While I’m now happily ensconced in a new home with my husband and it’s business as usual, there is still no final settlement from the Towne. My security deposit has yet to be returned. They sent me statement via email which shows incredible final fees for water, sewer and garbage, even though all of those fees had already been paid monthly. Out of an $600 deposit, I only stand to gain $239. If I had not paid for a professional cleaning service to clean an already pristine apartment, I would have ended up owing them money. There are hidden fees in their accounting that defy explanation. If I needed my security deposit to pay for my next place to live, there would have been nothing left.
One Towne tenant reported on Yelp: While things look new, under the surface they are poor quality. The craftsmanship is really lacking. Handles on cabinets aren't on straight, cabinet doors fall of their hinges. Dishwasher wasn't turned on so we ran it dry the first time. Light switches are at different heights in every room. Fan in the bathroom randomly decides to work or not. Dishwasher is tiny, and in a location where you can't open cupboards next to it. Appliances are the cheapest models you could find. Doors in the bathroom slam into each other.
On Yelp, there is a recent wave of testimonials that are glowing accounts of how great it is to live in the Towne. As an experienced P.R. practitioner, I have seen reviews like this in the past, and I can assure you they are planted to counter and bury the pattern of bad but authentic reviews.
According to data posted on downtownseattle.com, downtown Seattle’s construction boom continues with a record level of investment heading into 2016. In all, active projects in 2015 represented $5 billion in construction. This is higher than any year since tracking began. While this data only calculates development in downtown Seattle, it doesn’t take into account the massive development taking place in the adjacent urban neighborhoods, including Queen Anne, Magnolia, South Lake Union and Ballard. The question remains: Who is overseeing the quality of construction for these buildings? The construction is so shoddy that it is doubtful that they will be able to stand the test of time and serve the Queen Anne community. If the Towne is indeed the future of living, then we’re all in trouble. The short term greed of real estate developers has left us with the long-term spoils of their victory.