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If I may ask - is there demand for bedrooms & kitchens with no windows? I'm looking at this apartment: https://victorstl.com/apartments/?spaces_sort=bd_asc&det

If I may ask - is there demand for bedrooms & kitchens with no windows? I'm looking at this apartment: https://victorstl.com/apartments/?spaces_sort=bd_asc&detail=292429&spaces_tab=plan-detail https://victorstl.com/apartments/?spaces_sort=bd_asc&detail=... I understand why it is like that, I just want to know if customers are interested in this kind of floor plan. For the record, I'm in the EU and customers demand natural light (and ventilation) for every room, including bathrooms. Major PITA if I may say so.

ethagknight 3y ago
Yes there is demand, and it's something we paid special attention to. With this specific building, we have 11 foot ceilings, oversized historic windows into the living space much larger than typical multifamily, and then barn door openings to maximize light penetration into the space. Also, we enlarged the center courtyard to improve light, we have a huge rooftop amenity package including a rooftop dog park and pickle ball court, indoor secure parking; basically we are going overboard on every other aspect of urban living. It's funny, people may insist on windows in the bedroom, but then put up black out curtains... Regarding code items, we have operable windows and mechanical makeup air. Also at 8 stories we are considered high-rise by St. Louis city code (its a tall 8 stories) so we have to have complete sprinkler coverage, automated fire control and notifier systems, etc.
nradov 3y ago
Most US building codes require that bedrooms have windows for safety so that they can be used for fire rescue. A building permit for bedrooms without windows would usually require a code variance with additional fire protection.
- red-iron-pine 3y ago
  Same in Canada. Obviously a little different if you're in a high rise, but what's the point of being in a tall building without windows? Why pay the premium to be in a highrise with a view that looks like a basement?
ghaff 3y ago
Personally, bathroom I wouldn't care. A lot of bathrooms, especially on the ground floor, have pretty minimal natural light anyway. But even given some good natural light in the living room, I'd have trouble with no window for the bedroom especially in an apartment that isn't exactly economy.

ethagknight 3y ago

Yes there is demand, and it's something we paid special attention to. With this specific building, we have 11 foot ceilings, oversized historic windows into the living space much larger than typical multifamily, and then barn door openings to maximize light penetration into the space. Also, we enlarged the center courtyard to improve light, we have a huge rooftop amenity package including a rooftop dog park and pickle ball court, indoor secure parking; basically we are going overboard on every other aspect of urban living. It's funny, people may insist on windows in the bedroom, but then put up black out curtains... Regarding code items, we have operable windows and mechanical makeup air. Also at 8 stories we are considered high-rise by St. Louis city code (its a tall 8 stories) so we have to have complete sprinkler coverage, automated fire control and notifier systems, etc.

nradov 3y ago

Most US building codes require that bedrooms have windows for safety so that they can be used for fire rescue. A building permit for bedrooms without windows would usually require a code variance with additional fire protection.

red-iron-pine 3y ago
Same in Canada. Obviously a little different if you're in a high rise, but what's the point of being in a tall building without windows? Why pay the premium to be in a highrise with a view that looks like a basement?

ghaff 3y ago

Personally, bathroom I wouldn't care. A lot of bathrooms, especially on the ground floor, have pretty minimal natural light anyway. But even given some good natural light in the living room, I'd have trouble with no window for the bedroom especially in an apartment that isn't exactly economy.