Watermark Lofts

I lived here for 3 years and can honestly say it's been my favorite apartment I've ever lived in. I would've loved to stay but unfortunately the rent went up drastically and I had to move out of state anyways. Pros: - great location with the lake, the bike path, downtown just a short drive away, nearby parks, and alliant energy center. The area is pretty safe and I don't remember anything crime-related other than one car chase resulting in someone crashing into the nearby chain link fence. - the unit was almost spotless when I first moved in. You could tell they did a thorough job cleaning and maintaining the room. - fitness room has dumbbells, treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and a cable machine - if you want garage parking, there's a cheaper option for split parking where you can have a spot during non-business hours and weekends - regardless, there's plenty of parking space on the road leading in - maintenance was quick to respond to issues in my unit and common areas - clean common areas like the community room and fitness room - secure package room - very few issues with bugs in the unit - roads and parking lots get plowed pretty quick after it snows - very smooth move-in even during the pandemic thanks to Cora, but she has since left - management is professional and polite and will let you know in advance if they enter your unit - trash is routinely emptied, but a few times in summer months it gets full from people moving - my unit especially had ample storage in both the kitchen and bathroom (not even counting the storage room) and lots of counter space - there were social events held by the building and sometimes residents - small community so the premises are never crowded - very little trouble with noise since the walls were pretty thick. The floors seemed thinner but still it was barely an issue - free coffee - when I first moved in, rent was very good for its size and location - the rent you see is the rent you pay. No hidden fees for trash, water, laundry machines, building protection, etc (other than parking but you can opt out) Cons - energy bills are pricey and my summer AC caused my bill to go over $100 a month. This is when I kept the AC around 79, and I don't want to imagine the bill if I used it more. This probably isn't in the apartment's control, but I know people in other parts of Madison who only pay like $30 - rent is going up fast, it jumped almost $200 for my 1B1B unit but I had to move out of state regardless. Even if I could stay, this rent hike seemed too big. - my unit faced John Nolen which was super busy, and also the beltline, so it was really noisy if I opened a window. - the garbage room is only on the 1st floor, so you'll have to drag your trash all the way there - there's only one elevator and it's on one end of the building - small annoyance: furnace and AC are in the bedroom, so maintenance would have to walk through the entire unit to access them.
Jun 15th, 2023

Excellent building with great amenities. Clean and always well maintained. Excellent location, right on lake Monona with spectacular views. The apartment manager is very nice and is always helpful.
Oct 27th, 2022

I've lived in Watermark Lofts for nearly 3 years now, having moved from a standard 3 bedroom house to a 1 bedroom apartment. I am very pleased with the cleanliness, appearance and noise level of the place. Management takes care to keep things in order around the apartment complex. I appreciate their hands on attitude when something needs to get done; very responsive, and they follow up with me. I also appreciate the location. I wake up to a view of Lake Monona, almost reminds me of a resort. Having the bike path so close is an extra plus. I have no complaints.
Oct 25th, 2022

Oct 21st, 2022

Watermark Lofts are an absolutely WONDERFUL place to live! Super clean, fun, delightful amenities like a game room, coffee bar, pool table, fantastic workout room, and most importantly a LAKE view! The roof is another stunning feature: magnificent view of the city and the lake, graced with rooftop gardens, lots of snazzy patio furniture and so many different places to gather and visit. It's a dog-friendly building - yet another beautiful feature. The generous green lawns and wild space behind the building (adjacent to the lake) are inviting and one-of-a-kind. You can use the kayaks, paddleboards and other watercraft FREE, and there's ample space in the basement for your bicycle(s). Both staff and residents have created a community atmosphere with special events like Thirsty Thursday, a bi-monthly BYOB gathering (dogs encouraged!) with a potluck atmosphere. The apartments themselves are full of light, with beautiful flooring, spacious bathrooms and--I have to say it again--that VIEW. The apartments are also extremely well sound-proofed. Watermark Lofts are an absolutely gorgeous place to live--a thousands stars :)
Oct 7th, 2022