The Barton is the newest upscale apartment community to debut in Clayton. Sophisticated Living spoke with residents who have been living in the Barton since it recently opened.

Vishal C. recently moved to St. Louis for work after graduating with his Doctorate at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. He says, “I was left a little unsure not having scouted west of Forest Park. I was lucky to come across an advertisement for The Barton through Zillow and upon doing a little more research was quick to discover area is ideal, the apartments are beautiful and the agents, staff and tenants are really quite perfect.”

The Barton is off Maryland Avenue just footsteps away from Shaw Park and right near interstate access. Vishal works nearby at Bayer U.S. He says, “The modern designs and high ceilings make for a very luxurious and comfortable feel and the common areas are wonderful places to lounge, get some TV in, or quietly work. It’s quite ideal for a young working professional.”

It’s also ideal for a couple trying to retire. The Roells own a business and aren’t sure exactly when the big celebration will happen. So they started downsizing in 2003 and finally just this year sold all their properties. Bob Roell says, “We decided after our 18 year ride of downsizing, we’d rent for a year before we finalized where to live. We are considering Florida as well as just staying in St. Louis. We had owned a condo in the Central West End and recently sold our property at the Lake of the Ozarks where we lived once our [CWE] condo sold. We looked at a brand new apartment complex there but weren’t sure about it. We decided to look at a couple of new apartment complexes in Clayton and literally drove by the Barton and stopped in like the second day the models were open. We loved the layout and upgraded amenities the Barton offers [Better Quality Appliances, 10 foot ceilings, fireplaces, large finished out master closet, large closet in guest room, under cabinet lighting, TV in the master bath mirror, Nest Thermostat Control, Butterfly Entry System, hardwood floors, ample bathroom cabinetry, plenty of guest parking] and The Barton won out over the Central West End.”

A view inside units at The Barton

Other amenities guests love are the workout room which overlooks the pool and outdoor community area. The Barton hosts get togethers to help you meet your neighbors, there’s Starbucks available 24/7, and there’s also a snack/necessity goods shop. Will Parker and Jordan Weber fell for the pet services offered when they were looking for somewhere to call home.

"We moved in last June and one of the reasons why we decided to call The Barton home was because of all the pet amenities. We have busy schedules so having a dog park on site where our dog, Odin, can be off the leash is great. It's easy to take Odin on walks because our entire community is surrounded in grass with pet stations and if we want to go on a longer walk, our backyard is Shaw Park. There have also been times when we've used the complimentary pet sitter and dog walker, Kelly. Kelly is fantastic and Odin loves her. Thanks to her, he knows exactly where the doggy treat jar is in our building. He's a big puppy, and I mean big.. a Great Dane. Giving Odin a bath is super easy in the pet spa which has all the tools needed to wash and dry him. We love the Barton for so many more reasons but our fur baby comes first and the Barton is perfect for us."

For a recent college graduate, the location was the main reason she decided to take up residence at The Barton. “I had no obligations to stay where I had been for the last few years, and although I loved where my college years had taken me I wanted to move closer to my family. The Barton is situated in a convenient location and close to so many things, but it also is a quiet community that feels safe. I would have to say the thing I enjoy most about The Barton are the people that make it everything it is. Julie, Christine, and Andrew truly care about their residents and meet the residents' needs no questions asked. They have delivered packages to my apartment when I knew I wouldn't be home in time, they have answered all my calls, responded to all my maintenance requests, and I don't think there is something they wouldn't do for their residents,” says Shelby B. 

Resident Suzanne Rauh compares her experience to living in Chicago. “My husband’s work brought us to St. Louis from Chicago. I recently retired after 33 years of public school teaching. When we moved to Chicago we found a newly built high-rise in the South Loop and we fell in love with the ‘city life.’ We walked or took the L to most destinations. When we relocated to St. Louis we were looking for that same feel. The Barton’s location in Clayton appealed to us as we can walk to restaurants, shops, church and Shaw Park. Also, we love the upscale design and amenities of the individual unit as well as the common areas. I especially like the high ceilings and spacious closets in our apartment. We use the bicycle storage, the grills, the wine locker, the pool, the well-equipped gym, and many of the businesses in the ‘Perks Plan.’ We’ve met several of our neighbors at the brunches and happy hours in the bar room. The staff members are all friendly and have been helpful in providing information and recommendations as we acclimate to a new city. We are very happy with our decision to live at The Barton!”