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Just chiming in* what randomperson2 has said is correct. To add, the Rollins also has in unit w/d. I say that they're nice but not the nicest as compared to say the lux building on Gold St in Downtown Brooklyn with a rooftop pool or the ones on the Weehawken, NJ waterfront where you're right on the water with a ferry that takes you to 42nd st (might be around 34th st, I don't remember). I've also seen better appliances and apartment styles in renovated apartments in Inwood and Washington Heights. I haven't lived in these buildings though, I'm forever tied to the LES at this point haha. To confirm what randomperson2 said, the standard of living is indeed much better in the buildings of these luxury apartments as the alternatives are those converted walk-ups you mentioned. However, the best parts of the neighborhood probably are right outside of these walk-ups, as in a way it's the style of the neighborhood and East Village as a whole.
I too am someone who prefers not as nice places, it fits more my style in a way and I care a lot about the old good architecture. A lot of the tenements were handcrafted wonders, even if they were built to hold some of the lowest classes of NY at the time. I would live in one again before I ever consider living in a house in the suburbs.
On your question about 80/20, basically it's 80% market rate and 20% affordable housing for those whom can't or won't afford the market rates, as they are insane! Not everyone is comfortable with that for whatever reason, so I wanted to make sure you are aware.
The properties are clean, there are maids/maintenance people that vacuum the halls during the day and clean the lounges. There had better be for the prices they charge market rate. Like randomperson2 said, The Essex might be louder if you're on the side of the building that faces Delancey. I don't find it bad, but others may. It's not serene quiet.
As far as why I chose The Essex over The Rollins? I wanted to be ontop of the subway. The dual rooftops and lounges ended up being amazing perks as well. I feel like they outclass The Rollins in that regard. I got very very lucky that I had a good opportunity to choose an affordable apartment in each building.
Just curious so I know how to base my search, would you suggest to look at other neighborhoods or other apartments in the LES
Depends really on what you want, what you're willing to spend, where you need to be, what you want to be around, etc. The lux buildings are great choices, but they are very expensive. Not as bad as TriBeCa when I lived there ($10k+/mo apartments(!)), but not cheap by any metric.
If you have the money to spend, having little to no commute is worth a premium. How much of a premium is a matter of personal judgment. Keep in mind that the subway access is somewhat limited right there, so if your work is near Essex Crossing, you want to live on the J (which doesn't go very far into Manhattan) or the F/M. Look at a subway map and that should delineate the neighborhoods for you. You could also consider the East Village, immediately north of the LES, though again there you'll be faced with the choice between overpriced new build or ancient tenements. I just think the EV has a homier vibe.
I finally got out onto the terraces yesterday night--they're very pleasant. The sixth floor has hammocks and a couple of grills. The gym is not ideal but Fitness on Ludlow is one block away and not crazy expensive.
They just don't have what I want, which is a recumbent bike so I can get through my exercise while reading. They have a couple of Pelotons, which I think you may have to pay to use (not the building--Peloton--not sure if there's some way to just use them as ordinary bikes without accessing classes), several treadmills, a couple Stairmasters, and an erg-looking-thing, also a semi-decent weights set up. If they have what you want, it's fine.
Another luxury building in the area that's really nice is 252 South St. It's a bit out of the way being nearly on the water and the train of choice would be the East Broadway F, but it has stuff like an indoor pool.
Tbh I haven't heard great things about that building. I think in terms of amenities its nice, but not great public transportation, not much to do around the area, not really having good grocery stores/places to shop. It seems lose lose for everyone. The lower income people being displaced obviously don't like it, but the higher income people coming in also don't like it for its subpar location.
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