The Wilcox

Reviews

• HC

  Hayden Cody-Jensen

  Dec 29, 2025
  1.0
  TLDR: Do not live here, you and your property are not safe. If I could give negative stars, I would. This is an Avenue5 managed property, a cursory Google search will tell you everything you need to know about who they are and why they have no business managing properties. The management team of The Wilcox is not only incompetent at running a large apartment complex but incapable of providing basic security for tenants and their property. The property itself is overall satisfactory, the units feel modern and comfortable with functional appliances. But all of that is grossly overshadowed by the management team’s inane policies and steadfast commitment to their own self-interests over basic tenant needs. While I could write a tell-all book about my negative experience, I will summarize the key points below in the hope that it deters you from patronizing this or any other Avenue5 property. Forced Fees: The first fee you are forced to pay is for the Trash Valet service, a waste removal service where you leave your recycling in a bin outside your door for collection. While this is a convenient service as any recycling waste must be taken down to the parking garage by hand, you as a tenant have no option for whether you want to opt in. I lived on the second floor and was more than capable of taking out my own recycling and did not want to pay the $25/month fee for the Trash Valet service. When I told management this, they said it is policy at all Avenue5 properties and while I don’t have to use the service, I am still required to pay the fee. The next fee is for using the complex’s club room. Most apartment complexes ask for a deposit to use such rooms that is then returned contingent on any damages. The Wilcox asks for a $250 fee to just use the room that is non-refundable, even if no damages occur. Not to mention that they do not allow alcohol to be consumed in the room, treating the space as if it were a Freshman dorm. Lastly, there is a $15/month fee to use the bike storage area. This fee is predicated on providing tenants a “secure” area to store your bikes, yet it is anything but secure. This is further explained in my next item. Failed Security: While The Wilcox cannot be held responsible for all security failures, the way in which they handle break-ins is incredibly concerning. As mentioned above, there is a $15/month fee to use the bike storage area, a space on the second floor of the garage that sits behind a locked door, requiring a fob to access. In October 2025, someone broke into the garage and gained access to the locked bike storage. They cut multiple locks and stole bikes, including my $4000 mountain bike. The only action taken by The Wilcox was to send an email the next day saying “we had some unwanted garage activity last night” and then goes on to detail how tenants are responsible for the security of the building. There was no mention of a break-in, no mention of property being stolen, and no suggestions around checking personal property for damages/losses. Someone broke into their “secure” garage and bike storage, and rather than taking an ounce of accountability and working with tenants, they failed to disclose what actually happened and deflected responsibility to the tenants. Screenshot of the email is attached. Management Revolving Door: Since Avenue5 took over, I have seen 3 different property managers come and go. Each manager lasted only a few months and while not a significant issue, it does pose challenges for tenants looking for any kind of consistency. The other consideration here is why is there is such a revolving door. I believe this a reflection of how poorly Avenue5 treats its employees, aligning perfectly with how they treat their tenants. In conclusion, The Wilcox as an apartment complex is perfectly fine, but it is the Avenue5 property management that makes it an unpleasant living experience at best. If you value security of yourself and your belongings do not live here - The Wilcox does not treat their tenants as people but rather another rent check.
• LL

  Louis

  Nov 22, 2025
  5.0
  I toured a few units with Jayren, and he genuinely made the whole experience stand out amongst all the other apartment complexes available in Ballard. He was extremely attentive, easy to talk to, and clearly very good at what he does. Everything was organized, his explanations were clear, and he had all the details ready without me even needing to ask. He left such a strong impression that it honestly pushed me to go ahead and submit an application right after the tour. You can tell he takes his job seriously and actually cares about giving people a good experience. The building also felt more lively and welcoming with residents around, which was great to see. Overall, Jayren exceeded every expectation. You can tell you’re in good hands with him, and it’s clear he manages the place extremely well.
• CD

  Cristobal Droste

  Nov 12, 2025
  5.0
  Best building I’ve lived in so far! The staff is always friendly and responsive, and the management team really cares about residents. They recently improved the club room and got rid of the dog park smell, which made a huge difference. The maintenance team is quick to solve any issue, and the common areas are always clean and well-kept. Highly recommend!
• HB

  honey badger

  Oct 31, 2025
  5.0
  Haven't lived here but beautiful building. Haven't seen ballard in 30 years what a change. Wiggens and sons funeral home use to be at this site. Progress i guess. Now you have to leave ballard for a funeral.
• HZ

  Harry ZH

  Aug 14, 2025
  5.0
  Thor from The Wilcox maintenance team is absolutely outstanding! He is professional, polite, and incredibly responsive. Every time we submit a request, he shows up quickly and resolves the issue with skill and care. It's rare to find someone so reliable and courteous in property maintenance. Thank you, Thor, for your excellent service!

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