Avoid---Water damaged building with toxic mold
Pros
The location and neighbors are great.
Cons
My apartment (4B) has longterm water damage and toxic levels of mold. I had to evacuate 5 months ago and the landlord has not done a repair, nor do I trust the repairs he will do this summer will make the apartment safe for the next person. There has been 5-10 years of water damage (he disclosed). He had never done a mold test with a longterm water leak. He has no permit to do the roof repair and no oversight from the city that the work is being done properly. I was sick for 8 months in my apartment because of the mold. There is water damage in other areas of the building and he has not tested for mold. Please avoid this building if you are concerned for your health with air quality. LL will present like a "nice" landlord, but in my experience is not invested in tenant safety. The apartment 4B will also have been treated with biocides on the walls and ceilings for the mold, which is not safe for immunocompromised people or people who can get pregnant.
Charming and Quirky
Pros
Our apartment is gorgeous with old world details that usually cost a lot. Very sweet landlord, accommodating.
Cons
It can take awhile to get things fixed and some parts of the building are a little run down. But these were small drawbacks. Lived here for 3 years and enjoyed the beautiful apartment and neighborhood.
Advice to the owners
Install a buzzer for the front door so we don't have to run downstairs for every package. I would have paid extra for this.