I'll try to be as honest as possible. My parents had stayed in this building as the do have long-term rentals for vacation(one month, etc), so I knew the place and needed a flat during my separation. I moved in in early 2010. I knew the place was expensive, but it's Pacific Heights and most spaces in the area are over prices-but it is location, location, location. I moved out in April 2012.
Pluses-
1. THE STAFF- You probably could not find a better staff working in a building. Robert Portilla is a really good manager-friendly, open and does listen. They have a concierge, Andy Farriester, who goes out of his way to help in anyway possible, from getting dinner rez to placing packages in your flat. The maintenance crew is top notch. Luis, Maria, Chris are wonderful. Never had to wait more than a day for anything to be fixed and it was always done well. These people are the best thing about the building.
2. LOCATION-It is a plus-in a way. Near Geary 38 bus line, walking distance to Mollie Stones and Safeway, near Fillmore Street $$$$ and Fillmore street regular folks(Yoshi's). YMCA across the street and great little brunch café within the structure.
Minuses-
1. UNITS- I had a 2 BR unit listed at 975 sq ft. maybe overall, but the layout is poor and it felt really claustrophobic. It's more like 600 or 700 livable space. My kitchen was brand new-plus. But overall, felt really small.
2. RENT- Yes, it is Pacific Heights. But I was paying $2700 for my space when I moved in, parking was $175-250 per month plus utilities were extra. Yes, I did get a 40 inch TV provided by the building, but THAT was not worth the rent. I left because they jacked up my rent by $500/month(market rate) for I'd have been paying $3300/month just for the unit. Parking is painful in the area, so add the garage, utilities and I would have been paying $3700/month. It IS an expensive neighborhood. Just realize you are paying for location, location, location.
3. BUILDING- Massive. Takes up an entire city block. Not as well kept as you'd imagine for a building charging THAT much rent in that neighborhood. Carpet in the halls needs to be replaced. Has not been. Flats on the street side, of course, are noisy. Pretty typical for SF. Lots of pets, which means residents who are hit/miss about cleaning up after their pets. Many instances of pet urine and feces in the stair wells and hall carpets. There is a pool and a decent fitness area. Also barbecue grills on the grounds, but they're usually occupied by young tenants who have big parties and drink alot.
4. SECURITY- Yes, there is a security person there from 9p-6a. Unfortunately for me, my experience left me with a less-than-impressed view. One particular night, I had left my car door unlocked. Someone got into the 'secure' garage' and went into open cars and my car was robbed-as were others. The next day THE SECURITY GUARD told me how he saw a young black man in my car, around 4am. The kid told him that he was my nephew, when questioned, and that I would be down soon. This story was witnessed by another person. I asked why he(security) didn't pursue it. He said he story about the nephew was ok. I went to complain the next day to management. The security log made NO MENTION of anyone in my car. A few days later, security had told his bosses and bldg management that HE HAD WALKED THE MAN UP TO MY APT, KNOCKED ON THE DOOR TO SEE IF I WAS HIS NEPHEW. DIFFERENT STORY. And I was awake at 4am but there was no knock. Nothing else was done. The security guard in question is still working there. In general-people walk in and out of the front door all the time as residents don't always question who is entering.
5. UDR(The Management Company)-Like any big corporation, there is a huge disconnect. The staff working there are great, but they answer to a large institution interested in making money. There is no real negotiating with UDR. They may bend on parking, but can raise rent by ANY AMOUNT THEY CHOSE. You are a number. There will be no tenant loyalty or consideration. The staff does try, but in the end UDR is for UDR. REMEMBER-WHILE THE PEOPLE WHO WORK THERE ARE NICE, THEY CAN ONLY DO SO MUCH. THEY ANSWER TO UDR AND DON'T HAVE MUCH POWER TO MAKE CHANGE.
6. Parking. Two garages. One is unassigned and cheaper(relatively-$75 cheaper per month). You park in whatever space is open. Three levels. Can be a pain if you live on the opposite side of the building. Assigned lot means you park in the same spot ALL the time. Costs more. But at least they give you the option. Automatic door as well.
Yes, this was long, but honest. Would I recommend this place? No, despite the great staff and location, you'd do better to look around. read more
