Hello all! I had quite a time last week. I have a bunch of cool things to share with everyone, but the most important thing is that I'm moving to Milwaukee this week coming up. Everything came together just perfectly on this last trip and we managed to sign the papers on a brand-spankin'-new loft apartment. WOOT!
Let me give you the tour...
This is the front of the building. It's a renovated hospital in downtown Milwaukee and it's quite lovely. The location is right down the road from Marquette University and within a couple of miles of two jobs that I've interviewed for. Bonus! Obviously, being in a downtown area you have to be mindful of your safety, but the complex is VERY secure and well staffed.
This is the front lobby of the complex. I was pretty impressed with this area all by itself. Not pictured here is the Meditation Lounge on the second level of the lobby. Also not pictured is the Security Room, which is still under construction. I had a peek at it and found it quite formidable. Let me just clue you in, just in case you ever come to visit...Don't commit any thought-crimes in or around the facility.
(Big Brother is watching!)
So, how about a look at some of the other amenities? Here's the Fitness Center. It's not huge, but it is pretty well equipped with all new machines. As a bonus, it has a TV to help you be less productive while you work out.
Here is the indoor putting green. I don't think I'll get much use out of this, but it's there nonetheless. Oh well, it's still pretty cool. If you come to visit don't forget your putter.
My personal favorite is the movie theater. It's for use by all tenants and it's totally FREE. You just reserve it for the time you want to watch something (DVD or other media...not sure about video games yet). The door is then electronically keyed to only open for the resident with the reservation. Sweet...
Also available to tenants, but not featured here, are a community room, Cyber-Lounge with desktop computers and free Wi-Fi internet access, arcade (pretty crappy as of now, but has potential), gated parking lot, and a locker storage area.
"Okay, enough about the extras!" I hear you say, "What about the
apartment?"
Quite right! A quick ride up to the fifth floor and viola... My new home! It's going to be hard to do justice to this apartment with just these pictures. It's freakin' huge! It's a two bedroom loft with over 1200 square feet of space. And what nice space it is...
When I came to check this place out, I was almost 100% sold on another facility in Wauwatosa. Those plans went right out the window as soon as I walked in the front door. This front room is just too cool. It's really huge and features track lighting, a full kitchen area, and a truly unique look.
...And check out the ceilings! Over 12 feet high! Take a look at this picture featuring me to the right to get a feel for how high that is. I'm 6'2". If you click on the image, you'll be better able to see a small green arrow. That's where the ceiling starts, not the black area!
Here's a view from the other side of the room. This is going to be a fun space to fill. Can't wait...
This is looking toward the front entrance. As you walk in, the coat closet is on your right, followed by the laundry room.
Lots o' windows. Plenty o' light. I don't have a shot of the view outside the window, but it's pretty nice too.
There are so many things that distinguish this from other lofts I've looked at recently. There are tons of interesting spaces and shapes here. And the combination of natural and track lighting is really cool.
The kitchen, like everything else in the loft, is brand new. Nothing here has ever been used before. There could be a bit more counter space, but it isn't a big deal. Meh...
The bedrooms are of pretty standard size and shape, but they still have interesting features. Plenty of closet space too.
This is the laundry room. Nary a sock has ever come near this washer and dryer before.
The bathroom is nice, but pretty standard. Good water pressure though.
Of course, the apartment is nice and all, but it isn't anything without nice things inside it to make you happy. Here is number one on my list. This is my girlfriend. She will be sharing this space with me. I couldn't be any happier.
I have other things to share, including a story about the time when the police came a knockin' on the hotel door one morning, but they'll keep until later. I have to get planning for the move, which should take place around this weekend. Love to all. I'll be talking to everyone, likely tomorrow, to give updated contact info and such.
