The developer did a wonderful job at renovating this place, but like another reviewer mentioned, disrespectful people are common here. The coffee service area in the cross-link is often obliterated with trash despite the fact that there are 2 trash cans right there. The management does a wonderful job and makes sure its cleaned up promptly however. The walls are paper-thin and due to high ceilings and hardwood floors noise is unbelieveable and travels extremely easily. I can honestly hear my neighbor sneezing! My neighbors also have my sympathy because I am one of the extremely few residents with children. I do my best to try to keep the roar at a minimum, but sometimes my best efforts, I fear, are not enough ;-) I've learned that its pretty much necessary to roll up a large towel or blanket and place directly in front of the door to keep our normal noise.. tv, normal level conversations, etc. from being very hearable down the entire hallway. The original factory flooring which has been refinished looks good, but be warned that old nails etc. were not removed or countersunk and going barefoot in uncarpeted areas is definitely NOT recommended.

The new community room is now complete and it looks lovely. It's a shame that certain residents who have no respect for anything have torn up the billiard equipment already. They have also recently repainted portions of the hallways in nice decorator colors.. probably necessitated earlier than planned due to someones child/grandchild scribbling all over'!'

The maintenance staff is wonderful. They are courteous, friendly, and although a bit overwhelmed at times, do get things done as fast as they can. Yes, this place is new, but it is a 100 year old building that was rehabbed. They tell me they have been recently busy battling roof leaks in top floor apartments.

The leasing staff is extremely friendly and helpful as well. I can't say enough good things about them.

The parking... well it's an issue to say the least. If you opt for garage parking, which is great when the weather is bad, you have to deal with very tight spaces and a lift system. Parking in front of the Royal Mills building is extremely limited and spaces are in tandem (behind each other) so if you have 2 cars it could be a problem. There IS NO guest parking, which is a huge problem.

The terraces and riverwalk are very nice. The Eastcoast Greenway bike trail is very close also. There is a full size stacking washer/dryer in each unit. All appliances are brand new and energy efficient. I love the open floorplans, and each unit is slightly unique so the choice of floorplans is excellent. In Royal Mills the apartments have very tall windows which bring in tons of light. Very nice custom aluminum blinds are in place. As well as the original flooring, beams, brick walls, and other architectural features were left in view. Ductwork, electrical (enclosed in conduit) and fire suppression systems are all exposed and left visible giving the place a very urban/industrial feel to it.

There is both good and bad news in that they allow pets.. all kinds, shapes, and sizes. Good for the pet lover, bad when you get onto the elevator in the early morning and all you smell is dog urine! Kudos to the management for removing the carpet in the elevator over in Ace Dye building as the stench was terrible and not something I wanted to smell first thing in the morning... now if they could remove the carpet from the main elevator in Royal Mills' Some residents are responsible pet owners, others don't seem to think that they really need to pick up after their pets. I'm sure its probably the same people who leave their cars hanging out too far in the garage and dump their garbage on the floor instead of using the provided garbage can. There are 'quiet hours' from 11p to 7a.

If you love an urban feel and noise doesn't bother you so much, you would love it. There is a good mix of younger singles, couples, and older residents but very few children. Children are welcomed, but you have to realize that noises carry so if you have more active kids you might want to reconsider. If you are someone who cringes at the slightest bit (and sometimes more) of noise, stay away. My children and I have really enjoyed being here, but would I choose to live here again if my work brought me back to the area' I'm not so sure.

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