Cosmopolitan

The Cosmopolitan on Mears Park was my home from 2006 until 2013. The staff during that time were like family to me and my daughter. They attended my wedding reception, which was held in the community room (rental was a gift from the building) and remembered special occasions in my life with cards and gifts. Every holiday season we received a handmade holiday ornament from one of the leasing agents who was extremely talented and spent a great deal of personal time crafting them.
The apartments were spacious and we lived in three different, unique units during our time there. We loved the sun deck and used the community room for a number of both business and personal events. The sauna was wonderful to have access to in winter, especially after skiing. The neighborhood that was, during that time, was small and close knit. We had many friends inside and outside of the building, and used to have dinner parties at each other’s homes.
We left only because the neighborhood changed from a small artist’s enclave to a sports bar/​stadium atmosphere. Between the ongoing construction and renovation in Lowertown, and suburban tourists nightly shouting beneath our bedroom window when leaving the bars, we realized we were living in the new Wriggleyville. If you love to walk to the stadium, don’t want to drive home after hitting the bars, or are able to sleep through anything, Lowertown as it is now, is the right fit for you. We migrated to NE Minneapolis are are much happier in artist-​centric, residential neighborhood.
Things always change as did Lowertown and no doubt the Cosmopolitan had to change with it. But we will also look upon this place as the real home it was to us, along with Donna, Tresa, Mike, Ralph, Denny, Dan and Pippi as part of a very memorable time of our lives.
We hope the building continues to be that kind of amazing residential experience for others.

I lived here from Summer 2012 — Fall 2014 and the experience really fell off during the last 6 – 8 mo.
Living in Lowertown, so close to the Farmers Market and across the street from Mears Park was great. Loved that. Super close to skyway access and the union depot, even better. Some great bars/​things to do around the Cosmo.
Originally, I really liked living in the Cosmo. Very spacious, loved the high ceilings, management responded extremely promptly to any repairs/​etc. Front desk was staffed almost 24/​7, and front desk staff was always super helpful and friendly. They took receipt of packages, helped me find a good laundromat, etc.
There’s never been very much parking around the Cosmo, but covered parking lot spot included in price of rent was great.
In last 8 – 12 months of my time in the Cosmo, there was a LOT of staff turnover at the front desk, and the desk wasn’t ever brought fully up to the original staffing levels. This was some what of a pain when I worked odd hours and needed to pick up packages. Staff that remained wasn’t well trained nor particularly helpful. Response to repairs/​etc became slower.
During this time, I attempted twice to get my girlfriend a key and keycard to access my apartment. The first time, the paperwork, including all of her information for a background check, was mis-​placed and didn’t turn up until months later. The second time, they drug their heels over it that I finally gave my notice that I was moving out before they ever got back to me about it. Every time I checked up on this application, I was given grief. It’s really not that weird to want a second key to my apartment, much less that I wanted one to give to my long-​term girlfriend! I paid the fee for the background check, this was not a painless process.
There were several holes due to rain damage in the hallway outside my apartment (like, you can see the sky hole next to a window holes) that were never fully fixed before I moved out despite multiple complaints by tenants. I’m pretty sure this contributed to the visible mold on the ceilings/​outside walls in the hallway, and the mold around my air vent. When I complained of the mold to the management, my air filter got replaced and the visible mold got painted over, but it was still there.
There was water damage in the underground garage that damage the ceiling tiles over my car, causing them to fall, thankfully when my car wasn’t in the garage. However, the hole remained for several months, and construction/​repair gear was frequently left in my parking space, causing me parking issues. The response to my questions about how long these repairs would take was just to say I could park in any empty spot. Not particularly useful.
When I finally did move out, I was told to leave my new address and they would forward me any mail that arrived there for me, rather than have to do a change of address through the post office. Nope. I got mail returned to sender, and if I hadn’t been an obsessive UPS tracker, I would have had issues with several important packages.

This is THE best place ever! People are so friendly!!! The residents and the staff! I love that there is someone at the front desk until late in the evening to handle dry cleaning, packages, etc., the entire building is dog-​friendly, I have an in-​unit washer and dryer, there is a beautiful party room and courtyard, plus a fitness center. Oh– ANNNNNDDDD — each apt comes with an indoor private heated garage space! It’s included with your rent! How cool is that???
The Farmers Market is just down the block, along with several restaurants in every direction. Mears Park is right across the street.
Don’t look any further – this is the place!

A big part of what I do though Unilocal and my blog is encouraging people to try out some of the great things that Saint Paul has to offer. I have said from day one that St. Paul is just as good as Minneapolis, if not better, so I want my readers to come down to my neighborhood and experience all Saint Paul has to offer.
What better way to do that then to move down to Lowertown?
Not sure if you have noticed, but the Lowertown neighborhood is in the midst of a boom. Since Saint Pauley and I started living in sin, 7 years ago, this neighborhood has transformed. When we first moved in the Bulldog Lowertown was a corner store serving sketchy meat and lottery tickets. There were about a third of the apartments and condo available, and the Loto was the only restaurant overlooking Mears Park (that place was awful! David Fhima was single-​handedly trying to kill the St. Paul restaurant scene).
Since then Lowertown has added Bin Wine Bar, Heartland, Barrio, and Loto has become Faces (still sub par, thanks Dave). There is a Lund’s in the works and soon we will be connected to the rest of the world by the light rail.
My point is that there has never been a better time to live in St. Paul, specifically Lowertown. So consider this your invitation to join us in St. Paul.
Since 2005, I have lived at The Cosmopolitan Apartments and would highly recommend it. The Cosmopolitan is located on the corner of 6^th and Wacouta in the heart of Lowertown, and I know for a fact they have apartments available.
The Cosmopolitan has studios, one bedroom, and two bedroom apartments all of which are reasonably priced, especially when you compare it to other buildings in the neighborhood. The amenities are great as well. They have a great party room, full fitness center, business center, sauna and even a tanning bed.
My favorite amenity, and one of the reasons we chose the Cosmo, is the in-​unit washer and dryer. It was really surprising how few buildings in St. Paul offered that amenity! I had not lugged my undies around for years and wasn’t going to start again.
Since we moved in they have update the appliances and flooring, and each year when we sign a new lease they come in and touch up the paint and clean the carpet. All of this with only 3 minimal rent increases in 7 years.
You’re thinking «Big deal, I don’t mind lugging my undies around so why shouldn’t I live somewhere else that is a bit cheaper?» The answer my friends is the high level of service at the Cosmopolitan.
First of all, everyone is very friendly and takes a genuine interest in the the people that live in the building. About once a month the staff puts on an event for all the residents where they feed us and give us the opportunity to mingle with our neighbors. They really work at creating a community within the building (and I promise I will be better at attending these mixers).
Secondly, there is always a concierge at the front desk to answer questions, make recommendations, and sign for packages. Never realized how convenient that is until I moved in. Not having to worry about a package being delivered is great.
Finally, the maintenance staff at the Cosmo is second to none. You will never have to worry about calling a «super» and waiting for them to find time to stop by. Saint Pauley and I have never had to wait more than a few hours to have something fixed. When our washing machine went on the fritz they swapped it out for one in a vacant apartment, rather than spend hours tinkering with it in my apartment. How awesome is that?
Obviously I have not lived in every building in Lowertown, but why would I move? I live in a great building with great amenities, and a great staff.

Hard to believe i am the first to review the Cosmo in the Lowertown land of Unilocalers but i am happy to do so!
We first looked at the Cosmo a few years ago, chose to live elsewhere but returned recently, this time, making the Cosmo our new home!
The staff at the Cosmo are top notch. They know what they are doing and do it flawlessly with flair, kindness, and efficiency!
Maintenance requests are promptly addressed by well seasoned employees and it is apparent everyone works seamlessly together as a team to ensure the ultimate resident experience. ACCOUNTABILITY-​They do what they say they are going to do…
You all know what a procedure geek I am so when I say these folks have their I’s dotted and T’s crossed, you know I ain’t lying!
The units are unique with character you do not see in newer style buildings, have ample storage and feel spacious because of the high ceilings and windows. Although we went from a 1400 square foot condo down to a 900 square foot, one bath (boo-​hoo!) unit, we don’t feel like we are on top of each other…(Yet at least).
The only thing, not worthy of a drop in stars, is that the security system does not allow area codes other than local to be programmed. Yes, I know, being a techy nerd, I find this odd too and felt it worthy of mentioning so you can grab a local number if you don’t want to run down and let your guests in. Not a big deal to me but might be to some. I am a 505 girl all the way and not giving it up!
Dog treats and poop bags for the canines; Coffee and assorted vending options for humans in the lobby; Is there anything these folks didn’t think of?
Check out the Cosmo if you are planning on moving to Lowertown. Maybe you will be smarter than me and move here the first time you look.