Tenant Reviews for 235 W 56TH ST

New word going around about the Bob Cat. There is a Bob Cat running loose in the exits and along the corridors. The other night I was awakened with a horrific "ROAR" at approximately 2:18 am. Before I knew it, the claws were scratching at my door. My cat was hissing up a storm. I knew this just wasn't right. I called the lobby but no one answered.What am I supposed to do if something like this occurs at night? NO ONE ANSWERS! I am so scared. What on Earth is going on in this place between the jungle animals and the psychotic staff we got here. Is there or is there not anyone available to assist me with this Bob Cat at 2:18 am???? Not to mention that I heard that the giraffs knocked out 95% of the ceiling lights in the lobby. If you walk in the lobby there are like only 2 bulbs lit. What happened to the rest? I know, it's the giraffs and no ones fixing anything. I should get money deducted from my rent since this place is a goddamn amazon. What are we tenants supposed to feed your animals? How do they sneak these things in? Are they raising them from pups and then letting them loose? I just don't understand how it's all getting through, especially the giraff. It's proof about the giraffs because all the lights are out in the lobby.

I currently reside at the Symphony House. I have been here for about 4 years. I have to say that this place is a circus. The super is never to be found, especially on weekends. I have never heard of a super that is not on call 24/7, and he is the rudest person I have to deal with living here. Not only is his staff incompetent such as he, but now I hear that there are ANACONDAS literally running loose throughout the building. I have no idea how on earth could an ANACONDA be missed. I heard it snuck in during the middle of the night. I don't know why there has not been any type of animal patrol on the premises. I have heard hissing and pounding in the lobby the other day. But I ran in the elevator. Symphony house is also known for it's infestation of mice and rats. I heard that the Anaconda has been acting as an exterminator and management is trying to keep it on the down low so that there is no panic amongst the residents. Also, maintenance is horrible. The break everything!!! Doorpersons are rude as hell and I wish the anaconda would choke the ---- out of them. All they care about is that tip tip tip. The concierge never has my packages, never answers the phones, I've seen doormen that disappear from the door for hours. I don't think that Symphony House's idea of an Anaconda as an exterminator is a good idea. There are families with small children, and it's a fact that Anacondas eat children. I am petrified to walk out of my apartment everyday going to work, in fear of that anaconda. Talk is going around about the Anaconda. So residents, please be aware!!! I know that super knows it too and he won't do ---- as usual to exterminate it.

We have been living in this building for 6 months and we are very pleased with it. The location is great, a few blocks from Columbus Circle and from Central Park. The view on North Side are amazing. We live on 28th floor and have a great view of Central Park. Staff is nice and they are quick when you have something that need to be fixed. The swimming pool on 43rd floor is great. There is an amazing view of Central Park. And we like having some rest in the jacuzzi. There are a few classes offerd by the fitness club (pilates, yoga, water gym). Machines in the gym are not very new but we do not really care. On Sunday mornings the sports club oragnize a breakfast with bagels. It is a really friendly athmosphere with families and young kids (even if there are a few cranky tenants that do not appreciate kids). We did not pay for the sports club, the landlord gave it to us as an incentive to move in the building. It is really to negotiate it I think.

I have lived here for several years. Half the building are corporate apartments with transient tenants. The staff never gets to know them and they treat the building and staff as if it were a hotel - even asking the concierge for more toilet paper!! Perhaps that is why the staff is not particluarly nice - the working conditions suck. They have a rat infestation behind the concierge desk that sometimes forces the workers out!! Cabinet door hinges constantly need fixing, appliances are old and dirty and some do not work properly - heat and AC units replaced repeatedly - and the heat simply does not work - it supposedly has a thermostat built in but the heat NEVER SHUTS OFF. And this with brand new units. Great location - but poor quality materials - poor maintenance - the staff tries, but they are losing the battle. One elevator is repeatedly out of service with 6 guys stuck in it last week alone. Not a pleasant place to stay and rents are out of line - you can do better elsewhere.

I've lived in the Symphony House for 3 years and love the location. Very close to Central Park, Time Warner Center and the 1, N, R and other subways. Most of the staff is helpful and very friendly with some major exceptions. One doorman with a mustache is only out to make daily tips and is rude if he doesn't think one is forthcoming. I have witnessed him counting money while on duty a few times, even neglecting to get the door for tenants while he does so. While the super Bob is not very helpful, the rest of the maintenance staff does their best. The roof deck has great views, the rooftop pool is great, especially in the summer, but the gym is grungy with outdated and not very good equipment. (note, you have to pay extra to join the club to get access to the roof deck, pool and gym). A new building is under construction on the block across the street (eighth ave btw 55 & 56TH) I would only recommend moving into a newly renovated unit and only if rents continue to drop.