Get Cleaning!

Posted on April 10, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com feels spring in the air and knows that one of this seasons “rituals” is the “spring clean”.

Here are some quick tips to make the job go quick so you can get outside and enjoy!

  • First de-clutter.  Go through closets and cabinets and donate items you no longer use.
  • Go from room to room and set some goals: is the overstuffed medicine cabinet driving you crazy??? – Well put it on your list to sort, pitch and organize!
  • Check your goal list and then stock up on necessary cleaning supplies – if one of your goals is to clean the stove then having the right supplies can make the task easy and quick.  (FYI: white vinegar is an excellent, natural, environmentally friendly cleaning agent that can be used on many surfaces.)
  • Start cleaning in one room or on one task (window washing, for example) and see it through.  You will get a great sense of accomplishment when you have finished!
  • For a detailed room by room checklist go to: http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/cleaning101/a/springclnngguid.htm

Now crack open your windows to let in the fresh spring air, turn on your favorite music to get you motivated and get cleaning!


Posted in Apartment Care, Apartment Living, Fun, Oak Park Apartments, Weekend, environmentally sustainable living | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Chicago Is At Your Fingertips When You Live In Oak Park!

Posted on April 5, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com likes living near our fine city of Chicago.  There are so many lively, cultural, fun & free activities that go on in this fabulous city all year long!

From concerts in Millennium Park, fireworks at Navy Pier, an assortment of museums (many which have free days/times), Lincoln Park Zoo (which is always free!), music (can you say Jazz, blues, reggae or rock- Chicago’s got it all), the lakefront, sporting events (today is the Cubs opener!), theater productions, festivals, fun & always, food!

Chicago has a lot to offer and by living in Oak Park you have easy access to all that fun while being more affordable and not having the hassles of city parking.  (Yes, Oak Park’s parking has its eye roll moments but it is not even close to the hassle or cost of Chicago.)

So while living in Oak Park you can have easy access by car, train, “L” or even bike to our great neighbor, The City of Chicago!

Go to the link for some details and other links that will help you take full advantage of Chicago: http://chicagofree.info/2010/01/21/fun-things-to-do-in-downtown-chicago/

Posted in Affordable, Chicago, Fun, Oak Park Apartments, Parking, Transportation, Village of Oak Park, Weekend | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Oak Park Awarded “Tree City” Designation, 28 Years In A Row!

Posted on April 3, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com is proud of its village, Oak Park.

Why are we proud, you ask?  Because for the 28th year in a row Oak Park has been awarded the designation of “Tree City”.

The Tree City USA program is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation along with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.  This award is based on the “practices, principles and procedures” that ensure the maintenance of “the health of our urban forest”.

OakParkApartments.com would like to express appreciation to all the forestry staff who work hard caring for over 18,000 parkway trees and adding to the value of our village!

To find out reasons why becoming a “Tree City” matters follow the link to the Arbor Day Foundation’s website: http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCityUSA/reasons.cfm

Posted in Oak Park Public Works, Oak Park Village, Sustainability, Village of Oak Park, environmentally sustainable living | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Get Ready To Pack!

Posted on March 29, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com knows that moving can be stressful.  Whether you are moving into or out of one of OakParkApartments.com’s apartments we would like to help make that day a little easier.

A way to make your move as smooth as possible is to follow these packing tips to ensure you are organized and your belongings get to your new place, intact!

  • Stock up on packing supplies.
  • Have an assortment of boxes on hand – all shapes and sizes will be helpful.
  • Purchase plenty of clear packing tape – you will go through tape faster then you might expect and scotch tape just won’t do!
  • In order to protect what is in your boxes have a variety of filler – newspaper (either shredded or full sheets to wrap breakables), towels, sheets, blankets (all free ways of protecting your things), and finally, you can purchase packing peanuts and/or bubble wrap if you need additional filler supplies.
  • The sooner you start packing the better.
  • Pack away seldom used items and off season clothes first.
  • Pack a few boxes a day so you do not get overwhelmed.
  • Get out your Sharpie and make sure to label your boxes.
  • List items on the outside of the box.
  • Organize your boxes by room – i.e.: bathroom - towels, shower curtain & rings,bath rugs, etc… this technique will be especially helpful when you are unpacking!
  • Pack heavy items in smaller boxes so they are easy to lift and carry.
  • Do not seal your boxes until you are close to your moving date – you never know when you might need that winter coat – it is the midwest you know!
  • As you get closer to your move pare down to the absolute essentials – a week’s worth of clothes, toiletries, few kitchen necessities, bedding and towels – all the rest can be packed and ready for moving day.
  • When you start taping boxes shut make sure to reinforce boxes that are heavy!
  • Lastly, a good idea is to pack an “Open First” box.  Items that should be included are: important paperwork, medications, toiletries, 1 set of sheets, 1 set of towels, scissors (to help open other boxes), first aid kit, pajamas, change of clothes, & an alarm clock.
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How To Get Your Security Deposit Back!

Posted on March 27, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com, like all other management companies, requires a security deposit as a part of the terms of a tenant lease.

But what OakParkApartments.com really wants is to make sure you get that deposit back at the end of your lease agreement.

Why?  Because we want you to be happy and we want our apartments to be in good condition – less work for our “make-ready” crew plus chances are that apartment will be able to be re-rented quickly.  A win, win for all involved.

So here’s what you have to do as a tenant:

  • When you move in take note of existing problems.
  • Take pictures of your apartment – this is a good memory tool for both the tenant and the management company – plus its easy to do with today’s digital cameras.
  • If there are repairs that need to be done then notify our maintenance service and complete an online work order request. (Here’s a link: http://www.mastercarebuildingservices.com/ )
  • Ask for a copy of the maintenance log for your records.
  • When paying your deposit do not pay in cash, check or money order are preferred – ask for a receipt.
  • When your lease is up and a move date is scheduled it is time to thoroughly clean.
  • Remember to clean inside as well as the exterior surfaces of your refrigerator & freezer, stove, microwave, countertops, sink, floors, toilet, tub, cabinets and floors – it will make a difference in ensuring you get your full deposit returned.
  • Schedule an appointment for an inspection with an OakParkApartments.com representative for a time after your belonging have been moved, where an inspection report will be completed and signed.
  • Turn in your apartment keys.
  • Provide a forwarding address so that your security deposit can be mailed to your new address – you can expect that check between 30 – 45 days with applicable interest rates applied.

Know that OakParkApartments.com strives for customer satisfaction, understands that normal daily wear and tear is different than true apartment damage and will return your security deposit if all terms of the lease have been met.

Posted in Apartment Living, Moving, Oak Park Apartments | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Who Started Apartment Living Anyway?

Posted on March 22, 2012 by admin

Oak Park is a community rich with history and OakParkApartments.com likes to highlight our history.  This got us wondering about the history of apartment buildings, that being our business and all, and the search led us all the way back to ancient Rome.

Yes, we can thank the Romans for the creation of multi-family dwellings.  Back in 1st century BC populations were growing, land was valuable, the workers that were the backbone of village existence had to live close by and living had to be affordable. (Some things never change!)

So out of necessity the Romans developed the insula (Italian for apartment)  - these buildings were usually designed around an open courtyard with most apartments being three stories high and shops were part of the ground level.  (Once again, sounds familiar!)

These ancient apartments were built of brick with little attention to interior detail, soon the “insula” became the most common form of housing in Rome and by the 4th century apartments actually outnumbered private homes by more than 25 to 1.

Not all ancient apartment buildings were built to last (yes ancient construction could be “shoddy” too) so, with public safety in mind, Rome established the first building codes – regulating such things as the thickness of walls, the quality of building materials and construction height. (And again we see how history parallels!)

So Oak Parkers – just look at your own “Oak Park” apartment and see the influence of ancient Rome on today’s modern living – really not so different – o.k., we are really glad to have toilets, heat, and electricity…. those are all good “upgrades” to ancient Rome living!

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Apartment Container Gardens

Posted on March 20, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com is feeling spring in the air.  The warm temperatures and budding trees are giving us the gardening itch.

Yes, we know that this is the midwest and next week could bring snow but the weather we are experiencing has us eternally optimistic.

So as a renter, with no land to call your own, you may think that you need to silence your inner gardener.

Ah, but alas, you would be wrong!

For those who might be in a land challenged situation the word around OakParkApartments.com would be containers!

Flowers, vegetables or herbs – all can be grown quite successfully in a container.

Most of OakParkApartments.com’s buildings have back porches.  These areas are great for starting a container garden.

First, you need to determine how much sun, if any, the area will get.  Even if your porch is shaded all day you can add some shade loving plants to a container to help bring the “outdoors in” as Oak Park’s favorite architect, Frank Lloyd Write, liked to say.

After you’ve  determined the amount of sun your porch receives the next steps are easy and fun.  

Purchased containers or recycled household items like coffee cans, baskets or even an old colander – can make a successful container for your garden.

Next, make a trip to your local garden center or Home Depot for supplies – soil, tools, plants – just take a look at the plant information stake for general planting, watering and sun requirements regarding the plants you choose.

For some more detailed container gardening tips check out this youtube video:

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Saving Some Green by Living in Oak Park

Posted on March 15, 2012 by admin

With the price of gas soaring, OakParkApartments.com believes that living in Oak Park is part of a solution to keeping your transportation costs manageable.

Oak Park is a community that is located within half an hour of so many places – downtown Chicago, O’Hare or Midway Airports, sports entertainment, multiple suburbs, shops, restaurants, theatres, hospitals, schools & universities as well as being an easy commute to any job!

A study was conducted in 2000 by the Center for Neighborhood Technology and The Surface Transportation Policy Project that stated, “Oak Park residents have the lowest estimated transportation costs of any suburb in the Chicago region, due to its location, design, and access to transportation options.”

Between Oak Park’s many public transportation options like, the Metra, Blue and Green elevated trains, CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) and multiple PACE bus routes this community provides easily accessible as well as affordable commuting options.

Not only are there many public transportation choices, but Oak Park is a very walkable and bike friendly community, so the need to jump in a car to run an errand or go out to dinner is not necessary! If you don’t own a bike you can rent one from Oak Park’s own GreenLine Wheels!

There are times when only a car will fit your transportation needs.  Well, Oak Park even has a solution for those times, in the form of I-Go car sharing.  This service provides eco-friendly, self access cars that are reserved and rented on an hourly bases with a location right here in Oak Park!

So even though those gas prices are soaring, as an “Oak Parker” you can feel a little more “gr$$n” being left in your wallet just by living in this great community!

Go to the following links to help better plan your transportation needs: http://www.transitchicago.com/

http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home.html

http://www.pacebus.com/default.asp

http://www.igocars.org/about/

http://www.greenlinewheels.com/page/bike-rental

Posted in Affordable, Apartment Living, Oak Park Village, Sustainability, Transportation, Village of Oak Park, environmentally sustainable living | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Calling All Artists, Calling All Artists….

Posted on March 13, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.com heard that the Oak Park Arts District is putting the word on the street that they are accepting applications for artists for their annual “What’s Blooming on Harrison” festival on Saturday, May 19th.

This one day, family friendly festival was started back in 1999 by the Arts District.  The Arts District had such success with their autumn “Art on Harrison” festival that they decided to mimic the event in the spring – well, 13 years later and OakParkApartments.com can vouch for both the success of “What’s Blooming on Harrison” as well as the success of the Arts District in general.

OakParkApartments.com, having both residential and commercial properties in the Arts District, knows how passionate these owners are about their work and so we want to help support their efforts by spreading the word about the fun that happens on Harrison Street!

Check out “What’s Blooming on Harrison” or just go visit the Arts District on your own – you are sure to find a truly unique and special area of Oak Park.

If you are an artist or vendor who wants to participate in “What’s Blooming on Harrison go to: http://www.oakparkartsdistrict.com/?page_id=326 and register online.

Posted in Harrison Street, Oak Park Arts District, Small Business, Support Local Business, Weekend | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Forest Park Style

Posted on March 8, 2012 by admin

OakParkApartments.c♣m wants everyone to start getting their Irish on and the best way to start out your St. Paddy’s Day fun is right in Forest Park.

The Forest Park Parade has been growing in popularity each year and has become one of the largest parades in the western suburbs. Over 70 groups will be participating this year – including several bagpipe bands, marching bands, local businesses, Medinah Shriner’s Mini Choppers, the Roaring 57′s and Clown Units, area police and fire vehicles, floats, Irish Dancers, Forest Park Dog Park, Toys for Tots, candy and more. The parade starts at 1pm with a route along Madison Street.

When the parade is done you can continue your festivities on Madison Street at one of the lively Irish pubs, like Molly Malone’s, where you can be entertained by Irish music and dancers throughout the day and have a great authentic Irish meal while your at it.

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