Okonski

I lived at 3160 North Cambridge, and the maintenance and management was very helpful whenever I needed anything or if I saw them in the building. It was easy to contact them, and they were willing to help out as best they could. I lived there for 3 years, and I think they have gotten much better at responding from when I first moved in. I am only moving out because I am relocating out of state. I never had any problem with roaches or bugs.
The location was awesome, so close to the lake!

I live in the 521 W. Briar building. I have only lived there since May ’12 but I have been impressed and enjoy living in this building. The maintenance and management is a family organization. I’ve met all of them and they are always very nice. I’ve had some small issues with my unit that they fixed right away.
I live on the 4^th floor, so I can only attribute my one complaint to Science. It can be very hot during the summer since A) its hot outside and B) heat rises. So the upper floors get hot. But there is a window AC unit in every building.
Gas and Water are included.
EXCELLENT water pressure. Amazing.
I’ve never had any bug problems. Every month they have the building exterminated and they put up signs in the elevator that if you want your unit exterminated, just to call them, and they’ll add it to the list — free to you.
I’ve dealt with a shitty landlord/​management company in my past that was a nightmare, Okonski is definitely one of the better ones that I have experienced.

I have lived in 535 W Briar Pl for almost two years. I love the location, the hardwood floor (very clean and great color), the apartment space, the layout, but the following things are driving me crazy:
1) There are always roaches at the kitchen sink. EVERYWHERE. Sometimes I think maybe it’s because I don’t do my dishes right away or keep it clean enough, but I found out no matter how clean I keep the sink, there will always be bugs and roaches. Looking at all those little brown things running around where you make food just makes me sick. I have bought so many sprays, roach killers, etc but nothing worked.
2) The apartment is always overly warm in the winter. It’s like a sauna. I grew up in subtropical climate and I don’t mind warm, but this is unacceptable. I usually have to keep the AC on in the winter, more than I do in the summer. And there’s no way you can adjust the temperature in your unit. I talked to the building janator about this and she advised me to simply keep all the windows open.
3) It is very very difficult to get a hold of the management staff. There is an office on the first floor of this building but there’s never anyone working there. We have the janators’ (two of them) cellphone numbers but they never pick up the phone or return. I tried to email, leave voicemail or leave them notes but usually takes days even a week to get a response. It is a family business so not very organized.
4) They over rent the parking garage. They try to squeeze in as many cars as they can so they can make as much money as possible but they don’t care if it makes people hard to get in/​out of their spot. I have scratched my car multiple times while parking or getting out of my spot. It is simply unethical.
5) No online rent payment system. You have to have actual check books to pay rent. It is 21^st century, hello!
I am leaving this apartment within 2 weeks. I am glad. I also read the bedbug forum online and this place has been reported several times. The rent is very reasonable in this area, but you get what you pay for.

I would probably rather give a 3.5 but I am working with what Unilocal gives me. I am in the 3160 N Cambridge building so I can’t speak for the other buildings as well.
I reviewed the apartments online after I had signed a lease since I was only in town for a weekend before I moved and was a little terrified. I thought there were going to be roaches everywhere and that I made a terrible mistake. I have been here for over a year and have seen about 4 total which isn’t terrible considering what I thought I would be getting. They also have someone come in once a month and spray which is helpful.
They are usually pretty helpful if something comes up like when my refrigerator went out. The place isn’t perfect but I don’t think it is as bad of a place as it may look online. One perk is the location is great, the only thing not real close is the grocery store.