Floorplan - I really liked my apartment's floor plan. This is a historic building, so you have to expect smaller bathrooms and kitchens (which mine had). I was surprised at the closet space which was plenty.

Insulation - In the winter, the apartment was fine; in the summer, be prepared to walk around in your underware. Even with the window air conditioner I had, it was horribly hot. You'll want to invest in a portable air conditioner unit or multiple window units. Be aware that you'll need the more expensive casement a/c unit and not the standard window units due to the type of windows in the building.

Water - Pro is that there was alway hot water since it is provided from a boiler. The con is that the pipes are probably as old as the building and you can hear your neighbor's toliet and shower very well. The sound is very loud, enough so that you have to adjust television/radio volume when someone is taking a shower in another apartment to compensate.

Kitchen - No dishwasher or disposal. Plenty of cabinet space. Gas stove was new, refrigerator was a bit older and you could not open the door all the way as it is a galley kitchen. Pilot light on stove blew out frequently when the air conditioner in the window kicked on. I kept a window cracked all year round to help it escape if/when it did go out.

Electricity - I think the wiring is pretty old (if not original). Lights would not turn on all the time. You'd have to click the switch multiple times. Bathroom light suddenly quit working. There are also very few outlets. You'll want surge protectors as well since there are no accessible circuit breakers in the apartment.

Hardwood floors - Not the nicest, but great to have. No old carpeting to worry about.

Utilities - Probably the best part of living here is not paying utilities. I did not have any issues with the time of the year they turned on the heat or turned it off. I could adjust my radiator as well. There is one in the bathroom which was great for placing a towel on while showering (hot towel).

Elevators - S*C*A*R*Y - Personally was stuck in the main (front) elevator twice. I quit using it about two months into living here and resorted to the stairs whenever possible. The freight elevator in the back was a little more reliable but very slow. It was not uncommon for one or both to be out of service for a few days. Be prepared to get a workout if you live on the upper floors. I'd also check with the office on move-in/move-out dates for their plan if the elevators aren't working.

Maintenance/Cleaning - The daily cleaning guy (M-F) is very nice. He did a good job and was always there very early (I believe he does both the Admiral and the Drake across the street). As there is no on-site leasing, it would be very easy for him to no-show to work or slack which he never did. Maintenance was not the best. Once a water pipe burst in the stairwell on a weekend. Multiple apartments had to call as there was water flowing down the stairs like a waterfall. It took quite a while for them to show up. In addition, the back door (one of only two entrances/exits to the building) was frequently jammed shut when I lived here. It would be like this for days after reporting.

Parking - No issue on this front. You can park on the street or pay extra for surface/garage spots. I know a few vehicles were hit on the street parking as the driving lane moves closer to the middle right in front of the building. If you park on the street, park in front of the Buckingham/Balmoral building. Also, you must move your car from one side of the street to the other at different times of the day (commuting time). Ask about parking availability when looking as I had to wait list for a month or two when I first moved in. Once you have a pass, parking is not assigned in the lot. They are pretty quick about towing non-tagged cars as well.

Security - Overall I felt safe inside the building. It was not uncommon to be approached outside of the building by someone wanting money or the ever popular "I ran out of gas, will you take me down to . . . " This is downtown for you though, you have to expect it anywhere.

Management/Leasing - Probably the worst part of living here is when you have to file a request with them. They are at their best when showing you an apartment. There were three main agents when I lived there and I always asked for a specific agent by name to get things done. As with many management companies, if it is going to cost them money, they are pretty slow at taking action. Even more so with Zender; fixes are always the least expensive way and not the best way. Hence the elevator that breaks down, the water issues, etc. Be sure to check-out the actual apartment you will rent and test everything. If you aren't happy, don't expect it will be fixed. I'd ask them to fix it and then go back and see that it is prior to signing anything.

Pets - Zender does not charge for pets, so expect a higher number of dogs in the building. Overall, wasn't really an issue. Everyone seemed to keep their dogs on leashes and I never heard them in the building. They do have a one dog per apartment limit. They did not provide pet areas (bags/trash cans, etc) so watch before you walk through the grass.

People - Very eclectic mix in the building (all ages, families and students, etc). Overall never had any issues with my neighbors. Usually just 5 or so apartments per floor, so you can get to know everyone pretty quickly.

Laundry - Could've used another washer and dryer in the laundry room. Was not uncommon for all to be taken.

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