The short summary is that the finished apartment units are aesthetically pleasing. This, however, deserves a more detailed review.
It was good of the management team to allow me to photograph the interior design of the units. I'm sure many were shocked that this happened and that there was a mutual willingness of trust and respect. The best part was that the developers did not once make a pitch to influence my opinion. They didn't need too. Their work spoke for itself.
I lacked a wide angle lens which would have better displayed the unit. So my photographs do not fully capture the interior. A wide angle lens, on the other hand, tends not to accurately capture the actual dimensions. Too many times it exaggerates the dimensions. It is always best to see things for yourself and not get caught up with the typical sales pitch of square footage. In the end, proper lens usage was not crucial by any stretch of the imagination or fact.
The hallways had soft but well placed lighting. The lighting fully illuminates the front door of each unit. There is nothing to obstruct the view of the entire length of the hall. This a very important point of security and comfort.
Each unit has an address plate designed in keeping with the industrial past. They look nice. Little things do mean allot. I was shown a one bedroom unit. None of this was planned because my purpose was to photograph Fishtown from the roof. I would, otherwise, have sought out larger units as well to present a better balance of the living spaces. I was aware not to over extend the time needed to do so or to quickly wear out my welcome. I knew that the project manager had more important things to do to complete work at hand.
The galley (kitchen) is the first thing that you'll see upon entering the unit. It was impressive because of the attention to detail and good planning for the utilization of the space. This is also true for the placement and design of the bathroom and the niche space for the piggyback washer and dyer. (trust me I've seen smaller bathrooms than this)
There was sufficient lighting installed in all the rooms. The front window is factory huge or should I say one of the walls. The natural lighting worked well. The higher up the unit the better the lighting and view but we all know that. This building is situated on a narrow street.
The bedroom was partitioned behind the living room area. Attention to detail and design: the partition left an open space at the top so that the natural lighting extends into the bedroom. It's just enough light so you can see without bumping into anything on a sunny day. Turning on the installed light works even better. We all know that too.
The floors are highly polished. This in combination with the light color wall paint helps to reflect the light. This ambient lighting creates a cozy environment.
Looking upward through an old smoke stack.
Here's what I didn't like and it had nothing to do with the actual environment. The real estate advertisers pitch was not fully forth coming in their description of the units. The largest units got the royal treatment where as the smaller units were given that square footage pitch. This approach left me with a vague understanding about the included amenities. It borders the label of misleading in my opinion. Descriptions change over time and tend to become more honest and accurate. Again, always see things for yourself and ask a lot of questions. (I don't always get it right too.)
I also met and talked to a couple of people who were moving in on that day. They were nothing short of being happy as to were they now will call home. They were very happy. Why not? Major transportation to reach any part of the city is within walking distance. The same applies to the growing "amenities" of the neighborhood.
I also want to stress that the craftsmanship of the exterior and interior of the building is noteworthy. I only wish that there was enough floor space to include more parking spaces. They, however, did maximize the space that was there. (I don't want to hear a word from the neighborhood parking problem deniers.)
My side note observation is the preservation and re-usage of this building, as well as others in our immediate area, obviously dispels the bull shit pitch that these building are "blight" and need to be torn down. Structural sound buildings, such as this one, will last another hundred years and preserves the history of our community. That is something well worth keeping and to fight for. Oh yea, it's more cost effect overall for the developers.
Three slices of ham but damn good excellent craftsmen. Thanks guys.
pov words and oictures by roman blazic_all rights reserved
