The Ave — Local services in Columbus

My husband and I lived at The Ave for 3 years, and were planning to re-lease, but it is clear that SPS Properties does not care about residents and have let the community go down in quality. This company has increased rent by $400 for each unit, and promised to do “updates” to the common areas and actual units. The only updates that the units will be receiving are new vinyl flooring on all 2-4th floor apartments (already standard in first floor apartments), updating the light fixtures in the kitchen area, and installing overhead lighting in the bedrooms. SPS Properties also stated that they are changing up the clubhouse area and adding in a golf simulator. However, other than the golf simulator, all of the “changes” are things that residents already had access to, just moved around. I thought that the clubhouse had a lot of charm, especially the wall of live plants and pool/video game area on the 3rd floor, which is now being taken down to accommodate conference rooms. Based on the communications received from them, it seems like the new clubhouse will be prioritized for meeting spaces and private “work from home suites” that will most likely need to be rented out or reserved, instead of an actually community space for multiple people to enjoy at once. You will also be paying an additional fee for amenities on top of some of the highest rent in the area. The noise from the highway and train tracks is enough to drive someone crazy, but you can also expect to hear every step your upstairs neighbors take. Noise can be expected in “luxury apartments” like The Ave that are built to decrease production cost and increase profit, but the fact that both my husband and I were woken up multiple nights because we could hear our upstairs neighbors is unacceptable. I do want to commend Chuck, the maintenance manager, who is the only person on maintenance staff as of early June and works SO hard to keep the property clean and in working order. However, the pool is consistently dirty and has some structural issues like crumbling concrete and chipping paint. The pool-side furniture is also always dirty with sunscreen or tanning oil, and when items break they are never replaced so there is less seating than there has been in previous years. My husband and I did voice our concerns to the new property manager regarding the new monthly rent prices, and we were told that the best solution they had would be to transfer us to a unit that is 150 square feet smaller than what we were in for a higher price than what we were currently paying. While the amenities are nice, this is Clintonville and the apartment backs up to a very busy railroad and highway. We are constantly dealing with the force and sound of the trains going by and shaking our windows. Crime is also up in the area. For about $2200 a month for 1150 square feet, you can find the exact same or better amenities in more desirable areas of Columbus. Be aware that many recent 5-star reviews are most likely the result of the new management company bribing residents to leave a review on Google in exchange for entries into prize raffles. SPS Properties made a point to post on social media asking for the reviews and showed off the prizes that were available to those with confirmed reviews. They also asked my husband to leave a good review in exchange for entries to win a $100 gift card as we were handing in our keys. I highly recommend looking Into other housing options in Columbus because there are much better...

PROCEED WITH CAUTION LIVING HERE: VERY SKETCHY AND SNEAKY They advertise as pet friendly. I was only there for a year just moved out. They just charged me $880 upon move out for carpet damage. The “damage” in the pictures originally showed there was only 3 tiny stains under the carpet, probably less about 5 sq ft of carpet total if you cut out and replaced. They could have easily cleaned or cut that part of the carpet off and replaced a new square. I use spot cleaners and anyone that I’ve talked to that has come over said that they didn’t ever smell urine. The only way they knew of the “damage” was cutting the carpet and looking underneath and went based off dog smell, not urine smell. Come to find out the $800 was to replace both rooms even tho there was no damage to the other carpet. My dog never went in there and my roommate didn’t allow it. They ASSUMED and didn’t look at the carpet until I came and asked to look at the flooring. Then they said the carpet was installed right before I moved in so they prorated the carpet for 4 years since carpet is good for 5. Come to find out after asking for receipts, the carpet was installed in 2022 not in 2024 when I moved in. The manager was only there for a few months and did what she was told based off senior advisors guidance. She was helpful but I’m very skeptical on how many people this happened to that just paid it without fighting. It was nice bc of how close it is to downtown. However I think it’s a little pricey for what you get, Especially if you get a studio or 1 bed unit ($1300-1700) Rent went up like $200 if I wanted to resign my lease plus they were adding like $40/month for a community fee. We have a pool, free coffee bar, dog park and golf simulator but I don’t think that’s worth giving us that expensive of a community fee. Cars are regularly broken into. Mine never has, it’s mostly in the back or side next to the thrift shop of the complex. One time there was 11 in one night and the security officer just sits out front and does nothing. They didn’t even send out an email about that specific incident. The walls are thin and the screws will just fall out or go right through. I could barely hang curtains that’s how bad it was. I never really heard my neighbors except for sometimes walking. The leasing office also gave our room we originally signed for away and lied. They said that the original tenant decided to stay but they showed us an empty unit and said it was ours. They constantly mixed us up with different tenants and almost put my keys under a different unit upon turning the keys in. The layout is so poorly built that moving in and out was so hard if you don’t live right next to the outside doors or elevators. There is constant construction outside as well. The trash is only on one side of the complex so you have to either walk a good bit or drive your trash over. Packages are always being stolen or misplaced in the wrong mail room. I’ve talked to someone that said a homeless person was sleeping on the bench inside before. There are tons of homeless people around that take stuff from the donations next to the thrift store (as they should but I’d be worried about them breaking into my car). They also hold contests for writing a review which makes me concerned about the number of...

Edit 4/19/2025: We just caught the people breaking into cars mid break. And they scrammed away. All while our “security” car was EMPTY in the front. Don’t believe them when they say they have security. Pure lies. Management changed again and they do NOTHING for their residents. I cannot wait to move out. I do not feel safe in this place.

After living at The Ave for the past 4 years, I feel compelled to share my experience, particularly in light of the recent management changes. Unfortunately, our once-pleasant residence has deteriorated significantly.

Maintenance Issues: One of the most frustrating aspects has been the persistent door malfunctions. Maintenance requests for broken doors seem to be a recurring issue, and despite multiple reports, repairs are completed yet never permanent and often recur.

Security Concerns: Car break-ins have become a troubling trend. The lack of effective security measures has made us feel increasingly unsafe about leaving our vehicles in the parking lot. They advertise security patrol, however, we have yet to see a security car since the new ownership came in (previous ownership had a known security company doing laps of the parking lot overnight in a car with overhead flashing lights). The additional lighting has been somewhat helpful but truly just makes it brighter in our apartment. Be sure to buy black out shades.

Questionable Marketing Tactics: The management's strategy of offering multiple giveaways in exchange for reviews raises concerns about the authenticity of the feedback you might read. This approach seems more like a desperate attempt to mask underlying issues rather than address them.

Rent Hikes and Amenities: The recent market rent price increase is stark and unjustifiable, especially considering the unnecessary upgrades to the clubhouse and game room. The added amenity fee for these changes feels like a poor trade-off, particularly since we preferred the old setup. In contrast, nearby complexes like Graceland Flats and Trotters Park (much better location closer to short north) offer similar floor plans and amenities at a lower price.

Location: The high rent is particularly glaring given the lack of nearby dining or entertainment options. With no walkable restaurants or bars, the location is less appealing compared to other areas. It comes to no surprise that there are more than 60+ vacant apartments.

Noise Issues: The "upgraded" vinyl flooring on the upper floors has led to significant noise disturbances for residents below. The sound insulation seems inadequate, making living conditions less comfortable.

Misleading Promotion: The complex's Instagram presence is overly polished and does not reflect the reality of living here. Additionally, the so-called "local" events advertised are often located downtown or in the Short North area, which requires a car and is not walkable from the complex.

In summary, the recent changes at The Ave have been overwhelmingly negative. The combination of increased rents, poor management, security issues, and misleading promotions make it hard to recommend this place to...