Clayton on the Park Apartments

I have lived at Clayton on the Park for about two years. When we first moved in, Riverstone managed the building and was great. About 6 months in, Komen group hired an in-​house management team. The property manager should not be managing a high-​end building.
Approximately six months ago, the building cleaning company left because they could not make any money. The property manager had her son and a few other relatives create a LLC and hired them to clean the building. Each floor has a trash room, which ours was constantly overflowing. The floors were disgusting and light bulbs were constantly out. The original cleaning has now been hired back, but the trash rooms still remain a problem.
I’ll echo what other posters have said about the laundry room. Don’t bother using the laundry in the units. I have the stackable washer and dryer. It’s extremely small and takes 2 – 3 cycles to dry. Most residents use the laundry room.
The appliances and cabinets are low-​end. I have had to have maintenance fix both multiple times.
It was also reported that Clayton on the Park did NOT have working fire alarms for months! This was never communicated to residents. I heard it from a CotP staff member after the issue was resolved.
The leasing office has a high turnover. I had an issue with two different leasing agents telling me the same thing and the property manager telling me something completely different.
Looking forward to moving out!

I moved to Clayton on the Park (COTP) in spring of 2015 after seven years of living in downtown Saint Louis. The move was mainly to be closer to work (Creve Coeur) to reduce my commute time.
The second day after moving in I heard a consistent «thud» or «knocking noise» once every 15-​to-​30 seconds the entire day, through the night and into the next day. This sound was loud enough to be heard during my sleep. I reported this on the web based maintenance system and received an email reply of «we will turn off the compactor at night» and the maintenance ticket being closed.
The «compactor», being the trash compactor, was in the basement (I was on the seventh floor, residential starts on either the third or fourth floors). I replied that if this meant the noise issue would persist through daytime hours that this was not going to be an acceptable response. I received no response from maintenance or anyone at COTP.
The next day I started hearing the noise again at 6:30 AM and insisted the repair request be reopened. Again I received no response. The day after this I report the issue to COTP management. A member of the management team voluntarily admitted the noise issue was «not acceptable» and would work with the property manager to resolve the issue. The property manager was CC’d on this email.
Over the next many days — you guessed it!!! The noise continues often non-​stop for days on end. It’s not uncommon to be woken up by it at any hour of the night. I of course continue to call and email management during this time. I’m polite while doing this. I’ve lived in high rises most of my adult life and realize «stuff happens». The best they can tell me is that they are «looking into a solution».
Long story short, three plus weeks and the issue is continuing while, I think understandably, I’m starting to lose my patients. After being woken up yet again in the middle of the night on a weekday by this noise I inform both lead management individuals that if the noise is not resolved in the next few days I will either need to be moved to a new apartment or refunded my payments thus far and my lease terminated.
I explained this to both of the lead management individuals of COTP over the phone and through email as well as a face-​to-​face visit to the property manager’s office. They acknowledge and understand this, yet there is no follow up from them and the noise continues.
The next week I am yet again woken up during the middle of the night by the faulty trash compactor in the basement. That very morning I visit the property manager’s office in person and clearly let her know I had lost all faith in the abilities of the management at COTP and request nothing less than a full refund and termination of my lease.
The next morning I receive an email from the property manager. She fabricates the idea that I have only given her «a couple of days» to resolve the issue and she also fabricates the idea that she has offered to move me to a comparable apartment. Meanwhile, the noise issue continues to be clearly heard in my apartment that very morning.
At that point, I’m done and want nothing more to do with COTP. I had moved in on April 27^th and was out by May 29^th. Five weeks of the equivalent of Chinese water torture with complete inaction of management. I have the entire history documented for the sake of legal action. There were 19 (yes, nineteen) points of contact with the management of COTP over those first four weeks, frequently with no response from them and the issue persisting.
I’ve lived in numerous buildings and high rises over the years. I have never had an incident anywhere near as bad as this one. I’m blown away by the lack of action and the amount of incompetence of the management of a building that markets itself as such a high end residential experience.

I lived at COTP almost 3 years and I fully agree with William C and Doglover D.
PROS: This is luxury living in STL! Location, location, location. The best of Clayton is outside your doorstep. As a non-​native, I’d say it’s the safest «urban» neighborhood in the metro area — close to all the restaurants, shops, bars, boutiques, services, etc. Nick the concierge is the best — always greets you with a smile and is very helpful. The building security is top notch, with access cards required for entry and to move between floors, which was most important for me as someone from out of town, and as a single lady travelling for work. Penny was great and has been there consistently for the last 3 years as well. She coordinates many fun activities, to help you meet your neighbors and to engage the local community; goes above and beyond what is required. Free coffee and tea, good gym, nice rooftop… My favorite thing — the thing I will miss the most — is how they manage your packages, automatically emailing you when a package arrives, and having to officially sign them out. I also found it really easy to have an apt cleaning service, because you can provide a list of people who can access your apartment while you are out; the building automatically emails when an authorized person checks out your apartment key. Also, I loved that I only had one bill (electric) outside my rent because everything is included in the rent check — they add fees for trash, water, etc. And if you have a dog, you will meet all of your neighbors — very pet friendly!
Opportunities: The building management did change from the time I leased 3 years ago, to the time I moved out last week, so my only complaint is with the current/​new management office. I actually liked the old Riverstone management co and found them to always be responsive and helpful; I’d formed relationships with the prior management team — they were very engaged. When I was moving out last week, I called multiple times, left 3 voice messages, and left a handwritten note to request a final walkthrough, and no one ever returned my call. That was pretty disappointing, even more so given the super-​premium price you pay to live here — and that I lived there basically since it opened in 2012. I just expected much better service. I had to physically go by 2x and impose myself upon them to get the walkthrough completed. But all did end well! :)
And, yes, sometimes you hear neighbors — but it is an apartment community after all, and the very high priced rent helps limit the tenant pool to mostly well-​behaved professionals, some sports professionals, retirees, doctors, lawyers, etc.
Given the other apt options in STL, I would most definitely live here again and recommend it!

Displeased with the term «luxury living» or «luxury Apartments» unless you consider hearing neighbors dog barking (from within your own unit), doors slamming, berber carpet, loud air conditioners and paper thin window shades that let light in from surrounding buildings & street lights at night luxurious. At least that was my personal experience.
There are no fans in the bathroom, so be prepared for a steam filled bathroom and moist walls/​décor/​towels. Additionally, without a fan, unpleasant odors do linger.
The units with washers and dryers… don’t bother. You may as well use the community laundromat as they don’t accommodate large loads and it was my experience that took me sometimes 2 – 3 cycles to dry loads of laundry.
When we moved in, I had to have my own cleaning company come in as it was hardly what I considered clean or prepared for me and my family — including the air vents. There was so much dust and gunk, it was terrible.
The rooftop is nice and really the main attraction, but in my opinion, only on the side facing Shaw Park. The backside facing the arch is not furnished and the outdoor equipment makes it too loud to converse on that side. Be prepared for an added & pricy expense getting family packages from the City of Clayton Parks and Recreation if you have children or want to swim across the street at Shaw Park. I agree with a previous poster from a financial standpoint – be very thorough and get everything in writing.
This is a pet friendly environment, which was nice. However, you do have to cross over Brentwood to Shaw Park to take your dog to use the bathroom. There are not designated potty areas in or surrounding the immediate building that residents are allowed to use. Trekking across the way in the ice, snow, heat and rain isn’t much fun.
Damage to my brand new vehicle did happen in the garage such as door dings, dents and scrapes. I personally do not feel the spaces are meant for SUV’s and larger vehicles, but compact cars. Use of the garage is not free. There is a separate added fee for storage closets in the basement and bike rack usage.
You do need an access fob to get to your particular floor while using the elevator, however, I easily used the staircase from my apartment to get from floor to floor without one to visit friends on different levels.
Honestly, you really have to be already here to get the full scope of what you are getting into, so potential renter be aware and do your research. Ask lots of questions and request answers in writing, no matter how little it is. I do not suggest telephonic or verbal communication. My experience with management was less than desirable.
To me, this was more of a hotel not a home, but far from «luxurious.»

I have read the other reviews. Having lived here 3 years now.
WHAT I LIKE:
— LOCATION: This building is the flagship of Clayton. Everything I could need seems to be within walking distance. Need to go downtown? The Metro is 3 blocks away. Need to go to the Airport? 10 minutes away. With Shaw park directly across Brentwood, you can get out and get active.
— SECURITY: There is building security/​concierge in the lobby most of the time. Even if you get past them, the elevator requires an access card. It is difficult to get around the building without a key card. If you do not belong on my floor, the elevator will not let you select it. The city feels safe too. The Clayton Police Dept is a block away. It is difficult to go out the door and not see a police car. I was here for the Ferguson turmoil and never once did I feel unsafe. Not even while the helicopters circled outside.
— COMMUNITY: I have never known so many of my neighbors before in my life. The building does an excellent job of planning events that vary to accommodate a wide variety of interests. Healthy cooking classes, yoga/​exercise classes, fancy parties, and just-​because happy hours get people talking.
— DOG FRIENDLY: I have 2 dogs that love living here. It can be tedious crossing Brentwood Blvd (especially in winter) but having the park across the street is a huge convenience. There is also a dog park about a mile and a half away. Not everyone loves dogs so if you do not want to ride the elevator with them you may not like it here. But they are only allowed on the main floor, Pet spa for a bath, and of course inside the apartment.
WHAT I FEEL COULD IMPROVE:
— PRICE: This is always an issue. Here you pay a steep price for location. The apartments are nice but they are not worth the price without the location.
— LAUNDRY — the units have very small machines that can get the job done but the load size needs to be very small. There is a public laundry but the residents abuse it. Some days it looks like a clothing store exploded because there are clothes laying around everywhere. They use them like they are their own and do not think twice about using all five washers at the same time. I only take on that fight if I need to wash the bedding. This can only be accomplished in the larger machines.
— STAFF: To be fair, the staff you see today only has 1 member that was here when I moved in. But I think there is a level of disorganization on the leasing side of the staff that can really grate people’s nerves. Moving is a very stressful time. When they arrive to move in, the apartment needs to be turn-​key. Better maintenance records and perhaps management walk-​through would put the Luxury back into that side of it. The staff has improved greatly recently but they still have a very high turn-​over rate that indicates they are still attempting to rebuild the team. Everyone is very nice but stamping the word luxury on the outside is only half of it.
— CHARTER CABLE: So last night there was a huge pay-​per-​view boxing match. The cable was out for hours in the entire surrounding area because they are incompetent. They also have exclusive right to the building. And even if you do not have a television, you have to pay $ 80 per month for basic cable. I may need to review them next. I am definitely not a fan.
— HEATING/​COOLING: So each unit is self-​contained. This means that there are no holes to the exterior of the apartment (other than the windows that can be cracked. So the units must be inside the apartment and attached to a duct that runs the vertical length of the building. The units are effective but noisy.
— PARKING: The parking garage is nice. There is ample parking and I have had no incidents in 3 years. However, it is owned and operated by the City of Clayton and is shared with the bank next door, the government buildings, and Shaw Park. If they get the restaurant they have been promising for 3 years, it is going to fill up even faster. That being said though, it is 6 stories and has its own elevators. Be prepared though, it costs $ 50 per month for the first car and $ 70 per month for the second.
— ATTITUDE: There are temporary residents in the building mixed in with the long-​term residents. Occasionally they bring their New York attitude with them and treat this like a hotel. The concierge can only do so much. They do not control the cable/​electric companies or the company that fixes the elevators. And yes, sometimes one of the 3 [high speed] elevators malfunction. R-​E-​L-​A-​X

If you are new to the area, this is a good first apartment if you don’t mind the expensive rent. The staff and the neighbors are very nice, and there are relatively frequent social events providing opportunities to make new friends. And since the building is dog-​friendly, there are plenty of furry friends to brighten your day.
However, be prepared to deal with a few inconveniences:
HEAT & A/​C: The system is loud, especially as it turns on & off intermittently. This has been fine during the winter as I rarely need to use the heat (perhaps because I live on a higher floor), but it’s quite irritating during the summer when A/​C is a must. Additionally, keeping a one-​bedroom apartment at 75 in the summer, even with all the shades down, is VERY expensive.
ELEVATORS: There are only 2 elevators (plus a freight elevator that is typically locked) for several hundred residents. This can be stressful if you’re running late before work, which is the busiest elevator time. Furthermore, in the event that there is a maintenance issue with one, as there was for about 3 weeks last month, get ready for a 5 minute (minimum) wait to get on a clown-​car elevator.
LAUNDRY: The in-​unit W/D’s are quite small and fine for a single person, but I can’t imagine doing a family’s laundry in them. And while there is a common laundry room with commercial machines, there are 5 W/D’s (for the building, not per floor), so good luck using them on a weekend.
APARTMENTS: While the apartments look nice on the surface, the construction is quite cheap, so kitchen drawers and closet drawers come off track frequently, and the lack of drawers or cabinets in the bathroom (or shelves in the closets) creates an organizational nightmare. Also, there is about an inch gap between apartment doors and the floor, so you will hear everything going on in the hallway.
That being said, I have enjoyed living here. I would recommend this complex to laid-​back people who won’t get frustrated by the above-​mentioned issues.
I would not recommend it for people with dog allergies or dog phobias, or people with elderly dogs or puppies who might not be able to «hold it» while waiting for the elevator, or people with more than one small child (the key card access for the building and elevator would be difficult while child-​wrangling).

Took a tour and the leasing agents promise the moon they definitely under delivered when we went to move in. Luckily I scheduled the final walk-​through a couple days before our move-​in date only to discover that they still had not repainted were not going to replace the carpet as promised only clean the scratched up sad looking carpet. All the closet doors were broken, the granite in the kitchen countertop was broken. Ugggh. There is no follow through from the staff and they won’t do what they say they’re going to do. Sad for how much they are overcharging for the apartments that they advertise online much cheaper, yes the prices don’t match either. Much bait and switch beware.
It took over a month to fix the countertop.

I’ve since became a resident of the building. The staff works very hard to accommodate myself and all of the near full occupancy building. It’s above any living experience I could have ever hoped for in an apartment. The amenities are magnetic and well taken care of year round for seasonal changes. The social events are very frequent bringing neighbors together for fireside good times with live music roof top, networking chamber of commerce events, as well as test driving an Aston Martin DB9!!! I’m very grateful for the 6 months I’ve lived here, the many people I’ve connected with, and the many memorable daily niceties available. I love it! Surprised there’s any vacancy, what a place!