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Argenta Apartments
Category: Home Services Real Estate Apartments Apartments [Edit]
1 Polk St(between Fell St & Market St)
San Francisco, CA 94102
Neighborhood: Civic Center/Tenderloin
(415) 621-4000
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 9 am - 7 pm
Sat 10 am - 5 pm
Sun 1 pm - 5 pm
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
April M. said: "Four stars for service. I don't know if we will get a place here or not, but Shayla & Holly were very helpful. Shayla gave an excellent tour even though we did not have an appointment and she was very busy. I think she missed her…" read more »
19 reviews for Argenta Apartments
19 reviews in English
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Review from Zombie Steve J.
San Francisco, CA
10/10/2011 5 photos
Great location, great people, great apartments.
Pros:
* You can walk pretty much anywhere in the city from here, with really good restaurants and nice small shops not far (Tenderloin, Hayes / Lower Haight, SoMA, and whatever you want to call Polk itself)
* Everything is brand new (building built in 2007) and top-of-the-line, including in-apt laundry, disposal, fitness equipment
* Two single-drawer dishwashers (stacked) is convenient, though I'd have preferred just one that might be higher quality
* Really good view, be it of City Hall and the plaza there (great to people-watch during Gay Pride) or of Sutro Tower and the fog rolling in and out
* Nice open-space floor layouts
* VERY insulated walls; you can't hear anything beyond muffled sounds from the hallways (doors, yipping dogs, people shouting), which is quite rare. If you share walls with a stairway, you will hear people using it, and (from my top floor apartment) I could hear maintenance workers on the roof periodically. Windows are well insulated, but you'll still hear sirens and music from events like the Folsom Street Fair (if you face Market) or Gay Pride (if you face City Hall).
* Good people at the front desk (plus servicemen, leasing, etc), though there's quick turnover for the leasing agents.
* Perfect highway access; straight shot down 10th (with timed lights favoring YOU) puts you on 101S two minutes from closing your car's door.
Cons:
* Floors are VERY easily scuffed. Buy felt stickies for all your furniture and be careful. When touring the place, stick your thumbnail into the floor to see just how fragile it is.
* If you have a car, it had better be tiny. I'd call the standard spaces "compact" and the compact spaces even smaller (see photos). There is an art to parking here, and some don't get it perfect -- expect minor parking dings.
* Another on parking: the lot is at or near capacity, so while you'll never be left without a spot, it might be a super-tiny spot in the back corner somewhere that everybody else is skipping. If there are enough jerks parking their non-compact cars across two spaces, you might need to make a call (I never had to do this in my year here).
* Prices are high. I came in on a concession price, which the new ownership will not consider; adding that to the increase for my next year and the new tenants in my old unit are paying about a grand more a month than I did.
* People SMOKE (illegally) in the bottom few flights of some of the stairwells. This is a pretty minor gripe; it's obviously safe given the fireproofing an emergency exit requires and you won't smell it outside the stairwell for the same reason.
If you have a single pane of white plexiglass(?) on the wall behind your stovetop, ask them about whether it might need to be replaced by tiles; they went through most units and had to replace this because the self-clean option of the oven (which I never actually used) heated it up to the point of it cracking. This is unfortunate because those walls actually made for awesome whiteboards; maybe they won't replace the whole thing but just the area behind the stove.
I said it was near nice neighborhoods. It's also near some rougher areas; be careful walking on (or south of) Market, SoMa doesn't get pleasant until you're east of 5th. Tenderloin has really good food, but it is rough too. Polk is a really nice place, but it's a bit sketchy after the City Hall area through Post.
Be friendly when you do the final move-out walkthrough (and be present for it). I may have treated my apartment well, but I was ready to argue about the minor scuffs that normal use caused over my time there and (given some of the other reviews here) I may have gotten some slack for this.
There's also a loophole where if you stay a 13th month, they won't charge you for carpet shampooing (this is roughly equivalent to the fee they charge for being month-to-month). -
Review from Laura K.
San Francisco, CA
1/18/2012
5 star living. Unfortunately most residents can't afford to stay longer that 1 year.
We've been living at Argenta for 10 months and have been very happy with the apartment. But we began to suspect that things weren't quite right with management shortly after moving in. People we met in the elevator, lobby and our floor were all saying the same thing -- rent had been raised to ridiculous heights and they were moving out.
Over the last 10 months we have watched many of the tenants on our floor leave because of the rent increase.
When we received our renewal notice our fears were realized: Argenta raises rates by at minimum $400 dollars if you sign an annual lease. If you only want to go month to month that raises to $600 a month.
In our case that meant paying $3200 for our 800 sq ft apartment if we chose to renew annually.
Long story short: Argenta is a great place to live. But with these kinds of rent increases, don't plan on staying more that a year or two. This simply isn't a place to call home. -
Review from S. B. Hadley W.
San Francisco, CA
3/27/2012
Even though I'm moving on, I can say the guys in the leasing office, the security guards at night, and the tenants in the building are great people. And, if you frequent the symphony, opera, and ballet like I do, you'll totally appreciate being able to walk a couple blocks to the venues and not have to deal with traffic.
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Review from Dino A.
San Francisco, CA
8/9/2011
Living at Argenta fulfills my SF experience in a great way! Having lived in the Bay Area for over 20 years, I have to say that is the the best place I have ever lived. Easy access to all public transit, many excellent restaurants, shopping centers within walking distance - the location is perfect.
My ultra-slick and modern apartment, with its large kitchen, stainless appliances, in-unit washer/dryer, cavernous living space and large bedroom and bathroom provide great comfort and a luxurious feel. The floor to ceiling windows create a bright and fresh atmosphere. I'm absolutely thrilled to be living here! Thank you Argenta :-) -
Review from Tom C.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2011 2 photos
I had a cool apartment here for about 3 months. Great views, great gym, convenient (but kinda nasty) location, and great amenities.
We were the first people to ever live in our unit, and it was the nicest home I've ever lived in. Brand new absolutely top of the line everything. The units were originally going to be for sale, so no expense was spared on fixtures or hardware. It even had 2 dishwashers.
It gets 2 stars because it really really sucked when we moved out. I won't bash them too bad, but if you are thinking of moving in, - take strong WARNING: They won't warn you ahead of time that a large dog will cause $8000 worth of damage to the real wood floors in just under 3 months. The landlord pointed out the damage during a regular maintenance call and we decided mutually to move out before the damage got worse. They did waive the lease-breaking fee, but not before sticking my roommate with a bill $6500 more than the security deposit we left... :( -
Review from Gregg M.
Minneapolis, MN
9/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Cool common room and OK gym. The apartments are spacious but the view is what makes your place pop. Nice appliances and big bathrooms.
Tenents are kind and the building seems pretty quiet. -
Review from Erin R.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2010
PET OWNERS BEWARE!!!! The "hardwood floors" in this place won't stand high heels, let alone an actual animal. What's worse? The legal language in the lease puts you at risk for $10,000 worth of hard wood floor damage unless you cover the entire place in rugs - might as well move into a carpeted apartment. Also, none of the terrace or outdoor areas are open to pets, meaning you have to walk you dog around the homeless crazies that wander the streets near the civic center at night with dim lighting and a security guard crew that stops by occasionally just to make sure the building is still standing.
Add to that the unprofessional, uneducated staff that can't seem to figure out how to operate the elevators or when to notify residents of issues concerning waste water spilling into their storage unit (that I paid $60/month extra for) -- and this place is certainly not worth the faux flooring, shoddy shelving and constant maintenance headaches for over $3000/month. Save yourself the trouble and find something with real hardwoods that's actually pet FRIENDLY. -
Review from Angelica J.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2011
Oh, Argenta... Wish I could give you 5 starts but now I have a love-hate relationship with you.
PROS:
- Great location! Near Hayes Valley and all the good eats there; super-convenient MUNI and BART access and a straight shot down the street is the freeway
- Pretty apartments! Was lucky enough to live on the 16th floor with a FANTASTIC view of City Hall. Received a lot of compliments on it. :-)
- IN-UNIT laundry. Need I say more?
- Friendly front desk people
- Gym downstairs with brand-spanking new equipment
CONS:
- TINY unassigned parking spaces...although the unassigned part may be a good or bad thing depending on how you look at it
- (Related to the first con) they rent out the parking spaces during the day to the public so if you're coming or going between 8 am and 5 pm you either: a) find that you're blocked into your parking space by some person's car or b) the parking garage is freaking full
- Although the in-unit washer/dryer is wonderful, mine seemed to break down really often. Weird.
The BIGGEST con:
- Had received a nice concession on my rent when I first moved in which made my rent while still expensive a little more affordable. Had spoken to Greg, the manager up until not too long ago a couple months before my lease ended and asked if my concession would be grandfathered in to my lease if I renewed cause otherwise my rent would literally skyrocket and he said sure; the only thing that I would have to pay in addition would be the usual slight rent increase (i.e. 5-7%-ish).
Long story short, received my renewal notice a few weeks later and ta-da! No more concession! End result: my rent was now $400 more! (Could this perhaps have something to do with them wanting to capitalize on the rumor that Twitter is moving across the street? Hmmm...) And I find this out two weeks before I'm supposed to let them know if I'm renewing my lease or moving out. Called the office and found out the Greg was no longer there and there was a new manager and that there was no way thay they could work with me. Geez... :-/
In short, it's a beauftiful place in a great location but with slightly sketchy management. Be prepared to have to do some last-minute apartment hunting once your lease renewal comes around. :-( -
Review from Jen And Uri W.
San Francisco, CA
2/12/2011
My boyfriend I moved to the Argenta last year. We absolutely love it here.
Building Manager and leasing agent- Greg and Rhiannon are fantastic. Always friendly, eager to help, professional, and very responsive. Rhiannon showed us a couple of apartments several times before we made our decision. We never felt rushed or pushed.
We had the flexibility of getting a 9 or a 12 month lease. We went with the 12 month which was a bit less expensive per month
Maintenance keeps the place spotless on a daily basis and is quick to respond if there is an issue
Pet friendly! All of the floors allow cats, dogs are allowed on odd numbered floors. When we first started looking to adopt Rhiannon wrote a letter for us confirming our lease allowed for large dogs to help facilitate the process for us .
New Apartments - Energy efficient appliances, hardwood floors, and nice layouts. if you are high enough and facing north you get a beautiful view of Civic Center and the Dome.
Gym - 24/7 - always clean and always open
Muni and Bart and several bus lines within a couple of blocks. I work in SOMA and my door to door is maybe 25 minutes.
The building is safe and secure. Concierge on duty 10 am to 3am.
We really enjoy it here and will renew our lease. -
Review from Bill H.
San Francisco, CA
10/31/2010
Lived here almost a year and CANNOT be happier.
Everybody here is extremely helpful and friendly, the maintenance staff responds quickly to any issue(s) needing attention, and the building is always kept nice and clean.
I definitely recommend Argenta to anyone needing a quality place to live.
Ps - they accept pets = awesome. -
Review from Kathleen D.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 12/12/2009
I love calling Argenta home! Everything is still as wonderful as it was when I moved in. The building is filled with young couples and very friendly people. The leasing office sets up fun events and updates through e-mail and are very professional. Plus, my work orders get taken care of right away.
By the way, our concierge help track down criminals...yes there are crime stoppers at the lobby front desk :D1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/26/2009
I lived in Fox Plaza for nine months and had had enough with my small studio and the neighborhood.… Read more »
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Review from Christopher B.
Santa Rosa, CA
9/30/2010
I am moving out of Argenta today and I have nothing but great things to say about EVERYTHING. I have lived in 3 other high/mid rises in SF over the last 10 years and this by far was the best experience. I rented a 2+2 on the South side of the building.
It all starts with Greg who is both a great businessman and also someone you will eventually call your friend and flows through to his staff who are all the best at what they do and also friends..... Rhiannon, Alaina, Scott, Nikki, Bobby, Pedro the awesome night concierge staff Susan and Takina and even the garage attendants, who I don't know by name but all wave hello and say good morning whenever you drive or walk by.
What I liked most about the place when I was given the tour was the newness and the attention to detail.....everything works, is nicely done and accented. This is by far the quietest place in the city with the construction and windows. Never heard a neighbor and "resident sounds" not one time in a year and never had complaints when I am sure my music or movie got a bit too high. If there is a "big one" this place will stand tall. The place is central, easy onto 101 and easy to get cabs. 20-30 buses and hour running up and down Market, Bart right there.....literally 9 minutes to airport if you leave at 0500 and speed a bit.
The gym is great for a quick workout, new, modern equipment, free weights and NEVER that busy. You get in get out and back up to your place or on your way.
The entryways, garages, common areas were always taken care of nicely all year. I had a sink clog and a dryer stop, both were looked at immediately and taken care of in literally a day.
You also get all kinds of other little things you don't generally get in other buildings. You get text messages when your packages and in building dry cleaning is picked up and ready, you get weekend tips on things to do and where to eat. The place is truly central to enjoy everything the city has to offer; Farmers Market every week, easy to Safeway, tons of places to eat, walk to Mission, Hayes, Castro anytime, 5 minutes to Union Square.
Finally, throughout the year Greg and staff threw great parties with great drinks (with bartenders) and eats and its a time to meet the people you see in the elevators but never have time to have a real conversation.
The people in the building are all friendly, to a person, and this building has all the great diversity that our city is known and distinguished for as well. Literally all kinds of people from all over the world doing all kinds of things.
You will make good friends here and enjoy living here.
I would move back here.......absolutely I would. -
Review from jaime b.
San Francisco, CA
7/4/2011
My husband and I were one of the first occupants after they opened the building up for rentals. Beautiful units, nice staff, great gym. The only con is that it isn't a very nice neighborhood, but hayes valley is a short walk away.
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Review from DDC C.
San Francisco, CA
4/17/2010
I moved into Argenta a month ago and I couldn't be more pleased.
- Building is very well kept. Always clean.
- Management is professional and attentive.
- Fellow tenants respect each other.
- Neighborhood is fairly good as Hayes Valley is close by.
- Nice patio and gym.
All in all a good place to live. -
Review from Shanna T.
San Francisco, CA
7/30/2010
We lived in a shoebox over at Fox Plaza (across the street) for 9 months upon moving to San Francisco and anxiously awaited the opening of Argenta. I saw the sign go up on the door and called that very day. We had our pick of apartments and moved in a month later. I've been in real estate and property management for most of my career, and I can say that I've never encountered more professional and accommodating staff, or a more beautiful building and apartment. The units are beautifully appointed, with awesome kitchens and views, the on-site gym can't be beat...nor can the location! Right on Market steps from Muni and a few blocks from Bart! Yes, it's expensive. But, you get what you pay for. We've now moved back to Phoenix, and we'd love to be able to just pick up the building and move it back with us! We're going to miss Argenta!!!
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Review from Jere C.
Los Angeles, CA
6/9/2009
Built as condos but now apartments these units are beautifully detailed with upgraded stainless steel appliances including washer and dryer. The building is 2 blocks from the Civic Center BART and MUNI Station and 1 block from the Van Ness MUNI. Great exercise room that is as good as some gyms. Now if I could only get off the sofa.
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Review from Rick A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/10/2010
Nice enough building. It appears well-constructed with quality materials, and the views from some of the units are impressive. Room sizes are a bit small, and their stated square footage seems inflated (I've had a fair amount of experience in real estate and construction and know what 800 square feet looks like, regardless of what some agent tries to tell me). Decent closet space, however, and the units all have W/D combos. Where the trouble sets in, however, is with the leasing office. Negotiating with these people is worse than buying a used car. The prices on the building's website are completely inaccurate and can START at, literally, hundreds of dollars more than their stated price for certain floorplans (with rents rising significantly the higher up you go in the building). Rents listed also factor in a free month and are therefore really at least a couple of hundred dollars per month higher, depending on configuration.
Word to the wise: if you see a unit you like advertised online, ask if they have that EXACT unit with that EXACT floorplan at that EXACT price available before making the trip downtown to see it... otherwise, you'll likely find yourself wasting way too much time dealing with their bait and switch shenanigans. -
Review from Khash C.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2010
If you ever wonder what it would feel like to live in the future, I recommend that you try living in the Argenta. The experience begins when you enter the ultra-lounge-like lobby, with its cool chill music kubrik-esque vibe and sleek white furniture, continuing as you walk through the polished hallways, the pleasant-sounding speaking elevators, all the way through the the chic architecture of the apartments, especially the modern interior design and high ceilings. The next generation steel appliances, including the two drawer dishwasher, makes life easy while making you feel like you are living a reality that is normally only illustrated in a Sharper Image catalog. When you walk-in, and even after living there for months, the uncanny attention to detail never ceases to surprise you. Moreover, you can cancel your gym membership because their comprehensive ergonomic exercise room, stacked with both cardio and weightlifting equipment, is more than most people need. More importantly, the staff is always helpful, attentive, and fast; offering you all the amenities that you can imagine from online rent payment, to a full-service concierge, to killer building social events, to offering even small super-convenient things like Christmas tree removal and on-site laundry pickups. Greg, the manager, is obviously used to managing top-notch residential assets; you feel as if you were living in a luxury apartement building in South Beach Miami instead of mid-Market Frisco. Jose, their facilities dude, is probably the nicest guy on the earth that would bend over backwards to make you content with living there. Unfortunately, I must move away due to financial considerations, but I know that, when I'll be back in the high life again (my significant-other is already telling me that she wants to move back asap), I know there is a place that I could move to that makes me feel like Buck Rogers living in the 25th Century.
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Review from Alexander K.
San Francisco, CA
9/23/2010
I was looking into renting a 1bd apartment on the 18th floor here. Even though I ended up taking something elsewhere, the experience with the leasing staff was pleasant and always professional. When I told Greg that I will not take the apartment, he was still friendly, showing me another unit upon request because I was curious about the 2bd apartments there for a possible future move-in. Money-wise everything was professional and holding deposits returned promptly. Five stars!
