Review History for Crown1

Motor Lofts


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Crown1

Resident 2008 - 2010

5/17/2010

Great Lofts & Great Value

I've lived in the Motor Lofts for awhile now, and I think its one of the best locations to live in downtown St. Louis, and certainly the best I've lived in. I have stayed in several different lofts during my years in the city (in terms of how nice, Motor >> Ely Walker = Ventana > Merchandise Mart = Annex > Cupples), and you get much more than what you pay for at the Motor Lofts. Anyone that has doubts should *definitely* take the trip and actually tour the lofts - I didn't expect them to be very nice after seeing the price on the listing, but I left the tour extremely (pleasantly) surprised. My rent is for my ~1500 sq. ft. 2BR 2BA unit, and that $1250 includes my 2 parking spaces and a gym membership to the Fitness Factory, so it's also practical. Parking is cheap at ~$25-$50 dollars/month to park in the gated lot, $75 I think to park underground, and free to park on the street or in the huge parking lot on the side. There is NEVER a shortage of places to park, but safety has come into question if you park on the street because the other poster is correct when they mentioned there have been break-ins in the past (3 that I can remember). Since the aforementioned incident, there were supposed to have been lights and cameras installed outside to deter thieves, but I don't park there outside so I haven't noticed. I noticed new security cameras in the lobby, but I never look for the exterior ones at night and never really walk by when they'd be on. Noise isn't a problem, as the community is pretty responsible. There are naturally going to be times when you can hear people's music if they're partying before they go out for the night, but that's to be expected anywhere. You might be able to hear your next-door neighbor if your livingroom walls are your divider and they're blaring Saving Private Ryan while you sleep on the couch, but other than that, it hasn't been noticeable. As far as noise from the street level, there really isn't any since Motor is far enough away from the bars, but still only a short distance away. And if you don't already know, the nightlife of the strip on Washington and between 14th and 9th street is one of the best in the city, especially for young professionals, but it has pretty much every scene you'd need. The grounds stay well managed, and I guess a good indicator of that is that I've never noticed them to be unkempt. There's an empty lot of grass about 30 yards from the door that nearly every dog owner walks their pets around in, so you have ample room to let your animal run around and handle their business. I noticed that the other review mentioned a dog attack that was unresolved, but as of several months ago that dog was removed from the premises. I'm not sure of the circumstances, but it is definitely not here anymore, so there was some action taken. The lobby and hallways have unique fixtures and look pretty modern and nice. &&&& One thing that could be better, however, is that there is NO clubhouse or rooftop pool like many of the other loft complexes have. I think there are plans to build one, but I really don't know. I never really used the ones I had in the past, but it would still be nice to have the option. The building exterior is pretty well-lit, and there aren't any dark alleys to walk through while approaching the building. There is a seemingly empty/abandoned building nearby, but its not an eyesore or a crackhouse or anything like that. The interior of the lofts are where they truly excel - everything inside is modern and new. The actual website has pictures, so viewing that and seeing it in person is much better than reading about it. But anyway, the fixtures, sinks, lights, and ceilings all have an upscale feel to them, and are all very aesthetically pleasing. The appliances are all matching stainless-steel, and the cabinets are a combination of some nice-looking wood and frosted glass. Countertops are granite, and some units have kitchen islands (I think, I just went to buy my own). The rooms are also very large, both ~14x14 in my unit, and both with walk-in closets. Exposed brick and drywall make up the walls, along with some large windows & blinds set in the brick, and a corrugated metal lines the high ~15' ceilings. The floors are polished concrete, and there is maybe 1 or 2 stone pillars in each unit, but they are surprisingly ok and not very noticeable - they're 'firebrick' I remember the manager telling me - unique because of the large squares of various subtle shades of red and beige, and they're narrow enough that even a child could wrap their arms around them. Obviously I'd rather not have a pillar in my loft, but its pretty much standard downtown. And these are much better than the gigantic grey stone pillars in most other lofts. Depending on the unit, either 1 or both bedrooms have their bathroom attached. Also, you get a new Bosch HE washer and dryer, stacked on top of each other in the laundry room. Heat insulation is fantastic, and I spend less than $100 for my entire electric bill each month. Maintenance lives in the building I think, and the guy is pretty friendly and prompt if there is anything that needs to be fixed. The property manager is a very friendly girl, and she's very easy to talk to. OVERALL, I'd say I love the place. When you add up all of the costs, any nice place downtown would end up being several hundred dollars more per month, for an equal or inferior place. There are some negatives, but I believe the positives far outweigh them. I think it speaks for itself when the place is nearly always at full capacity. I'd definitely recommend it. Great place, great value.

    Review 7 out of 8

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