H R E ' s Demong, says the main goal of the renovations was to limit costs on repairing the building. She says the costly expenditures on repairs must not affect the rental costs.

"These properties have prices that are market driven," Demong says. "Rents by and large reflect Cambridge market. The cost of renovation has to be kept down so that the units are affordable."

Demong says during the period of the renovation, the rents for the unrenovated units will not change, while the renovated units will reflect market price. Demong estimates the increase will be about 10 percent above present rates.

According to residents, Peabody's problems are made bearable by Cornell, who is herself a resident at the apartment complex. Residents say complaints made to the superintendent's office are often mer with responses within a few hours, and always within one working day.

Ed M. Rodriguez, a Business School student and Terrace resident, says he had pipe problems but had no trouble getting repairs.

"[I've had] little plumbing problems, backed up pipes. Fixing is pretty quick," he says.

Lydia H. Loayza, who lives in a two-bedroom apartment at Peabody Terrace with her husband and children, said she was impressed with the maintenance for the rooms.

"If I have a problem, they fix it immediately. They fix everything," she says. "I am very happy, it is very clean."

Education School student Walker says she has nothing but praise for Cornell.

"The super, Pam Cornell, is terrified she says. "Because of her, she makes living here a good experience."

We want to have the units ready for next year's residents in September.

Susan K. Keller, Assistant Vice President of Resident Housing

'Our balcony [was] rendered unusable by the accumulation of pigeon feces (which we could only get adequately cleaned up after the city health inspector issued Harvard a citation).'

From a letter to Vice President for Administration Sally H. Zeckhauser, written by Nancy Hurley, former Peabody Terrace resident