Arc at Old Colony, chicago-il

My experience at ARC at Old Colony was unbelievably frustrating and unethical. After I moved out in August 2025, I was suddenly charged $300 for “paint damage” that wasn’t even from my unit. The photos management sent me as “proof” were actually from another apartment — and they sent the exact same photos to a different former resident. When I disputed the charge, the property manager ignored my messages for weeks while threatening to send me to collections. Only after I escalated the issue to corporate (Article Student Living) did things start to move — and magically, half of the charges disappeared once they reviewed the evidence. That says everything about how the situation was being handled locally. The property manager’s conduct was unprofessional, predatory, and completely lacking transparency. It’s clear that tenants are treated as easy targets for arbitrary move-out charges until someone higher up steps in. If you choose to live here, document everything — photos, emails, and communications — because you may need to protect yourself from unfair treatment. This experience left me completely disillusioned. Corporate had to fix what local management created, which should never happen in a professionally run property. Erica, the property manager, needs some lessons in professionalism and personal ethics for the many student tenants she is harming.

i have very mixed feelings about living here. i enjoy having 24/7 security, and a nice space on the rooftop, but that is about all i can praise here. the elevators SUCK, only two of them work and are old as hell. i got stuck in an elevator for nearly an hour and any other time i try to use the elevator you have to wait at least 5-10 minutes. the security and management are only nice to residents half the time. the apartments always have something wrong with them. my apartment (for 5 ppl) was supposed to have kitchen table or counter with chairs in the living space. it did not. how do you expect 5 people to cook with two small squares of countertop, or eat with no table? i cant even begin to explain how frustrating it is to have to buy your own table and chairs for an apartment that was supposed to come with it. the apartments also do not have overhead lighting. they provide one floor lamp per person. so if you have two people in one room, you’ll get two floor lamps in your room. there is no lighting in the living area of the apartment, so plan accordingly. the toilet was also broken when i moved in, only one lamp in my room worked, there were mysterious stains on the floor, broken appliances, and holes in walls/doors. luckily the A/C works very well. when living here you also become very aware of the train. it is convenient when you’re riding the train, but it is incredibly annoying when you’re trying to sleep and all you hear is “doors closing” every 10 minutes. there are also always tons of people at Pritzker Park at all hours of the day. they are incredibly loud and it is frustrating to be unable to focus or sleep when you hear people yelling all the time. there really isn’t much good i can say about this place besides that it has some kind of charm that i enjoy. overall, i have very mixed feelings.

Checking in and staying over the summer has gone so smoothly! Olivia and Tachinnah helped make my roommate’s and my stay so welcoming and easy.

Stayed here for 2 years and didn't have any problems. Staff was always friendly and never had issues with packages or mail which I've had extensively in the past. A lot of reviews mention "bogus" move-out charges, but that was not my experience AT ALL. I followed their move-out requirements and just did a quick sweep and wasn't charged a dime. In general I feel that management was transparent, maintenance was punctual and helpful, and that's all I needed to decide to renew for my second year here. In terms of Chicago apartments, I would definitely recommend ARC

The apartments are nice, clean and cozy. The staff is the best, especially security. I just love the amenities. The rooftop is so amazing.