In today's INDULGE magazine (I get it free within my Star-Telegram Downtown) there is a large feature article on the Montgomery Plaza condos. I found it very interesting and learned many things.
Built in 1928, this was the tallest concrete structure West of the Mississippi River. Was kind of away from the city. (Cut off from the city by both the river and the railroad.)
Many of you may have know this, but the driveway cut into the middle of this building (they now call it a concourse) to give the interior units of this huge building, windows. Guess I should have guessed that much. Even as it is, there is a low window to square foot ratio. (Not part of this article, just a personal observation.)
Of the 243 units, 2/3rds were bought sight unseen. The first units to sell were on the pool deck of the west wing's third floor. Next went units in the East wing with a view of downtown. The smallest units (one bedroom) were the first to sell
The units are mostly long and narrow. I believe that in most cases only the most outward room is with windows. They do a few tricks like make the other rooms with clear glass up high as to catch some outdoor rays from the first room. Kind of strange to see a bathroom with the top few feet transparent windows to the rest of the unit.
I was surprised to read that ceilings were 12 to 16'. Wow. This is tall... I am thinking if I had 16' ceilings, I would make a two story unit out of it.
I live on the 34th floor of the Tower which has 12' ceilings (Two feet taller than the first 33 floors as it used to be the Century II club) and the rich guy next to me turned his little girl's room into a loft second story sleeping area. Was pretty neat for a kid. For 16' would do that for myself.
Not sure how I would feel about the long narrow condo's. Or the windows that are really just lots of little windows. I like big expanses of glass like I have at the Tower. And at the Tower, most rooms have windows. All bedrooms and living rooms for sure. But if it means lots more room, long and narrow may be worth it.
I am still not convinced that something could not be built between the Motgomery plaza and downtown to ruin the view. I don't like playing the waiting game. I have done that before. I need a guaranteed view wherever I live now. I have one now. For me, anything tall enough to hinder my view would be worth looking at. And nothing could block all my view. Even a 200 story building next to me. (I could still see around it somewhat.)
I currently shop at Target mostly. (Pick up odds and ends at Walgreen's) so that would be very handy. But, sometimes walking to Target for me is the only exercise I get. (1.1 miles) But I guess if I lived there, I would be walking to downtown frequently.
I do love the Montgomery Plaza in general. It has a great classic look to it and seems like it is the direction America needs to take to get people out of their dumb cars. I could sure see myself living there... if it is fairly quiet in the concourse at night, particularly. A couple of stupid motorcycles scooting through the center of the building at midnight would make the place worth 50% less to me.
I don't remember seeing a price list of the units really. Curious what the premium is for high as well as East facing. I think the place will be a good investment on the small chance we don't go into a deep economic depression. And if we do going into a deep recession? I'll buy a big unit at the bottom! (Now someone just tell me when it is the bottom.)
And surpise! I am not attaching a picture... (My camera is my only tool in my little tool kit.) But many great pictures were included in the magazine. If you are really interested in this place, get the magazine.
