Terra Cotta Lofts

Before I even begin to tell you all the great things about living here, I need to address a review by a former resident (Sadia Lynne B). It is quite hilarious. As I read it I not only laughed, but I even had to show it to my spouse. Let me go ahead and address it point by point. Here we go. Into the Madness. Let me grab my wine.
1. «IF you do something wrong, you will be FINED (I got fined 100 dollars for leaving my kid’s bike in the garbage room). The mgmt. threatened to fine me 100 dollars for posting a note on my door reading; „please do not knock, baby is sleeping“ addresed to UPS man. There are cameras everywhere, you have to break down boxes, or else you will be fined 50 dollars a box. Just follow the rules.»
ANSWER: Yes you will be fined if you break the rules, but that is also why we have one of the cleanest, quietest, nicest, most mature, and friendly building in this city. Don’t be a slob and care about the place you live in, and this will never be a problem. Yes there are cameras everywhere, and you should be grateful.
2. The building LEAKS. The last «flood» ruined 3 floors of condos and floors and carpets had to be replaced. There is severe water damage in this building that has claimed the possessions of many tenants over the years.
ANSWER: This is not due to the building. It is due to the people living in doing something stupid like stuffing things down the garbage disposal that shouldn’t be there. Ie. Someone put the whole bag of turkey innards in it once.
3. The building is RIGHT next to the HOMELESS SHELTER!!! LARRY RICE’S homeless shelter is next door. There is a lot of crime on this block. Watch your back. IT is not a joke.
ANSWER: There are always homeless people in any major city, and they have never bothered me.
4. You will hear gunshots at night.
ANSWER: Sure you will hear gunshots at night… if you fall asleep with the TV on. LOL
5. When the sun goes down, get IN THE HOUSE!!!
ANSWER: Why? I walk my dog at all times of night and I have NO problems.
6. Homeless people and thieves always manage to break in or sneak in.
ANSWER: If someone DOES manage to sneak in, it’s because a resident left them in, and NOT because of any lack of security.
7. The 1500 block is filled with drunks and druggies sleeping on the sidewalks, streets, and behind dumpsters… along with hundreds of gang members, ex-​cons, and hustlers.
ANSWER: This was the funniest part of all. I literally laughed out loud. This is just a flat out lie. I have been a city girl my whole life and I know gang members and hustlers when I see them, and all we have out here are some homeless people.
8. Parking on Locust means that you will wake up with your window busted at least once a year. You are better off leaving your car doors opened. It will happen if you park in front.
ANSWER: Maybe it happened once and then she decided to exaggerate the ONE incident.
9. The cops take 45 mins to arrive when something happens.
ANSWER: I have called the cops downtown before for non-​emergencies and even then they show up within 7 – 10 minutes. Let’s not mention that they patrol down here at night. Especially down by the School that is right across the street.
10. You have to CONSTANTLY watch your back. Saint Louis metro area is nothing to play around with. Check out the crime stats!!! Always carry some kind of protection.
ANSWER: This lady just need sot stop it. Check the crime stats in ANY large city.
11. You will get asked for money or change at least 3 times a day.
ANSWER: Yes people ask for money… so what? Just say «no».
12. The rooftop has no pool.
ANSWER: She should have chosen another building if it was a deal breaker.
13. Packages always get tampered with, razored, or stolen… so keep an eye on your mail!!!
ANSWER: I order 90% of my life offline and it has never happened to me.
14. The elevators smell like dog pee. Some people don’t care to clean up after their dogs.
ANSWER: Ummmm… no
15. The basement FLOODS when it rains. That means all of the storage lockers with your belongings in them get FLOODED also.
ANSWER: Nope. Doesn’t happen
16. YOU NEED RENTERS INSURANCE IN THIS PLACE HANDS DOWN!!!
ANSWER: You should always have insurance
17. IF you have a gun, carry it with you at all times.
ANSWER: Again, no
18. The management is snooty.
ANSWER: Before or after they bake you cookies. lol
19. The garage doors always have problems opening and closing.
ANSWER: Ok fine… it breaks sometimes. lol
20. Not kid friendly. There is no yard, or play area. There are parks near by, but they are not safe.
AMAZON:Living in a loft is a CHOICE.
I LOVE living here. No noise, trash, smells, or mean people. We even have a monthly Sunday Supper (potluck). Sounds horrible right? Who would want to live here? Yes that’s sarcasm. lol

I’ve owned a unit for 5 years and it’s been a great time living at Terra Cotta. It’s a very well managed building, and that’s very important when there are so many elements to keeping a 99 unit building clean and in good working order. There are so many lofts downtown that are not.
The roof is a beautiful place for dinner parties, drinks under the stars and just relaxing with a glass of wine in the afternoon. Being near Washington Ave, without living right on it is ideal.
The homeless shelter situation looks much worse than it is. Sure, there are people around sometimes, but in all my years of being in the neighborhood, I’ve never been bothered by anyone. Only a couple people have ever even asked me for money. It’s very safe. The biggest annoyance is just the loud hockey fans after a Blues win — unless you’re one of those hockey fans.
I’d highly recommend the TC Lofts for its location, people and downtown location.

Love the terra cotta Lofts. Of course, every experience is subjective. But, my experience has always and continues to be very good. Neighbors are very socialable. The artitect of the building is unique and will not find it anywhere in the Lou. Middle of the loft district. By far the best building in the Lou. And Yes, Lots of beutiful people hehe.

We bought a condo in this building when it was first converted, in 2003. My husband’s job took us to NYC in 2007 but we have kept our condo at Terra Cotta. It is a beautiful building, very well maintained and managed, with friendly neighbors. Our daughter was born while we were living at Terra Cotta, and spent the first three years of her life living there. We had neighbors with babies and everyone was very welcoming to the families. We could walk to the playground and the lovely water-​front park under the arch. We walked to restaurants, shops and the fabulous historic library which provided activities for children. Yes, there were some homeless people around, but we never felt unsafe, even late at night. There was some garbage on the street, but it was far worse after a ballgame or festival which attratced many people from the suburbs. I highly recommend living in this building. We were very sorry to leave and would definitely still be living there if my husband’s job hadn’t taken us elsewhere.

After looking all over the downtown area, I bought a unit in TCL 8 or 9 years ago. I got married, had 2 kids, and raised them in this building. We recently moved b/​c we needed more room!
TCL is a fantastic place to live! Over the years almost all of the people in the building have been great and really nice. The building is beautiful and there are rules in place to keep it that way. The only people that seem to complain about the rules are the people who have no long-​term interest in the upkeep of the building. You can walk about anywhere downtown… YMCA is on the same block, Downtown Central Library is 1 block away, Washington Avenue (entertainment district) is 1 block away, Cardinals baseball, Rams football, Blues hockey, etc. Be sure to checkout the rooftop lounge/​patio area!
The only con to TCL is one of its neighbors. There is a problem property (NLEC) a block way that is in some trouble with the city. Although it’s probably not fair to hold this against TCL, I can’t give TCL 5 stars until the city cleans up this blight on the neighborhood.

I bought my loft in Terra Cotta 8 years ago and I have to disagree with one of the reviewers. I am a 63 year old white female who moved into the city from St. Louis County and love where I am. I have made wonderful friends in the building, I walk everywhere at all times of the day. I go to the YMCA across the street at 5:30 AM year round when it’s dark outside and walk to restaurants, concerts, ballgames and events after dark. I feel no less safe here than when when I shop after dark at the Galleria or go to the CWE bars and restaurants late at night. I have not heard gun shots. I do hear partiers from the local bars but I heard the teens racing their cars and the barking dogs in my subdivision in the county. There are wonderful friendly supportive people in this building. We go to dinner and out for drinks together. If I need to borrow a ladder or item of food I have friends here who will loan items and even help me when I need it.
There have been some floods in the building but owner insurance and building insurance have covered the costs. The water damage was when a renter went out when the washing machine was running and it overflowed. The door was locked and there was not access to shut the water off immediately. This can happen in a house as well as in a condo. That’s why you have insurance. Anywhere you live you’re going to need homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. It’s foolish to think you don’t need insurance wherever you live.
We have social events that all residents are invited to. In December we have a loft hop and move from loft to loft with appetizers and beverages and celebrate the friendships and the holidays. We have barbecues on the rooftop deck and our has the best view in the city. We have volunteers who plant flowers and take care of the deck so everyone can enjoy it.
I have enjoyed so many St. Louis events up close and personal. I can see the Komen race, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Cardinal’s games, Pride Fest, bike races and so much more by just walking a block or two. I go to concerts and smile because while everyone else is trying to get out of the parking lots I am on my way home on foot and just a few blocks away.
Yes, Larry Rice is just down the block (for now). The homeless are a part of any urban area. I have talked to the men and women on the street. I rarely get asked for money and my standard response when that rare person does ask is «I don’t have any cash on me but St. Patrick’s Center and Centene Church provide food if you’re hungry.» They leave trash on the sidewalk but so do the county and city residents who come here for music festivals, Taste of St. Louis, ballgames, and other events. Volunteers from Larry Rice sweep the sidewalks in front of his building every morning. The homeless are, unfortunately, a part of urban life because that’s where the shelters and resources are found.
It makes me angry that someone who lived here, as a renter, has given this loft building a bad rap. Crime? Again, I’ve been here 8 years and have never been the victim of a crime. Is there crime? Probably but I think that’s probably true in all cities and all areas and if you make yourself a victim. I was pick pocketed in Chicago. That hasn’t happened to me here. She says you can use the «secret way» through the Annex if it’s raining. TCL pays monthly for this option for their residents. Terra Cotta is one of the best run buildings in the city. Our board of directors is active and involved, our reserves are well above what most buildings have. The management company is responsive any time I’ve called. Don’t listen to one obviously frightened girl.
She says it’s not kid friendly. Has she been to any other city. Kids grow up in condos in New York, Chicago, all big cities. We have an elementary school a block away, a park that is fenced and has play equipment a block away, the beautiful Central library is a block away, City Museum is a block away, the YMCA with a pool is across the street. We have children in the building who attend Mallinckrodt Gifted academy. We have babies who leave for day care with their parents in the morning just like babies in the suburbs do.
I love the city life, I love the places within walking distance, and the diverse population of friends that live at TCL.

I lived here for 3 years.
Here are the pros and the cons:
PROS:
1. Dogs (and cats) are allowed, 2 per unit –no weight limit or breed restrictions.
2. Beautiful architecture, and lovely lobby… pretty fancy.
3. Affordable.
4. Not every unit is the same.
5. Secure indoor parking.
6. Great views and many windows.
7. The maintenance men on site are wonderful and knowledgable.
8. Emanuel the cleaning attendant is friendly, and keeps the building spotless.
9. Great rooftop view of City museum, and the ARCH (has grill and patio furniture).
10. QUIET atmosphere. I never had a problem with a neighbor’s noise.
11. Within walking distance to grocery stores, shops, and restaurants.
12. It is across from the library, City Museum, and YMCA.
13. The fabulous Campbell museum is directly across the street 45 bucks to be a member and you can use their yard!!!
14. There is no need to «take the garbage out» as there is a ‘garbage-​shoot’ on every floor! (there are 12 floors).
15. There are two elevators.
16. You can take the secret «back-​way» through the Annex building next to it if it’s raining, snowing, or unsafe.
CONS:
1. IF you do something wrong, you will be FINED (I got fined 100 dollars for leaving my kid’s bike in the garbage room). The mgmt. threatened to fine me 100 dollars for posting a note on my door reading; «please do not knock, baby is sleeping» addresed to UPS man. There are cameras everywhere, you have to break down boxes, or else you will be fined 50 dollars a box. Just follow the rules.
2. The building LEAKS. The last «flood» ruined 3 floors of condos and floors and carpets had to be replaced. There is severe water damage in this building that has claimed the possessions of many tenants over the years.
3. The building is RIGHT next to the HOMELESS SHELTER!!! LARRY RICE’S homeless shelter is next door. There is a lot of crime on this block. Watch your back. IT is not a joke.
4. You will hear gunshots at night.
5. When the sun goes down, get IN THE HOUSE!!!
6. Homeless people and thieves always manage to break in or sneak in.
7. The 1500 block is filled with drunks and druggies sleeping on the sidewalks, streets, and behind dumpsters… along with hundreds of gang members, ex-​cons, and hustlers.
8. Parking on Locust means that you will wake up with your window busted at least once a year. You are better off leaving your car doors opened. It will happen if you park in front.
9. The cops take 45 mins to arrive when something happens.
10. You have to CONSTANTLY watch your back. Saint Louis metro area is nothing to play around with. Check out the crime stats!!! Always carry some kind of protection.
11. You will get asked for money or change at least 3 times a day.
12. The rooftop has no pool.
13. Packages always get tampered with, razored, or stolen… so keep an eye on your mail!!!
14. The elevators smell like dog pee. Some people don’t care to clean up after their dogs.
15. The basement FLOODS when it rains. That means all of the storage lockers with your belongings in them get FLOODED also.
16. YOU NEED RENTERS INSURANCE IN THIS PLACE HANDS DOWN!!!
17. IF you have a gun, carry it with you at all times.
18. The management is snooty.
19. The garage doors always have problems opening and closing.
20. Not kid friendly. There is no yard, or play area. There are parks near by, but they are not safe.
CRIME CRIME CRIME CRIME!!! IF crime doesn’t bother you, move here!!! Take it from me… it is a bad hood.

Great People, Great Building! except for the pretty people that are so rude they refuse to talk or say thank you… oh and the people who let there big pawed animal get muddy prints everywhere.