True story…someone actually asked this question of a colleague as she and a friend were waiting for coffee and chatting animatedly about decorative styles of the 20’s and 30’s.
I have long admired this elegant 1931 example of mixed-use development and always wondered about the residential spaces. This past weekend an open house allowed me a peek at two newly redone apartments – a studio and a one bedroom.
THE GOOD
The windows: they’re new, they’re double-glazed and they are everywhere. Wow factor is high, especially in the studio.
Refinished hardwood floors.
Very pretty view of Mt Baker Park.
Cool building with wide hallways (no problem moving in king bed and sleeper sofa).
Parking in the garage below the commercial spaces with stairway access inside the building.
Downstairs tenants include a fab wine shop, hair salon, yoga/Pilates studio and restaurant.
New hot water heaters.
THE BAD
Bathrooms and kitchens are classics in the truest sense of the word. After paying $439,000 for your condo do you really want to be stuck with the two priciest renovations possible? Kitchens are particularly cramped and the existing appliances are seriously wanting.
The east side of the one bedroom has a view of the roof, which is not nearly as interesting as the park.
Shared laundry room with only one washer and one dryer for all residents.
Questionable wall heating in the studio.
THE UGLY
The living area of the one bedroom has an exposed pipe running floor to ceiling in the NE corner.
THE OPINION
Fantastic building.
Great neighborhood.
Too bloody expensive, particularly with the kitchen and bath issue.
The one bedroom is the better purchase.
THE FACTS
Studio (#6)
Beds: 0
Baths: 1
Price per Sq. Ft: Not available. (I would guess this space is about 700 sq. ft.)
One Bedroom (#5)
Beds: 1
Baths: 1
Price per Sq. Ft: Not available. (Personal guess has this at maybe 800 sq. ft.)
Last Sold Prices: Not available.
United States
Canada