, especially at night. Despite weekly pest control, it's ineffective. More frequent spraying with better chemicals, and spraying every crevice on every tile in the sky lounge needs to occur.
No EV Chargers: Promised but not yet installed. Residents must use public parking decks.
Elevator Issues: Frequent outages, especially during rain, requiring manual resets. Some elevators make unsettling noises and require frequent servicing.
Train Noise: Close proximity to the train tracks can be disturbing for light sleepers.
Parking Deck Issues: Tight parking spots, frequent gate malfunctions, and a lack of EV chargers. Security concerns arise from broken gates, allowing random people into the parking deck.
Van Alen is great if you don't have an EV & can afford the rent. It's a secure, convenient, and community-oriented complex with minor drawbacks that can be managed. Choose a higher floor to avoid roach problems and avoid units near the noisy metal gate by the pool. Utility costs are reasonable, with power around $50/month and water about $17/month.
Property Manager Responded: Thank you for sharing your detailed review of our community. We are glad to hear that you have enjoyed our convenient location, top-notch amenities, and responsive maintenance team. We appreciate your feedback on our pest control services, and we will be sure to pass it along to our team.
July 30, 2024
