Kirkwood Update
Did you like The Kirkwood’s model unit? Someone else really liked it because they’re now down to 1 unit!
Filed under: kirkwood
Did you like The Kirkwood’s model unit? Someone else really liked it because they’re now down to 1 unit!
Beau Says:
Which unit is it? Can we get a floor/bedroom type?
Posted on June 21st, 2007 at 12:03 pm
Josh Says:
Trina tells me it’s a 1 BR unit that is 1,364 square feet. That’s bigger than most other 2BR units by the way……
Posted on June 21st, 2007 at 2:31 pm
Trina Braafhart Says:
HI Beau! Give me a call and I can give you more information on the unit I have left. It is a very large one bedroom with two bathrooms, two huge walk in closets and great kitchen space. You can reach me at 515-991-9072 or via email at: kirkwood@conlinproperties.com. Have a great weekend!
Posted on June 22nd, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Don Says:
You can leave me off the waiting list. Here is my review:
I looked at the Kirkwood a couple of months ago and while I’m certainly glad the building was redeveloped and not torn down, these apartment/condos are not high quality.
Examples:
On each floor they combined former hotel rooms to make condos but they didn’t even cover up the original doorways. You walk down the hallway and pass several “dummy” doors to get to the real door. I mean how much would it have cost for drywall to cover up the old doorways?
The tub/shower enclosure is hollow fiberglass or plastic resin. Looks like something you’d see in a Holiday Inn from the 50’s.
The door handles on the closet doors have handles on the outside but not on the inside. Must have saved a big $20 per condo with that one!
All interior doors are those white molded hollow core kind with a simulated wood grain texture. Not real wood.
The “solid surface” counter tops appear at first glance to be black granite but are not. They are stock counter tops like those carried by any home center but with a black surface covering. Look under the edge of one and you’ll see what I mean.
The metal windows are not original to the building but were replaced at some point in the building’s history. They are poor quality and don’t really match the vintage building or the modern interiors. They should have been replaced.
The workmanship of the drywalling and painting in the units did not seem very high. There was no crown molding and I remember looking at the line where the ceiling met the wall and noticing that it was crooked.
This project was obviously driven by cost considerations rather than aesthetics. Although the building is vintage the condo interiors have a modern open floor plan and fixtures. Much cheaper than re-creating period detail to match the building.
Posted on July 24th, 2007 at 6:51 pm
Josh Says:
Wow, that’s brutal. Perhaps you should look into Equitable, they’re only about $5,000 or more per month–depending on the mortgage and unit you get I guess.
I think that The Kirkwood did a great job, and I like that they kept a lot of the old, like the old doorways, to keep some of the old personality of the building.
Everyone has their own taste though, thanks for reading Don!
Posted on July 25th, 2007 at 1:54 pm
Darcy Says:
Don,
I about fell out of my chair laughing! lol
You are great, did someone set you up for this? Those “soild surface” counter tops were not granite? Hahah I think you need to stay in the trailor park, or take simple trip down to the local hardware store and get prices for the two. If you were skilled in the building trade (which you have no clue) solid surface counter tops cost more money per sq ft.
Also you mentioned windows being updated. Well you might not know this but newer windows help keep cold out and heat in better and vice versa. You still think it lacks period detail? Well I suppose you could redo each window to keep the period detail the way don likes it but you would probaby have to pay several thousand more for each window. (but in dons world price isnt an issue”
ahh this is wasting my time with this, just go ahead and get your double wide and live the downtown lofts to someone with bad taste like the rest of us who “dont understand quality”
lol
Darcy
Posted on July 25th, 2007 at 7:02 pm
Trina Braafhrt Says:
Hello Don,
I am the property manager of the Kirkwood and I would like to take a moment to address some of your thoughts and concerns regarding the Kirkwood. I don’t remember giving you a tour of the property although it is quite possible. With each tour I typically explain the history of the Kirkwood and the process of construction and why many decisions were made. Many of your comments have led me to believe that some how you came through the building on your own or you may be confusing this property with another.
First of all - the Kirkwood was listed with the National Register of Historic Places in October of 2003. What an awesome honor for us! That allowed us to qualify for historic tax credits to renovate the building. With historic tax credits there are several rules and requirements that must be followed and adhered to. For example your comment regarding the “dummy” doors in the hallways… there are actually NOT “dummy” doors Don, they are the original hotel rooms doors. Part of the historic tax credit rules,we were required to leave them and thank goodness! The Kirkwood was a fantastic and wonderful hotel in the 1930’s and not only are we proud of that, but we never want to forget who we were. I have received 100s of compliments regarding our doors. What a wonderful decision to leave them! What other building has such character?
The windows. You are right Don, the windows are not original, they are from the 1950’s and again, according to the rules of the historic tax credits they are to stay. They are old, but they actually open and are in good working order.
Your comment regarding the closet door handle. How often does a person want to shut themselves inside of their closet? And even if they do, it is called a “break away” feature where you just push the door from the inside and it opens.
The solid surface counter top. We never advertised that we used granite, we didn’t want to use granite counter tops, we feel granite is not all that it’s cracked up to be and by the way - who cares about granite? We did use a solid surface counter top. I have to agree with Darcy, you unfortunately are misinformed regarding the counter tops.
The interior doors. Don, I’m sorry to say this but,you are completely false and I fear you may be mistaking us for another property. We are extremely proud of the beautiful interior doors we chose to use in each individual unit. Not only are they NOT white Don, they are a fantastic solid maple. I have never seen a property with such high quality beautiful solid interior doors. The frosted glass adds such an added touch of class and sophistication to each unit. For a rental property, they really chose some very nice high end finishes.
The painting? Don, again the units are all white, all the same color…..how can you screw that up? If you noticed crooked lines where the ceiling meets the wall, Don, again, this is a 78 year old building! This is not West Glen!
I would absolutely love to meet you for coffee sometime, or give you another tour of the Kirkwood. Please contact me at: 515-991-9072 so we can sit down face to face and discuss some of your misconceptions and concerns. I would like to also take the opportunity to educate you on historic tax credits and what that means.
Last but not least, this is a historic preservation project. Alot of blood, love, sweat and tears went into the salvation of the Kirkwood and it is still an ongoing project. Those of us to live in the Kirkwood and love calling it our home ask you think a little bit before you criticize and at least have your facts straight. Not to mention your blog sounds strongly of a jealous competitors voice……..hmmm? We love the Kirkwood for all of her quirks, imperfections, character, charm, history and memories that live here and will be able to continue to live on thanks to the renovation of this property.
I hope to hear from you soon Don!
Posted on August 9th, 2007 at 10:45 am
Bethany J Says:
I think the Kirkwood is beautiful! It is a great old beauty with her own character, spectacular views and many people who love her.
Some people might be wise to shop out in the western suburbs…for a plot of land where they can choose their own materials and colors…and be a part of the western sprawl.
I myself love the eclectic fun of downtown. From old to new and everything in between.
Relax and enjoy downtown living…if you don’t like it, there are plenty of places for you elsewhere where you will be at home.
Posted on August 9th, 2007 at 11:20 am
Josh Says:
Don=owned
Posted on August 9th, 2007 at 4:32 pm
April Says:
I recently visited the Kirkwood to see a dear friend who just moved into one of those fantastic studios with a city view that just won’t quit. I could see the attraction immediately. The Kirkwood is stylish and still retains details of a bygone era. I love my old house, but I would consider moving to the Kirkwood in a heartbeat. It is the best of both worlds - historic presence and urban chic. Where else can you feel like you’re living in the Big Apple without paying an arm and a leg and a pinkie toe? Bravo to those who were involved in the conservation efforts at the Kirkwood as it is a lovely place to live.
Posted on October 23rd, 2007 at 8:19 pm
Tina Johnson...T Your Downtown Gal Says:
Is anyone familiar with what the process will be once these are converted from rentals to condominiums. Will current renters have the 1st right of refusal, etc…? Will it be turned over to a property management company or will it be managed by the existing rental manager to be paid by the Home Owners Association, etc…? I have several people inquiring and I would like to have the full story on this. Thanks in advance for anyone that can share these answers with me.
PS. I think it’s an awesome place to live from the feedback I’ve heard and I absolutely love Zen and Azalea, not to mention the premier skywalk access and proximity to everything downtown! I’d love to hear more from people who are actually living there. Pros and cons, etc…
Posted on October 24th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Josh Says:
This is just a hunch on my part, but I would be Trina knows this answer.
(not much of a hunch here……..)
Posted on October 24th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
Trina Braafhart Says:
There are still many details that have not been decided yet and many that really can’t be. The Kirkwood used historic tax credits to renovate the property. Under the rules of historic tax credits you can not transfer ownership for 4 years, that is why they are renting now and planning on selling later. Also under those rules there can not be any type of “rent to own” scenarios or even anything that remotely smells like a future sale. We aren’t even allowed to talk sale price or hint at sale price, but hard to say where the market will be in 4 years (actually now 3) anyway. But I was allowed to say that residents living there will have first right of refusal. As far as the property management goes - it will be turned over to a home owners association management company. It may be the same company managing now, but the owner will end up deciding that when the time comes. I am speculating here, but it would make sense to keep the same property mgmt company in place and just switch it over to the home owners division. As far as a property manager, that will totally depend on the home owners division and what they decide. Chances are that it will not be the same manager, typically you have a “rental” manager and then a “home owner association” manager and they are not in the same divisions. BUT - that is just the typical, anything is possible 3 years from now.
Not sure if my long winded rambling made sense, but I hope it was helpful!
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Tina M. Johnson Says:
You’re always helpful Trina. Thank you. I was just hoping to have more info as I have recieved quite a few inquiries regarding future purchases at the Kirkwood. People who want to purchase are at this time thinking they should possibly begin renting as they don’t want to miss out, etc….. they have also asked……will they get first refusal on the actual unit they are residing in or if someone else moves out and they specifically like that someone elses unit, what is the pecking order persay in getting the unit they wish to have? Thanks again for your help. By the way, I understand that the Kirkwood is now being managed by Steve, are you still employed by the Kirkwood in anyway?
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Trina Braafhart Says:
I totally understand and wish we could give more information out, but I think it’s just too soon to say exactly how it will all go down. But I do know that you will get first right of refusal for the unit you are living in, but let’s say you want to purchase another unit. Then I would think after the time limit is up you could sign a purchase agreement to move in as soon as the current residents lease expires. These are all really important questions and I so wish we had more concrete answers at this time!
And you are correct, Steve is the new property manager for the Kirkwood and I am now at the Gateway Lofts, both properties are managed by the same company so I help out as much as I can. 
Plus, I just love that old building!
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
Tina Johnson...T Your Downtown Gal Says:
Thanks for all your answers Trina, I greatly appreciate it.
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 5:02 pm
Josh Says:
If this doesn’t sound like government I don’t know what does. Help you out but make you shoot your foot at the same time……
Posted on October 25th, 2007 at 9:22 pm