urbanSTL

I wouldn't assume anything regarding that. That's probably a question for the developers... It's a common area, so I doubt that loft owners could just plant anything in there unless the board approved it.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

Manchester wrote:I was just looking at the Meridian website and noticed it has changed, pretty much reflecting that they are featuring the unsold units (no surprise). I was curious if any of the loft owners had pictures of the fountain garden or if it was done yet? Do the loft owners get any input for what goes into the garden? I was also impressed with the lighting scheme, a real standout on Washington.

As of about 2 weeks ago, the fountain wasn't even started. I would suspect the loft owners could plant whatever they wanted to in there. (I assume that is what you are talking about)

That is what I meant. No one can do anything outside their units without board approval.



Given that I don't live in a lightwell unit, if I was on the board, I would vote to allow those folks to plant whatever made them happy.

innov8ion wrote:I wouldn't assume anything regarding that. That's probably a question for the developers... It's a common area, so I doubt that loft owners could just plant anything in there unless the board approved it.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:

Manchester wrote:I was just looking at the Meridian website and noticed it has changed, pretty much reflecting that they are featuring the unsold units (no surprise). I was curious if any of the loft owners had pictures of the fountain garden or if it was done yet? Do the loft owners get any input for what goes into the garden? I was also impressed with the lighting scheme, a real standout on Washington.

As of about 2 weeks ago, the fountain wasn't even started. I would suspect the loft owners could plant whatever they wanted to in there. (I assume that is what you are talking about)

Generally speaking, most definitely...

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:That is what I meant. No one can do anything outside their units without board approval.



Given that I don't live in a lightwell unit, if I was on the board, I would vote to allow those folks to plant whatever made them happy.

Framer wrote:The windows are blue up to the second floor now. Personally, I really hope they do the entire building. The white windows are just so blah. Blue would really jazz things up.

I agree. The white-on-white is very inappropriate to a building with as much lovely ornament as the A.D. Brown. Color contrast would highlight that ornament.



The white paint on the window casements and sashes is likely due to a previous owner's unimaginative cost-cutting decision.

innov8ion wrote:I agree we should start preparing, Cara. An informal meeting inviting for all that have reserved / closed at the Meridian is a great idea. Can anyone think of a good place to hold it? How about date / time? We'd need a means to communicate this informal meeting with the target audience. Perhaps we could choose a meeting place / time and have the developers send out an email to their email list, or they could share the email list with us and we could send it. We could also post flyers in the lobby and near each elevator....

Has anymore thought been given to establishing an informal meeting? I'm still in favor of a meeting and would like to see something set up soon...

I would be up for it. Has the intercom been fixed yet?

Presume you don't get these updates because you haven't closed yet. Below is the update from Civitas Real Estate Services sent on the 4th.



---

If we have received an Access Information Form from you, your name, telephone number, and PIN should be loaded into the building directory. We would appreciate it if you could stop by the system and check your name and try to call yourself. For those of you with out of area telephone numbers, which require a “1” to dial the number, we may need to make some adjustments to the system as to how the system dials those numbers.



We have shortened the time that the door remains “unlocked” from 10 seconds to 5 seconds.



We are still working with the contractor on:



1. Eliminating (or turning down the volume of) the Buzzer when the interior front door is unlocked.

2. The options of eliminating the need for a proximity card for the elevator during normal daytime hours and/or installing a pin pad at the elevator.



We hope to have the rest of the issues resolved soon and are working with the installing contractor to get them resolved. We will keep you posted.



In the meantime, please let us know if you have any problems with the building access system.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:I would be up for it. Has the intercom been fixed yet?

innov8ion wrote:Presume you don't get these updates because you haven't closed yet. Below is the update from Civitas Real Estate Services sent on the 4th.



---

If we have received an Access Information Form from you, your name, telephone number, and PIN should be loaded into the building directory. We would appreciate it if you could stop by the system and check your name and try to call yourself. For those of you with out of area telephone numbers, which require a “1” to dial the number, we may need to make some adjustments to the system as to how the system dials those numbers.



We have shortened the time that the door remains “unlocked” from 10 seconds to 5 seconds.



We are still working with the contractor on:



1. Eliminating (or turning down the volume of) the Buzzer when the interior front door is unlocked.

2. The options of eliminating the need for a proximity card for the elevator during normal daytime hours and/or installing a pin pad at the elevator.



We hope to have the rest of the issues resolved soon and are working with the installing contractor to get them resolved. We will keep you posted.



In the meantime, please let us know if you have any problems with the building access system.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:I would be up for it. Has the intercom been fixed yet?

I don't think they address the "screaming feedback" issue. And maybe you don't know about it, since obviously you never have to call yourself. Try going into the vestibule and calling the sales center. Then cover your ears, because the feedback is literally so loud that you can't stay in there. I've had to retreat to the sidewalk every time. And it's been that way for 3 months. I can't believe no one has done anything about it.

Heh, yes I have personally experienced it and I can't say it's pleasant... I just heard back from Elaine regarding the "screaming feedback" issue.



Perhaps it wasn't dealt with because the access system hadn't been loaded with names yet. I don't know.... Regardless, it's important that if someone notices an issue, that they communicate it to the appropriate channel so it can be assessed and dealt with.



This is what Elaine says:



The contractor is working on the feedback and loudness now. They will be disabling the door buzzer next week.



You have to dial # PIN for your PIN access code to work. (FYI) We will be sending a note to the residents later today/tonight about it.

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:
I don't think they address the "screaming feedback" issue. And maybe you don't know about it, since obviously you never have to call yourself. Try going into the vestibule and calling the sales center. Then cover your ears, because the feedback is literally so loud that you can't stay in there. I've had to retreat to the sidewalk every time. And it's been that way for 3 months. I can't believe no one has done anything about it.

Thursdays are good for Bill & I. Count us in!



Amy

innov8ion wrote:So now, time and place. How about next Thursday @ 8pm? I'd guestimate we'll have no more than 10 people there. Given that, ideas for where to host it? When we have a time and place locked on, I'll post a flier near the mailboxes.

Thursday night sounds good to me. Would anyone like to volunteer their place? That way we'll have a nice private place to discuss things and those who haven't closed yet can see how things are progressing. I would volunteer but I've made no progress on my unpacking so there is no room for visitors. Anyone all settled in and wouldn't mind hosting? Otherwise, maybe we could go to a nearby restaurant Lucas Park or something similar?

I can't make this Thursday. I have a 7:00 meeting.



Thursdays are generally good, except the 3rd Thur of every month (board meeting). And a special meeting this coming Thur.



Damn.

A shame you can't make it. Oh well, more drinks for us! I put about 40 fliers up near the mailbox. I'll work on getting some tables near the bar...



Thurs, October 12th @ 8pm

Kitchen K, 1000 Washington Ave.

Website: http://www.kitchen-k.com/information/in ... on-k3.html

The Central Scrutinizer wrote:I can't make this Thursday. I have a 7:00 meeting.



Thursdays are generally good, except the 3rd Thur of every month (board meeting). And a special meeting this coming Thur.



Damn.

Wish I could make it - biz trip out of town on Thurs. AM

Next time...



Thanks!

irocktheparty2000 wrote:Saw the Meridian for the first time lit up this evening and must say it looks phenomenal! And as much as the blue windows add some interest I don't think it will look as good if they do the blue all the way up. That classic white on white is hard to beat and will never go out of style.

On Saturday night my wife and I were at The Gelateria for late-night dessert, and since the weather was nice, we decided to walk off said dessert with an eastbound stroll along Washington. It was our first time viewing The Meridian at night since the lighting and window trim painting have been completed- and it looks very impressive. (And yes, I dig the blue paint!) Those of you moving in here are lucky- it's a great looking building, and IMHO, one of the best locations downtown.

Update on the Meet and Greet. There's going to be a fair amount of people... 15-20 or more, most likely. Talked with a manager at Kitchen K and they've reserved an area in the bar for us. They can do appetizers and drinks of course. Easier for them to deal with one check but perhaps more flexible for us to have separate checks. I'm sure we can decide when we get there.



How about ideas for icebreakers? ha...



Dave

I thought everyone should be up on the newest developments on the issue via the most recent email. I know some of you have not always gotten everything immediately. It looks like some of our issues may be moot so maybe it will be best to concentrate on the meeting and the greeting:). The property management is now being turned over to Civitas Real Estate Services and they will be electing two residents to serve on the Board. They will be handling everything including puchlist items from here on out. I would be happy to forward the email to anyone who needs it, just PM me.

I'm not sure it's quite accurate to say that Civitas, the management company, will be electing residents to serve on the board. The email said they will contact us regarding nominations and the election process. I think residents actually elect board members within the framework that will be communicated.



Other items to follow:

- Rules and regulations for the HOA will be prepared and disseminated

- Billing of monthly HOA dues will handled by Civitas

shelbyelyse wrote:I thought everyone should be up on the newest developments on the issue via the most recent email. I know some of you have not always gotten everything immediately. It looks like some of our issues may be moot so maybe it will be best to concentrate on the meeting and the greeting:). The property management is now being turned over to Civitas Real Estate Services and they will be electing two residents to serve on the Board. They will be handling everything including puchlist items from here on out. I would be happy to forward the email to anyone who needs it, just PM me.

Just wondering how the Meet and Greet went last night?

Please give us an update.



BB

It sucked I hate all my new neighbors!

It was pretty cool. We had about 15 people and there was a pretty good mix as Shelby said. Elaine of Civitas, the new management company, was gracious in kicking in $100 for appetizers.



Initially we did some schmoozing. Then I introduced myself and started a little icebreaker of making 2 true and 1 false statement about myself, letting people guess which one was false. We did that around the room which was fairly interesting.



Then we opened up the forum for people to bring up topics on their mind.



- I brought up the idea of allowing the Charter option in the building. People seemed to be perceptive.

- It's funny, someone commented that they weren't fond of the blue paint accenting the exterior windows. Some people like it, some people don't... This looks like one instance where you can't please everyone. Maybe there's a better color to consider?

- Another felt that the garage door stays open for too long and is a security risk...

- Some people are concerned about HOA fees and scope of services.



Overall, there's some issues. I think some things will be cleared up through better communication now that we have a true property manager. And then as issues are brought up, the board can identify impacts, classify the severity and prioritize, collect the various viewpoints, help form concensus, and deal with them appropriately.



And hopefully this process can be more rational and detached rather than emotionally charged. Would sure make things a bit easier...

shelbyelyse wrote:Just joking! It was a lot of fun. It was nice to put some faces with names and commiserating about our experiences through this process. It looks like we have a really good mix of people so far.