BlockONE, ames-ia

University Towers is one of the worst places I’ve ever lived in. The building is old, lacks a lot of basic things, and the price is ridiculously high for what you actually get When I moved in, there were issues left over from the previous tenant cracks in the walls and closet, a broken TV, and terrible lighting. the internet. This was by far the worst part. There’s no Ethernet cable access at all in some rooms the Wi-Fi is completely unstable. Even when it works, the speed is only 50mbps. And don’t forget the elevator. For months, everyone in the building had to rely on a single elevator because the other one was constantly broken. Also You’re close to the university, so expect parties every Friday night that go until 2am. Good luck sleeping. Just to be clear, I’m talking specifically about University Towers. Other units in BlockONE probably are way better

Don't believe the BlockOne website when the say "you can pick your roommate". Unless you sign up on the same day, they might tell you that you have the privilege of living with strangers instead of the people you would had chosen. Then you have to pay $827.95 to BlockOne for subletting to someone else (who you had to pay 4 months rent, because no-one wanted to sublet for less of a buyout...my daughter tried for months) If I could give zero stars I would. Their staff rudely told me "my 18 year old daughter needed to take responsibility" when I tried to help her....despite the fact that they never would have leased to her without my guarantee of payment. Their website and their representatives say one thing: "you can select your roommate" and their fine print says the opposite. If you trust their spoken words, you are out of luck. I asked why they didn't let us know that she would not live with her chosen roommates and were told, "We don't have time for that." Have a lawyer review the contract, don't trust what they tell you. $4000 later I am free from BlockOne and their predatory behavior. My daughter is living with people she knows and we are both relieved.

Photos attached are from move in-day. Lost my deposit and was charged a hefty load on 'damage' fees when I left. While I lived there, the office/management was ontop of things; giving quick responses with helpful answers. Another thing I liked was the package storage system. The location was super close to my classes too. My neighbors on the other hand were not pleasant in the slightest. They were: - Noisy: The noise level coming from them through my paper thin walls kept me up or made me unable to focus frequently - Litterbugs: The elevators, staircases, hallways, and even the garage pretty much always had garbage laying out. Another thing that was extra annoying was no one actually put their trash down the chute, so it piled up in the chute room. - Destructive: It felt like every week maintenance would put up a new "Exit" sign, and within hours someone would smack it down and demolish it. Multiple times I had to close the 'emergency exit' door that was left open with the alarm blaring.

If you’re thinking of staying with Block one and specifically University Towers I strongly advise not to. Elevators broke all year round, black mold covered with spray paint without notice, was promised a specific a unit but got moved last minute to a terrible one, abase disposal broke, microwave broke, terrible internet the list goes on. It’s something new every week

I've had a great experience living at 23Twenty! The office staff and maintenance team are responsive and helpful for residents' needs. The apartments are well maintained and feature convenient amenities such as in unit laundry. The location is also excellent and very close to campus.