My experience at this property has been overwhelmingly positive--until my encounter with Renee, a…read moreproperty manager. I am visiting for a conference, exploring the area, and spending time with family. I stayed with my cousin, who mentioned that Bethany, John, and Renee could be helpful during my stay.
Throughout my visit, I haven't needed much assistance. John has been neutral, offering a smile but no introduction. I met Bethany only today due to my negative experience with Renee.
As a professional who has worked in both management and service industries--as well as a former professional athlete--I understand how to navigate policies, take feedback, and make necessary adjustments. That said, I also believe in leading with professionalism, curiosity, and respect.
This property is known to be dog-friendly, and every resident I've met with a pet has been kind and welcoming. My own dog is currently sick and was struggling to breathe today, so I didn't want to leave her alone. I brought her with me to the gym, where there were no posted signs indicating that pets were not allowed. She is a small dog and remained quietly in the corner. Two other residents entered during this time, and my dog ignored them. Both were friendly and even inquired about her.
Initially, I went upstairs without her leash, so I quickly returned to get her. As I came back, I saw Renee exiting the elevator. She made direct eye contact with me and my dog, but rather than addressing any concerns then, she simply glared and walked away. An hour later, she entered the gym with a resident, and not to greet me or engage in any respectful dialogue, but to bluntly state that I couldn't "let my dog run around." I immediately acknowledged her comment, responded respectfully, and finished my set, with intention to leave. However, it wasn't a request and she literally ignored me after her comment. She then began assisting the resident on the bike without further acknowledgment. My dog, sensing the tension, growled--a reaction to the energy in the room.
Shortly after, the resident who entered with Rene, had been on the treadmill across the facility, left the room only to return with Renee. It became clear that she had reported my presence. Renee entered again, offering no professional courtesy, no attempt to engage in conversation--only more unfriendliness and dismissiveness.
The way this situation was handled was not just unprofessional but completely unnecessary. A simple, respectful approach--such as, "I love dogs too, but unfortunately, they aren't allowed in here!"--would have been enough to ensure clarity without hostility. Instead, Renee chose to be combative, dismissive, and unwilling to listen. When I attempted to explain, she immediately shut me down and instead made an irrelevant comparison about her own dog being sick.
I immediately went down to office and overheard Rene giving her side of the story. I spoke with Bethany, and while she remained neutral, her non-answer when I inquired about prior complaints about Renee spoke volumes. I am not surprised if others have had similar experiences with Rene.
What makes this encounter even more frustrating is the inconsistency--clear evidence of other dogs on the rooftop (I saw a lady with her puppy the day before) and another resident entering the facility with a dog just before this interaction. Furthermore, John himself was present during that time, giving a tour, yet nothing was said then. Two opportunities to address it were passed.
Ultimately, this experience was disappointing, and it did not reflect the level of professionalism and hospitality I would expect from a community like this. Rules are rules, but how they are enforced matters. Leadership should come with kindness, curiosity, and consistency--not hostility. I hope this serves as a reminder that how you treat people matters.
This situation perfectly exemplifies the term "Karen"--not just because of Renee's dismissive and unprofessional behavior, but also due to the other resident's inability to communicate directly, resorting instead to passive-aggressive glares as if that would intimidate me.
If this is how this property chooses to handle simple interactions and treat visitors as if they are less important, I would never consider living here. A strong community is built on respect, professionalism, and consistency--none of which were demonstrated in this experience. Leadership isn't about enforcing rules with hostility; it's about setting a standard of fairness and courtesy. Unfortunately, that standard was completely absent here. For that alone, it's 1 star for me. I don't care how nice the place is, if the people are ugly.
I would give this two stars solely because of Bethany--she handled the situation professionally, listened, and treated me with respect and kindness. I truly appreciate that.