urbanSTL

dpsnodgr wrote:Loftlover, there is also a smaller unit with a balcony which is great for those looking in the lower price range. The unit is 982 sq ft, and prices start in the low 160's. Anyone can feel free to call me at my office if you would like to talk in detail about the project (314-336-1925). There is going to be another loft tour Sept 17th and 18th that sells several lofts, so call before then so you don't miss out on the opportunities.

DP, can you provide an update on how many reservations have currently been taken?

as of now there are 6 units reserved

DP, have you worked out what the association fees will be per sq ft?

Loftlover, They will be between 200-250 depending on the size of the loft.

I was the 5th person to reserve at the Ventana...I am pretty excited about the project, although one thing I did want to point out is that the second vanity/sink in the master bedroom is standard, there is an upgrade for the type of sink, but the unit itself is standard.



I encourage anyone to check out the display, its pretty awesome...the fireplace/shelves unit is incredible...

Just another update... the parking is not included with the sales price. It is an additional cost, but adding a space to your mortage is not signifcant relative to any monthly parking agreement you are going to find in the area.



The display is about 97% finished. I would be available for anyone that would like to walk thru and see what we have to offer.



Again, I can be reached at 336-1925 (office)

dpsnodgr wrote:Just another update... the parking is not included with the sales price. It is an additional cost, but adding a space to your mortage is not signifcant relative to any monthly parking agreement you are going to find in the area.



The display is about 97% finished. I would be available for anyone that would like to walk thru and see what we have to offer.



Again, I can be reached at 336-1925 (office)

How about another update on how the reservations are going?

That 1 bdrm, 900+ sq ft layout is nice. Balcony with an office/study. Very nice indeed and the price is good.

St.Louis UAB alumni wrote:That 1 bdrm, 900+ sq ft layout is nice. Balcony with an office/study. Very nice indeed and the price is good.

Yea, great floor plan no doubt. But once you throw parking in and do just a few upgrades you'll be approaching $200 a SF. And condo fees will be at least $200 a month for that floor plan. So, really love the space just not sure how great of a value it is.

The condo fees would definitely hold a few back, unless they include electric, water, cable, internet because then it is a bargain.

from what I have been told it includes trash, water and sewer as well as heat and air conditioning...it does not include electric.



The building will have a central heat/air conditioning system, so the only electricity that it will use on your personal bill is whatever the cost of running the fan that blows air into your unit...very efficient



it also includes maintenance on the rooftop pool/clubhouse.



I am buying in this building and I think it is an incredible value with great floorplans and some units that have balconies.

Didn't know that it would have a rooftop pool with a clubhouse...that's a definite plus in selling the project.



I really like the building and the layout, particularly the 1 bdrm that I mentioned.

About having a rooftop pool, I tend to think it is not suh a hot idea. Think if it leaks, all the damage below. Having a pool JACKS UP HOA fees, and many people tend to get pissed of for having high HOA fees and don't use the pool. Ive heard of bad stories from several developments where the pool became a huge sticking point for owners. Some places have actually ended up privitizing the pool to the HOA and selling memberships to drop the condo fees.

mophipsi wrote:from what I have been told it includes trash, water and sewer as well as heat and air conditioning...it does not include electric.



The building will have a central heat/air conditioning system, so the only electricity that it will use on your personal bill is whatever the cost of running the fan that blows air into your unit...very efficient



it also includes maintenance on the rooftop pool/clubhouse.



I am buying in this building and I think it is an incredible value with great floorplans and some units that have balconies.

mophipsi, any idea on how many units are sold so far?

Having a pool JACKS UP HOA fees, and many people tend to get pissed of for having high HOA fees and don't use the pool.

Not true. I currently own a condo in a building that does not have a rooftop pool and I have a contract for a loft in the Lucas Loft development (has a pool). My HOA fees at Lucas Lofts are going to be $55 cheaper per month than my condo and they will include internet, which I don't have included in my current fees.

I don't really think it jacks up fees all that much at all initally, now if major repairs are all needed, then the condo ass'n may have to raise assessments.



People we are talking about splash pools anyway, its a nice amenity and not a huge expense.



As for how many units are sold, I have no idea. I was the 5th person to reserve and if you go to their NEW website http://www.theventana.com, it lists the units that are sold or reserved. I know that they have to get to 24 reservations before they begin construction and buildout, but that all of the demolition is complete.



I think they are anticipating picking up a bunch at the loft tour, at least I hope so...it really is a good product. Andy Hillin has his stuff together. The prices are competitive and a lot of the upgrades are VERY reasonably priced.



An example of this is that they offer a fireplace which is glass on 2 sides and also has entertainment shelves on one side and can be finished in slate or some other finishes for $4000, I know several other people who have bought lofts downtown and when they got their upgrade lists any fireplace option was much more than that. For example in Bankers they offer 2 fireplace options..one is around 5000 and one is around 8000.



If you are seriously looking for quality design and construction, I am very impressed with this project...obviously because I am buying there...

Anyone have any updates on this project. What are current reserve numbers? What is timeline? and What is the final configuration and pricing for parking?



Thanks

my understanding is that there are approximately 30 reservations, they started construction after 24 reservations...they also raised prices considerably after 24 reservations...



Their timeframe projection for completion was 11 months from the time they got their 24th reservation, and that happened in October...so look for completion in September of 2006



THey do not have a first floor retail tenant yet..at least as of a couple of weeks ago when I last talked to the developer.



They have a full showroom and dsplay unit set up...one of the nice things about this project is that all appliances including refrigerator and washer/dryer are included in the purchase price.

I've heard that the Jacob group's construction loan has fallen through. The ventana and bogen may be on the market again soon...

LOL, maybe this time they will look at the market before they set(gouge) their prices.......

I've gotta agree. Lofts starting at 190/sqft (and they originally didn't even have a parking space) are a bit silly, IMHO. Great location and building, granted, but still ...

buckethead wrote:I've heard that the Jacob group's construction loan has fallen through. The ventana and bogen may be on the market again soon...

I spoke to someone at Jacob Development Group today and they said they are actually negotiating with a commercial tenant for the second floor and are about to move forward with construction. The official announcement will be in the St. Louis Business Journal. The Bogen also has enough presales for construction lending.

Yeah, I saw some activity there this past weekend for the first time in months. I took that as a good sign.