I currently live at The Metropolitan Lofts and have been here about eight months, but I feel detached from the "Urban Core." For example, it was only yesterday that I first made it to Burrito Gallery with my roomate ... and we drove.
As a native New Yorker I was expecting a more walkable downtown, but it was a work-relocated move and we took the first downtown apartment that showed up on Craig's List.
It is very clean here. Great staff that bends over backwards. Lot of perks. It's just not walkable ... but that's not their fault.
On the map, W.A. Knight seems a lot more "walkable" and I'm going to go take a look this afternoon. I'd love to get some "inside information" though.
Sorry BigGuy..wish I could help. But I had to look and see where Metropolitan Lofts was and much to my surprise I use to work in that building many, many years ago. I had no idea it was coverted into lofts. You are right. Its a bit of a hike from there to get to anything good downtown. But welcome to Jacksonville anyway.
They seem nice and are definitely in a central location, especially if the Laura Trio/Barnett renovations actually happen.
Here are a few photos from the 2006 downtown living tour:
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/downtown_living_tour/2006/DSC_0001.jpg)
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/downtown_living_tour/2006/DSC_0004.jpg)
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/downtown_living_tour/2006/DSC_0008.jpg)
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/images/downtown_living_tour/2006/DSC_0009.jpg)
http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2006-nov-downtown-living-tour-2006
Big Guy,
I live right down the street at The Carling and love it. You may want to look there or at 11E or Churchwell Lofts on Bay. They all have better views and Carling and 11E each have a secure parking garage.
Another thing to consider about W.A. Knight Lofts. There is a nightclub (De Real Ting Cafe) that stays open until the wee hours of the morning on Friday and Saturday at the west end of that block at Hogan and Adams. It can get loud.
A friend of mine has lived at W.A. for a couple years and he loves it. He lives on the backside of the building and says it's the quietest place he's ever lived.
Thanks for the information. I walked down there today and I really like the area. I walk past it almost everyday and never noticed it. I didn't realize it was next to the building with Jacob's Jewelers in it. I like that Adams has cars actually drive on it, as I rarely see any cars here on Church.
I checked out the Carling too, which has an amazing classic hotel feel to it. 11 East is nice, but if you look at the picture of the little iron balcony overlooking the street I think that's closer to what I'm looking for.
I see they had a couple listed facing the street, which I hope would generate some abient noise of cars and pedestrians. I find the noise pleasant and part of the urban experience. Going to set up an official showing next week and try out that soul food cafe next to it.