Weidner Cares heads to Utah to make dreams come true with Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids!

On Friday, August 8, our Utah associates took part in their Weidner Cares Day, partnering with Tiny Tim’s Foundation for Kids. Weidner Cares is a company-wide annual program where each of Weidner’s regions spends an entire workday supporting a non-profit in their region as our way of giving back to the communities we operate in.

Tiny Tim’s Foundation is a local nonprofit on a mission to bring joy to children across the globe. The organization creates handcrafted wooden toys, school kits, and hygiene supplies for children in need.

In preparation for the event, Weidner associates donated nearly 200 fully stocked school kits and covered assembly costs for 1,000 toy cars, funding the wood, wheels, paint, oil, sanding, and more. Many of the school kits will be shipped to Zimbabwe, where children are unable to attend school without them. For some, this shipment will include the very first toy they’ve ever received.

On event day, our team rotated through every project station in Tiny Tim’s workshop, producing thousands of cars specially crafted for children worldwide. These included 700 stamped and branded cars, 500 drilled wheel holes, 500 sanded cars, 750 painted happy faces, and 2,500 traced car shapes! All in all, the team managed to make and fully assemble 1,500 cars for children in need around the world.

It was an inspiring day of teamwork, compassion, and craftsmanship, and a reminder that even a small team can make a global difference!

Thank you for your time and dedication, Utah! You’re the best!

The post Weidner Cares Utah – Spreading Joy Across the Globe appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Here are a few ways to maximize your space!

Gallery Wall

Creating a gallery wall is a great way to make your space feel bigger. This won’t create space for storage, but it will add another dimension to your apartment home that will make it feel fuller. Sometimes having a lot of empty space on your walls makes a room feel more confined, and a gallery wall is a great, stylish fix that doesn’t sacrifice floor space!
 

Multifunctional Furniture

Multipurpose furniture offers storage solutions without creating eyesores like storage bins or clutter. A nice storage bench or ottoman could increase the amount of seating in your living room while also serving as a place to keep your extra blankets, remotes, movies, or game console. Using something similar in the designated bedroom area of your home will offer stylish storage for seasonal clothing like scarves, hair and makeup tools, or any seasonal decor items.
 

Hang Shelves As A Cute Storage Solution

You will want to check your lease before hanging your own shelves to make sure that you will not be risking your security deposit. But creating storage space that doesn’t take up floor space is a fantastic way to increase your storage without making your apartment feel too full. You can opt for hanging shelves over a bookcase, placing baskets to store household items you don’t want to see all of the time, plants that don’t require much sunlight, or anything else that you would want on a shelf.
 

Use A Daybed As Your Couch

A big decision to make when moving into a studio apartment is whether you can (or want to) fit a couch and a bed inside. A happy medium is a daybed. This way, you can still have a cute couch with throw pillows and seating for visitors, and you’ll still have a nice cozy bed to crawl into at night.
 

Use The Backs Of Your Doors For Hanging Storage Space

Don’t forget that you can use hanging storage racks on the backs of your doors. You can use one in your bathroom for extra bath products, one in a closet for extra cleaning supplies, and one in your bedroom for shoes, accessories, etc. You can even do this with the inside of your cabinets, but make sure if they stick with adhesive that it won’t cause any damage!
 

Mirrors

Just like the gallery wall, hanging mirrors will make your home feel bigger without taking up floor space. Try strategically hanging them where they give the illusion of more space to make your apartment feel more open and spacious. Try going to a thrift shop to find something that’s both unique and inexpensive!
 

Looking for the best studio apartments in Colorado Springs, CO?

Bristol Square Apartment Homes offers some of the best studio apartments in the Colorado Springs area. With a great variety of amenities, friendly staff, and a pet-friendly community, you are sure to find yourself at home as soon as you arrive. Our apartment community offers great access to local shopping, dining, and entertainment, in addition to local parks. There is truly something for everyone at Bristol Square!

Contact us today to schedule a tour and find out why Bristol Square Apartment Homes is the perfect place for you!

The post How to Maximize Your Space in a Studio Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Just landed the perfect job in Salt Lake City and moving from across the country? Or are you simply looking to switch it up and explore a new place? It’s a good idea to step back and consider the basic steps for finding the perfect apartment before you begin your search. Here are some pro tips to get you started on the right foot.

Identify Top Priorities

Many factors come into play when choosing a new apartment, and if you’re not considering all factors, they can pull you in multiple directions. For example, not having an organized system may land you in a less than desirable space. When starting your apartment search, the first thing to do is select two or three crucial priorities for your new home. These priorities will be different for every individual, so it’s essential to identify them for your specific situation and current lifestyle. Be sure to instill early plans, but don’t worry too much about what circumstances might look like in a year or two.

It can be essential to live near places where potential friends and partners congregate if you're living a single life. Busy individuals may prioritize a short commute and convenient shopping options as well. Those with young children may want to find an apartment community with an on-site playground or pool. Whatever you choose, keep those priorities top of mind during your search.

Consider Your Budget

In general, experts suggest that you should spend no more than 30% of your pre-tax income on rent. Although that percentage could vary depending on your particular financial situation and other goals, it’s a good general rule of thumb to follow. So take a look at your monthly pay stubs and determine your rent limit before you start touring different properties.

However, give extra consideration to the apartments that roll selected or all of your utilities into your monthly rent payment or those that offer amenities that can pare down outside expenses. For instance, if you carry a monthly membership to a fitness center or currently do your laundry at a laundromat, you may be able to eliminate those expenses if your selected apartment offers those services as community amenities. If that’s the case, you may need to do some additional calculations. 

Be Decisive

Once you’ve established your priorities and budget, it should be reasonably apparent which apartment communities best meet your needs. Call to schedule a tour and connect with the leasing consultant about lease options and other details. Once you choose your perfect apartment, be sure to read the fine print, sign your lease, and move in! In some cases, great apartments get snatched up quickly. If you follow these steps, you’ll be ahead of the curve so you can capitalize on a great living opportunity when it presents itself.

Where Can I Find a Perfect Apartment in Salt Lake City?

Salt Lake City, Utah, offers big-city amenities with a small-town feel. Many areas of the community have convenient shopping, entertainment, and dining options nearby. The Ritz Classic Apartment Homes is an excellent option for you to consider. Offering studio, one-, and two-bedroom homes, our community features a wide range of popular amenities like an on-site pool and spa, a modern fitness center, and planned resident activities. Call for more details; we’d love to welcome you home to The Ritz Classic Apartment Homes in Salt Lake City, UT!

The post How to Find the Perfect Apartment in Salt Lake City, UT appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Apartment living has been steadily changing over the last few years, and this transition has been expedited since the global pandemic. Trends have shown that more and more apartment renters are opting for a sprawling apartment with resort-style amenities over the required maintenance and heavy financial obligations that come with a traditional single-family home. But when it comes to selecting the perfect apartment, some renters wonder if a studio or one-bedroom apartment will suffice or if a two-bedroom might be the upgrade they need to match their busy lifestyle.

While studio and one-bedroom apartments have their perks, two-bedroom apartments offer several unsuspecting benefits. Of course, you’ll gain extra closet space and square footage, but that’s not all.

One of the main reasons to upgrade to a two-bedroom is that you typically have more layout and design options with a larger floor plan. Many apartment communities offer more floor plan options for two-bedroom apartments than they do for one-bedrooms and studios. If having more space and configuration options are important to you, a two-bedroom apartment may be the right choice.

But having more options when it comes to layout and design isn’t the only reason it’s a good idea to choose a two-bedroom apartment. Here are four reasons outlining why life is better in a two-bedroom floor plan:

1. Roommates

Apartment communities in or around college towns are notorious for offering sprawling two-bedroom apartments. If you’re a college student moving away from home for the first time, sharing an apartment with a fellow student can be a convenient and cost-effective housing option. A two-bedroom apartment is spacious enough for multiple residents, and the common areas are designed to accommodate up to four people. Sharing a two-bedroom apartment often means splitting utilities’ costs, making it easier and more affordable for college students to live in a modern apartment close to campus.

2. Growing Families

Apartments are an excellent option for families. They offer plenty of space, are usually centrally located, giving you convenient access to the area’s best restaurants, schools, public parks, and retail venues. Modern apartment living is designed for a busy family, and a two-bedroom apartment gives families the extra space they need to feel comfortable instead of crowded. A two-bedroom can accommodate a growing family, and most offer an impressive master suite with a private bathroom, along with an additional bedroom perfect for babies, kids, and teens.

3. Visiting Guests

Once you get settled in your new apartment, chances are you'll want friends and family to come and visit. Instead of putting your visitors up in a hotel, a second bedroom allows you to create a comfortable and private guest room for company. While you may not use this room all the time, it is nice to have the option to accommodate guests when they come into town. If you design strategically, you can double the second room as an office space as well. As working from home has integrated into our “new normal,” having the extra dedicated working space can help you remain focused and organized during work hours. By using a couple of versatile furniture pieces, you can easily change the office into a guest room when visitors come by. Suddenly, you have a multi-functional room that serves many purposes!

4. Diversifying Your Space

Even renters living alone can benefit significantly from living in a two-bedroom apartment. Having that extra room allows you to customize your home and provides more space, convenience, and accommodation for life’s twists and turns. Use the spare bedroom as an office, a yoga studio, a dressing room, or a workout room. An extra bedroom allows you to use each room in your apartment for a specific purpose without feeling cramped or crowded.

If you’re debating whether to get a studio, one-, or two-bedroom apartment, you won’t regret going for the two-bedroom. A two-bedroom apartment offers more layout options, additional space, and provides opportunities to accommodate guests and a growing family. Plus, depending on the location, it can serve as a cost-effective option if you’d like to live with a roommate.

If you're moving to Salt Lake City, schedule a tour of The Ritz Classic Apartment Homes and ask to tour one of our beautifully designed two-bedroom homes. You’ll immediately notice a significant improvement in the use of space and design with our intentional touches like a walk-in closet and vaulted ceilings. The sprawling floor plans range anywhere from 885 to 1,074 square feet, and you’ll live just a few steps away from the community's luxury amenities.

See why life is better in a two-bedroom apartment at The Ritz Classic Apartment Homes!

The post 4 Reasons Why You Need A Two-Bedroom Apartment appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

After a year like 2020, many people are looking at life through a different lens. Achieving the right balance of fulfilling work, living in a community with economic growth, and having various ways to spend free time may have crept a little higher on the personal priority list. Salt Lake City, Utah, often known as “The Gem of the West,” offers an outstanding balance of all these aspects of modern life.

Booming Economy

The opportunities in Salt Lake City attract major divisions and headquarters of companies. Those seeking to find a community full of ambitious professionals will undoubtedly find that in Salt Lake City. According to the 2020 Utah Economic Report to the Governor, Utah has achieved a 3% average job growth rate each year.

As a result, real estate investments have steadily increased in recent years. Purchasing a home in the area can be a wise choice as economic growth promises to continue. The state is in the middle of a five-year plan that outlines a strategy to build long-term affordable housing that is “sustainable, equitable and durable” to keep the local housing market stable. Compared to other major metropolitan areas, the overall cost of living in Salt Lake City is substantially lower.

Ski City

If you love skiing, you will love living in Salt Lake City. Known for having the best quantity and quality of snow in the country, the city sports many world-class resorts just a short drive from home. Spend your free time whooshing down the slopes for many months of the year–it’s a perfect way to stay in shape, relieve stress, and spend time with family and friends.

Entertainment, Recreation, and Shopping, Too!

Over the last five to 10 years, Salt Lake City has seen a great deal of growth in terms of entertainment, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. These days, you can find some fantastic piano clubs and bars to enjoy after a long week at work. The city puts on various concerts at The Depot and seems to welcome new eateries and cafes regularly.

If you’re looking for great activities to do with the family or a group of friends, you might want to arrange a skating outing in the winter or check out summer events at Gallivan’s Center downtown. Be sure to catch a Utah Jazz basketball game hosted at the Vivint Smart Home Arena.

As the new centerpiece of downtown, the City Creek Center features top-of-the-line shopping, a wide range of food options, and a great place to people-watch. Be sure to admire the stream that runs through the center as well as the fire-spewing fountain.

Ready to Relocate?

Pack your bags for Salt Lake City! When you arrive, be sure to visit Bridges Apartment Homes and consider joining our beautiful community. We offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartment homes. Our thoughtfully designed floor plans will suit the needs of singles, couples, and families alike. In addition to an onsite swimming pool and fitness center, Bridges is near popular shopping, entertainment, and restaurants in the area. Give us a call to learn more and schedule a tour today. Bridges Apartment Homes can’t wait to welcome you home to Salt Lake City, UT!

The post Top 3 Reasons to Move to Salt Lake City, UT appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

• Resident birthdays – Sometimes it’s the little things that have the biggest impact. Since it’s a smaller community with just 99 apartments, Carter said it’s possible for her staff to create personal touches, like honoring each resident’s birthday with a card signed by the entire team, and maybe including some candy or flowers to go along with it. “It makes people really happy and that makes us happy,” said Carter.
• Movie room – When you’ve got a state-of-the-art surround-sound theater in your apartment community with a huge screen and comfy couches, it makes it easy to have fun where you live:
  • “We host movie nights, complete with popcorn and beverages, just as an enjoyable thing to do sometimes,” said Carter.  
  • Residents also reserve the theater for movie marathons, video game battles, and TV events – “We have a close group here that reserves a room for ‘Bachelor Night’ where they watch and discuss the show and laugh… a lot. We’ve sprung for pizzas a few times, just to add to the party atmosphere,” said Carter.
• Resident events – Carter makes it a point to host one or two events per month, just to keep the love alive. Some of these have included:
  • Super Bowl party – “We catered the party this year with some great game-day snacks and drinks, and had a nice turnout,” said Carter. “Everyone wants to do it again next year.”
  • Holiday movie marathons – During winter, the staff runs all-day holiday-movie marathons complete with warm drinks and treats.
  • St. Patrick’s Day party – “Can you believe that one of our leasing specialists volunteered to do all the cooking for the party this year? Everyone was thrilled – it was delicious and very much appreciated,” said Carter, adding, “I think that says a lot about how much we truly love working in this community.”
  • Easter Egg hunt – Since Velo on the Boulevard has mostly adult residents, instead of hiding candy, the staff hides plastic eggs containing numbers throughout the property, which the “finders” redeem in the office for a gift card as their prize.
  • Paint and sip – Carter and her team hosted a group painting lesson along with beverages of the burgeoning artists’ choice.
  • Summer BBQ party – Summer is a great time to be outside, and each summer, the residents in this Salt Lake City apartment complex chat while relaxing in the furnished outdoor lounge area, dance to the live music in the courtyard, and enjoy the catered BBQ food provided by the staff.
  • Taco Tuesday – Sometimes, just because it’s Tuesday, Carter and her crew host a Mexican food bar where the residents build their own tacos and chow down while listening to, what else?… Mariachi music, the perfect complement to the lively meals.
  • Pastries and hot chocolate bar – Way south of the border, and sometimes in Salt Lake City too, it gets ridiculously cold, so the staff sometimes surprises and delights residents with hot chocolate (complete with tons of different toppings) and a nice selection of pastries “to warm their day and, hopefully, their hearts,” said, Carter.
  • Breakfast on the go – Commuters in a hurry love this gesture because they can grab a bite and a cup of joe to go and arrive at work fueled up to start their day. Of course, all residents are invited and often partake in the AM treat.
  • Friendsgiving – “This is our favorite event,” said Carter. “We hold this about a week before Thanksgiving, and while we cater the main meal, the residents all bring desserts to share. It’s our most popular party and people talk about it all year long.” With this event, Carter has discovered a Love Note tradition that delights year after year.

 
Carter said she and her staff plan to keep giving Love Notes to their residents all throughout the year for one simple reason: “It’s super fun and all of us really enjoy it!”
 
If you want to live in a great apartment in Salt Lake City with special touches like a gas range and granite countertops that’s centrally located with beautiful mountain views and has a close and active community, contact the staff at Velo on the Boulevard Apartment Homes today to schedule your personal tour to find your perfect new home!
 
(801) 850-9918    

The post Fun, Creative “Love Notes” Bring One Salt Lake City Apartment Community Together appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

1. 24-hour fitness center

Having access to a state-of-the-art fitness center – complete with cardio machines, weights and more – helps renters work out more often due to the convenience, avoid traffic and save on monthly gym fees. Apartment communities that offer extras, like free Wi-Fi access, TVs, and games like ping pong are even more popular.
 
Add a full-size swimming pool for workouts and cooling off on those long, hot summer days – a rarity for apartment complexes located downtown – and you’ve hit the jackpot.
 

2. Online payments and maintenance
   Many renters have moved away from traditional paper documents, instead choosing to receive electronic bank statements and access news online. In addition, they want to avoid writing checks for rent or calling the front office to get something fixed. Being able to pay rent and request maintenance online is a hugely popular option in today’s digital world.

3. Choice of floor plans

An apartment that features an open floor plan can seem bigger and more spacious. Having the kitchen open to the living space can make a home seem friendlier, and it’ll be easier to entertain and keep conversations flowing. Whether you’re solo, have a roommate, or a family, choose an apartment community that offers a variety of one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans so you can find the home that’s perfect for your lifestyle.
 

4. Safety

Everyone deserves to feel safe and comfortable. When viewing apartments, look for features such as controlled access to buildings, a courtesy night security patrol, and a parking garage that can help keep you and your vehicle secure.
 

5. Modern kitchen

The kitchen is one of the main rooms prospective renters are attracted to, and the right amenities can make your apartment look stylish and welcoming. Look for all-black energy-efficient appliances to add a touch of elegance. Also, ask about features including granite countertops, a kitchen island, and breakfast nook to elevate your style of living.
 

6. In-home laundry

Speaking of appliances, the convenience of being able to wash clothes in the comfort of your own home is priceless. If you prefer in-unit connections to hook up your own in-unit washer/dryer, you’re not alone.  
 

7. Storage

Everyone needs adequate space to store bins, clothing and more. Keep this in mind as you ask about spacious walk-in closets, linen closets and spacious cupboards that can help keep your living space clean and free of clutter.
 

8. Pet-friendly community

If you own a dog or cat, you’re in the majority. Choose an apartment community that understands your pet is a part of your family and welcomes them.
 

9. Balcony or patio

On warm sunny days and relaxing summer evenings, a patio or balcony can serve as a wonderful extra room. On colder days, they can still provide scenic views and precious light. Finding the right apartment should include an irresistible outdoor space that’s perfect for relaxing and entertaining.
 

10. Location

This may be the most important factor in deciding on a new apartment. Being in an ideal location means living in a safe neighborhood, with nearby options for dining, shopping and entertainment. It also means having easy access to public transportation, including TRAX, and Interstate 15.
 

Fun things to do in Salt Lake City

If you like to make the most of your off-work hours, consider choosing an apartment close to Salt Lake City's vibrant downtown area – a prime location that allows easy access to the Vivint Smart Home Arena, Temple Square, and Agricultural Park. You can walk to Capitol Hill or eat and shop at City Creek Center.
 
Of course, if you’re an adventure-seeker, Salt Lake City is surrounded by Wasatch Mountain State Park, Flat Top Mountain, Natural Bridges, Mt. Timpanogos, and Twin Peaks, so you’ll be close to these natural playgrounds for hiking, skiing, and many other outdoor activities.
 
We want to hear from you! Are the amenities above on your top-10 list? If not, what did we miss? Let us know what’s important to you.
 
If you’re looking for a great apartment in a prime location with competitive rental prices, contact us today at Bridges Apartment Homes in Salt Lake City. We’re ready to schedule your personal tour so you can find your perfect new home and begin exploring life in this amazing city! 
 
(801) 921-4681

The post Top 10 Popular Amenities for Apartment Hunters in Salt Lake City appeared first on Weidner Apartment Homes Blog.

Wasatch Community Gardens is a nonprofit organization with a mission of "empowering people of all ages and incomes to grow and eat healthy, organic, local food."

The Weidner Cares team of 13 volunteers spent the day at the Grateful Tomato Garden, home to Wasatch Community's youth program. The Youth Program offers underprivileged children the opportunity to grow their own foods, in addition to hosting youth summer camps and after-school programs.

Due to a forecast of rain, the team had to work quickly. Their first project was a large greenhouse which they lime washed, then they sanded and oiled all the exposed wood, including more than 15 benches. Next, the team spread mulch and trimmed back several overgrown trees threatening the greenhouse. The team also rebuilt a decomposing footbridge that goes over a small stream which runs through the garden, adding to the serenity of this beautiful garden. A group of skilled maintenance workers also spent the day constructing a new tool shed for the garden. The shed was constructed from scratch all before the rains came, and will benefit the Grateful Tomato Garden for years to come!

"Wasatch Community Gardens relies on volunteers to oversee the twenty-seven urban agriculture projects that we directly manage. Groups like Weidner who have carpentry and landscaping skills allow us to accomplish projects that would normally be out of our budget," said Ashley Patterson, executive director of Wasatch Community Gardens. "They were a wonderful group of people with terrific attitudes. We hope to get to work with Weidner again!"

 Weidner Cares couldn't be more honored to assist this amazing organization. We're proud of our Utah team and proud of the difference one day can make.

Thank you to Wasatch Community Gardens and to all the volunteers that helped make this project such a great success!

What matters to you, matters to us!

— The Weidner Team