Wells Street Tower

I bought a unit in this building a year ago and I can honestly say I am thankful every day for the decision I made! PROS The location cannot be beat - two blocks to all major highways and "L" lines, steps away from the restaurants and bars in Printers Row (not to mention the ones in South Loop), the best movie theater in Chicago I've been to lately (ICON), close to grocery stores and drugstores (15-minute leisurely walk tops). Grand and Millennium Parks are within walking distance, as are many museums (Art Institute for one). The building was built in 2004 but has been maintained beautifully - still looks as fresh and as new as the day it was built (except the party room - see below). The decor of the lobby and common areas is understated yet tasteful - and there are fresh floral arrangements in the lobby every week (that sold me!) The building staff is absolutely phenomenal - from the property manager (who has been with the building since it was built) to the door and maintenance staff. Everyone is always available, friendly, courteous and helpful, making life at WST a pleasure. Maintenance is available from 7 am to 11 pm every day, sure gives me peace of mind that help is always on hand. CONS (not dealbreakers, to be sure!) The building is scant on amenities - there is only an exercise room (no replacement for anyone's gym, to be sure), a party room (which can use freshening up of the decor and probably never gets used), a library room (I can read at home, thanks :) ), and a sundeck (which is on the 8th floor on the west side of the building so... mark your favorite lakeside beach instead). However, that never bothered me. What does bother me is that for the cost of purchasing a parking space and paying assessments for it you get "covered parking" - meaning there are no walls to the outside so the temperature is what it is outside, and snow, rain and dust freely blow inside the parking garage. But that's how the building was built, nothing to be done about that - and it beats street parking, which isn't all that plentiful around. If you are thinking of living at WST, do it without hesitation and be ready to be part of serene city living, supported by a great staff and close to everything the city has to offer!