This review is based on my experience and is not intended to sway anyone one way or another…read more
Context: 1 bed, 1 bath, balcony, south-facing, above floor 15.
I've lived at The Moderne for seven months--my first downtown living experience. I'm not picky whatsoever and my non-negotiables were safety, budget, and natural sunlight. While many apartments met these criteria, The Moderne stood out for its height, guaranteeing both sunlight and incredible views. I chose a south-facing unit, and the morning, afternoon, and night views are stunning.
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Main Pros:
-The views are unbeatable. Sunrises, sunsets, and the city skyline are all visible from my unit.
-The location is prime--Deer District events, restaurants, and bars are all within walking distance. The area feels safe thanks to the Bucks's security presence.
-The apartment itself is well-designed, with modern appliances, clean finishes, and thick walls that minimize noise.
-Staff shoutout- Mitchell is the best concierge in the city--professional, dedicated, and genuinely kind. The Moderne should value him the way the Bucks would if Giannis wanted another supermax. He's the first person you see when you arrive and the last when you leave, setting the tone for a welcoming and exceptional atmosphere.
-There are apartment events for tenants to congregate and socialize as well as local food discounts for Moderne tenants.
-Onsite parking is heated, though expensive at $200/month. A $100/month lot is available nearby.
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Main Cons:
Fire alarms. In seven months, they've gone off 26 times to my count, at all hours--1 AM, 5 AM, 10 AM Mon-Sun. At first, I evacuated, but after countless false alarms and the same "faulty alarm" excuse from leasing, it's clear this is a serious safety issue. If there's ever a real fire, how would we know? Despite $2K+ monthly rent each, you're telling me it will take 2 weeks for a diagnosis?? GTFOH.
Elevators. One of the two west elevators has been out for 28 days and counting. For a high-rise, this is unacceptable. Our lease agreement requires on-time rent payments in exchange for the bare minimum, The Moderne to maintain the property. Expedite the service. You wrote the contract, and you agreed to the terms. Do something about it.
Noise. We live downtown, you can't 'fix' the noise, but you can mitigate it. Thus, I strongly recommend living above the 16th floor. Floors 9-15? I genuinely don't know how you tolerate it. Facing south, I overlook 3rd Street, home to bars, clubs, and restaurants. Daytime noise and game-day chatter are expected, but past midnight, most places quiet down--except 3rd Street. Many bars stay open until 2 AM, and Truth Lounge keeps the party going until 3 AM. The issue isn't mainly their music--it's more so the crowd. Police park outside hours before closings, knowing what's coming. Cars and motorcycles with deafening sound systems rattle windows from 1-4 AM, usually on Sundays (less frequent in the colder months). The cops only intervene if a fight breaks out--otherwise, sirens blare, and chaos unfolds. People argue, scream, and flood the streets, turning the area into gridlock. Some say city noise is like white noise--but this? This is relentless. The Moderne can't fix it, and the police won't. If you want some peace, live above the 16th floor.
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Other Inconveniences:
The trash chute on each floor was sealed off after six months of living here due to "significant damage," forcing tenants to take the trash to a communal area. My guess (speculation) is that you don't just stumble upon major damage. They might've known of it in the past and, rather than fixing it then, took their chances, leading to this costly mess.
Smell. I can't for the life of me fix this lingering smell that has consumed my kitchen. I have used every kind of remedy and haven't found a fix. I see other reviews talking about it, too. My best guess is the shared plumbing system. There are either leaks/cracks in pipes, or they simply aren't regularly maintaining the drain lines that run out of the building, which is causing trapped sewage gas to run back up into the system. Regardless, it's liveable but an inconvenience.
Cameras: I understand the need for privacy, but wouldn't it be common sense to install security measures in high-risk areas? The on-site garage is extremely tight, with little room for error on each turn. If someone were to hit my car, they could easily drive off without accountability. With no cameras, there's no proof it even happened. I'm no lawyer, but if it's legal to install them there, why not take steps to protect your residents?
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I appreciate those who took the time to read this. I focused on the cons in hopes of driving improvements at the Moderne. If these issues, along with others mentioned in reviews, were addressed, this place could be far more competitive. However, as it stands, I don't plan on renewing or recommending it.