Yoho Artists — Attraction in City of Yonkers

This review is by someone who actually rented a space at this artists' loft for a few months in 2017, not by someone who isn't writing anything or who just went there for an event. BEWARE IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO RENT HERE. I rented a unit in the YOHO Artists Lofts in Yonkers, which is managed by Heights Real Estate. I had a bad experience in the unit (read on for details) and I asked the building manager to let me out of my lease early, considering the multiple reasons I simply could not stay there. He agreed and I also requested my deposit back because there is no way that I would just walk away on my own - damage was done to my property. He agreed, but never left the form to get my deposit back under my door. I met the new tenant to hand off the keys and warned him and then contacted Heights Real Estate to get my deposit, but it was denied. I asked the manager of the artist's lofts over and over to (never answered an email, but I could catch him on the phone sometimes) hold up his end of the bargain. I am owed $330. I deserve more than that. There was a floor above my unit - everyone's unit gets dirt spilled from the floor above. I shouldn't have to add a ceiling to my unit. It's not my job to keep the air above my unit clean. I could not keep my supplies out when I stepped away from working. There was an exhaust fan above my unit which leaked water, but I just put a towel there. I am reasonable and I saw it when I moved in. THEN, there was the fire. I traveled a lot for work for a couple months, so I wasn't there for a few weeks. I came back to find all of my art and equipment piled on tables - MY PROPERTY WAS MOVED BY SOMEONE AND NOBODY CONTACTED ME. I wasn't called or emailed. There was a fire in the building attached to ours and I guess there was a lot of smoke and dust damage and probably a lot in my unit, based on the fact that there was a heater above my space. They did a POOR job of cleaning up and while I can see that they tried to move my property nicely, some of it was damaged and THERE STILL WAS 1/8" OF DIRT ALL OVER MY STUFF! I was so surprised when I arrived! So, tell me why you don't think I should get my deposit back, when that's all I asked for, Heights Real Estate? I didn't ask you to pay for my damaged property (my art, something I use to make a living) and I didn't ask you for my HOURS of time that I used to clean up the mess. I cannot believe that I wasn't called or emailed when there was work to be done. What did you cover up? Please. Be decent. Give me a little of what you owe me - what your management (Zuki)...

As a professional artist and freelance photographer I actually utilized the Yoho spaces on two occasions, the first time was approximately 10 years ago. At that time I shared a small space with another artist/painter. Most recently I worked out of a small space as a studio for portraiture, fashion, and experimental photography. Although the only space available was small, I managed to make it work. There were a few "shortcomings" including no windows, partial walls, and automatic hall lighting that would spill into the space whenever anyone walked in the hall ways. I was creative in using a tarp to block out the light and using some small sound barriers. The small space was not ideal but I managed to create some terrific images in spite of the limitations. The building manager is a wonderful man and now a friend by the name Zuki. Overall there are pluses and minuses including 24 hour access, large freight elevator, difficult parking, and convenient snack/refreshment dispensers in the lobby. In general, a safe and pleasant experience. I suggest speaking to Zuki regarding the...

I had 2 spaces on the top floor of the 578 building, from 1986-1991. At the peak of summer heat I ran the floor sander, clear coated the floor. I was the only artist in the building and coming from Seattle, it felt like the moon! Gradually artist found their way, encouraged by my ads. Before the year ended, YoHo was full and The Studio on Fifth was in progress. It was a wonderful group of women and the Open Studios were very successful. I founded the space, an imperfect, but the kind of space we required to...