A meeting of the Park Tower Condo Association Unit Owners has been called for Monday August 12, 2024, at 7:30PM to review proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations handbook. These amendments were proposed to the Board by the Ad-hoc Commission to Review the Rules and Regulations. The Commission was made up of four Unit Owners including Sheridan Hodges (who chaired the group) Lawrence Hamilton, Phoebe Helm, and William Oren. Board President Michael Parrie was the Board Liaison to the Commission, and tracked the agreed to changes.
The Commission met several times over about a two-month period, reviewing the Rules Handbook page by page, and submitted recommendations to the Board. At the May 13, 2024, Board Meeting, the Board accepted their proposed changes for review by the Association’s legal counsel. At the June 10th Board Meeting, the Board agreed to integrate the changes recommended by legal counsel and approved mailing the proposal to the Ownership for review and discussion and scheduled a Special Meeting to be held on August 12, 2024, at 7:30PM in the 2nd Floor Party Room. At that time Owners will have the opportunity to ask questions and provide comments to the Board regarding the proposed changes. Following the Special Meeting, the Board may consider formally adopting the proposed amendments.
Following are the proposed changes to the Rules and Regulations itemized in order by page number and section, based on the present rules handbook. A “REDLINE” version of the Rules and Regulations showing all these changes throughout the body of the document will be posted at www.ptcondo.com following the mailing of this notice. It will include all changes and edits as well as indicate where anything is proposed to be deleted.
[For the “REDLINE” document, Park Tower Rules REDLINE 2024.]
The page numbers listed will not coincide with the “REDLINE” document – the page numbers are meant to coincide with the current unedited Rules and Regulations Handbook. The current handbook is always available in our online library on the website, we will post it alongside the “REDLINE” version at www.ptcondo.com to make it easier for Owners to access and review.
Any Owner who cannot attend the meeting may share questions and comments for the Board at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com.
Proposed Amendments To The PTCA Rules And Regulations:
Page 1 – The “Table Of Contents” will be updated to reflect any adjustment to page numbers as may be appropriate.
Page 2 – The “PARK TOWER DIRECTORY” will be updated to reflect any adjustments to entities and contact information as may be appropriate.
Page 3 – Under the section “FOREWORD”, the 3rd sentence of the 5th paragraph will be changed to read, “The board may impose a fine up to $5,000 per violation, plus the cost of any fees to remediate the condition, and take appropriate action following a hearing before the Rules and Regulations Commission and/or consultation with legal counsel when necessary.”
Page 4 – Under the section “EMERGENCY PROCEDURES”, under the subsection “FIRE AND SMOKE”, the 2nd point will be edited to read, “If unaware of where the fire originated, stay inside the unit and await instructions from authorized personnel and first responders. If the fire is inside the unit, exit, close the door, but leave it unlocked.”, and the 1st sentence of the 3rd point will be edited to read, “If in immediate danger, or directed, evacuate.”
Page 4 – Under the section “EMERGENCY PROCEDURES”, the 1st sentence of the last paragraph on the page will be changed to read, “Life safety meetings for residents are scheduled up to twice per year.”
Page 6 – Under the section “New Residents, Owners and Transfers” the 2nd sentence of the 1st point is changed to, “This fee entitles owners and renters up to 8 hours reserved use of the elevator; 4 hours for a move in plus 4 hours for a future move out.”, and the last sentence is deleted. An eighth point is added, “$TBD surcharge for one Saturday a month move between 10 am and 2 pm on a trial basis and first-come, first-served.”, with the dollar amount to be determined.
Page 7 – Under the section “PARKING”, the following points will be added following the 1st paragraph:
“EV Vehicle Spaces, New Electrical Charging Space
Year 1: $1,000 upfront payment, or $100 per month, parker pays for metered electricity plus the regular parking space rate
Years 2 and 3: $500 upfront payment, or $50 per month, parker pays for metered electricity plus the regular parking space rate
Year 4 and beyond: parker pays for metered electricity plus the regular parking space rate
Power Wash Fees
A fee of $150 will be applied for owners or residents failing to remove their car by 9 am on their designated days, and this fee will double for each subsequent event, up to a maximum fee of $1,000 per event. Self-parkers will lose their permanent spot after three events on top of fees. If you are interested in having your car moved by staff for a $100 fee, then please give management at least a 7-day notice. This is limited on a first-come, first-served basis. To sum it up, please move your car, or have someone move it for you.”
Page 7 – A new section will be inserted prior to the last sentence on the page:
“STORAGE LOCKERS (LEVEL 1P)
There are large lockers 3 feet wide, 4 feet deep, and 7 feet high, for $100/month. There are smaller lockers 3 feet wide, 4 feet deep, and 3.5 feet high, for $50/month.”
Page 8 – Under the section, “ASSESSMENTS, FEES, AND COLLECTIONS”, under the subsection “ASSESSMENTS”, a sentence is added to the beginning of the 2nd paragraph, “Statements are provided each month either electronically (free) or paper (US mailed for a fee).”
Page 12 – Under the section, “BUILDING SECURITY AND STAFF”, under the subsection “FRONT DESK AND SECURITY STAFF”, in the 3rd paragraph the word “visitor” or “visitors” is replaced by the word “guest” or “guests” respectively. The 4th paragraph is changed to read, “Guests are defined as those who visit a current resident or stay with a current resident for no longer than one month and do not receive U.S. mail. Otherwise, that individual is considered a resident and should be processed as a co-occupant with the usual processing procedures and applicable fees.” Under the 7th paragraph, the words “himself” and “him” are changed to “themselves” and “them” respectively.
Page 13 – Under the section, “MAINTENANCE STAFF AND ENGINEER”, the last sentence of the 1st paragraph is changed to read, “Service request orders must be placed through the Management Office in person, via phone, email, or online, with the exception of emergencies such as leaking or flooding.”, and a sentence is added to the end of the 2nd paragraph, “Prices are subject to change without notice.”
Page 13 – Under the section “Routine Maintenance”, the last sentence of the 2nd paragraph is changed to read, “Notices will also be posted on the building website www.ptcondo.com as deemed appropriate.”
Page 13 – Under the section, “MANAGEMENT OFFICE”, the last sentence will be changed to read, “The office will be closed on Saturday, Sunday, and any posted holiday.”
Page 14 – Under the section, “COMMISIONS (COMMITTEES)”, under the list of Commission, “Newsletter” is removed.
Page 15 – Under the section, “BICYCLE STORAGE RACK”, the last sentence is changed to, “Overnight bicycle parking is not permitted.”
Page 15 – Under the section, “BICYCLE STORAGE ROOM”, the following is added after the 2nd sentence, “Monthly licenses are available.”, and point number 6 under the 1st paragraph is changed to read, “Placing a bicycle in an unauthorized space, leaving it in the aisle, or chaining it to the fence or any other unauthorized location on the condominium property, will result in removal and subject owner to a fine for each occurrence.”
Page 16 – Under the section, “CABLE AND INTERNET SERVICES”, in the 1st paragraph “RCN” is changed to “Astound Broadband” and in the 3rd paragraph “RCN” is changed to “Astound”.
Page 17 – Under the section, “CORRIDORS AND STAIRWAYS”, a sentence is added to the beginning of the 1st paragraph, “Consistent with City of Chicago Fire code, no personal belongings may be stored in hallways or stairwells.”
Page 17 – Under the section, “DOLLIES, FLATBEDS AND LUGGAGE CARTS”, the section is changed to read: “Luggage carts may be used for luggage, clothing, and other light-weight items such as groceries. They shall not be used for moving furniture, or construction materials.
Dollies and flatbeds are available to residents for loading, unloading and transporting heavy duty items such as appliances, construction tools and materials, furniture, heavy groceries, household items, packages, etc.
All dollies, flatbeds, and luggage carts must be checked out by signing in and out at the Front Desk. A valid ID is required. These items shall be returned within an hour unless an extension is granted. Under no circumstances shall a dolly, flatbed, or luggage cart be removed from the building property.
Misuse or abuse of association property is prohibited. Cost to repair any damages will be assessed to the owner’s account and a fine may be applied for misuse.”
Page 17 – Under the section, “ELEVATORS”, in the 1st paragraph, the 2nd and 3rd sentences are changed to read, “Elevators #5 and #6 are service elevators with access to the Garage and Laundry Room, and also used for moves. The #5 elevator can be entered from the service area and exited either to the service area or main lobby or to the residential hallways for floors 23 thru 55.”, and under the 2nd paragraph, the word “scooters,” is added to the 1st sentence after “skis”. In the 3rd paragraph, the word “workmen” is changed to “workers”. The 4th paragraph is changed to read:
“Only service elevators are permitted to be used for the purposes of construction, deliveries (appliances, furniture and other large items), moving-in and out of the building, and transfers. Reservations are required with a minimum 7 days advance notice and can be made by contacting the Management Office. Owners and residents who pay to reserve the elevator will have priority use over those who do not. Individuals who reserve the elevator in advance will be allowed four hours for the use of the elevator and a four-hour dock parking pass for one vehicle. Failure to make a reservation in advance may create a significant delay or inconvenience residents, and a fine may be assessed. Security guard supervision is required for all reserved use.”
Pages 19 and 20 – Under the section, “Parking Rules And Procedures”, a new point number “5” is inserted in the numbered list following the 4th paragraph, “5. Park within the yellow lines.”, and the numbers that follow are edited respectively, 6 through 21. In point number 15 (formerly 14), the following sentence is added at the end of the paragraph, “Failure to remove a vehicle multiple times may result in loss of parking privileges.”
Page 20 – Under the section, “How Parking Spaces Are Assigned”, a new paragraph is added following the 1st paragraph, “Electric vehicle parking spaces are available on a first-come, first served basis for an additional charge.”
Page 21 – Under the section, “Parking Fees”, the 3rd paragraph is deleted.
Page 21 – Under the section, “Damage Claims”, a sentence is added to the end of the 1st paragraph, “Claims will not be considered if the damage is reported after the vehicle leaves the garage.”
Page 22 – Under the section, “HALLWAY ELECTRICAL OUTLETS”, the paragraph is changed to read:
“Usage of electricity from hallway and other common area outlets by contractors or residents is expressly prohibited. Such usage is considered stealing of a common element and will be subject to a fine. Cords crossing hallways are dangerous and should be avoided when possible. An exception to this is under the skylight in the mall and party room, where residents and guests may plug in computers as a courtesy.”
Page 22 – Under the section “HEALTH CLUB”, the hours are added at the end of the 2nd sentence, “, 5am to 11pm.”, and in the 3rd sentence “cardiovascular machines” is changed to “a cardio room,”. After the 1st paragraph, a sentence is added, “The Health Club attendants are not lifeguards. All persons swim at their own risk.”
Page 22 – Under the section “HEALTH CLUB”, in the subsection, “Terms and Conditions”, the 1st paragraph is changed to read, “Membership fees shall be paid by check or money order or added towards the next monthly statement. Cash shall not be accepted. Membership fees are not refundable for any reason and apply only to the time period following payment of fees. Membership is offered for a one-month, six-month, or a one-year period, as well as daily passes. Guest passes are available for guests of members at a reduced rate from the Health Club and the Management Office. Members may be accompanied by a trainer, and by children under 16 years of age who are members. Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. Children under 12 years of age cannot use the weight room or the cardio room. If the trainer or guardian is using the facilities, a guest pass must be purchased.”, and the 2nd paragraph is deleted.
Page 23 – Under the section “LAUNDRY FACILITIES”, in the 2nd paragraph, in the 3rd sentence, “for a $5 fee” is deleted, and in the 4th sentence “in denominations of $5, $10 or $20” is deleted. A sentence is added to the end of the 2nd paragraph, “Fees for cards and operation are posted.” In the 4th paragraph, the 2nd sentence is changed to begin, “An ‘emergency card’ may be borrowed…”, and the 5th paragraph is changed to read, “Smoking, eating, audible music, loud telephone conversations, and use of speakerphones are prohibited in the Laundry Room.”
Page 23 – Under the section “LOADING DOCK”, the beginning of 1st sentence of the 1st paragraph is changed to read, “Subject to availability, parking is permitted at the Loading Dock for 30 minutes…”, and at the end of the paragraph, “or the Front Desk” is deleted, and the sentence will end, “or the Management Office.”
Page 24 – Under the section “LOBBY AND MALL”, in the 4th paragraph, the word “inside” is replaced by “of”.
Page 24 – Under the section “PACKAGE ROOM”, a new point number 3 is added, “ 3. Only residents or employees of the mall and building may have packages delivered.”, and the remaining points are renumbered respectively. In point number 5 (formerly point 4), “after notification” is deleted. In point number 6 (formerly point 5), “and removed within 3 days or less” is added to the end of the sentence. Point number 7 (formerly point 6) is changed to read, “7. Small flatbed carts are present to assist with package delivery to units and shall be returned immediately following use.” In point number 8 (formerly point 7) a sentence is added following the 1st sentence, “Items in the cooler must be removed within 3 days.” Under point number 9 (formerly point 8), the package weight limit is amended to “70 lbs”, and a 3rd sentence is added, “For packages exceeding these limits, the resident should arrange for drop off at a time they are home.” A new point number 11 is added, “11. Package room volunteers will not sign for receipt of any packages.”
Page 25 – Under the section “PARKING AREAS, CURBS, DRIVEWAYS”, the section is changed to read:
“The Chicago Fire Department requires open driveways. Therefore, circle driveway parking must be limited to fifteen minutes, and registration at the front desk is required. Vehicles in violation of these regulations will be towed at the expense of the parker.
As space permits, 30-minute parking is allowed in the dock area behind the building for individuals actively loading or unloading materials. You must sign in on the clipboard next to the security office.”
Pages 25 and 26 – Under the section “Party Room Rules”, the 1st sentence of point number 14 is replaced by, “Any unit owner or resident who wishes to use the party room for a maximum of four hours per week, and a maximum of two hours in any given day, may do so at no charge, provided the use is for activities that are open to all residents, but residents only.” Point number 16 is split in to two points, 16 and 17, with point 16 being the 1st sentence “All activity…” and point 17 beginning at the 2nd sentence “A minimum of two hours…”. At the end of the new point number 17, two sentences are added, “(If our staff does any cleaning, then there will be a charge.) The room should be returned in the same condition it is found.” Point number 18 is numbered as the former point 17.
Page 26 – Under “ROOF GARDEN AND SUNDECK”, the section is amended following the 1st paragraph to read: “Privately-owned barbecues, hibachis, and similar devices are expressly prohibited on the Roof Garden, except for association sponsored activities. Glass containers are not allowed in the Roof Garden or Sundeck.. Littering, damaging, throwing things (cigarette butts, paper, plastic, etc.) onto or off of the Roof Garden, or causing any annoyances or disturbances is prohibited. Smoking is allowed on the far east side of the roof deck next to the ashtray stand. Smoking is prohibited on the remaining areas of the Roof Garden and Sundeck. Bicycles, rollerblades, skateboards, scooters, sports balls, and similar equipment shall not be used on the roof deck. Residents and guests should stay out of the pond. Offending residents will be banned from using the area and held responsible for the full costs of repairs to and/or replacement of damaged property.
Use of the Association grill stations is first come first served, but residents should check in with the Front Desk before and after you plan use. Maintenance will make themselves available to check things out and provide help if needed. They will ensure the grill is properly working and the station is clean. If you need help and are waiting for maintenance, please have patience – they are happy to help, just sometimes there may be other active situations they are addressing.
When using the grill stations on the roof deck, an instruction card is provided at the grill station which includes operating instructions and safety features.
Open the hood before lighting. Do not attempt to ignite burners while the hood is closed. Follow the instructions for turning on the gas, burners, and safety timer. When you’re finished grilling, please allow time for the grill to cool down, then brush residue and excess debris off the grates. Then follow the instructions for shutting down the grill and turning off the gas and let the staff know you are finished.
In addition to the stationary grills, the Association expects to keep one mobile grill station available in the summer and early fall. The mobile grill is intended to be used at the far east side of the deck. Residents must check with the front desk to use the mobile grill in the same way as the stationary grills. Users must keep the grill free of excessive residue and debris, and shut the gas off after use.”
Page 27 – Under the section “Storage Lockers”, a sentence is added to the end of the 1st paragraph, “In addition, there are small and large lockers available on 1P for an extra charge, first come, first served.”
Page 27 – Under the section “APPLIANCES”, a paragraph is added at the beggining of the section, “In-unit appliances are the property of unit owners. Repairs, maintenance, and replacement are the sole responsibility of the unit owner, and in most cases building staff are unable to assist with repairs as they may not have the technical expertise that is necessary to fix the appliance.”
Page 28 – Under the section “CONSTRUCTION AND REMODELING INSIDE THE UNITS”, at the end of the 2nd paragraph, the following sentences are added, “Noise and/or disturbance-generating work is limited. Construction work should be completed within 6 months from the beginning of work, and if this deadline is passed, then the construction deposit is forfeited.” In the 3rd paragraph, “Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day,” are added to the list of holidays when construction is prohibited.
Pages 28 and 29 – Under the section “DELIVERIES”, under the 1st paragraph, point number 1, in the 2nd sentence, “two minute” is amended to “60-second”. Under the 2nd paragraph, “tradesmen” is replaced by “tradespeople”.
Page 29 – Under the section “DISTURBANCES”, at the end of the 2nd paragraph, “and loud telephone conversations” is added. At the end of the 3rd paragraph a sentence is added, “For the best response, the staff should be contacted while the condition is active so that it can be confirmed and a source more effectively identified.”.
Pages 29 and 30 – Under the section “FLOOR COVERING”, the introduction to the section is amended to read: “In order to minimize the transmission of sound between units, owners are required to submit a sample of the flooring, and proposed underlayment, as well as manufacturing specifications. The Association reserves the right to inspect the floor covering before, during, and after the installation process. Failure to comply will result in penalties.
In addition to the underlayment, at least eighty percent of the floor in each room shall be covered with adequate carpeting or other forms of padding with equivalent sound-absorbing characteristics.
Kitchens and baths do not require an underlayment, unless it is required by the manufacturer’s specifications and installation instructions. In addition, any plans for replacement in kitchens and bathrooms still require review and approval like other such improvements. Foam rubber padding requires a minimum density of 14 lbs/per sq inch, a minimum thickness of 3/8”, and a minimum weight of 48 oz/per sq yd. Other padding is required to have equivalent sound-absorbing characteristics.
Prior written board authorization is required for all new installations and replacement of hard surface flooring including, among others, parquet, hardwood, wood laminate, marble, ceramic, stone, slate, and vinyl in rooms other than kitchens and bathrooms. Board approval will not be granted unless the following specifications are satisfied:”
Pages 30 and 31 – The section “GARBAGE, TRASH AND RECYCLING” is renamed “GARBAGE, TRASH, RECYCLING, AND COMPOSTING”. The 3rd sentence of the 1st paragraph is changed to read, “Residents shall properly secure trash in appropriate bags and push them down completely into the chute or place it in a designated container.”, and a new paragraph is added after the 1st, “Composting bins are available in the back dock area at no charge. You must request a code from the Management Office to access the bins.” The 1st sentence of the 2nd paragraph is changed to read, “Residents shall not place large or heavy articles such as appliances, carpeting, ceramics, paint cans, construction materials, or furniture in service areas without first contacting the Management Office.” The 1st sentence of the 4th paragraph is changed to read, “Residents are required via City Code to recycle aluminum, cardboard, plastic, glass, and newspaper.”
Page 31 – Under the section “GUESTS”, the words “or visitor” is deleted throughout each paragraph and in the 2nd sentence of the 2nd paragraph, the word “himself” is replaced by “themselves”. A 3rd paragraph is added, “Immediate family members are defined as spouses, mothers, fathers, legal guardians, sisters, brothers, grandchildren, grandparents, and in-laws.”
Page 31 – The section “HOARDING” is renamed “HOARDING AND IN-UNIT HEALTH AND SAFETY”.
Page 32 – Under the section “KEYS, LOCKS, AND ACCESS DEVICES”, the following sentence is added after the 4th sentence in the 1st paragraph, “Fobs have an expiration date and need to be reactivated in the Management Office.”
Page 33 – Under the section “LOCK OUTS”, the end of the paragraph is changed to read, “When the Management Office is open, a fee is not charged. In either case, residents may be required to demonstrate proof of identity.”
Page 33 – Under the section “MAINTENANCE”, a paragraph is added at the beginning of the section, “Unit owners are responsible for maintenance and repairs of all fixtures, betterments, and improvements within the walls of their units.”
Page 33 – The section “MOTORIZED VEHICLE POLICY” is renamed, “MOTORIZED VEHICLE/MOBILITY DEVICE POLICY”, and the 1st paragraph is changed to read, “Motorized wheelchairs or power-operated vehicles (“motorized vehicles”), needed as a result of a disability as defined by state and federal laws, are the only types of motorized vehicles that may be operated on the premises.”
Page 34 – Under the section “MOVES-IN AND MOVES-OUT”, the last sentence of the 1st paragraph is deleted. A new sentence is inserted at the end of the 3rd paragraph, “Moves will be allowed one Saturday a month between 10 AM and 2 PM on a trial basis and first-come, first-served, for a surcharge.”, and a new sentence is inserted at the beginning of the 4th paragraph, “Moves shall not commence until security or a member of the staff complete a pre-move inspection of the elevator and common areas. All professional movers must provide a certificate of insurance.” The 5th paragraph is replaced by, “Any move not scheduled through the Management Office is prohibited and subject to a fine.”
Pages 36 and 37 – Under the section “Cost of Bed Bug Inspection and Treatment”, under the 3rd paragraph, point number 4, the sentence is amended to read, “The resident shall have purchased mattress and box spring encasements for each bed in the unit to the extent recommended by the exterminator.” The 1st sentence of the 4th paragraph is amended to read, “The association will not pay for services provided by a vendor not contracted by the Board.”
Page 37 – Under the section “PET REGULATIONS”, the section is amended to read:
“Dogs, cats, snakes, insects or spiders, or other animals, except permitted household pets, are not permitted on the premises.
Pets are regulated by Section 11(f) of our declaration, which states ‘No animals, except household pets other than dogs and cats, may be kept on the premises.’ In addition to those excluded by the declaration, snakes, insects and spiders will not be permitted in any unit or in the common elements. Service animals are permitted on the premises – see “Service Animal Policy” for more information.”
Page 37 – Under the section “REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND BROKERS”, the end of the 1st paragraph is amended to read, “Unit keys are allowed to be left at the Front Desk, however, agents and brokers do so at the risk of the Unit Owner and resident. The Association, Board of Directors, management, and staff may not be held liable for missing keys.”
Page 37 and 38 – Under the section “Sales”, in the 1st paragraph and 3rd sentence, the words “to sale” are replaced by “of intent to sell”. Under the 2nd paragraph, point number 1 is amended to read, “Sales Procedures packet with all forms completed (provided by prospective purchaser, listed above).”, and under point number 2 the word “proposed” is replaced by “executed”. In the 3rd paragraph the words “or Lease” are deleted.
Page 38 – Under the section “Leases”, the words “Sale or” are deleted in both the 1st and 2nd paragraphs.
Pages 38 and 39 – Under the section “Leasing Policy”, the 7th paragraph is amended to read, “Leasing of a unit in violation of the proposed rental policy may result in a fine to the owner of a minimum $1,000 per month. Short-term rentals of any length (on such platforms as AirBnB) are specifically prohibited and will result in a minimum fine of $1,000 per month.”
Page 39 – Under the section “SERVICE ANIMAL POLICY”, the 2nd sentence of the 1st paragraph is changed to read, “Notwithstanding, the association will reasonably accommodate the needs of a disabled resident as required by the Fair Housing Act and allow a trained service animal or an emotional support animal to assist a resident with a disability.”
Page 40 – Under the section “UNLAWFUL BEHAVIOR”, the 2nd sentence is changed to read, “Unlawful activities are understood to include violation of building and fire codes, drug related activities on or near the premises including illegal manufacture, sale, distribution, use or possession with intent to manufacture, sell, distribute, or use of a controlled substance.”
Page 41 – The “INDEX” will be updated to reflect any adjustment to page numbers as may be appropriate.
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Feel free e-mail our team at parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com with any questions. Feedback from Unit Owners who cannot attend the Special Meeting on August 12th will be shared with the Board.
You can get meeting reminders via text message!
Just text the word “PTCAnotices” to 94253.
Get Other Urgent Alerts Via Text As Well! Subscribe to the Park Tower Message Service by Texting the word “PTCAalerts” to 94253. Also, for maintenance, text “PTCAmaintenance”.
Finally, join the Park Tower e-mail group for regular updates and other business news, announcements and notices by sending a request to our office team at: parktowercondo-mgmt@habitat.com