Park Shelton Building Apartments

The Park Shelton is located in the northeast section of midtown (not to be confused with downtown) Detroit. The building itself, apartments, and decor are quite nice and, being a former (classy) hotel, it has unique, upscale, feel.

Amenities: "solarium" (roof deck), small gym, laundry room, I think a small sauna/steam room (I've never bothered), secure parking deck, front-desk/24-hr security (to whom packages can be delivered -- no trips to the post office!), very safe area, in-building... restaurants (Chartreuse is amazing; I have mixed feelings about the Japanese/Korean place), part-of-building options (have to step outside to access the pizza place, cupcake shop, and coffee place), and the location. It's located literally across the street from the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts), which in addition to having a great art collection, has film viewings and a few festivals here and there. The Detroit Public Library is also across the street. Plus, plenty of nearby restaurants and bars (many within walking distance). Oh, and if you're new to the midtown area, you may be eligible for a (sizeable) rental or purchase incentive through Detroit's LiveMidtown program.

Residents: Given it's location (Kirby St. and Woodward Ave) and financial set-up (rental units and privately owned units), the residents seem to be a mix of young professionals (e.g., doctors at Detroit Medical Center and Henry Ford Hospital), students, older professionals, and small percentage of retirees as well. Dogs too - it's pet friendly. Possibly more dogs than children. Not too many of those.

Cons? None really. I would have preferred to have been closer to the action around Cass Avenue (i.e., dive bars) and to be quite honest, would prefer slightly less classy occupants, but that's just me. The price is a bit higher than some of local options, but remember that all utilities are included in the rent (I think for all units), and you might be eligible for that LiveMidtown program. Also, if you stick around for a few years, there's going to public transportation -- a light rail system -- which sounds pretty great.

Why am I leaving? Got a new job. Heading back east.

Bottom line: Nice apartment building. Definitely worth a look. Read More