Exchange Lofts Apartments, a Greystar Avana Community

Apartments are nice and interior maintenance is okay. But the condition of the building is deteriorating. Building has not made improvements for years … Many examples — landscaping dying, dog crap all over outside, grills are antiques are often not cleaned, driveway is oil tarnished with a big hole toward the street, pool is bare without sun cover, cushions are dirty and are old, gym is dark, small and danky, pavers outside are elevated such that people can trip over them in back park, parking in a public garage looks okay but I hear once you start using it, it becomes a hassle.
Too excasberate the conditions … Leasing office personnel turnover is high… Very high tenant turnover due to these issues.

My partner and I moved to The Exchange Lofts almost a year go. The team at The Exchange is nothing short of phenomenal before AND after you move-​in. Touring the building and the leasing process was easy breezy. For those interested in touring, the leasing office is opened 6 days a week and you couldn’t ask for more enthusiastic property managers.
The building is in a great location– it’s right in the middle of downtown Fort Lauderdale, but it’s still relatively easy to get to I-​95. The building itself used to be the Southern Bell Exchange Building, so all the apartments are a «loft» style. With the exception of the bathroom (s), your apartment will be a completely open floor plan with concrete or wood floors. Although the square footage might seem low, the utilization of the space is incredible. I live in one of the smallest units, but have never felt cramped. Special props to the bathroom as it is split into two different rooms with privacy doors: one has a sink and shower (no tub, but the shower has a rainshower head!) while the other has a toilet and sink. All units have the same large kitchen complete with energy efficient, stainless steel appliances and a lofted storage space. You can also request a closet built prior to move-​in (if I remember correctly, it was an additional $ 25/​month in rent). One parking spot on the rooftop of the adjacent garage is included with the rent (additional spots are $ 75/​month) and is accessible by a covered walkway on the 4^th floor.
Your rent includes water and a basic cable/​television package with Comcast. It’s easy to add onto the package to get the service you like (or, really, as good as Comcast is ever going to get). Unlike some complexes, the Exchange does not have a mandatory «trash» fee. You are responsible for taking out your garbage, but there are trash chutes available on each floor and a larger trash room (with recylcing!) on the first floor.
While the rent is definitely on the pricier side, the amenities and location of the building help to ease the hole in your wallet. Amenities include a steel bottomed roof top pool, a ground level garden/​outdoor area, a 24 hour gym, and a 24 hour café-​esque area (with free coffee!). I use the gym on a daily basis and, while it’s small, it’s well-​equipped and has everything you need to get your sweat on. The Exchange is perfect for pet owners as it’s incredibly pet friendly. There’s also a strong community feel– if you like living in a building where you know your neighbors, the leasing office often coordinates happy hours, brunches, etc. for everyone to come together.
Furthermore, the staff at this building is unbelievably friendly, helpful, and attentive. Maintenance issues are submitted online and resolved very quickly. If there are issues with common spaces (gym, etc.), those also can be submitted online and fixed as quickly as they can. I’ve never felt unsafe in the building, but there is a courtesy officer on property after hours that will help should an issue ever arise.
My only complaints about the building:
— Some issues with parking cards/​parking garage. However, this is entirely the fault of the parking garage company. As another reviewer mentioned, the management team has gone above and beyond in addressing these issues.
— Some inconsiderate neighbors: Although the walls are concrete and block out a ton of noise, one neighbors is particularly loud. Their dogs bark incessantly when they’re not at home and they often blast their music and television while at home. There’s also a tenant who often commandeers the whole roof for parties. While the tenant is incredibly polite, their friends are not as courteous. I’ve seen multiple residents come upstairs to enjoy the pool while a party is happening, but feel forced to head right back downstairs due to the crowd. I think residents should be able to have friends over, but not if they’re going to prohibit other residents from enjoying the amenities included in their rent (I personally don’t enjoy being leered at and harassed in my own building). However, management does take all complaints seriously and attempts to address issues with tenants.
All in all, this is a great building and, if you have room in your budget, you should definitely consider splurging a little for an Exchange loft.

The parking situation makes this place an inconvenient place to live. Security gate card doesn’t always work and if you park in the front of the building, even off regular office hours, the manager will tow your car! Rents are on the high end and city loves to give tickets. Security sucks; as a matter of fact, there is no security. Random transients from the street can easily get in and they have tried to break into apartments. If it wasn’t for this, it would be a great building. Do Not Let them fool you! Fix the quality of your property management! You can care less about your tenants.