1

Commentary:

The Ivy tied is the best new luxury condo for good reason. It provides a standard of luxury that others can't match. It is actually a mixed use project incorporating Minnesota's only 5-star hotel, the Starwood Luxury Collection Hotel Ivy. The benefit to residents is that a number of amenties from the hotel are available to residents. Room service, a fully staffed spa, conference and business center, valet parking, concierge, and an onsite fine dining restaurant (Porter & Frye) add to the experience. There's really nothing similar in this class of luxury building in Minneapolis. Until a Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, or Trump residences come to town, those desiring true 5 star service will need to consider The Ivy (which gets its name from the architecturally unique and historic Ivy building that will be incorporated into the towers). Adding to the luster is a location just a couple blocks off the Nicollet Mall and within a block of the Minneapolis Convention Center, Orchestra Hall, and the Hilton Hotel. Because it is somewhat nestled into a block surrounded by luxury apartment buildings and the Minneapolis Hilton, The Ivy will likely not generate a lot of attention from outsiders and most residents will actually appreciate that.

2

Commentary:

The Carlyle ranks just slightly below The Ivy but The Carlyle benefits from a setting one block off the Mississippi River allowing for expansive views from units facing north and east and to some extent, west. South facing units have views of downtown skyscrapers. The architecture of the tower is classically attractive, if somewhat conservative. Although the location is great for views and for walks along the river, the neighborhood itself is a few blocks farther away from the heart of vibrant downtown shopping and restaurants. With the opening of the new Guthrie Theater a few blocks to the East, though, the area may become more lively in the evenings. The building features a pool and fitness facilities but not a staffed spa. There are the expected amenities such as concierge, garage parking, and business center but no on-site retail establishments (such as a restaurant or convenience store). The Carlyle is a good choice for those who want a new downtown luxury high-rise but want easy access to open spaces and a quieter corner of downtown. 

3

Commentary:

Grant Park was completed in 2005. The building itself features a good variety of floor plans (although since units will be re-sales, not all plans are available at any given time) and fairly typical pool and fitness facilities. The interior quality and finishes of the public areas is very high. It's located a few blocks from the heart of downtown in an area with few upscale amenities meaning residents will likely need to drive/taxi to downtown attractions. The Minneapolis Convention Center is nearby, though. The neighborhood is what might be described as 'up and coming' bordering on low-rise older apartments, parking lots, and small businesses. Not a bad neighborhood but not upscale either. However, the new Skyscape condo tower is on the rise nearby. Units facing toward downtown (North and West) will feature views of the downtown skyline while views directly South will overlook Interstates 35 and 94.

3

Commentary:

Phoenix on the River tied with Grant Park on overall ratings but for completely different reasons. The biggest impact is the wide variety of floor plans available--the most choices of any of the new condo towers downtown. Its location is across the river from downtown but is nestled in next to St. Anthony Main, a mixed use development of restaurants, nightclubs, and shops as well as two existing condo towers built in the 1980's (The Falls and The Pinnacle condos). The building is across the street from the tree-lined parkway along the Mississippi River providing a bit of an oasis in the city. Views from units higher than the tree level facing South, East, and West will feature sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the skyline of downtown. Unfortunately, the proximity to nightlife and sweeping views will have to make up for the lack of a pool or spa. Also, there are fewer on-site conveniences than some other buildings.

Commentary:

Skyscape rounds out the six new condo towers. It does not stand out as the most exclusive or the epitome of luxury, but it doesn't try to be, either. Skyscape might very well be a great choice if cost is the most important criteria. Although there are lower priced alternatives downtown in older buildings, this tower features the lowest prices for a brand new high-rise building. It's in the same neighborhood as Grant Park and is a few blocks southeast of the core of downtown. Like Grant Park, views from units facing north and west will have better views toward downtown. The building features one unique feature which is the sky lounge on the top floor open to all residents, enabling even those dwelling on the lower floors to go up and enjoy the views on occasion. Although the architecture of this building is a bit dull, it will likely be an attractive alternative for younger buyers looking for an urban lifestyle on a budget. Think of Skyscape like a Volkswagen: a classy, if not flashy, good buy. Units at Skyscape are available for resale.