Hassalo on Eighth — Local services in Portland

Don't live here, they are just going to make your life of living here an inconvenience. They say they have 24 hour concierge, that is only 1/3 true. It is only at 1 of their 3 buildings. And when that person calls out from work they pull from the other 2 buildings to cover it. When the other two only has concierge in theory until 11pm on weekdays, that hasn't happened for months. The say but you can call that concierge for anything...do they expect us to call them now to let people up to our apartment? They decided to lock the elevators down... meaning even if you let someone in with the call box you have to go to the lobby to get them to your apartment. So, if you are ever sick and want to stay in bed, but want some medication delivered you still have to leave your apartment. Or if you ever want food delivered because you just don't feel like getting out of your Pjs or you're drunk and want pizza delivered you still have to leave your apartment. Or if you are hosting a dinner party and are cooking you are expected to leave your apartment turn everything off per the lease and let your guest in. Does this seems realistic and safe to you? This is unlike at their 24 hour concierge apartment building that steals your concierge, so they can unlock the elevators for who ever needs to go up. I have never lived anywhere where there seriously is no purpose to the callbox at the front door. I have never seen a management company make a piece of technology they purposely installed for the resident's convenience obsolete. Congrats on being the first Hassalo on Eighth! Hassalo on Eighth making residents lives inconvenient one step at a time!

I have to change my rating. After finding an employee discount for one month free on a 13-18 month lease I was told I could not use it because I already live here. There was no fine print anywhere on the discount flyer so ultimately be careful they are into false advertising! Flyer details posted that they reneged on.

1st Month Cons ~I saw some shady guy trying to unlock the bikes in front of the building who proceeded to ask me if I could call his brother who lived up in the building, of course I said no and walked over to the other building to tell concierge. Security is a little shaky, not because of the property just because of the location, I guess. Thankfully I don't have a bike locked up there but, I felt for those who do. ~Senior property manager doesn't really know the lease ~Bathroom constantly smells bad with black sediment in the toilet ~My move in was not smooth ie not getting forms and links to things I needed but finding out when it was too late (Thanks to concierge for being helpful with this, they really are amazing!) ~The place smells like marijuana ~Hot water is a joke here. I am constantly taking a shower with my water all the way turned up hoping I'm going to get a little heat, ~Street sound although better than some places worst than living on the third floor downtown Portland on an even busier street. I do occasionally hear loud music at night but my neighbors must be cool because it stops before I go to bed. Side note though I work swing shift so I don't go to bed until 2ish. ~It is also ok for property managers to break the lease whenever it is convenient for them.

Pros ~Great location ~Access to public transportation and they provide arrival times in lobby ~Concierge is amazing and so helpful ~Bathtub is huge ~Their marketing department does a great job with putting on community events ie a Blazers viewing party and game night ~They have a loading dock and carts for moving in ~Maintenance is great, they are quick and usually there before their scheduled time which is nice most of the time ~Great move in gift

See you next month for an update, if...

I have lived here at Aster Tower since September 2017. One of the many reasons why I chose Aster Tower was having a 24 hour concierge. I truly love to enter the building and have the concierge greet me. My office is at Lloyd Tower just a block away, so I walk in & out of the front doors multiple times a day to and from work to home. On weekdays, I always look forward to, and hope to see Carli. She always says hello, asks about my day, and from what I observe, truly cares about Aster residents. She is always willing to help us in whatever way she can. Like helping track down a parcel that was delivered, but cannot be found by a resident. All the concierge’s are great, as well as the maintenance & housekeeping. Appreciate the happy hours, and the myriad free events in Aster 104. My 5 stars are only for concierge, maintenance & housekeeping.

Cons are noise levels from other residents at all times of day, but often late into the evening past midnight.Add this to the constant daily smell of marijuana smoke coming into my apartment thru stove exhaust, or AC unit. LOTS of disrespectful tenants at Aster Tower who often take over the 21st floor and make it uninviting to other residents. Management needs to work on tenant complaints. I have been told multiple times by management “there’s nothing we can do”. Even after giving them detailed logged times/ dates/description of disruptive noise, over a period of months. Yes there is something that can be done, enforce the rules, and evict tenants who do not follow them! Too much leniency is given. Also, 21st floor stairwell door is locked 24/7. I often use the gym and have to use elevator to get to 21st floor. Try to stay healthy by using stairs only to have to utilize elevator to get to 21st floor. Elevators are dirty. They’re vacuumed daily, but rarely mopped. Dirt is built up around perimeter of elevator flooring. Frequently/daily, finger prints and dog snot can seen on elevator walls. Residents allow their pets to pee in elevator, on tile at elevator entrances, on the buildings exterior, potted trees, benches, etc. The rules NEED to be enforced, and not simply give tenants multiple warnings. There must be consequences for tenants who do not abide by the rules. I have been told to call concierge during the night to come up and observe/ listen to the noise, but I’m not going to get up, dressed, in the middle of night to have concierge enter my apt. I do not feel management values the stability of respectful long term residents. It’s all about the dollar! We all deserve and pay for a pleasant peaceful place to live, but it’s often times...

I’ve reached the half year mark in calling Aster Tower my home and could not be happier with the decision. Waking up to these incredible views while having easy access to all of Portland via highway 84 or the Max stop at our doorstep gives you a sense that you’re at the center of it all. The location is the perfect mix of urban living while benefiting from the less chaotic pace of a suburban neighborhood.

Among my favorite characteristics is the diversity of the neighbors which have all been incredibly warm. This may be that a large percentage of them are dog owners and are naturally outgoing and conscientious. It makes for a great vibe while out on the terrace or spending time in the spa.

The staff at Aster tower deserve a resounding accolade. I’ve experienced nothing short of professionalism from all of them, and they are a welcome sight at the front desk.

I’ve been a huge fan of my apartment layout and the smart design that dots the space. With the recent heat wave Portland was experiencing temperatures of up to 116 degrees. My saving grace is that all our units have air conditioning. This is a rarity in Portland even in new developments. It will certainly come to be an important feature in the coming years.

As I post this review I’m rather amiss about Megan’s review below. Perhaps this is their first foray into adulthood and they have never come across a lease agreement before but Hassalo is very upfront about the $165 a month parking space. A charge that is comparable to the vast majority of buildings I came across in my search -- if not cheaper. Did they not tour the handicap accessible apartment before signing? Rather bizarre that you accepted a living space only to complain about it in a public forum as if it was forced upon you.

Aster Tower is definitely worth your consideration and if you’re on the fence I would recommend you...