Union Square

[rallymatt]

According to their schedule I'm supposed to move in September - but I haven't received the pricing for my interior selections yet. Anyone else experiencing that?

We are september too, but havent gotten a FINAL price for some of our changes.

We got one list of pricing, but had to change some things.

We havent had our closing scheduled yet. (and our place is still just a big hole filled with trash )

[twoshort]

Anyone worried about more delays?

[3xxUnionSq]

I am in the 3rd floor of the Union Sq. I have a friend who is also in the 3rd floor. Our units are coming along fine. I am supposed to be moving in July, but probably early August. The NC loan people are expecting closings to take place last week of July, first week of August for the first phase.

Is anyone worried about the other condo developments lowering the value of the Union Sq. development?

Depending on how far along your condo is presently, has anyone else had trouble with ticky tack items that aren't handled real well? For example, my hard wood floor had a huge section missing due to the hallway removal. Origonally, Pioneer was going to place cement. I asked, and was charged, to place old school wood. Needless to say I still have a 3'x3' patch that runs the opposite direction of the other floor boards, right in the entry. Also, they left a door frame in the living room. Now they want to charge to remove it and the chair rails! It looks ridiculous, and they were just going to leave it that way. Anyhow, I have a lot of venting to do, so I will end this thread for now.

[grrwymg]

I am in the 3rd floor of the Union Sq. I have a friend who is also in the 3rd floor. Our units are coming along fine. I am supposed to be moving in July, but probably early August. The NC loan people are expecting closings to take place last week of July, first week of August for the first phase.

Is anyone worried about the other condo developments lowering the value of the Union Sq. development?

Depending on how far along your condo is presently, has anyone else had trouble with ticky tack items that aren't handled real well? For example, my hard wood floor had a huge section missing due to the hallway removal. Origonally, Pioneer was going to place cement. I asked, and was charged, to place old school wood. Needless to say I still have a 3'x3' patch that runs the opposite direction of the other floor boards, right in the entry. Also, they left a door frame in the living room. Now they want to charge to remove it and the chair rails! It looks ridiculous, and they were just going to leave it that way. Anyhow, I have a lot of venting to do, so I will end this thread for now.

Welcome to the board 3xx - sorry to hear you're having a couple of headaches on your new condo. I'd be steamed, too. Maybe there's legal recourse you could investigate?

[ex detroiter]

well here's my deal...months after we signed our purchase agreement they finally decided it might be a good idea if they priced out our floor plan changes ( which were completly necessary due to the fact the original was wasting space left and right), and upgrades ( carpet in a 2 strory exposed brick loft?).

I have lost all hope and faith in this project and developer. They have fought me on everything from selections to closing ( I am a mortgage broker). I have found that the original finishings pricing I was given at the time of signing our purchase agreement has changed (prices from the contractors went up in June).

The standard options are available for purchase without the middle man for in the 20$ range

The owners that have purchased condos are updated rarely, if ever. Major changes to the project plan (that we were sold) have been made without the 'owners' approval let alone notification.

Every time I have tried to express my concerns with the staff, I get nothing but a condescending attitude and a...just call me and I'll promptly get back to you?" Never has happened!!!!!!!!

Union Square was supposed to be the urban hopeful dwelling place for those looking to find a home in downtown, it is now turning into the never ending story..........hoping for a happy ending

[ex detroiter]

p.s. anyone that has or is a good lawyer (just in case) PM me....thanks@

[ex detroiter]

And now with the Boardwalk, Union Square is now over and done. I have always questioned the monitary source of this project, but hadn't thought that they would be deceptive in their practices. Hopefully the rumors are baseless, but my experiences are steering my beliefs. I am Definetly goning to do some searcing on the financing tomorrow!

[3xxUnionSq]

p.s. anyone that has or is a good lawyer (just in case) PM me....thanks@

Is there any potential for class action suit? That is if everything heads south in a hurry. The other thing that has been bothering me about this project is PARKING!!!

Adding the penthouse really cramped the parking. Not too mention those that were on the bubble of a garage got pushed down that much further. And everyone is only going to get 1 spot, and if you BUY a garage that is your 1 spot.

Needless to say I am sure this is part of the problem with getting a business to want to set up shop. They have NO PARKING!!

Anyhow...this is just another thing that concerns me. I am still trying to be optimistic, but I am startine to wonder how to get the $15k they have of mine back. If I need too. In fact, I was offered a job in Detroit, and well, besides not liking Detroit it was tough to turn down had it not been for the condo. Any thoughts on getting out if needed?

[Sunlover38]

Read your Purchase Agreements!!!! Is there a clause in there about delay of posession due to the developer? What about improvements and costs for those? What about punch list items (like the floor mess mentioned above?)

Never, ever, sign an agreement without reading the fine print and never get yourself stuck in a situation where there is no out should the developer/Seller fail to meet its obligations to you.

Best of luck to all of you . . .

[PBJ]

Anyhow...this is just another thing that concerns me. I am still trying to be optimistic, but I am startine to wonder how to get the $15k they have of mine back. If I need too. In fact, I was offered a job in Detroit, and well, besides not liking Detroit it was tough to turn down had it not been for the condo. Any thoughts on getting out if needed?

Dunno about getting out but I'm sure you could list in on the MLS if you were that desperate...

[rallymatt]

If he hasn't closed, he can't, unless the contract is assignable. And even then it's difficult. There's a good chance you won't be able to get the deposit back. Once construction starts, it's usually non-refundable. They MAY give a portion back, and keep some for "damages". That's how most generic new homes contracts read.

If it were me, I would consult an attorney, or would have the developer outline what additional costs are coming, and a much more definitive timeline. Sometimes even the threat of going to an attorney will get the developer to sign an addendum itemizing a response to your requests, with specific numbers and dates. It's worked for us a couple of times.

I dont understand the drama here?

You have to expect delays in construction projects, for us it is only 2 months. Oh well, more time to save money.

They have given us two cost estimates for upgrades, we made some more changes and are waiting for those costs. They said they wouldnt know the prices until they started serious work on our unit (first floor) which makes perfect sense to me. Every section is different with flooring and what is good what is not etc..

If you didnt want to deal with delays and estimates and crap, why did you make changes to your floorplan?

Why are you guys so pissed? Parking was a known issue. You didnt expect them to buy 2 blocks of houses and pave huge new lots did you? I am sure if you want acres of free parking, a place like York Creek could accomodate you.

When I lived at the Boardwalk (when it FIRST opened) we got NO spots. Oh well.

[mike10]

rallymatt, you're on the money. Not to mention it was painfully clear that when you signed the purchase agreement and put your hard earned money down that there was no turning back. We were in the offices this weekend and learned that there have only been a total of three people pull out and lose there deposits, and they have been able to sell those units for 10-15% more than the original list price. Kind of a no brainer as to what you could do with your unit if you decide Union Square is not for you. Trust me, we are frustrated too. Our original move in date was April, now we are scheduled for Sept/Oct. But I think we have to stay positive and remember why we decided to purchase a unit in the first place

[3xxUnionSq]

I dont understand the drama here?

You have to expect delays in construction projects, for us it is only 2 months. Oh well, more time to save money.

They have given us two cost estimates for upgrades, we made some more changes and are waiting for those costs. They said they wouldnt know the prices until they started serious work on our unit (first floor) which makes perfect sense to me. Every section is different with flooring and what is good what is not etc..

If you didnt want to deal with delays and estimates and crap, why did you make changes to your floorplan?

Why are you guys so pissed? Parking was a known issue. You didnt expect them to buy 2 blocks of houses and pave huge new lots did you? I am sure if you want acres of free parking, a place like York Creek could accomodate you.

When I lived at the Boardwalk (when it FIRST opened) we got NO spots. Oh well.

Let me clarify first, from my origonal post, not sure if this was directed from what I mentioned. When I "bought" into this project the penthouses did not exist, therefore, 30 spaces (1 per unit) were not overused. approximately 300 spaces for parking were needed, figuring 2 per condo. Now, 365 spaces are needed and they are saying there will only be 200 spots. If you ask me the city is to blame for approving the penthouses. (Sorry, to those who bought penthouses, it's not you...it's the developer. I don't want to think I am angry at people who bought the penthouses.)

Wasn't the Boardwalk, rentals to start. You weren't plunking down $200k + to find out if you liked it, or could deal with it. I bought in with a 1.25 space per condo, now its changed to 1 space per condo roughly speaking.

I haven't had any issues with delays...it is what I expected. I do have issues, when they can convert a entire school into condos, but then tell me they can't fix a 3'x3' square patch of hardwood floor to run the same direction of the other 50'x40' section. It was in between two sections they tore up to start!!

Then they tell me they can't take a piece of trim of a wall!!! Even though they can take down the 'fake' door. Old doorway that has a piece of drywall between me and the neighbor. For a charge of course. Fine, I will take the charge, I will take the charge on the trim 'chair rail' too. But they say they CAN'T DO IT!!! How ludicrous?! Convert a school to condos, but can't repair a piece of trim on the wall?!

Quality workmanship! The decisions are not being made on quality at all. This stuff could have taken an extra hour of labor at the time they were working. But they constantly are taking the EASY route. What other EASY routes don't we know? The pool? Game room? The trends are what worry me. Everything for a buck, squeeze here on the number of units, cut the corners on the labor and quality. The community aspects are what I really worry about becuase there is no one to charge for those changes.

[GR_Urbanist]

Why are you guys so pissed? Parking was a known issue. You didnt expect them to buy 2 blocks of houses and pave huge new lots did you? I am sure if you want acres of free parking, a place like York Creek could accomodate you.

When I lived at the Boardwalk (when it FIRST opened) we got NO spots. Oh well.

I guess I'm puzzled on that too. Supposedly these "urban pioneers" are supposed to be moving to their cool, hip "urban condos" in the "heart of downtown", and they are crying that there isn't enough parking for their cars?

Um, welcome to the REAL city. Park a block over and walk!

[3xxUnionSq]

I guess I'm puzzled on that too. Supposedly these "urban pioneers" are supposed to be moving to their cool, hip "urban condos" in the "heart of downtown", and they are crying that there isn't enough parking for their cars?

Um, welcome to the REAL city. Park a block over and walk!

Wow! Didn't realize we had a celebrity here! Let me guess you came from 8 mile, and your real name isn't Slim Shady. You rebel urban pioneer you! Oh..should we refer to you at 'Mr. Urban Trend Setter!

Or love how this has spun into crying....yeah, all us poor spoiled people can't walk. This all started by asking for advice on getting what you bought, and asking advice on corrective actions when the developer changes the rules. If you bought a mustang, then went to the dealer and he handed you an escort....I think you would look for compensation too.

[PBJ]

Wow! Didn't realize we had a celebrity here! Let me guess you came from 8 mile, and your real name isn't Slim Shady. You rebel urban pioneer you! Oh..should we refer to you at 'Mr. Urban Trend Setter!

Or love how this has spun into crying....yeah, all us poor spoiled people can't walk. This all started by asking for advice on getting what you bought, and asking advice on corrective actions when the developer changes the rules. If you bought a mustang, then went to the dealer and he handed you an escort....I think you would look for compensation too.

Not sure you have to start hurling around psudo-insults.. especially as a new memeber... But anyways..

The point was that most "city" living includes MAYBE one space for free. I know plenty of people that live in places like Chicago/LA that don't get ANY parking with thier cool loft. Heck a lot of places in Heritage Hill have street parking. Deal with it. If they provided (read purchased) more space for parking, your affordable condo wouldn't be so affordable.

I don't see that mustang analogy working either. Sure you may have gone to the dealer and put down money on a brand new car.. you're still getting that same new car, just not the exact date the dealer told you it'd be delivered (which isn't THAT uncommon for totally new models, look at the mini-cooper).. The fact that pricing may have changed, well that's construction. Costs vary, especially over the course of a year or so. Same thing could happen if you build a Custom home out in Ada.... Except you're trying to custom build this home in a pre-existing building.

[3xxUnionSq]

Not sure you have to start hurling around psudo-insults.. especially as a new memeber... But anyways..

The point was that most "city" living includes MAYBE one space for free. I know plenty of people that live in places like Chicago/LA that don't get ANY parking with thier cool loft. Heck a lot of places in Heritage Hill have street parking. Deal with it. If they provided (read purchased) more space for parking, your affordable condo wouldn't be so affordable.

I don't see that mustang analogy working either. Sure you may have gone to the dealer and put down money on a brand new car.. you're still getting that same new car, just not the exact date the dealer told you it'd be delivered (which isn't THAT uncommon for totally new models, look at the mini-cooper).. The fact that pricing may have changed, well that's construction. Costs vary, especially over the course of a year or so. Same thing could happen if you build a Custom home out in Ada.... Except you're trying to custom build this home in a pre-existing building.

Well, again...someone not listening. No problems with the date! I feel timing is coming along fine.

Parking, not what I was sold....so, yes I have a problem. I have problem with the slippery slope of constantly provided less than I was sold.

Throwing psuedo insults...not really..the post those comments were intended. Was as pointless as that persons attempt to qualify 'movin to the city' and becuase they have been rough'n it, I should except being sold on more parking and getting less. The attempt of invalidating my point about the parking, the lack of communication and honesty about what would be available, assuming I was a suburbanite who should except these things as I move to an urban living.

Yeah, I am a new to this site, what does that have to do about anything? Does that validate someones comments, how long ago they posted....doesn't mean my points are less valid. I have stake and ownership in this project, and I have a vested interest.

[GRDadof3]

Well, again...someone not listening. No problems with the date! I feel timing is coming along fine.

Parking, not what I was sold....so, yes I have a problem. I have problem with the slippery slope of constantly provided less than I was sold.

Throwing psuedo insults...not really..the post those comments were intended. Was as pointless as that persons attempt to qualify 'movin to the city' and becuase they have been rough'n it, I should except being sold on more parking and getting less. The attempt of invalidating my point about the parking, the lack of communication and honesty about what would be available, assuming I was a suburbanite who should except these things as I move to an urban living.

Yeah, I am a new to this site, what does that have to do about anything? Does that validate someones comments, how long ago they posted....doesn't mean my points are less valid. I have stake and ownership in this project, and I have a vested interest.

Even if you do have a legitimate complaint, let's tone down the rhetoric a bit. I would have no qualms shutting down this thread.

[charonman]

Wow, I feel like I opened a can of worms just by asking if anyone was getting ready to move in!

In actuality, I was testing the waters to see if anyone else was sharing the same frustrations we're feeling. Sounds like that answer is yes. Like others, we're trying to be optimistic about the delays, fuzzy communications and pricing confusions. Some days it's easier than others. Still got our fingers crossed and getting ready to write that big check for the "first phase" of upgrade pricing...

[3xxUnionSq]

Has anyone else noticed their square footage descrepancies?

[Sunlover38]

I hate to say it, but I have yet to find a builder/contractor who does excellent work (good, but not excellent) . . unless . .you ride their you know what to make sure you get what you pay for. When I bought my brand new (suburban) condo I went through it w/ a fine tooth comb before I moved in and ended up w/ a 2 page punch list. When I did my walk through w/ the builder he was like "this should not take long . .everything is done . . " I was like, Oh really?" They agreed to fix evererything I had on my list. The only exception was the paint job. . .pretty lousy in my opinion but to the untrained eye (and cheap painters) good enough.

New construction is definitely frustrating but don't back down!!! Make them make good on what they said they would deliver . .don't take NO for an answer.

[designcritic]

Has anyone else noticed their square footage descrepancies?

Are you measuring to the center of shared walls and not the inside face?

[3xxUnionSq]

Are you measuring to the center of shared walls and not the inside face?

Yes, in fact I went to the extreme. Measured from the outside of the walls, from the overall square shape of the condo.

However, I should admit this was a loaded question. The square footage everyone was sold, includes the addition of all the common space square footage of the complex. Another words, the square footage you actually have (measured from the extreme as I did), is still approximately only 90% of what they sold to the Union Square buyer.

In my case this amounts to about 100 sq ft. or a 10'x10' room. Not big, but bigger than my dorm room in college.

[GRDadof3]

That's one thing that's definitely different of a multi-family residential project as opposed to stand alone or ranch-style condos, is the division of common areas. Most of the ones that I've seen, it adds 10% or more to the square footage you actually "live in". Not only are there "club levels", pools, etc.. there are also hallways, stairwells, maintenance closets, foyers, and other spaces that have to get divided up amongst the residents. Someone's got to pay for it.

[designcritic]

Yes, in fact I went to the extreme. Measured from the outside of the walls, from the overall square shape of the condo.

However, I should admit this was a loaded question. The square footage everyone was sold, includes the addition of all the common space square footage of the complex. Another words, the square footage you actually have (measured from the extreme as I did), is still approximately only 90% of what they sold to the Union Square buyer.

In my case this amounts to about 100 sq ft. or a 10'x10' room. Not big, but bigger than my dorm room in college.

The square footage you were sold should only be the area of your condo. You are not buying any part of the rest of the building. Your dues cover the maintenance of those common areas but the construction should be paid for by the developer. I guess I don't understand what you are saying. If they say your unit is 1000sf and by measuring you only come up with 900 I would have a serious problem. Your condo cost is based on some $/sf and if your condo is smaller than stated your price should be as well. Your dues will also be based on the condo size so it is something that I would make sure is correct.