The Hamilton Condominiums

The one star is a review of management and the shoddy upkeep of certain aspects of the building as well as a review of my current master tenant who has lived there for 26 years.
I have lived here for a couple of months as a subletter of one of the apartments. I have had issues with the master tenant and many of which seem treatable through decent building management. I recently discovered she has cockroaches in her apartment and will not do anything to counteract them. (Isn’t that illegal?) So beware tenants on the 9^th floor.
I also have had issues with her regarding a mail key. We had a conversation about it and she refused to give me a key. (Also illegal?) I spoke to the Building Manager, Nick Wilson, who said that the building doesn’t manage the mailbox keys. When I asked if that was normal because I thought that seemed strange, he literally yelled at me «Don’t tell me how to do my job.» I tried to stay calm and said, I wasn’t but that it was surprising to me (not to mention illegal?) — at which point he interrupted me and said «Yes you were blah blah blah.»
Granted the rental market is tough, but do you want to put up with that? I am moving out ASAP. Renters, consider yourself warned about apartment 902. And, ugh to the Tenderloin.

Awesome building with great staff. The rooftop deck and outdoor terrace with BBQs are amazing! The building is safe and secure and beautifully maintained. The gym is also a nice perk, and of course the residents are a huge plus. Everyone who lives here loves the building and it really shows in how well people take care of the place! The studios are also way bigger than what you’ll see in other buildings!

Having lived here now for five years, I can truly say I’m glad to have bought a condo in this building, a true neighborhood gem. The architecture commitee continues to enhance and improve previous outdated renovations in keeping with the Art Deco character of the buidling but adding a much-​needed modern update. The outdoor patio furniture and landscaping were updated last year and the Ballroom is used for movie nights and other fun events. Love going to the gym to work out, too.
Not sure what is meant in other reviews about smells in the hallways, but in my hallway, and those of many of my friends and neighbors, there is usually the odor of great food being cooked! The on-​site staff has always worked diligently to keep the hallways and public spaces clean and tidy (which they are). In addition to 24-​Hour Security, the building manager has always been polite and professional with me as well as many of my friends and neighbors.
This is the Tenderloin of course, and when one walks the streets at 1 a.m., you’re bound to encounter some interesting characters. At the same time, there have been a lot of new shops, restaurants and art galleries that have opened up nearby, which is really changing the look and feel of the neighborhood. Great place to buy a condo!

Couldn’t be happier to live in this building. Centrally located, well managed and great neighbors :)

The building has a wonderful lobby and a guardsman on duty at all hours. I love that. However, as you take the elevator up, you notice that the building is on the older side and has a distinct odor throughout the hallway. The trash chute on each floor is the size of a 6″ mailbox, so you have take your recycling/​trash down to the basement each time. The laundry machines are pretty new and use cash cards instead of coins, but this doesn’t stop the machine from eating your money every once in awhile. You have to call the manufacturer to report the machine to get your money back. The Hamilton also has a small standard gym with a few machines.
The area outside the building seems okay during the day, but as soon as the sun sets, women and children should be especially cautious. I always call a cab and wait inside the lobby. At odd hours of 1 or 2am, you’ll hear homeless people yelling outside or people park out in front blasting rap music a couple times a month. Also, the HOA arranges for the sidewalks to be cleaned often, but you still can’t help but smell urine on a day to day basis. If this building was in another area, it would be a gem.

When I moved into the Hamilton about three months ago, my friends said I was crazy because it was in the Tenderloin. Bottom line — I couldn’t be happier.
Main points:
The building — exceptionally clean, well maintained, managed, and the people in the building are very welcoming. There is a fitness center, 70 inch (+/​-​) new Sharp TV in the lounge, AMAZING roof deck and a gorgeous lounge with a grand piano.
The area — this block is okay, venture down near Jones — just be aware. I go running in the morning at 7am and at 7pm but start up one block up on Geary. All and all, it’s not bad.
The team — I can’t say this enough — customer service is KEY and WOW — they have it!
Example:
I was parked out front the other day and had a lot of things to carry into the building. Before I approached the front door the concierge had it open for me and asked if I needed help.
Move in if there is availability! This building would get bonus points if they were available!
3.20.12

One of the best residential buildings on O’Farrell Street! Not to mention pet-​friendly. I hope to see lots of the residents at my new pet supply store, down the street :)

Cool Art Deco building. Looks to be pretty well run. Location-​wise, it’s easy to get around town from here, but the area can be a little scary at night.
Dodge the people lying around on the street on your way in or out and you should be ok.

Beautiful building! Though I do not live here, I would like to (any for sale postings on the bulletin board?) This is my favorite building in one of my favorite neighborhoods in San Francisco; I make a point to walk by whenever I’m in town.
Though it may not have been a concept conceived when this building was transitioned from a hotel to condos, the idea of having a well situated building that offers good quality affordable studio condos is really interesting. If developed today, it is unlikely that 520sf condos would ever be offered, but I think there is a growing group on consumers that find 520sf to be perfect. In a day of flat screen televisions, Ipods, and notebook computers… how much space does a person really need?

Love the photo Shantangi! I bought my place a little over two years ago & love it more & more every day. It’s fun living in the centre of San Francisco within your very own art deco oasis! This building is truly the shining gem of the TL.

I bought my place a year and a half ago, and I still LOVE it. GREAT building, extremely well run. I even love the hood! Yay Hamilton!