The Benchmark

I lived here for a year and honestly couldn’t wait to move out. The community is brand new but don’t let that fool you, they were cheaply constructed. You can hear every conversation your neighbors have because the walls are so thin. During the winter months the snow and ice will seep in around doors and windows leaving your apartment freezing.
The biggest issue I had living there was the cost of utilities. They are fully electric and use NEP as the electric provider (look up reviews on NEP). My 800 sq ft apartment monthly bills ranged from $ 200-​$ 300 for just electric! Outrageous.
The only pros living here were the quick response from maintenance and being close to campus.

I’ve lived at The Benchmark for a little over two years and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
After a terrible experience in a nearby community I was looking for something modern and fresh, but still close to downtown and campus in my apartment search. Offering high ceilings, hardwood floors and an open floor plan I was hooked on The Benchmark from the beginning. I then found out that you are free to paint, hang things on the walls (gasp!) and essentially make your apartment completely your own space. In visiting some neighbors I’ve found that everyone has really taken advantage of this making, it feel like so much more than a run of the mill apartment complex.
After moving in it didn’t take me long to meet my neighbors. Spending time by the saltwater pool made me feel like I was on vacation every weekend. I found I shared many things in common with a lot of my neighbors and we soon became fast friends. With a convenient location close to the Olentangy Trail and High street, we found we could walk to brunch on nice mornings, and even the Clintonville Farmer’s Market when we feel really brave.
In the winter I’ve never had a problem getting out of the parking lot. The snow removal crew is always there as the snow starts falling, and make themselves available to dig you out when you need it. The property Manager goes out of their way to make sure the green space surrounding the property is always clean. The community building is almost always open offering an alternative space with cable and wi-​fi when you feel like you just need to get out of your apartment, and the grilling deck over looking the pool is an amazing place to hang out with friends.
The Benchmark is the perfect community for someone who’s looking for their own personalized space with a neighborhood feel but isn’t ready to buy a house yet. This is was what I was looking for and I know I found it at The Benchmark.

The leasing office is never open, Legacy Management is a greedy, money hungry company. I am certain you can find a better more responsive company who might be a better fit including more affordable rent, lower security deposits and better amenities. The renters market is «hot» this place is cold. Understand your rights protected under the revised code.

Update: I finally spoke to a leasing office agent and the contact was not so friendly.
The person I spoke with was impatient with my questions regarding the utility companies used for the complex — electric, water, trash/​sewage, internet/​cable. I’ve learned that some complexes required a packaged deal for the utilities. I just wanted to know, okay? They’re important questions!
Afterwards, I inquired about the pet policy. When asked if they would be flexible with the weight restrictions (by maybe ~10 lbs), the leasing agent replied, «No, we’re not flexible. Just because we can.»
UHM, thanks. I know this apartment complex is in high demand. But what a total and utter slap to the face. Her attitude was simple inexcusable.
I’m crossing the Benchmark off my list of desirable places to live. Why? Poor customer service in all aspects!
The communication was horrible. It was a pain to be able to talk to someone for information. My endless emails were left without a response, etc. I kept track of all the communications to gauge the management’s ability to respond to tenant concerns. Wow! This entire process showed me a lot about this place.
Bye bye, Benchmark. Forget you. Just because I can.

I lived at the Benchmark for one year with my boyfriend and dog. It was an absolutely fabulous experience. The leasing manager is not only a great property manager, but knows residents by name and became a friend! It is a very personal environment and not like any of the other large communities in Columbus that I’ve lived in. It is within walking distance to a couple bars and a short 10 minute drive to downtown Columbus!
It’s also a great place to live for any dog owners — there is a fenced in green space at the beginning of the property that we go to almost twice a day. Great place to meet friends! Everyone is very friendly.
The insides of the apartments are beautiful — brand new appliances! My only complaint is small closets, but they have a new system now that makes the best use of the space. I highly recommend checking out the Benchmark !