Winston Factory Lofts

Resident for almost a year similar to the 5 star reviewer, however, I couldn't possibly disagree more with the other review. I will keep it short, but generally the sound of the train which passes by 4-6 times a day is similar to the scene in Mr. Holland's Opus (if you don't know what I am talking about, google it). It is shockingly loud. This is a quick estimate, but I think we have had 2-3 weeks without working heat or A/C (broken on 3 separate occasions with each fix taking at least 5 days); the pipe in our living room leaked two separate times (I don't mean after two rain storms--I mean it leaked; they fixed it; it leaked and they duck-taped it), and we have had leaking in our kitchen. This is the 5th apartment complex we have lived in the past 5 years and if I were ranking management/maintenance, this would be rank significantly below the next worst management/maintenance. I could praise the amenities and look of the apartments, but there is no need because you can see those online. This is just one resident's take on the things that you can't see. (note: this is the same review as used on yelp and google) more

It's right next to a train track that they fail to mention - and when you see the property they tell you I seldom comes by - which is accurate - But as an resident at Baptist It does at 2 am most night's and it's more annoying than your pager, which on call as an intern I would sleep with clipped to my scrubs. And you will have to tip the maintenance guy for everything you need done otherwise It will never happen. Stay away from this place if need a good night sleep which if your at a resident at baptist you really do need on not on call days. more

Me, my wife, and our teenage daughter moved in August of '12 and we like our new neighborhood greatly. The security meets our expectation, the amenities have been useful and have added pleasure to our living pleasure. Whenever we are in need of help or assistance from site management(i.e., Amy), we have been given attentiveness to our request. The addition to WFL of the added building has brought us extra amenities that we didn't know we would get when we signed our lease. \r We have just added another year to our stay and will continue to enjoy the convenience of downtown establishments. I would recommend those of you that are looking for the atmosphere of downtown living without the responsibility of cutting grass, working on your house during the weekend, driving long rides to WS to eat, and many other things that go with living in a house, consider WFL for your new living establishment. We would welcome some new neighbors. \r more

look somewhere else more

After living in the Winston Factory Lofts for going on 2 years it is astonishing and very surprising to see the ""Awful Place to Live"" review that has been posted. Everyone should judge for themselves and take the time to visit WFL if you are looking for an apartment in down town. Amy, the property manager, is the same quality person today that she was when I visited for a tour of the building. There is a sizable list of quality people that have returned to WFL after leaving for professional relocations. Do not be fooled by other reviews, judge for yourself if it works for you. more

First of all, this is a LOFT bldg so you should expect to deal with loft related issues like parking, occasional bldg issues, and any other issue that could result from living downtown in a refurbished bldg. People who give this place bad reviews have unrealistic expectations for downtown loft living and never should've signed a lease. more

WFI is a great mix of big city atmosphere, quality residence, fun management and convenience. From the day I moved in there has not been the first regret and I just renewed my lease. The management team is extremely responsive and driven to make it the best downtown housing option. WFL is unique for a smaller town and well worth the price. more

Very happy at the lofts and just renewed my lease. Perhaps pricey for the area, but very well kept and worth it. It's all relative, and having rented before and understanding that you get what you pay for, I am happy to pay more for nice digs. I have had only positive experiences with the staff and management. They have always been very responsive and helpful. The train is loud, but if you are from a big city, it's nothing you haven't heard before. The side of the building facing the train is a little brutal, but I got used to it quickly. The management made the train well known to me prior to moving in, so I knew what to expect. I was on the third floor, but switched to the fifth when I renewed. Third floor loft is very cool but less than ideal for roommates (you can hear EVERYTHING). I LOVE my 2 bed that faces downtown. I travel a lot, and I always feel comfortable leaving my apartment and car. I've never felt unsafe in the area either. The other residents in the building are cool, so it was an easy transition for me to move solo. All in all, I've had a positive experience and would suggest it to others. more

Personally I like my spot. For the area... it's expensive... but I knew what I signed up for. I felt like it was worth the loft experience. Management is professional and seems like they do their job fine in my opinion .. as a result I renewed the lease and I been in the building for almost two years now. The walls are thin...I'm guessing the contractor bought the dry wall from china? and got the cheapest pile on the market? So if you and your significant other have an argument.. make sure your make your point out very well so that your neighbors know that you were right! ...lol Over all I really like the building. It's safe, private from outsiders (not so much insiders because of thin walls) , and just an exclusive atmosphere to be in. I love having a heavy buzz at a downtown spot and just walking home because I live downtown. If you keep your apartment nice and clean... it's a really nice spot...dream like in my opinion. I got a two story on the third floor...I've been told by my guest.. this is the nicest building I've ever seen more than once... Agree , disagree.... That's my truth. peace more

All of these other reviews are spot on so I will not be redundant. Let me say that I CANNOT WAIT to move out of here. Since the day we moved in, we have heard lie after lie from the management (i.e. Amy) and have been treated with complete disrespect. The train is a huge problem and has been detailed in the reviews below. Another big problem: we were told months before moving in that we could have underground parking, and this was important as the building isn't exactly in the nicest area of town and there are frequently break-ins out on the street. However, upon moving in, we were not given underground parking as we were told it was ""completely full"". We would frequently visit the underground parking lot late at night and count >20 open spaces. That's a load of BS. Another major problem with the management: the second you tell them your lease is up, and you must give them at least 30 days' notice, they will start touring your apartment at will. We would have >5 tours a week, and they would basically hold an ""open house"" on Saturdays. If you ever deny their request for a tour, they will come anyway. They have NO respect for your privacy. And they have the nerve to send you an email beforehand telling you to ""make sure your apartment is very clean and tidy and all your personal affects are stored away"". Also, our hall smells like dog urine. And the elevator always has a puddle of dog urine. And winter heating bills are outrageously expensive (upwards of $300/month). more

If you like trains, you'll LOVE Winston Factory Lofts. The train track is situated just 30 yards from your window. When the train goes by it sounds like it's running right through your apartment! If the property manager says the train never comes before 8am or after 8pm, not to worry! The train runs at 10pm, 12midnight, 2am, and 4am with regularity. Train enthusiasts - do not miss this opportunity to pay a hefty premium for all-hours access to an extremely active, one-of-a-kind railroad experience! And don't let anyone discourage you with crazy talk of a ""quiet zone."" It will never happen (look it up). If you're just into a noisy atmosphere and trains aren't your favorite source of insomnia, you need look no further than your bedroom walls. There is absolutely NO insulation between units. So if you're into trains or just a good dose of exhaustion - Winston Factory Lofts is the place for you. I hate trains and I haven't slept since I moved in, so I am counting down the days until my lease is up... Current resident, April 2011 more