St. Paul's Upper Landing riverfront development (Minneapolis, Bayport: sales, condo, how much)

[LawoftheLand]

I am seriously considering buying a condo in the Upper Landing development built by Rottlund/David Bernard Builders. Anyone know someone who lives there? The advantages to this location are fairly obvious, so I want to get the "inside scoop" on whatever disadvantages there are. It is across the river from Harriet Island and just outside of downtown St. Paul. Hubby & I prefer a diverse neighborhood with mixture of ages, ethnicities, lifestyles etc, and hope this area fits that description.

Also, any opinions about the quality of construction provided by these builders? Thanks for any input!

[Robert P Stewart]

Originally Posted by LawoftheLand

I am seriously considering buying a condo in the Upper Landing development built by Rottlund/David Bernard Builders. Anyone know someone who lives there? The advantages to this location are fairly obvious, so I want to get the "inside scoop" on whatever disadvantages there are. It is across the river from Harriet Island and just outside of downtown St. Paul. Hubby & I prefer a diverse neighborhood with mixture of ages, ethnicities, lifestyles etc, and hope this area fits that description.

Also, any opinions about the quality of construction provided by these builders? Thanks for any input!

The construction is OK. My brokerage has had a few listings in this development over the last 2 years. In one case, the seller came to us to sell their condo - they thought they had purchased real cherry floors. And the floors were beautiful, to be sure, but it was a high grade laminate. In a $500,000 condo! I have opinions on the area and the builder - PM me for more details. I don't like to be negative in a public forum.

[Clifford63]

Originally Posted by LawoftheLand

I am seriously considering buying a condo in the Upper Landing development built by Rottlund/David Bernard Builders. Anyone know someone who lives there? The advantages to this location are fairly obvious, so I want to get the "inside scoop" on whatever disadvantages there are. It is across the river from Harriet Island and just outside of downtown St. Paul. Hubby & I prefer a diverse neighborhood with mixture of ages, ethnicities, lifestyles etc, and hope this area fits that description.

Also, any opinions about the quality of construction provided by these builders? Thanks for any input!

I looked at some Bernard stuff in Bayport a couple years ago. There is a master development plan there and Bernard has some lots that they are building on. The entire project stalled badly, so I am glad we did not go there. City style lots with alleys and two story homes, but out in a mostly ruaral area with a lot of open spaces. I think it was called Inspiration. Cool concept, but overly ambitious and timing was just a tad late.

Just heard some news a couple weeks ago concerning Rottlund competetors. Centex is buying Pulte. I guess that would suggest you really want to know how solid any of the big builders are before signing a contract.

As far as opinion on Bernard as a higher end builder - they do pretty good at offering a wide variety of upgrades. One thing I would tell you is to look at cabinentry, wood trim and window quality. I thought they were a little off of the bar on those, but so was the price.

[Slig]

I have a buddy who lives there. For how much he paid for his condo I don't think it was worth it, but the location is nice.

[LawoftheLand]

Clifford-
I did take a closer look at the cabinetry, windows and wood trim as you suggested and I agree this is an area where they really cut corners. It's not clear whether those savings go 100% into the developers pocket but that would be my guess. Thanks for the tip!

Originally Posted by Clifford63

I looked at some Bernard stuff in Bayport a couple years ago. There is a master development plan there and Bernard has some lots that they are building on. The entire project stalled badly, so I am glad we did not go there. City style lots with alleys and two story homes, but out in a mostly ruaral area with a lot of open spaces. I think it was called Inspiration. Cool concept, but overly ambitious and timing was just a tad late.

Just heard some news a couple weeks ago concerning Rottlund competetors. Centex is buying Pulte. I guess that would suggest you really want to know how solid any of the big builders are before signing a contract.

As far as opinion on Bernard as a higher end builder - they do pretty good at offering a wide variety of upgrades. One thing I would tell you is to look at cabinentry, wood trim and window quality. I thought they were a little off of the bar on those, but so was the price.

[MLGB97]

I am in the process of purchasing a 1br+den there, I close on the 30th actually. I know that its still a bit overpriced for what it is, but I think its more reasonable since they have had to drop their prices. I have seen and heard some of the prices some people paid for the same size unit previously and I would never have made that purchase. I guess I am a pragmatist and practical person than most others. I didnt buy the unit hoping it was going to appreciate madly and one day I would sell it and ride off into the sunset with a load of cash.

I chose the unit because it appeals to me, and where I see myself in the next 3 - 5+ years. I like the Anytime fitness really close by, especially considering I need to lose weight. With a gym being so close its easy to get to even during the winter. Also during the summer I can store my bike in the garage, then go up 1/2 flight of stairs and im on a bike trail.

I also like the fact that its within walking distance to where I work now, and even if I change jobs to Minneapolis, its not a bad drive. I have heard some people complain about it being a little too far away from downtown and other St. Paul areas. However I currently live by the Cathedral and work downtown and walk that every day no problems, even every day during the winter, storms and all. The distance from upper landing to downtown is roughly the same, if not shorter. The only difference being I walk up the hill at the beginning of day before work instead of at the end of day when im tired.

As for the community from everything I have seen in my trips there, which were during the day because I work in the evenings, it seemed to be older people. Now I say older but then I guess I am relatively young, being in my late 20s.

So for me it was a decision based on quality of life vs value. I will be happy if a few years down the road, 5+ years, that when i sell the unit I get roughly what I paid for it. I personally believe that people get so wrapped up in the whole appreciation and equity and price thing that they forget to actually live in their place instead of just temporarily occupying the space. Every one thinks they know whats going to happen in the future, but honestly all you can do is do as much homework as possible and then make the decision best for you.

Oh and if you would like I can post updates after I move in on my feelings on the unit, building, and community as I spend more time there.

P.S. Pardon my attrocious grammar and spelling, its late and those were never my strong points.

[LawoftheLand]

Hey MLBG97!

Congrats on your new home and thanks for the info! Like you, I am concentrating on quality of life considerations and not viewing it as an investment or a money tree later in life. One of the things that attracted me is that I can live in a new condo close to downtown and still see birds, bunnies and other wildlife on a regular basis. On one of my visits to the building, a bald eagle repeatedly circled low over our heads - very cool!!! I figured the condo sales people probably sent the eagle out there to perform for prospective buyers and add charm to the place.

I'd be delighted to hear your impressions as you settle into your new home. Post them here or DM me, whichever. Best of luck to you!

[StPaulEastSider]

Originally Posted by LawoftheLand

One of the things that attracted me is that I can live in a new condo close to downtown and still see birds, bunnies and other wildlife on a regular basis. On one of my visits to the building, a bald eagle repeatedly circled low over our heads - very cool!!! I figured the condo sales people probably sent the eagle out there to perform for prospective buyers and add charm to the place.

Hmmm... bird trainers could build a business model around this concept! Using Bald Eagles and other wild birds to attract potential buyers.

I was at Battle Creek Park last week and a pair of white cranes were hanging out at the small pond area off of lower afton road... I watched them for 1/2 an hour before they flew away - awesome.

If I did not have kids, and was not planning to move out of state... St. Paul's Upper Landing River Front Development would be a way cool place to live.... and if I was single, and a guy told me he lived there, I would be very interested in getting to know him

[MLGB97]

Well closing went quick and easy, about 1/2 hour which was real nice. After closing I went there and received a very nice welcome from a resident. Every one I ran into there was very kind and out going, every one introduced themselves. I havent actually fully moved in yet, seeing as I have the entire month to do it.

I just did some smaller things like sealing the granite and the grout in the tub area, which they do not do ( I knew this before hand, not hard to do). Changed the lines to the washer to the braided steel kind. Basically small stuff like that. There are some things here and there that I notice that I wish had been done better. And I have already started accumulating things I want to change in a few years. But most, if not all of that was stuff I was formulating in my mind before I made the purchase. So nothing deal breaking.

So initial impressions from just the first couple of days, is I am very happy and I can not wait until I get my furniture delivered and I actually start living in the unit.

[St. Paulites]

We've lived in Upper Landing for almost five years and love it. We live in a Centex unit and we've been very pleased with the construction. We never hear anything from the units next door. The neighbors are great, the river location and trails are great, walking to work downtown and to theaters and restaurants is great. We're very happy here.