I have just come back from a long weekend in New Orleans for the International Jazz and Heritage Festival. It was TOO much fun! I always have a blast in New Orleans and the food is just amazing no matter where you go in the city. I had never attempted to go to the festival before because I had been warned about how crowded it gets, and they were right! It was a Mardi Gras type crowd but with fold up chairs, if you can imagine. But it was all worth it because I finally got to see Pearl Jam. They were awesome live!
Anyways, last week I went all around looking at new high rises and apartment complexes because lately I have been getting a handful of clients that inquire about both these and stand-alones so I wanted to get to know that market a little better. My two favorites were the Gables West in Upper Kirby and the Windsor at Siena.
The tour at the Gables was definitely my favorite of the two. Being right across from Whole Foods and walking distance from Cafe Express and Pesce, I fell in love! I first saw their smallest two bedroom which starts around $2000/month. The two things that stuck out the most for me were the indoor window in the living room and the surround sound with IPod capability near the desk and kitchen areas. Then, I was taken to the smallest one bedroom which starts around $1300/month. There was plenty of storage and it was the perfect size for a young professional or couple in the city. I was amazed to find that all units have the surround sound with IPod hook-ups, a nice sized built-in granite and wood desk, dark hard wood floors, stainless steel appliances and two-tone granite counter tops. Finally, I was taken to the top floor where they had state-of-the-art amenities that blew all the other complexes I had seen out of the water! There was an infinity pool with lounge chairs in the water and a very large BBQ pit surrounded by tables and lounges. Overseeing the pool was a business center and study equipped with computers, printers and faxes. On the other side of the pool was a fabulous kitchen where tenants can host parties and occasionally the building conducts cooking classes for all to come learn and enjoy. Across from the kitchen was a miniature theater. I had never seen this before in a high rise! It had a small popcorn machine in the back with candies to choose from and actual theater seating. On our way out, I was shown around the fitness room which had cardio machines each with its own TV, weights and a studio area for classes.
Another unique aspect of this complex was the fact that there was a sky-walk on each level from the main building to it's adjacent second building. I was very impressed to say the least!
I also ventured to the Windsor at Siena last week and it was my second favorite because it was great pricing for the location and the amenities offered, which is probably why it's 97% occupied! I didn't really have to ask for pricing because their website is very accurate. They did mention that the 4th floor is always a little more expensive because of the incredible view of downtown and Bayou Park you will get. The 4th floor also has a gorgeous rooftop terrace with lights, large BBQ pit, chaise lounges and a fire place. Very cozy! The complex is very dog friendly. In fact, you can hop on to a path which leads you directly from the on-site dog-walk trails to the dog park in Bayou Park. During my tour, I got to see each of the floor plans and they all had carpet, tile flooring, granite counter tops, black appliances and transom windows above each doorway. The indoor transom windows really added a southern and elegant feel to each unit not to mention all the natural light allowed in. Aside from the main buildings units, the property also had town homes with their own private garages. There's a waiting list for these, that's how popular they are!
I have now also visited The Ventana Midtown, Midtown Heights, The Lofts at the Ballpark, The Allen House, The Retreat and Bayou on the Bend. All of which are excellent choices if you are looking to live in a community inside the loop and all of which work with realtors so let me know if you're interested in pricing and current deals!
