Apartment Review for Quay 55 - Cleveland, OH

My sister and I live in Quay 55 and have for over a year. After looking all around the area for an apartment (including Shaker Heights, Cleveland Heights, and various locations downtown) that would suit our needs, we realized that Quay 55 was actually the best deal around. Because heat, parking, and cable are included, our only expenses above rent are electricity and internet. The staff is amazing. They always volunteer to carry heavy items for us when they see we are struggling, they lent us chairs from the party room for a party, maintenance resolves ANY problems within a day of notification, and the facilities are kept spotless. There is always someone cleaning something as I go down to my car each day. Residents are polite and friendly. There are some 'celebrity' residents but there is an unspoken agreement among residents to be respectful of privacy. It is fun to see my car parked alongside one of quadruple value :) The fitness center is immaculate and I have never seen any of the equipment out of order. There are three treadmills, an elliptical, a stationary bike, mats, a large medicine ball, and lots of weight resistance machines. I think there are also free weights. There are two televisions in the weight room. It gets steady use but I have NEVER seen it crowded. It is well ventilated and there are fans. The locker room, showers, and sauna are also great; well maintained and clean. I suppose you'd want to know about the apartment itself... It is spacious and well maintained. The staff changes out the screens and the windows are cleaned regularly. The walls are thick; you'll rarely hear a neighbor except when they walk past your door. The kitchen is huge with lots of counter space and space on top of the cabinets. The bathrooms are large and modern. The incredible light we get from our east-facing windows is delightful! The only downside is that if you like to sleep in late, you'd better either sleep in the inside bedroom or get an eye mask for the sunny summer months. The full blinds can only stop so much sun. Likewise, it heats up quickly in sunlight. Because the heat is free, we've never really had a problem in the winter keeping the place warm enough to two girls tastes :) The washer and dryer are new, large, and they have extra-large washing machines (big enough for large comforters, etc) on each floor for general use. Other perks we really love: Newspapers are delivered free to residents doorsteps every morning, there is a small cafe at the end of the building that has great boardwalk seats and cushy chairs with a great buffet on the weekends (make-your-own waffles)and frequent coffee-drinker punch cards. There is heated garage space and storage space if you want to purchase it (we are still students so we haven't) and the pool in the summer months is fantastic. There are grills available for residents use, grassy lawns, and picnic tables. There is also a lifeguard usually present. The pool has a GORGEOUS view of the lake (between the privacy trees) so it's a fun place to watch regattas. The airshow is also really fun! Security is serious; the regular patrols (on top of the regular building security staff)check in with the front desk every time they come through. People are NOT buzzed in without identification. The meeting room is great for work groups and I've used it for several group meetings in my time here. It's also a great place to work or study privately; it has a sink, coffee makers, and cups in addition to a full table with executive chairs and a separate couch area. The party room is available for rent by residents--it is large, has a full catering kitchen and tons of tables and chairs. The staff will set them up for you as well, which is great. The fee is a nominal $25. You can also use the shopping carts provided by Quay 55 to take your groceries into your apartment. There is a car-washing bay available as well. We've had a few neighbors move--but two have moved to bigger units within the building. One moved because she got married and moved to Akron. The building tends to earn residents affection--the staff is attentive, friendly, and smart. One will even provide car detailing on site for very reasonable fees. Another staff member changed my flat tire. I can't speak highly enough of the staff. The property owner himself regularly asks residents how they like it. Finally, there are seasonal parties that are FANTASTIC provided by management. They've also had great local interest events--presentations by international consular officials, candidates for local office, and presentations regarding local issues like the Lakefront development. Obviously, we love it here and hope to stay as long as we can. Even if it seems out of reach financially, discuss this with a leasing agent. My sister and I got a student discount on a 13 month lease that, paired with the free cable, parking and heat, made it affordable. Similar spaces that were less expensive in Shaker would have actually cost more, according to our calculations, due to parking costs (in some cases, $50 for the first car and $100 for the second) and heating old structures. Only criticism: right on the lake, the parking lot gets SO windy. That's not really the apartment's fault though :) Secret benefit: seeing the waves crash at the E.55th terminus on the drive in; and seeing sailboats all the time in the spring and fall. Whoa. Apparently I like the place :) I'll stop writing now! Join us here, we like nice neighbors.