Landmark on Central

Alton - you have a wealth of info on Landmark. Thanks so much for sharing. I'll be sure to contact you directly when we have additional questions. W

Like Executive Towers, the Landmark was built with the popcorn ceilings. During the initial remodel from Camelback Towers to Landmark, they installed "false" sheetrock ceilings to add overhead wiring. Any additional flaws (ceiling water spots from leakage) could also be covered using this technique. Not saying that this was done, but...

The penthouse (18th floor) is as I recall is a big studio and does not have a dedicated bedroom.

On the northeast side of the unit and behind a wall is what I think may be part of the elevator system. It gets real hot in that section of the unit and one may hear some humming noises behind the wall.

Also, you'll probably hear some dinging noises from the elevator bell just outside the entrance.

The clock tower from Brophy Prep is heard from about 7am till 6pm-ish and the volume is toned down afterwards. One can hear it softly in the later hours.

Like Executive Towers, the wiring is old and looks jumbled when you open up the outlet casing. I wouldn't worry too much about blowing circuits unless one is running a bunch of power hungry devices at one time. I would recommend taking two power hungry blow dryers with you and turn both on in a bathroom and see if the outlet reset button "pops".

Like Executive Towers, dust is constant. I would recommend purchasing the 3M Allergen (purple box) filters for the unit. Use duct tape and wrap completely around the filter to secure and control air flow. You will be amazed how much dust you pick up and the quality of air pushed out from the outtake vents. Air volume will be slightly reduced, but the quality is well worth it.

It's also great t minimizing food smells traveling through the building.

I'd further recommend purchasing weather stripping around the front door and using clear silicone to seal the bottom housing on the sliding glass doors. Wind often creeps underneath the door frames and makes a whistling noise when the wind kicks into high gear. It's also great at stopping rain from flooding the unit.

One may also experience problems in cell phone signal drops if you life on the north side of the building. TV signals can be poor as well. Forget about getting satellite dish coverage on the north side of the building.

Receiver antennas, as I recall are located on the top of south mountain and some satellite dishes can not get thru the building when pointed south from the north side patios.

Contact me direct with further questions. It was by chance that I checked back to see if anyone commented on my recent post.

Alton - Thanks for all the great "insider" information. What have you heard about the electrical system and air conditioning lately? W

I rented in this building in unit 17J (top southwest corner) in January 2003 - November 2005 during the transition from Camelback Towers to Landmark Towers.

At the initial time of rental of 17J in 2003, I held the option to rent it for a mere $25 for about 6 months with a personal check.

17J was a 2 bedroom when it was Camelback Towers, but was converted to a 1 bedroom as Landmark Towers. I moved, because they wanted to sell the unit to me for about $300,000.

Many have complained about the plumbing problems in this building on some of the floors (typically 12th and below) and the bird problem near the top of the palm trees around 10th floor. On the top floor, I never had plumbing problems in my unit.

I had a parking space on the 1st floor or the parking garage on the northwest corner which received some, but not much flooding. The lower garage floors seemed to have more flooding.

This building does not have a freight elevator, so if you have large funiture you may experience problems. Check to see if their crane works.

When large storms hit the valley, power often goes out and is restored typically 30 min to an hour later.

I'm willing to chat with anyone who has questions about this building.

Good Evening,

I am seriously interested in a two-bedroom unit with a view. This would be a second home for me and my partner. We live in Dallas, TX and I have family in Phoenix. I am not an investor, I am not looking for short term, and not interested in flipping. I have read the controversy with The Landmark, but I believe it may be a decent long-term prospect. And it could be a perfect retirement home for us in about 15 years. I am a mortgage underwriter and I work for Fannie Mae, so I am pretty savvy with real estate and mortgages. I also happen to love mid-century architecture, Phoenix and the idea of a true second home there. I used to spend time with an aunt and uncle in the Encanto Estates area when I was younger. Please contact me at your leisure. I'm in no hurry, but I would like to gather more information.

Many thanks,

Chuck B
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