Pretty much a dream apartment complex.
I read Wendy's 1 star review. She found a pipe that wasn't working and decided that 300+ other functional units and a gorgeous building with huge windows and friendly staff are somehow secondary to a noise she heard. She's the reason this community resisted luxury developments for so long.
I'm only writing because of how silly and selfish that review seems. For anyone who really cares about finding new apartments, here's what to expect:
Building:
New, clean, with some growing pains. One elevator still has protective sheeting for move ins, Some units are unoccupied, but my unit was presented fresh and beautiful since day 1. No smoking, water / heat included, electric separate. The lights in the kitchens and bathrooms are fixtures with fluorescent tubes, not terrible at all, but if you're into things like "Philips Hue" you'll need to replace with management approval. The units themselves are very quiet, with windows closed I barely hear the street, and haven't heard a neighbor at all (I have one on both sides).
Amenities:
Gym and roof access for extra (roof not yet open), free game room, tv lounge, kitchen, cafeteria esque space, soon to be announced art room, and optional bike / storage units. Play billiards on a beautiful table or get slightly frustrated with a tinier than standard ping pong table. Fun regardless. Also a kid's room if you have kids. Recently, free (included in gym price) yoga classes in the dance / yoga room are offered. The building offers Fios Gigabit and TWC, the former I love and the latter I switched from because they never arrived for 3 consecutive appointments.
Appliances:
All come with manuals, all work great. I had to adjust my refrigerator feet for balance (standard practice), but everything else was pre-installed, state of the art, and wonderful. Felt nice to peel fresh plastic film off never-used appliances. The dryer gets hot so it's best to leave the door open when in use, loud, but safe. There's also a shared laundry room if you have big items, like a heavy blanket and bedding.
Staff:
If you need something you get it fast from the building staff. They are incredible and kind and remember you quickly. There's also an app called "Building Link". Certain agreements require someone from Forest City Ratner to follow up (like amenities agreement for gym and roof) so these have been delayed -- I'm told this is because too many people are moving in. Follow up is key.
Neighbors:
I'm told the building is half affordable rate / half market rate. I'll say that everyone I've met is wonderful, there's no sense of "us" or "them" and overall this building has an atmosphere of friendliness and calm. I moved from Manhattan so it's nice to see families and 20-30 somethings. I was accustomed to elderly shut-ins and creaky wood stairs. I walked into the pool room one night with friends and saw another group. It became a fun mixer.
Neighborhood:
It feels like living on the four corner intersection of Colorado, Arizona, etc. You have Atlantic mall and Target (closes at midnight daily) and a cheap grocer on one side, but a medley of small and local shops on another. Above the building the rest of pacific park will arrive, and altogether it feels nice. I have met local bartenders who bemoan the construction, I've seen plenty of local businesses put themselves up for lease looking for a windfall too. It's clear this is a new "must visit" neighborhood but local NIMBYs aren't going to be impressed by yuppies moving in (Wendy) but they will appreciate your business. It's a charming area but I advise new movers to understand they live in a building that many have mixed feelings about. It's more caution than hate, but I like the neighborhood and it has plenty of charm, warmth, and receptive energy.
Overall:
If your needs are met by this building, with a budget for the rent, you'll discover a wonderful neighborhood, great staff, and easy living atop New York's 3rd busiest transit hub. Great new development, the first of many, but worth checking out. And if your pipes leak like Wendy's did, just talk to the staff. They will help. It will be fixed. And you'll get right back to enjoying your new digs. read more