are they still having rodent and thin wall problems?

JERSEY CITY- Increased sales velocity at the four-building Dixon Mills condominium complex is signaling that a long-term malaise for condo sales east of the Hudson River may be waning at last. In January and February, typically doldrums months for home sales, there were 25 sales recorded at Dixon Mills, a one-time pencil factory converted to lofts in the early 1980s and renovated in 2007.

?That velocity continued into February and early March,? says Jodi Stasse, president of Stasse & Co., a Princeton-based real estate sales and marketing firm that is the exclusive sales and marketing agent for Dixon Mills. "Waiting lists for each new release of homes continue to grow, something the community has not seen in quite some time.?

Stasse tells GlobeSt.com that home shoppers at Dixon Mills are primarily young professionals who have recently decided they are ready to own real estate. ?Generally, we are seeing great activity on all properties targeted to the first-time buyer," she says. ?As rents continue to push up, there is an increasing strength in the desire to own real estate again, and a belief that it is the way to gain the most value.?

Housing market specialists noted a strong surge in the overall number of home sales starting in January, although average prices continued to decline. The explosion in demand occurred almost exclusively at the low-end of pricing, according to market analyst Jeffrey G. Otteau, whose Otteau Valuation Group is based in East Brunswick.

In downtown Jersey City, the market supply for condos is currently tight, especially at the low end. Otteau estimates there is less than a six-month inventory of any type of home on the market in the downtown area.

Dixon Mills has been offering converted rentals in groups of 20-25. No two apartments are the same, and unit size ranges from studio to three bedrooms, many of the units duplexes, and most apartments featuring large factory windows. Four buildings tie together to form a neighborhood within a neighborhood at the Jersey City complex.

Dixon Mills features a gym, concierge, parking, security, outdoor barbecues, a party room and other conveniences. ?The cost is less than the new construction along the waterfront in Jersey City,? Stasse notes, ? and maintenance fees run about half that in new-construction buildings.?
http://www.globest.com/news/12_301/ne ... /multifamily/-319363.html

I felt the same as moodycow. The buildings have some interesting details and we liked the location, but we just couldn't find a layout/floorplan that worked.

Just bought a 1 bedroom in the C building aka "The Atrium" and couldn't be happier. Everyone in the building and complex is very nice. Maintenance requests are answered promptly even on the weekend. Our neighbors are very quiet, and we rarely hear people other than when they are walking by in the hallway. As far as I know the rodent problems they used to have are pretty much under control, and we have never had any problems with mice. If you can find a unit you like I say go for it. Try and get as much HOA fees free as you can (at least 2 years).

We kept looking in there are just couldn't find a floorplan that fit, but I would have loved to find a place.

The area is just fine, Columbus looks like crud, but one block off is nice. I would have no reservations about living there. The only gotchya I can think of is to try and get a unit not fronting Columbus because I heard that the noise is a bit much.

The area is fantastic for kids, with VVP right around the corner you'll find yourself bumping into families with kids the same age time and again. It was one of our most pleasant surprises when we moved to JC.

Though the maintenance is very high, I regret not having purchased there. The grounds are cool and the location is great. Bought my place about three years ago and toured the models and the layouts are very cool. You're going to hear stories about rats and vermin but they're from the angry tenants who have to evacuate due to the condo conversion. Varick and Monmouth, the two cross streets are pretty quiet and have some nice homes. The community is good and I know a couple of people who live there and love it.

Hi All, i wanted to see if anyone can share some input on what they think about the Dixon mills complex in jersey city. I would like to know how it is living there if you do live there. How is the area surrounding dixon mills complex? how is it there at night? is that area safe? would you buy in that complex? if not, why? any other gotcha's about living in that area? i walked around during the day and love the area. But its hard to really know the area unless you live there so hence im asking all you wonderful jersey city residence. Thanks in advance to all and any input would really help me out. I have a new born baby boy so i want to make sure i pick the right area to expand my roots.

We had our moving truck right out front on the cobblestone street. Let management know when you are moving and they will reserve the elevator for you.

Can anyone comment on how moving day went? What they did with the truck?

My sister lived at Dixon Mills for several years and I can vouch for the rodent problem and the issues with the walls. Her neighbor had a dog that would be home alone all day and the thing would bark non-stop, drove her crazy. She was also never able to end the rodent problem, exterminator would do his thing but they would always eventually come back.

I a coworker of mine live there a few years ago, said the place had thin walls, and always heard the neighbors.

I'll be moving to Dixon Mills in a month or so and was wondering if any people who own there have any inside info they want to share. I have heard of the problems with mice, is this still a big problem? How about on moving day, where can you put a u-haul? If it helps we are moving into the atrium building.

Hi All,

New to the forum, hoping you can help!

Seriously considering buying in Dixon Mills, but I've heard such mixed reviews...

For a bit of context, looking at a 2bd/2ba-- have a number of units that I am considering. I like the fact that is a reuse--and I understand that with any conversion, its not the same as buying new.

General question, over the past year what's the average price per square foot in the Van Vorst neighborhood? Saw some numbers for a 2bd/2ba comps in March at $340, then April was $400. Pretty confusing...was this due to the tax credit expiring?

Specifically--

For those that own in Dixon:

(1) what did you pay for your unit per/sq.ft and when?
(2) what do you wish you knew before you bought that you know now?
(3) were you able to negotiate any perks? (i.e reduction in maintenance, parking, etc.?)
(4) why did you buy? long-term investment? alternative to renting? short-term buy (less than 10 years)?
(5) what finally sold you?


For those that decided not to buy in Dixon, but bought elsewhere in the neighborhood (Downtown JC, Grove-adjacent):

(1) price/sq. ft and when?
(2) what do you wish you knew before you bought in JC that you know now?
(3) why did you buy? long-term investment? alternative to renting? short-term buy (less than 10 years)?
(4) what made you decide that Dixon wasn't right for you?

Also, if any of you have lived in and now rent your unit-- how is that working out? What is the market bearing in terms of rental rates?

Sincerest thanks!!

I would look into Dixon Mills very carefully. The place looks awkward to begin with but the units are very nice. They are offering, or were offering, exceptionally good mortgage rates and no condo fees for the first year...I guess they are having a tough time getting rid of these.

The walls are thin and I heard they have an ongoing rodent problem. It also feels like I'm in a college dorm and it takes forever to get in and out of the building.

I would be weary of rising monthly fees.

It's a completely different environment than living in a condo, again all depends on what you're looking for.

dixon mills is a rental to condo conversion ... several years ago, we looked at to buy, and where stunned by the institutional feel of the place, the substantive differences between the condos and the for rent units, and the general location of the place ...

http://www.kannekt.com/cgi-bin/r.pl?I ... =Downtown%20Jersey%20City

What is the Dixon Mills like and how is this area of Wayne Street?

Just got a quick peek at the lifestyle cernter and it looks great. Won't be ready until May I've been told. From my understanding there isn't an additional charge unless you take classes. An outside company is coming in to do yoga, pilates, etc... If you take the classes you need to pay for them. Other than that it's included in your maintenance. There is also a full court basketball court that the article didn't mention.
Can't wait for it to open, I'm tired of using the old gym in the basement.

The think the neighborhood is fine. Love VVP park down the block and the brownstones in the area are gorgeous.

for what it's worth , the place is a value.

I guess they didn't get the memo: over the top amenities are no longer selling units, lower prices are.

Right. If it were "news", they'd also talk about how the infrastructure of the building also houses one of the most diverse rodent populations in all of Jersey City, and how the paper-thin walls encourage sound to travel freely from apartment to apartment, for ease of getting to know your neighbors' habits!

that's terrific they got this open.. I bet it's amazing inside.

But that isn't news, it's a press release/advertorial.

Luxury Urban Living Is Redefined As The Residences at Dixon Mills Readies to Unveil New Lifestyle Center

By Mel Fabrikant
Paramus Post
Thursday, February 26 2009


Dixon Mills

As The Excitement Builds, Six More Contracts Have Been Signed In The Past Two Weeks

With the spring opening of its unique amenities facility approaching, The Residences at Dixon Mills is the ideal community for individuals in search of the ultimate lifestyle opportunity ? one that combines the timeless appeal of industrial chic with modern amenities.

In 1847, entrepreneur Joseph Dixon moved his growing business to downtown Jersey City. There, he manufactured several products, the most famous of which is the yellow Dixon Ticonderoga pencil. Today, those same Romanesque Revival-style buildings are landmarks ? their original architectural details, period brickworks and wrought-iron railings restored ? and have been transformed into Jersey City?s most luxurious condominium community.

Surrounded by cobblestone-style streets and landscaped courtyards adorned with rows of turn-of-the-century streetlamps and flowerboxes, The Residences at Dixon Mills combines bygone-era charm with a sense of urban sophistication.

In the past two weeks alone, six savvy buyers have signed contracts to live in a Dixon Mills condominium. As the community continues to close units at a great pace, this unique lifestyle opportunity becomes more and more exclusive.

Adding to the excitement is the upcoming unveiling of The Club at Dixon Mills. Adapted from the community?s historic Powerhouse Building, The Club at Dixon Mills will be the premier amenity space amongst any Jersey City condo community when it opens in April.

?We are extremely excited to open our Club this spring, which will be a major drawing point for a large majority of the community?s residents and prospective buyers,? said Greg Berger, principal of Elmsford N.Y.-based Robert Martin Company, owner of The Residences at Dixon Mills. ?We believe that this full-service amenity will be unparalleled in the marketplace and make Dixon Mills the premier condominium residence in Jersey City.?

The Club at Dixon Mills will feature a state-of-the-art fitness center, spacious locker rooms, a yoga/movement room, community lounge, WiFi area, media room and indoor multi-purpose recreational court.

The Club?s Lifestyle Lounge includes a fireplace and kitchen. There?s also a screening room with a large projection television, comfortable seating, and a plug ?n? play WiFi laptop bar.

Just outside, landscaped grounds and courtyards provide the perfect setting for passive recreation, while the gatehouse, which is manned 24 hours a day, provides residents with added peace of mind.

The community is located just three blocks from the nearby Grove Street PATH station, offering direct access to Wall Street or Midtown, as well as the neighborhood?s many retailers, restaurants and cultural and entertainment venues. As part of the community?s amenities package, Dixon Mills offers residents a shuttle bus that takes them from their door to the PATH station.

With one-of-a-kind floor plans, each condominium at Dixon Mills is unique. Studios, as well as one-, two- and three-bedroom condominium residences are available from the low $200,000s. Duplexes and triplexes are also available, as are over 100 penthouses. Many of the residences feature oversized windows and ceilings that range in height from nine feet to 12 feet.

Stylish gourmet kitchens are outfitted with G.E. Profile stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, coordinated backsplashes, porcelain tile floors and warm maple or rich cherry wood cabinetry. Many kitchens include convenient breakfast bars.

The community?s luxurious bathrooms feature deep soaking tubs, Carrara tile floors, beautiful marble and wood vanities, pedestal sinks and sleek finishes. Comfortably sized and handsomely appointed, these inviting spaces create the perfect retreat.

Brick walls, private entrances, and private outdoor patios with spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty are available with select homes.

Dramatic new lobbies and common areas bridge classic industrial design with contemporary innovation to create enchanting lifestyle experiences.

The Residences at Dixon Mills Sales Office is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through Sunday, and from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. To visit the Sales Office, take Interstate 78 East to the Jersey City/Columbus Drive exit and stay straight to go onto Center Street. Make a right onto Christopher Columbus Drive. Turn right onto Brunswick Street and then left on Wayne Street. The Sales Office will be on your right.

For more information about The Residences at Dixon Mills, please call the Sales Office at 201-309-1004 or visit www.dixonmillsjc.com. Tours of the Sales Office and designer model condominium homes are available by appointment only.

COMCAST is your only option until Fios is available. We can't have satellite since it's a historic building.

does any know cable provides or satellite provides for zip code 07302 ---dixon mills?

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when i bought mine i used wells fargo because they had the best rate at the time.

There are a banks other than Wells that will lend in Dixon Mills. My bank for one has done numerous loans in the building. Feel free to shoot me PM if you want to discuss your options. I live here, know all the parties involved and have already approved the building.

is wells fargo the best bank to get mortage from? i heard lot of banks will not give a mortgage for dixon b/c only certain % is sold.

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I was told the 150 sold will be paying the adjusted tax rate starting first quarter 09

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There will not be a tax abatement.

I moved into the 'D' Building a year ago. No mice or bugs. I have a top floor duplex. I love it. And Dahill is right they are improving things everyday. I heard the hallways will start being redone soon.

A 2 bedroom could be low to mid 400s but if you want outdoor space and 2 bathrooms high 400s and some into the 500s for the best ones.

do you think the building will have tax abatement at any point? what do you think is reasonable price for 2 bed duplex at dixon? i loved the old historic feel to the condo.