Hawthorne

TL,DR: The building is back to its functional, livable and comfortable glory. I’d resume recommending my building to people looking to move close to WashU med.

It was about time to update the review of my beloved apartment building. A new management, RCI Realty, took over on Feb 1, 2023. They called advance elevator repair on Feb 1st to get started on the elevator issue. Back orders for elevator parts were still a hold back, but RCI provided freight elevator services throughout the repair… period. Doorman services were restored. There is now someone at the door ALL the time. Both elevators have been replaced with new parts, interiors and machinery have been upgraded. There were kinks initially after the elevator replacement was complete, but they were promptly taken care of by the new management. Several upgrades happened in the lobby too, starting with a massive cleaning (LOVED THAT), polishing of the marble floors, fixing the plaster adornments on the ceiling, replacement of ALL the mats inside and outside the building. Now there are mats even in the elevators. Cleaning crew comes in regularly and everything is cleaned and wiped. Garage repairs also started with the new management and they provided us with an alternative garage space tie-up. It is slightly far and the residents that chose to skip that option and parked on the street had their cars broken into (EVERY single car on West Pine from Euclid to Newstead has been broken into it seems) so that was very painful to see, esp for my neighbors who I’d grown to like through our shared struggles during the broken-elevator phase. Nearly 90% of the residents who were here in 2022 when the elevators started to break down have left. I believe that was the driving force for the owners to open their eyes and pockets and do sth about the situation. It was actually getting pretty empty for some time in the building but several new tenants have moved in. At some point in this period, a roach infestation began (or was uncovered by the rest of the deep cleaning??) and several rounds of pest control have happened. I have not seen a cockroach or a nymph in my apartment for 2-3 months now. Warmer months may tell a different story.
But RCI has amazingly turned over the tide for this building, kudos to them!!
As for the good features: beautiful views from this high rise building, open and bright apartments, prompt maintenance and amazing staff on-site. Read More