Conceptually the building has great potential, especially due to the view, but what could have been a tower of beautiful views has turned into a tower of horror type of experience.
1)Construction: Leases started with constructions in all floors which was not shared with residents. You will find constructions guys (no identification from 6AM until around 3-4). There are 4 elevators and you are competing with construction guys and equipment. Residents had stuff fall on them and two of the elevators are in construction format- the situation is deplorable. Another issue is that very few times, all elevators are working so you may have to wait up to 30 minutes for an elevator if only one is working---- keep in mind, the building is only at 25% occupancy rate.
2) The area/neighborhood: check out police reports before committing to to a lease. In January the police and special unit showed up in the building as there was a potential for a barricaded armed individual in the 15th floor. There was NO communication from management to residents regarding the incident and, when residents asked for information, they stated the resident caller had "health/mental issues" and there was no danger in the building.
After functions in the garden were suspended, the entire group of drug addicts moved back to this area - it is open season in the immediate area - not the safest
3) Apartment Units: The views of the City from the apartment are stunning but be aware, the units are tinny and you will need to budget for a high electricity bill in the Summer/when warms up- the windows were not tinted correctly and the AC runs constantly when it is warm out
4) The 15th floor with the common areas is great and a nice party area however, we question if it is big enough when the building has an occupancy rate above 50%. If you are selecting the property for the amenities, ask about it as you may be disappointed once the building gets busy- same issue with the Gym which is not big enough for a building with over 300 units!
5) Management team: Bozzuto is the company managing the property. The general manager appears to be quite experienced but the other two members of the onsite team are not easy to work with. Overall there is very little collaboration between residents and management and, if you identify issues, they become very defensive- quite the weird dynamics as you are paying a lot for the area and considerable more than what they charge for similar properties in the area- One canal, The Victor and Avalon (These properties are know to have a much more collaborative relationship with residents). If you have issues that are serious enough that go unresolved, escalating to Bozzuto management that oversees onsite folks is not effective- there is no response from them
6) Other amenities: The woof deck is a good feature if you have dogs, especially in the winter when it is cold. In addition, the area is not the best at night so it gives a nice safety net when your pooch needs some relief. As with the 15th floor, it will be a problem due to the size when the building's occupancy rate is above 50%. They may have to figure out a system to accommodate all residents- most likely folks will take turns
7) Pool: ask to look at it if that is what is drawing you to the building. It is VERY small for the amount of units but the area does have stunning views of the city.
In summary, do your homework and make sure you are asking the right questions and looking at the safety issues in the area. Beacon Hill, Back Bay and the North End are actually more affordable- and beautiful areas without the volume of drugs and homelessness.
From a current resident read more