Durham Edina

Can I just say that The Durham literally saved me from being homeless? Because they did. Breath. Of. Fresh. Air.
After getting screwed by another apartment complex on my supposed move in day, my parents and I sat in my car next to the fully loaded U-​Haul 1000 miles from home and frantically started searching the internet for a place to live with immediate availability. We called around, toured several places, and The Durham was the last place of the day. We had several options by that point, thank God, but walking into The Durham really was a breath of fresh air. From the minute I arrived I knew I had found the place. Deb, the leasing agent, and Iris, the manager, took fantastic care of me. I was moved in just 30 hours after the apartment fiasco from hell. And guess what? Their smiling faces didn’t change after I signed on the dotted line. They are authentic and really care about their tenants, and I loved it!
First impression: The grounds of The Durham are beautiful. The building is well kept, even for being 30+ years old. we would have never guessed it was that old of a construction. Everything is secured with controlled entry which is great for someone coming and going at weird hours like me. The lobby is in the process of being redone so I’ll refrain from commenting other than it looks good as it is and am excited to see the new and improved version, the gym is brand new with top of the line equipment, and the common hallways are redone with new flooring/​paint/​soon to be lighting. Hallways do smell like cooking around dinner time. I’ve always had private entries at prior apartments so I think this is just one thing I need to learn to live with. It doesn’t permeate my apartment and that’s all I care about.
My apartment itself is great. I won’t say much because I know each apartment in a complex varies based on wear and tear of prior tenants, but mine personally is fantastic. New (ish) faucets, flooring, countertops, appliances etc. Finishings don’t look as old as the building = no nasty lighting or ancient kitchens! Iris and Deb seem to like things well kept and with the higher price of rent, I appreciate it. It smelled heavenly walking in and I am so proud to call it my home. They just redid the balcony flooring for the building (literally yesterday) and it looks beautiful. My only complaint about the apartment is a lack of washer/​dryer but everything else about The Durham overrides that disappointment.
Maintenance — I had two minor things when I first moved in. One was resolved in an hour, the other less than 24 hours. The guys always say hi to me in the elevator and are super friendly.
Amenities — what I expect for a complex such as The Durham. Think with the new renovations it will exceed expectations by far. Gym (my favorite part!), indoor pool, children’s room, dry cleaning services, sauna, heated underground parking included in rent. Honestly I was disappointed there wasn’t an outdoor pool — until I visited Lake Calhoun today and realized I am going to be just fine in that regard.
Utilities — This is a separate bullet for me because I wish heat were included and it’s not. I think that’s pretty standard for places such as The Durham. I haven’t received a utility bill yet so I can’t say how it runs price wise. Not looking forward to winter.
Location — Right where you want to be! Next to Galleria and Southdale Mall. Super Target basically across the street. Chipotle is half a mile away… Those are my deal breakers and they’re all there.
Stay tuned for an updated review. I know I’ve lived in The Durham less than a week but I feel great and know I’m in the right place.