Donuts, Donuts, Donuts!!!!

Posted on May 17, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com has been anticipating the return of Oak Park’s Farmers Market.

Yes, the fruits and veggies are lovely, the flowers and plants beautiful and the specialty items enticing but we are so ready to take a bite into the delicious, freshly made, only can be found at the Farmer’s Market -DONUTS!

Plain, powdered or cinnamon – each of these tasty little rounds hold a place in our hearts and our taste buds!

So, yes, go to Oak Park’s Farmer’s Market this Saturday. Buy some farm fresh seasonal fruits and veggies, pick up a bottle of locally harvested honey, take home a wedge of artisan cheese, but mostly get there early (after 10 may be to late -and just to let you know – tenants who live at OakParkApartments.com’s own Lake & Elmwood property, right across the street from the market, have a clear donut advantage!) and buy some melt-in-your-mouth, Farmer’s Market house specialty – DONUTS!

For more information on the non-donut parts of Oak Park’s Farmer’s Market follow the link: http://www.oak-park.us/farmersmarket/

Posted in Fun, Oak Park Apartments, Village of Oak Park, Weekend | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tour Oak Park – The “Wright” Way!

Posted on May 15, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com loves architecture – it is a vital part of what makes Oak Park so unique.

The best way to experience some of Oak Park’s finest architecture is by taking one of the many tours offered through the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio.

There are many options: daily tours of the home and studio, guided or self – guided walking tours of the many Wright designed local homes, customized tours for groups of more than 10 or if you would like to expose the kids to FLW you can join in on the “Design Detective Family Tour”.

Now if you yearn to see inside some of these spectacular architectural specimens then the yearly Wright Plus Architectural Housewalk should not be missed.

Wright Plus features interior tours of nine private homes designed by FLW and other notable architects of Frank’s era, plus entry into 3 landmark Wright buildings.

To add to the historical flavor the docents on the tours provide many noteworthy insights into the properties, their owners and the architects that designed them.

Go to: http://gowright.org/visit.html to plan a visit to  any or all of the the Frank Lloyd Wright Home and Studio’s fabulous tours or events.

Posted in Architecture, Fun, History, History of Oak Park, Weekend, architectural tours, vintage architecture | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

More Free Oak Park Summer Fun To Add To Your Calendar

Posted on May 10, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com received its summer program guide from the Park district this past week and while perusing through its pages came across info on the Scoville Park Sunday summer concert series.

The summer concert series can be called Oak Park’s mini-Ravinia only without the travel, parking or cost hassles!  O.K., so maybe the performers aren’t quite as famous but they are locally well known artists that over the 9 weeks will perform everything from rock and roll to blues, country to reggae, today’s latest hits to yesteryears classics.

The concerts are in Scoville Park on Sundays from 5:30 – 7pm – ish.  They start June 10th and are scheduled through August 12th.  Plus, once again, they are free!

So pack a picnic dinner, bring a blanket or some comfy lawn chairs and enjoy a musical evening out – all courtesy of the Park District of Oak Park!

Go to the Park District’s link for specifics on dates/bands or to view other special events that the park district sponsors:

http://www.oakparkparks.com/programs/documents/summer2012/summer2012specialevents.pdf

Posted in Downtown Oak Park, Fun, Oak Park Apartments, Oak Park Park District, Oak Park Village, The Oak Park Park District, Village of Oak Park, Weekend, park | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

New Deadline For Oak Park Vehicle Stickers

Posted on May 8, 2012 by admin

Phew, is all OakParkApartments.com has to say about the Village of Oak Park’s decision to extend the vehicle sticker deadline.

Why you ask?  Because at this time of the year everyone, and we mean everyone, is just plain busy.  So pushing the deadline back until July 16th (its really the 15th but since the 15th is a Sunday we get an extra days grace period, kinda like taxes this year!) just allows the pressure of one more to-do item on the list to be lifted until the hazy lazy days of summer roll around.

If you are inclined to check the vehicle stickers off the old to-do list early you can go to http://www.oak-park.us/onlineservices/ starting May 14th to complete the process online and you’ll also save yourself 10% for being on top of things!

Otherwise, if you presently have an Oak Park sticker, you will be mailed a renewal form and the rest is pretty much self explanatory.

If you are a new Oak Park resident you must go to Village Hall (123 Madison St.) with “your lease, utility bill, or other government-issued proof of residency” – this, especially if you are renting an apartment, is the first necessary step in purchasing parking permits.

Posted in Apartment Living, Oak Park Apartments, Oak Park Village, Parking, Transportation, Village of Oak Park | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

MAY THE FOURTH BE WITH YOU

Posted on May 4, 2012 by admin

May The Fourth Be With You……

from your friends @OakParkApartments.com

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Day In Our Village – Put It On Your Calendar!

Posted on May 3, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com wants to give our tenants the heads up about an all time favorite Village of Oak Park event: drum roll please….. A Day in Our Village!

This is year 39 for this incredibly fun community-wide festival – scheduled for Sunday, June 3rd.

A Day In Our Village began 39 years ago as a celebration of diversity.  This goal continues and has grown to be a “unique festival where all residents may learn more about civic, cultural, business and religious organizations with which to volunteer, where to receive services, how to become a member or who sells a product or service one needs.”

And not only all those very commendable goals but, hey, there is just a lot of fun that happens at A Day In Our Village as well!

That fun includes all-day live entertainment, numerous activities, free swimming (sponsored by the Park District), carnival games, delicious food options (we’d like to highly recommend the solar baked chocolate chip cookies that The Rotary Club sponsors – delicious and eco-friendly too!) plus more!

The fun can be found at Scoville Park, Rehm Park and throughout the Downtown Oak Park corridor starting at 11am and lasting until 6pm.

Make sure to put A Day In Our Village on you calendars – it’s a can’t miss Oak Park event!

To find out more, to volunteer or to resister to participate go to: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e5nf31u79fc1d32b&llr=h97ofgjab&fb_source=message

Posted in Diversity, Downtown Oak Park, Fun, History, Oak Park Apartments, Oak Park Park District, Oak Park Village, The Oak Park Park District, Village of Oak Park, Weekend, volunteerism | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Oak Park’s Got Libraries – 3 Of ‘Em!

Posted on May 1, 2012 by admin


OakParkApartments.com knows what a treasure the Oak Park Public Library and its’ 3 branches truly are and we want to make sure our tenants are well aware of the full compliment of resources and services that the library has to offer our community.

Not only can you, as an Oak Park resident, receive a library card which would give you the ability to borrow a huge array of actual books but also allows you access to an ever increasing collection of ebooks that you can easily download to whatever device you may own.

Along with books the library loans music, movies, games, magazines, journals, and newspapers – many of which are digital as well.

Group study rooms are available to reserve and meeting rooms are available to rent. Computers, laptops and free wireless connections are also available for use as well as printing, scanning, faxing and copying capabilities for any study or work – related projects.

Museum passes are another library perk that often goes unheard of – offering free admittance to participating museums.  There are a few restrictions but the price is definitely right!

Do you need a document notarized?  Well the library even provides a notary, free of charge, at each of its branches – you just need to double check the dates and times the notary is scheduled to be at each location and make an appointment.

The library offers a calendar of events and classes that reaches out to any and everyone – from book clubs to knitting programs, from computer classes to job workshops, from chess open play to folk music concerts and that only scratches the surface!

Take some time to explore the Oak Park Public Libraries Main, Maze & Dole branches – there are so many resources right in your own backyard – plus free doesn’t hurt either!

Follow the link to find out all you need to now about the OPPL: http://oppl.org/about

Posted in The Oak Park Public Library | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Pet Rules & Regs

Posted on April 25, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com is a pet friendly place for you and your four legged furry pal to call home.  But just because we’re pet friendly does not mean that there aren’t any rules to follow.

Both the Village of Oak Park and OakParkApartments.com has specific requirements associated with pet ownership.

Village of Oak Park’s rules:

  • Dogs & cats 4 months and older must have a license.
  • Licenses must be purchased within 10 days of moving to Oak Park or when you have gotten a new dog or cat.
  • Dogs and cats must have on license tags – the only exception is for indoor only cats.
  • Dogs and cats must get a rabies vaccination.
  • Cats must be neutered or spayed.
  • Licenses must be renewed every May and that renewal must be accompanied by a rabies inoculation certification.
  • As per Village ordinance the number of animals at a multi-unit apartment building are limited to one dog and/or cat that run at-large, or two cats that are kept indoors.

OakParkApartments.com’s rules:

  • A pet addendum must be signed at the time of the lease or when you first acquire your new pet.
  • A one time, $100 pet fee is then required.
  • Pets must be on a leash when in common areas at all times.
  • If your pet causes damage to your apartment or apartment common areas you are responsible for the cost of any of the damages.
  • No barking.  Please train your dog – many people have flexible work schedules so just because you are not around does not mean your dogs barking does not affect someone else.
  • Pick up the poop – immediately & properly dispose – no more needs to be said.
  • Along the same vein – change the litter box – once again no more needs to be said.
  • Lastly, if the above guidelines are not met then you will be asked to remove your pet.

Pets are lovely, but considerate pet owners are the loveliest of all – do your part by being responsible for your pet.

Please refer to the resident handbook if you have any further questions on apartment living: http://sz0163.ev.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/tenant%20manual.pdf?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=77027&part=2


Posted in Apartment Living, Oak Park Apartments, Oak Park Pet Regulations, Pet Friendly Oak Park Apartments, Uncategorized, Village of Oak Park | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

What Has Oak Park Got To Offer?

Posted on April 23, 2012 by admin

When deciding on where to live we have all heard the mantra: location, location, location.

Well, OakParkApartments.com is here to give a shout out about why we think Oak Park is the location to be to for all who may be considering a move to our village.

Oak Park is a vibrant, history rich community – think Ernest Hemingway, Frank Lloyd Wright, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Percy Julian to name a few notables.

Oak Park is only 10 miles from Chicago’s Loop.  The City of Chicago and all it has to offer is easily accessible by car or public transportation when you live in Oak Park but by living here you bypass some of the hassles of big city living (the fight for on-street parking, for example).

Oak Park is rich in diversity so much so that the Village developed a diversity mission statement in 1973 which outlines its position on diversity.  This statement has since guided Oak Park to become “a dynamic community that encourages the contributions of all citizens, regardless of race, gender, age, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, religion, economic status, political affiliation or any of the other distinguishing characteristics that all too often divide people in society.”

Oak Park’s has many architecturally significant properties and lots of them. Arts and crafts, Victorian, bungalows and Queen Anne – style are but a few.  Oak Park’s architecture is unique!

Oak Park’s community is committed to volunteerism.  Oak Park has so many volunteer opportunities – from animals to healthcare, to food pantries and literacy, Oak Park is a community that has heart and gives back!

Oak Park is a walking community that embraces living green – bike friendly, car sharing, public transportation – all available within this community.

Oak Park has something for everyone, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Familes, singles and seniors – there are reacreational events, activities and organizations that have something for any and everyone!

Oak Park believes in the Arts. The Harrison Street Art District, The Art League and multiple theater companies are going strong within Oak Park’s borders.

Oak Park has multiple business districts that support a variety of unique and necessary businesses for all who like to shop, dine, recreate, be entertained and more!

Oak Park has many exceptional school choices – from pre-school through high school – there is a right fit for each individual.

Come check out the Village of Oak Park – OakParkApartments.com bets you like it as much as we do!

Posted in Apartment Living, Architecture, Chicago, Diversity, Fun, Harrison Street, History, History of Oak Park, Oak Park Arts District, Oak Park Charities, Oak Park Village, Small Business, Weekend, architectural tours, volunteerism | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Oak Park Parking Perspective

Posted on April 19, 2012 by admin

Living in a historic community like Oak Park has many benefits but also has the occasional challenge as well.

OakParkApartments.com, after 25 years in business in Oak Park, knows that parking tops the list.

Oak Park is a community that was largely built before the 1930′s and before most people living here owned a car.  Providing for parking at these multi-unit properties just wasn’t part of the original building plan.  Today, of course, parking and its’ cost is a question that most, if not all, tenants have.

At OakParkApartments.com’s properties, parking is readily available – either through a lot at the building, a village owned and operated lot,  a space that is available for rent privately by a neighborhood homeowner or in  village designated on-street permit parking zones.

The Village of Oak Park and OakParkApartments.com works hard to provide apartment renters with reasonable and affordable parking options.

Oak Park does have specific parking restrictions.  Overnight parking is not allowed on any street from the hours of 2:30 in the morning until 6 am, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

What do you do if you have visitors?

Oak Park will issue an “overnight pass”.  The overnight pass can be used on the same car a maximum of five times per year.  To get a “pass” you must call in the make, model and license number of the car every night so not to be ticketed by the police.  The number to call is: 358-PARK (7275).

The Village of Oak Park’s website provides may more details on parking regulations as well as having information on privately owned spots or garage spaces that may be available for rent in your neighborhood.

Lastly, OakParkApartments.com’s leasing specialists will be able to answer and help with any specific parking questions you may have depending on where you decide to live.

Go to: http://www.oak-park.us/Living_In_Oak_Park/Living_In_Oak_Park_parking.html for parking details.

Posted in Affordable, Apartment Living, History of Oak Park, Oak Park Apartments, Oak Park Village, Parking, Village of Oak Park | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment