STOA Apartments — Local services in Los Angeles

I first visited Stoa while it was undergoing construction prior to opening. Despite the dust, painters tape, and bustling activity of the construction crew you could see that this was going to be a beautiful place to live. Alicia and Deja were incredibly helpful during my assessment of the property and leasing process - communicating clearly and in a timely manner over several months prior to moving in. They were always friendly and accommodating while lacking the snobbery often found amongst leasing agents of luxury properties such as this. The property is now just shy of a year old and as the very first resident to call it home I have seen it flawlessly work out its initial kinks (as any new property has) with little if any inconvenience to the residents - a testament of Diana's leadership along with Fernando and Erwin's tireless commitment to keeping STOA in pristine condition. (The staff are truly amazing, they deserve their own five-star review) It's a great sized building, not too big, not too small. You recognize people and never feel like you're living with a bunch of strangers but at the same time there's a comfortable level of distance and privacy which doesn't compel you to engage nor prevent it, and in my experience other residents have been friendly, respectful, and discrete.

THE UNITS

The units are beautiful! The dark floors, espresso cabinets, stainless steel appliances, white quartz countertops and high-end fixtures evoke a sought after level of modern luxury that few properties successfully achieve despite their efforts. But the units don't just look good, they're also well made and very functional. Double pane noise insulating windows, along with well insulated floors, ceilings, and walls eliminate outside noise and that of surrounding units. Each unit has an abundance of outlets (even a couple of USB's) thoughtfully placed to ensure you have power where you need it - allowing maximum flexibility to lay out your space. Bright, illuminating fixtures on dimmers provide the perfect amount of lighting and ambiance for any occasion. Highly effective HVAC silently warms or cools on demand as needed. Water pressure and temperature are always as if you are the only one in the entire building. The Frigidaire appliance package checks every box - stainless steel refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, stove and oven with venting in addition to the in-sink garbage disposal and in-unit washer and dryer. Great storage provides ample space for your wardrobe and belongings while soft close drawers in the kitchen and bathrooms showcases the type of tactile detail that speaks to the overall quality of the property.

AMENITIES

On the first level of STOA you'll find the gym and clubroom. The state of the art gym is bright, airy and provides everything you could ever ask for and even things you wouldn't such as chilled towels and filtered water. Like STOA itself, the gym avoids being cavernous and offers a comfortable, never crowded experience.

Across the hall is the large clubroom. Outfitted with two giant flat screen tv's, luxury furniture, a full kitchen with oversized quartz counter tops, Starbucks automated barista, pool table, and an outdoor patio with a fireplace easily accessed through a wall of sliding glass accordion doors. It's a beautiful space to lounge, hold a meeting, socialize with residents, work, or reserve (for a small fee) for your own private party.

On the roof you'll find a dog run, a BBQ area featuring two viking grills, sink and ample seating, swimming pool with shower, bathrooms, sun chairs, day beds and flat screen tv - all set against the backdrop of the DTLA skyline and amongst a garden of succulents and trees.

Rounding out the amenities there's underground parking, a package delivery system, drop off dry cleaning service, wifi in the common areas, and a guest unit that can be rented to accommodate visiting friends or family.

You'll be hard pressed to find a better value for the level of luxury, service, and amenity that STOA provides. I HIGHLY...

I'm writing this review as someone who is gay, has a disability, and holds a Section 8 voucher.

DO NOT MOVE HERE! While the location is decent, that's about where the positives end.

I was initially drawn to STOA because of its proximity to Little Tokyo and the gay bars of DTLA. The leasing staff seemed friendly at first, and I worked with Jared Jimenez. He was helpful during the initial tour and quick to send me a lease application.

However, when I explained that the Section 8 process needed to move quickly due to potential cuts at the Housing Authority, he became uncooperative. He dismissed the urgency and frequently argued about what needed to be done. When I explained that we had to complete a pre-inspection form together before submitting the RFTA packet, he stopped responding to calls and emails. Despite multiple messages emphasizing the urgency (as stated by the HACLA Housing Counselor, which he read), he finally responded--only 15 minutes before my scheduled arrival from Anaheim.

When I returned to complete the form with the STOA leasing team (as per City instructions), I was met by Jhonny A., who was unhelpful and dismissive. I had previously encountered him while touring HIKARI Apartments, where he was supposed to guide me on the tour but simply handed me a fob to tour on my own. At STOA, despite an appointment made by Jared, Jhonny refused to assist with the form, claiming he was busy with other tours. His attitude made it clear that Section 8 voucher holders were not welcome.

STOA does not want Section 8 tenants. While they can't legally deny applicants with vouchers, they make the process as difficult as possible through uncooperative staff and unprofessional behavior.

Lastly, while the individual apartments are accessible, the building itself is not particularly disabled-friendly. There are two separate keypad-controlled entrances to enter, and each elevator requires a keypad for access.

Avoid this place if you have a Section 8 voucher or need a leasing team that is professional...

Hello 👋 My name is Timur Gataullin. I've never lived in apartments and this is my first time ever. It's amazing apartment complex! I did a big research among all 4+ rated apartment complexes in downtown + Korea town and I decided to choose this one and I'm living in my leased studio now for less then a month. The apartment complex new and everything here is so fresh you can feel it when you're here. The only thing I was aware were those bad reviews about a noise from neighbors in adjacent rooms and I thought I'm gonna have to use earplugs to sleep well but I'm glad I don't have to because I've never heard anything behind the walls ceiling and floor and I'm really happy about that coz I almost forgot how it's good to sleep well without any disturbing factor. 👍

They neighbours are mostly young professionals and I didn't see any old person here so far. 🧑‍🎓🧑‍💼🧑‍⚕️🧑

There 3 elevators here on every necessary spots in this apartment complex. Me personally spending about less then 1 min to go out of my car on any parking lot (where you allowed to park your car) and go to my apartment after coming back from work. This is a huge deal for coz I don't like to spend "the half of the day" walking thru the labyrinth to get to my apartment like you have to do in any of those big apartment complexes. Big applause to the architects of STOA apartment complex 👏

Also there are a lot of ev charging stations in garage so you could charge your ev car. 🚗

If I could go back in time I would still choose STOA apartment complex of DTLA again. 🥳

And the Management is really good and responsive. Vanessa and Suzanne are such a...