Old Main Apartments

Old Main Apartments offers affordable housing with a convenient location near Drake campus and generally responsive maintenance staff. However, residents report inconsistent management quality, recurring maintenance and building access issues, and concerns about neighborhood safety and noise enforcement. The property appeals primarily to students seeking budget-friendly options, though long-term residents appreciate the community and amenities like the pool.

Management responsiveness and office accessibility are inconsistent, with some residents reporting helpful staff and prompt maintenance while others experienced slow response times, staffing gaps, and difficulty reaching the office during business hours. Communication challenges have included lost paperwork, management transitions without tenant notification, and unresolved maintenance requests. Positive experiences highlight courteous and effective management and maintenance teams.

The building itself is generally clean and well-maintained with responsive maintenance staff for most repairs. However, residents report inconsistent noise insulation between units, particularly on lower floors, and note that quiet hour policies are not consistently enforced. Some residents also experienced issues with building systems including non-functional buzzer systems, loud and ineffective HVAC units, and lack of elevator access.

Maintenance response times are inconsistent, with some residents reporting prompt service while others experienced significant delays spanning weeks to months for repairs. Common issues include incomplete follow-up on work orders, unresolved plumbing and HVAC problems, and lack of documentation when management transitions occur. Positive feedback highlights helpful maintenance staff, though negative experiences center on slow response, poor follow-through, and inadequate winter maintenance of common areas.

The property benefits from proximity to Drake Campus, which residents cite as a significant location advantage and safety factor. Parking is available but gated, though some residents report difficulty locating spots. The neighborhood has mixed safety perceptions, with proximity to campus providing security benefits, though surrounding areas are noted as less safe. Overall, location suitability depends on whether residents have Drake affiliation or prioritize campus-adjacent living.

Residents report that the property offers amenities including a pool, gated parking, and bike storage in a generally clean complex with a gated community providing security. Maintenance responsiveness varies significantly by time period, with some residents experiencing prompt service while others report delayed responses to maintenance requests lasting weeks to months. Common concerns include parking lot and walkway maintenance during winter weather, office accessibility during business hours, and shared space upkeep in laundry facilities.