Downtown Cleveland resident Ally Costello admits she is “obsessed” with her views from her Residences at 1717 apartment on E. 9th Street.
“When I sit at my desk, I have the best view of the city. I am facing Lake Erie, looking right at St. John Cathedral. I can see right down East 9th Street to the lake and past the harbor where all the boats are,” says Costello, who moved to Cleveland from Washington, D.C., this past September. “I especially like it in the morning when I am drinking coffee or having breakfast. I can just stare out the windows and be entertained.”
Costello grew up in Geneva, Ohio, but moved to Phoenix, Arizona, while in high school. She’s also lived in several other urban locations. So, when Costello decided to move back to Cleveland recently to be closer to family here, she wanted to find “a place with more city vibes.”
“The main reason I wanted to live Downtown was that I could walk to so many things,” says Costello, a marketing professional who works mainly from home. “Coming from Washington, D.C., I didn’t have a car. My boyfriend, John, has one. But if we can, we’d rather walk. Heinen’s is right down the street, and I am pretty active and outside almost every day. I really appreciate the location of this building. It makes my life so much easier.”
In deep winter Costello also takes a job bartending at an establishment within walking distance.
“The bar is connected to a hotel, so people are always asking me about the city,” says Costello.
Costello says finding her Downtown apartment was part fate. While she was first just casually thinking about a downtown residence, Costello happened to walk past the Residences at 1717 one day and, on a whim, went inside.
“I was told two units were available and I could see them right then. As soon as I saw the views and space of my current apartment, I told my boyfriend we had to live there,” recalls Costello, who gives five stars to the building’s on-site management, 24-hour emergency maintenance, housekeeping, leasing and security staffs.
Residences at 1717 was created from the restored East Ohio Gas building, which was the second tallest and first all-glass building in Cleveland when it was built in 1959. Today it offers one- and two-bedroom luxury apartments, features a gorgeous, historically preserved marble lobby and is part of the K&D Management portfolio.
The complex offers a modern fitness center, which Costello uses frequently, an up-to-date business center and community room complete with full kitchen, pool table, darts and a lounge area with a television.
“When people come to visit, they are always interested in the history. I love the pride that people have in this city and it makes me appreciate it more,” says Costello. “We wanted to make our apartment super cozy because we have a lot of visitors. We take advantage of the natural light and have a lot of plants.”
Costello likes the apartment’s open floor plan, the attractive island and bar stools, custom cabinetry, granite countertops, Energy Star stainless-steel appliances and in-suite washers and dryers. And overnight visitors have a special treat.
“Our guest bedroom bed faces the window. So, when anyone wakes up in the morning, the lake is their view and it’s the first thing they see. That’s special, and everyone loves it,” says Costello.
“Cleveland has so much potential. Being 25, in a relationship and living here — I just love it,” adds Costello. “I am surprised I don’t see more people like me Downtown. Cleveland is not as expensive as other cities, and there is so much to do, especially in the summer. I’d like to see even more little cafes and businesses open up here.”
