Supporting Local, Even From a Distance

The pandemic disrupted all of our lives by forcing us to abruptly pivot in our day-to-day routines. Lockdowns and social distancing measures have been critical to stopping the spread of COVID-19, but came at the cost of tough financial and economic hits for many individuals, families and most certainly, small local businesses. Because #TeamMilhaus is committed to our residents, we also are deeply invested in these unique one-of-a-kind local businesses that make our neighborhoods such fantastic places for our residents to live.  

Local businesses mean so much to the vitality of our cities and our properties wanted to do their part to show their support. From OKC to St. Pete, our team’s Property Manager’s partnered with local businesses to spread a bit of love, cheer and a new kind of togetherness with residents.

Jessica Stanley, LIFT

Jessica has managed LIFT in Oklahoma City for four years. To bring a little love and support to LIFT’s residents and the local community, the team worked with a local floral company, Floral and Hardy, to purchase 330 individual flowers to put on each resident’s front door. This simple action both supported a local business and provided something small to brighten everyone’s day. The gesture was appreciated as multiple residents gave thanks for the small surprise.

Kelly Weems, Artistry St. Pete

Kelly has managed Milhaus properties for two years, most recently joining the Artistry St. Pete team in 2020. St. Petersburg, Florida, is a very “shop local” city, and the property wanted to give back and show its support to the community. Artistry St. Pete recently welcomed its first residents and is offering $100 gift cards from a pool of local businesses for new residents to choose from when they move in. The gift cards include everything from breweries and restaurants to clothing stores, barbers, hairdressers, and more.

The businesses are excited and appreciative that the property is supporting them directly, and prospective residents have shared their gratitude, as well. More new residents are moving in shortly, and Kelly and her staff are excited to see the reactions to the great local businesses they can visit.

Rachel Keller, Marcato

Rachel has managed Milhaus properties for two years and has managed Marcato in Kansas City for a year. When the pandemic hit, Rachel thought of her residents first. Then, she thought local. She wanted to engage with her residents and show them “we are in this together” during COVID-19.

Marcato reached out to Sol Cantina, a Mexican restaurant located in the Martini Corner. The general manager created an apartment community-specific coupon for all residents and provided residents with individually packed bags of chips and salsa for Cinco de Mayo. Marcato also partnered with a local trivia group, KC Crew, for residents to participate in a Marcato-wide trivia contest. The trivia winners received a $20 gift card to Sol Cantina, Brickhouse, Ollies, Underdog Wine, and Filling Station Coffee - all local favorites in Kansas City.

As a result, Rachel has seen more resident engagement, especially with residents giving her ideas on how she can keep supporting local. The response from both residents and business owners has been “fabulous!”

Aaron Smith, Vim + Vigor

Aaron manages Vim + Vigor in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and has been with Milhaus for over a year and a half. The team wanted to find a way to help their residents make healthy shopping decisions in a convenient way, so Vim + Vigor partnered with Larry Ville Gardens to host a weekly farmers market in their courtyard. This has provided a convenient option for residents to purchase fresh, local produce just steps from their homes. Additionally, with COVID-19 restrictions, many public markets are still not open, so this gives both the residents and LarryVille Gardens an alternative to a public market.

The Vim + Vigor residents have been thrilled to support a local business and look forward to continuing their “courtyard farmers market” in the weeks to come.

Katie Hudson, Pinnex, 747 and Edge 35

Katie manages Pinnex, 747 and Edge 35 in Indianapolis. She has managed Pinnex and 747 for a little over two years and has managed Edge since it opened in November 2019.

In May, Katie helped set up a virtual bingo tournament for all three properties that highlighted the history of Pinnex and Edge. The winners of the tournament were awarded a $10 gift card to their favorite local establishment. In June, they did a virtual “Skittles counting contest” where residents guessed the number of Skittles in a jar for a chance to win an Upland Brewing Co. gift card.

Residents have been very appreciative and responsive to interactive virtual games and gift cards. Katie and her teams are working on increasing their partnerships with local businesses and have started reaching out virtually to residents more than ever before.

Meagan Smith, The MK

Meagan has been managing The MK in Indianapolis since January 2020.

During the coronavirus, the office staff has been ordering meals from local restaurants and featuring them on their social media platforms to encourage residents to support local, too. Now that it’s warmer outside, The MK is planning to have local food trucks come to the property and share their food and products with residents right outside their doors.

Just like the other properties across the country and Milhaus as a whole, The MK knows the importance of supporting local vendors during these unprecedented times. The team wants to make sure these great local establishments can continue to thrive in the neighborhood for years to come. Residents have been excited to support and try new and local food, and the businesses have appreciated the effort, as well. They know The MK will continue to support them during the pandemic and long after.

Milhaus is passionate about supporting local and enhancing unique neighborhoods. Are you? Come join our team!