[quote=Bryson662001;809861]Do you mean the manager who is retireing or the board president?


Sorry, I meant retiring manager. Had you heard that it is
under contract? Allan Domb does not handle WPH as yet and as you know there are not comps out there.

Bryson and Levster....I believe you are residents in WPH?

I am considering buying and looked at 2 units last weekend. One was a 2BR NW corner owned by WPH and the other a smaller 2BR on the South side which is being sold by the owner. Both need work with new flooring, kitchen and bath and I'm a novice on how to go about it. Can the bath fixtures be replaced or is it a huge deal to get the tub out? Can you open the wall between the kitchen and LR, or is there electrical work inside that would prevent this? I'd like to open it up and put in a granite counter with bar stools. Is there a WPH contractor that I could talk to, or do I have to find someone myself?

Also, do you have any opinion on the amount of light for a NW corner unit (22nd floor)? It's bigger and cheaper than the smaller South side one, but I'm concerned that it might be too dark. It was hard to tell as I was there on an overcast day. Also, the balcony view is not so great looking into the air conditioning units of the buildings below. But inside, it did feel more open and airy than the smaller 2 BR. Balcony view from the smaller 2 BR is great, but bathroom seems miniscule and unit has wallpaper in every room which would need to be removed and I have no idea how expensive that might be.

I really appreciate any replies to this. Thanks!

Sorry I can't help you decide which unit is better for you. I can tell you that there is one plumber who is authorised to rip out bath tubs. Most have it replaced with a shower but you can get a new tub as well. The cost starts at about 4,000. I had an entire new bathroom with new tile on the walls and floor and new vanity and toilet plus the shower conversion and spent about 10,000. In my experience units on the north side get plenty of light in summer, less in winter. On the other hand south facing units get too much sun in the winter because it is too low in the sky and becomes intrusive so you have to close the blinds. I have seen kitchen walls removed in several apartments but don't know the cost. I used contractors that were recomended by neighbors and I believe the office has a list and the realtor also should be able to recomend people. Wallpaper removal can be easy or difficult depending on what it is. I spent 30,000 for a new kitchen, bath and hardwood and tile floors and used 4 different contractors.

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Can’t we all just get a lawn?

The units being sold by the building are definitely the ones to consider. The building is giving all kind of incentives to sell these units ( although you have to ask and bargain for them). The building managmement knows it has to unload these apartments quickly. I would adivse you not to consider any unit being sold by an individual if that indiviudal is presently or was recently on the board of directors for fear of being dragged into the probable litigation against those board members responsibile for the current financial mess. If you post the name of the seller i will be glad to let you know if he or she is in this category.

One of the downsides of WPH is that sometimes you have to deal with bitter, nasty and vicious people who have no idea what they are talking about but like to stir things up ......but I guess every building has their share.

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Can’t we all just get a lawn?

You could pay $280K at WPH when the other coop's are $90K.

That's only one potential issue to consider.

Two people I am friendly with have had units listed at WPH (1br, Studio) for about a month. They indicate very little interest has been shown.

It's predictable that those who live at WPH will put the building in the best light. (They may even be totally correct.)

I hear lots of unsubstantiated talk of various areas of concern at WPH.

Here's another one:

Thank you all for your input. I've been in the building a number of times and I like what appears to be a well maintained place with good security. Pool and fitness center are top notch and the location sure can't be beat. I need a 2 bedroom and the prices are reasonable once you get past the current condition of the units I've seen with a vision of what they could be. My only concern was any restrictions in upgrading, but it appears I would be able to do whatever I wanted...so long as I can afford it. Thanks again for the information!

WPH didn't even have one minor L+I violation for the entire building, last time I checked...very well maintained. I like the amenities, too.

I'm sure Bryson will verify how nice WPH is.

Anyway, good luck!

Or just maybe they not acting in the capacity of a shill and ignoring possible concerns about the building ?

But there's always a set of angry people in each building- it's kinda funny.

Did they ever solve that major jewelry theft from a WPH unit that occurred several years ago? I remember reading about it in the papers, but never saw anything further.

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Cheers,
Jayfar
--
“I am indeed well aware of the history of Conventional (sic) Hall, both globally and locally, and can assure you that we are carefully exploring avenues for its future.” -- Penn President Amy Gutmann 5 days before demolition began.