great building bad management
Pros
lovely neighbors, mix of long-term residents and columbia grad students. one apartment was written about in the new york times for hosting jazz events years ago. rooftop is very peaceful, heat works well, spacious rooms, good location near delis 99c stores, small grocery, park, pizza, restaurants.
Cons
The management company tried to illegally charge us an approx $500 administrative fee when we renewed our lease, we had to send a legal letter acknowledging this was illegal for them to stop pushing it. There were cockroaches that didnt go away even with multiple exterminations. At one point multiple doors literally broke in half, and there were huge cracks behind the counter in the kitchen, holes in the bathroom wall and stairs, that took at least 1 month sometimes more for the management to come. They did renovate our counter eventually. Building manager Celsa aggressively yelled at one of my roommates on the phone. We had to often go to her office to get prompt answers, and she often avoided us there too.
Advice to the owners
Respond promptly and respectfully. Don't increase the rent
glory days are over
Pros
large, beautiful lighting, 10ft tall ceilings, fireplace.
Cons
no elevator, horrible garbage management, insane rents, kitchen falling apart.
Advice to the owners
spent the money you steal from your tenants into making it a better space.