I would have to say that this apartment building, while generally comfortable, and conveniently located, is not perfect. However, let's start with the positives. Most of the residents are white, East-Coast Yuppies and stchdents, a bit on the snobbish side. Well, maybe that wasn't all that positive after all. It's ideal for UMB students, as it is within walking distance of that campus. For someone who uses public transit, you couldn't ask for a better location, as it is within close proximity of most of the bus lines going through downtown, the light rail (right under your window), the subway, and the MARC Camden Line. It's within walking distance of most downtown establishments. However, there's very little charm to the neighborhood it's in, as many of the restaurants within the immediate vicinity are either mediocre tourist traps such as Luna del Sea, or chains such as Subway, Starbucks, Panera, etc. Therefore, I usually end up bussing or training it over to Fells Point or Mount Vernon for the good eating and drinking spots. And, if you walk a few blocks north on Howard, Eutaw, or Paca Streets, you will discover the people who put the "Charm" in to Charm City, such as the street urchins and the bums who think they're all that, but are insignificant in the grand scheme of things. And yes, the building is right nexed to one of the busiest firehouses in the city, so you will hear plenty of sirens. The building itself looks quite nice on the inside. It has a coffee and tea machine which is complimentary, a small gym, an even smaller business center, and mailboxes on one wall. Like any apartment building, it features controlled access. For the most part, "security" is decent enough, if a bit lax from an outsider's perspective. The lady who works most evenings, Sandra, is their best "security" officer in my opinion, as she takes her job very seriously, and is most professional. As for most of the others, it's hard to say. Some are decent enough, but in my opinion, the younger ladies are on their phones, or hanging out in the business center a little too much, and in the mornings, I am serenaded by their gossiping, which wouldn't be at all out of place on any of the city buses which roll past the building at any given moment. Thankfully, the elevators are pretty fast, as there are 14 floors. The apartments themselves aren't the smallest ones I've seen. They have pretty spacious living and bedrooms, but the kitchen is nothing special. The washer and dryer setup is nice, and thankfully has a closet door in front of it to muffle the noise. However, it's not quite the 5-star setup you're paying for, as the air/heating unit is clunky and box-like, and the heating is not what it could be. The BGE bills can climb to hundreds of dollars, and some apartments are noticeably warmer than others, even when set at the same temperature. There is a little draft from the outlets as well. And no, there is not a ton of storage space, but honestly, I don't think you'll find that luxury in a downtown high rise. Street noise is audible, especially on the lower floors, but it usually isn't deafening. Overall, it's a decent enough place, especially for a young student like me, although you will pay an arm and a leg for it, and can probably find something comparable in the general area for less and with more charm, but not the kind of charm you'll find a couple of blocks north. read more
