Property Solutions & Services

This review is for the 653 Artist Lofts building in St. Paul. A few positives to start. The management has added some security patrols after a crime increase in the neighborhood last year and they put new carpeting in. Yay. Now for the rest. Most renters don’t have much choice in which property management company they end up dealing with, which is one reason why so many property management companies suck. Unfortunately, these folks are no exception. The 653 Artist Lofts building in St. Paul is a beautifully renovated loft space originally set up as a low-​income cooperative for artists. Sadly, those days are gone, as are most of the artists, and the building and grounds are often neglected unless they are trying to show it off to someone. This is the kind of management company that put cameras INSIDE the building to bust residents for petty infractions instead of OUTSIDE the building where actual property crimes and even armed robberies have occurred. It’s the kind of management company that promises new, high tech washers after years of neglect, then waits six months, leaves the same crappy washers and dryers installed but adds card readers to them and then INCREASES the cost of washing. It’s the kind of management company that delays repairs but has no problem adding immediate fees if your rent is late by a day. It’s also the kind of company that has regular staff turnover, including competent staff — never a good sign. The fact that the building has many lower income folks in it surely adds to the company’s obvious belief that they can pretty much do whatever they want. Such a shame. This has been and still is a good community of diverse folks with lots of families and wonderful kids. Maybe someday the management company will treat the residents with the respect they deserve. Meanwhile, if you have a choice, look elsewhere.