KCRag Forum

I searched through some of the old threads and could not really find any current info on the Library Lofts...so any relevant info would be helpfull.

I've been looking at moving into the Graphic Arts building which has just opened up in the last month or so.  I've lived in apartments for a long time so I know there can be good/bad things about all of them.  This will be my first time living downtown however.  I'm just looking for experiences, good or bad, that anyone on here might have had.  Thanks for the help.

I've had two friends live in the Board of Trade building....I've heard no complaints other than the noise from John's Deck which I think was fixed last summer by them turning down the outside music.  they really liked the location.

KCPowercat wrote: I've had two friends live in the Board of Trade building....I've heard no complaints other than the noise from John's Deck which I think was fixed last summer by them turning down the outside music.  they really liked the location.

Luckily my work schedule doesn't require me to go to bed early so I'm always up late.



What I shouldn't have done is to start reading the ratings on apartmentratings.com.  Lots of negative comments but I know that all places have those issues on those type of websites.

what are the theme of the negative comments?  I can ask my friends if they experience those same thigns.

KCPowercat wrote: what are the theme of the negative comments?  I can ask my friends if they experience those same thigns.

It seemed that there were issues with the management, which is a problem for any complex on those websites.  The other issue had to deal with the type of people that were in the building...both the low income residents, as well as those that treated it like a dorm.

if you qualify for the "low income" housing, i doubt you'll notice any problems you wouldn't notice with any other $500-600 apartment in the metro - probably less.  in fact, from my friends' experiences, Library Lofts seems to be fine, albeit with a little bit of a "woooo i'm 22 and this is my first apartment out of college!!!!!" vibe in spots. 

The only building in the Library Lofts that has income restrictions are the two attached to the 21 Ten condo building....the others (and hence majority) are market rate.

I lived in the Library Lofts from October 2003 - April 2006.  Overall it was a good experience.

My biggest complaint was the noise from John's Upper Deck.  Sometimes it would keep me up until around 1 in the morning on work nights.  The other complaint would be that the in-unit washer/dryer was a piece of junk, and pretty much worthless.

I loved my place, and had a beautiful view.  I would estimate that around 90% of the people there were mostly satisfied with the place.

KCDowntown

KCPowercat wrote: The only building in the Library Lofts that has income restrictions are the two attached to the 21 Ten condo building....the others (and hence majority) are market rate.

The Graphic Arts building that is attached to the south side of John's is also income restricted.  It's the building that they just opened up recently.

I lived there for 6 months.  Here are the highlights...all negative cause the place sucked.

- the original lady I signed the lease with was a b*tch.
- the person who took over after her was also a b*tch...prereq. for the job?
- it allowed pets, which meant lazy tenants letting said pets wiz and drop lovely little gifts in the hallways.
- paper mache(sp) walls. 
- what else...its been well over a year now since I lived there so I've pretty much stricken that place from memory.
- oh yah, totally a dorm room, feel I mean come on, these frat boys that moved in next door asked me where to
score some "good shit" while they had a couple of homeless guys they found outside moving their stuff in for them. (no joke)
- I paid market rate, unfortunately, and it was no where near worth what I was paying. 
- and that combo washer/dryer...give me a break.

Here in the next couple of days I too could be on the apartment search cause I'm not sure if they'll let me renew my lease since I currently live in 509 Delaware, the ones they're turning into condos (ha) in the river market.

one more thing...a friend of a friend moved in then broke her lease cause it was so wack and I totally just remembered the best part....jack-offs pulling the fire alarm and that stupid voice coming from the big brother speaker saying get out of the building. 

my two cents.

I've lived at Library Lofts for close to three years and haven't had nearly as many horror stories as what a few people on this board apparently had.  I like the location and it's nice to have a pretty quality workout area that you can use anytime.  I lucked out on my place and ended up getting a pretty open layout that looks north.  The view is pretty darn great.  I've never really had any problems with the leasing office, either.  I mean, unless you have a package that's been delivered or need a repair done why else would you even need to talk to them?

The biggest drawback to the Library Lofts is the washer/dryer combo.  I've had to get mine repaired or replaced at a rate of once every three months since I've lived there.  They're horrible.  Luckily, there are larger units on each floor to do your laundry.  I just had to get my washer/dryer replaced this past month and it took them two freaking weeks to fix it.  They gave me a discount on rent for the inconvenience, though.  I was also told that they are now offering a mini wine fridge in place of the washer/dryer combos if you want.

Parking can also be a hassle if you aren't a resident.  Parking garages require that you pay to park (obviously) or else visitors will have to try to find a parking spot on the street.  This isn't much of a problem on the weekends but weekdays can be frustrating if you have anyone that wants to spend the night (you get ticketed for street parking after 7 a.m.).

As for the noise issue, there is noise from John's Upper Deck during the summer months, but it's not that big of a deal.  In my honest opinion, if a little noise is going to bother you you might as well stick to the burbs.

Overall, I think it's a good place to live.  I was very surprised at how introverted residence were, though, so be prepared for that.  In my three years, I've only met a few of my neighbors and that's it.  Some may like that aspect and some may not.

It seems like there really aren't any nice places to rent in downtown that aren't at least one of the following:

1) filled with fratties/sorostitutes
2) filled with poor people
3) cheaply build/redone
4) filled with cheap, low-quality fixtures
5) expensive as hell

It seemed like there were a couple of years ago, but not so much anymore.

bahua wrote: It seems like there really aren't any nice places to rent in downtown that aren't at least one of the following:

1) filled with fratties/sorostitutes
2) filled with poor people
3) cheaply build/redone
4) filled with cheap, low-quality fixtures
5) expensive as hell

It seemed like there were a couple of years ago, but not so much anymore.

Doesn't this describe every rental unit in America?

Perhaps.

Thanks for everyone for the input.  I decided to go ahead and sign a lease with them so it looks like I will be a resident of downtown as of June.

/

As for one of the issues, the washer/dryer combo isn't even available in the new building.  I do have another question in regards to the parking.  I know there are a few different garages right in that area but I'm not sure which one would be the most convenient to use.  If any on you have any suggestions let me know.

I thought everybody was put into the library garage (the one with the books)?

bahua wrote: It seems like there really aren't any nice places to rent in downtown that aren't at least one of the following:

1) filled with fratties/sorostitutes
2) filled with poor people
3) cheaply build/redone
4) filled with cheap, low-quality fixtures
5) expensive as hell

It seemed like there were a couple of years ago, but not so much anymore.

hey, stretch has his 3rd story loft above grinders for rent. says it's 1200+ sf. you rent it and you will get in free to all the events this summer.

Beermo wrote: hey, stretch has his 3rd story loft above grinders for rent. says it's 1200+ sf. you rent it and you will get in free to all the events this summer.

At the end of March, I swore off renting, but that sounds really awesome.

Beermo wrote: hey, stretch has his 3rd story loft above grinders for rent. says it's 1200+ sf. you rent it and you will get in free to all the events this summer.

More like they get free access to your apartment. 

there are doors with locks on them. really. i've seen it. it's pretty nice and has a decent view north and south. the building also has a nice roof that could be a outdoor deck.