Having resided in 400 North Ervay for more than two years, I feel I have a very good understanding of the pros and weaknesses of living in this community. I was unaware of several important factors which people may want to consider before signing a lease:
First, there is no parking on Ervay due to City construction which started in 2018 and as of 2/2020, has expanded from Ervay/Bryan to Ervay/Elm. That construction has narrowed the road to one lane. This is important for any prospective resident to understand because the entrance to the parking garage is located on Ervay, which is a one-way street. During rush hour, getting into the garage is very difficult and time consuming.
Second, the building has had serious drainage issues from the parking garage such that after a hard rain, the sewer frequently becomes clogged, and raw sewage floods into the garage and even the garage elevators that lead to the residences. Last spring and summer, the garage stank for many months and the garage floor is still unclean and has a lingering odor of sewage.
Third, over the last 2 and one-half years, there has been turnover in the management office to the point where I cannot keep track of the different people who sit at the desk. The front desk is frequently left empty such that if a resident requires assistance, it is consistently difficult to find assistance.
Fourth, "The Venue" rents out the 3rd Floor Court room and the Roof for weddings and other events. I have been instructed to leave the tenant common area while watching the baseball playoffs, the World Series, and other events that I wanted to enjoy.
Fifth, the wedding parties on the roof frequently include either a live band or a DJ who plays very loud music until 11 PM. I have been informed that i am to contact the Courtesy Police Officer who lives on the premises when this occurs, but I do not have the phone number to contact this person, and I do not reasonably believe that the Courtesy Officer will actually do anything. If I should ever be given the phone number of the Courtesy Officer, and if I have a positive experience when I report loud music playing until 11 PM, I will update this review.
Sixth, the building faces Bryan Street, which is where the light rail zooms buy. The building is situated adjacent to St. Paul train station. The Train operators frequently blow their horns at all hours of the night, probably because the large contingent of homeless population stays at St. Paul Station and they frequently wander onto the train tracks. The trains have no way to get the homeless people off the tracks other than to blow their horn in a loud intimidating way in an effort to persuade the homeless population to leave the train tracks. This will wake you up if your apartment should face the St. Paul side of the building or near thereto.
Seventh, the homeless population has not been shy about approaching my children, my guests, and me, for money, and even begging for access to the warm confines of the building when it is very cold. When they are told no, they sometimes become hostile. Approximately one year ago, a homeless man assaulted me in the morning at approximately 8:30 AM when I was leaving the apartment and walking to my law office. I reported it to a nearby policeman a block away who immediately went after the person. I've seen the same homeless person several times since that event and do my best to steer clear.
Eighth, my girlfriend had her car broken into on a Friday evening or early Saturday morning, and her laptop for work was stolen. The police did nothing. I bought her a new laptop and we simply do not have her park along the Ervay side of the building unless it is for a very brief time.
There are many great new apartments available in or near downtown. I cannot recommend signing a lease at 400 North Ervay at this time. I have had three hip surgeries and have not been in a position to manage a move but soon I suspect I will be healthy enough to move out when my lease next expires.
Kind regards,
Stephen Andrew Kennedy
State Bar Number 11300425 read more