I am woman, hear me roar…

March is Women’s History Month and we at Renaissance Saint Luke are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements women have made in the world throughout history. We honor your tireless efforts to make our world a better place – thank you.

Long before Helen Reddy’s famous song became the de facto anthem for the Women’s Movement, women have been much more than “just a pretty face.”

• Marie Sklodowska Curie, physicist and chemist, the first to isolate pure radium; Marie was born in 1867 in Russian-occupied Poland, and secretly obtained a higher education, which was forbidden to girls in Poland
• Amelia Erhardt, aviator, the first women to be awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross from the Congress of the United States
• Cleopatra, the last Pharaoh of Egypt, a woman who was just as politically savvy and strong-willed as her male rivals 
• Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc), devout believer and soldier, who successfully rallied French troops in the Hundred Years War, leading to Charles VII being crowned king in 1429; she was canonized a saint in 1920
• Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to the US Congress; Jeannette was a rancher’s daughter and a suffragist, elected from Montana in 1916
• Condoleeza Rice, the second female to serve as US Secretary of State, and the first woman (and the first black) to serve as provost for prestigious Stanford University

We could recite legions more: Mother Theresa, humanitarian; Agnes DeMille, choreographer, not to mention the iconic Rosie, the Riveter, who represented the thousands of American women who took off their aprons, moved out of the kitchens and into the factories. Those Rosies built airplanes, munitions and war supplies, keeping America and her allies supplied and moving forward. This was a marked departure for women in America; they took over roles that had been filled almost exclusively by men before the war. 

This has been a very, very short list of women who have made an impact on our world and, in some instances, even changed the course of history.

And let us not forget all of our mothers, the backbone of the family.

A little closer to home, we give a nod to some true Renaissance women. The Renaissance Companies is owned and managed by strong, dynamic females: Nancy Kapp, Chief Executive Officer, and Jeanmarie Kapp, Chief Operations Officer. The majority of the upper management of our company is also made up of bright and dedicated women. We take great pride in that fact. 

Join us by saluting the women in your life, and by taking a few moments to ponder the efforts of women throughout history, many of whom were unrecognized for their deeds, deeds that have been lost in the pages of history.

Think about where we’d be in this world without them.

Blockhead Fitness is right downstairs – what are you waiting for?

Blockhead Fitness is ramping it up, people! Our good friend – and tenant! – is now offering some sweet classes beginning this month. Many of you know the folks who are located in the gorgeous corner space on our first floor. Blockhead was our next-door neighbor for a few years before moving into our building and enlarging operations. Now, they’ve got so much more; you’ve got to check this out! (Here are the deets from the Blockhead brochure.) 

GOLF FITNESS 9:00 AM Sundays 

Golf Fitness is designed around the premise that better athletes make better golfers. In this class, we work to improve flexibility, range of motion, stability, balance, endurance, and power to improve your golf game. We will work on corrective exercises to improve posture and biomechanics to increase efficiency and help reduce injury. Class members will also learn warm up exercises to prepare the body to perform optimally.

INJURY PREVENTION FOR RUNNERS 11:00 AM Sundays

This class will decrease the risk of injuries that runners place on there bodies and it will increase your endurance as an athlete. In this class we work on corrective exercises to improve muscle balance and biomechanics. We also work on core strength and balance for better running economy. Lastly, we focus on functional training to improve finishing strength and overall athleticism.

SHRED 5:30-6:30 AM Mon/Wed/Fri

This is a high intensity, full-hour workout of multiple muscle groups and various forms of exercise techniques. Each training session will never be the same as the last.

YOGA 8:00 AM Saturdays

All levels encouraged! Come and get limber. 

SELF-DEFENSE 9:00 AM Saturdays

Learn the fine points of awareness and how to defend yourself.

Blockhead Fitness Inc.
553-557 W North Ave
Chicago IL 60610
312-573-1950

Please refer to Blockhead’s website for more details – and stop in to visit them after you’ve been in to see what amazing apartment homes we have at Renaissance North!

Cory

A PROUD SALUTE TO OUR VETERANS

We value and honor our active-duty military and all of our veterans. As the home of some of Chicago’s 55 and better citizens, Renaissance Saint Luke has veterans from all branches of the armed forces. We don’t wait until Veteran’s Day or Memorial Day to show them how special they are to us. We try to remember every day.

As a special thank you, we offer a Military Special to our applicants. For veterans and active-duty military members, we waive your application fee and cut the required security deposit by 50%! (proof of your service is required) 

This is just a small way for us to say, “Thank you for your service,” and to make your next housing choice a little easier.  Whether you’re an active-duty warrior or, in the case of our residents at Renaissance Saint Luke, a proudly-retired veteran, we want you to know how much we value your service to our country.

Check out all our beautiful housing options, located throughout the Chicagoland area and also in Davenport, Iowa.

Remember, whether you’re active-duty military or a veteran, The Renaissance Companies SALUTES YOU!

Staying Smart – and Safe – In Wicker Park

Ever need to get from point A to point B by foot in Chicago? Of course you do. It’s such a pedestrian city, and especially in Wicker Park when there’s so much to do within walking distance, it’s easy to do errands on foot. 

Many of us have lived in Chicago for so long, that we take for granted the fact that we safely make this trip on a regular basis, and that we know how to handle ourselves in public. But does it ever hurt to have a refresher course on how to act and what to wear in public to make sure we’re not the victims of a crime?

Last month, Wicker Park Renaissance residents were treated to a special presentation all about personal safety. Our instructor was Brian Milich of the Cook County Sheriff’s Department. We had a lively back and forth conversation with Brian about what to do and not do in public to keep ourselves safe. Since these apply to just about everyone no matter where we live, here’s some of the helpful tips that Brian was able to share:

• Be alert!  Always be paying attention to your surroundings. Having your face buried in a phone-screen probably isn’t the best way to be aware of your surroundings, so put the phone away unless you absolutely need it.
• Walk confidently, and make eye-contact with strangers. We may not want to look strangers directly in the eyes, but it is a way of letting people know, “I’m here, I know my surroundings, and I know what I’m doing.” People who want to rob you don’t want to know that you have confidence.
• Travel with a friend or in a group if possible. It’s not always possible to walk in the buddy  system, but whenever it is, it’s a good idea. One versus two or three, or more, create odds that a perpetrator does not like.
• If you are attacked or robbed, note as many details of the criminal as possible. This may seem like common sense, but when you give a description of your attacker to the police, it’ll be easier for them to narrow down possible suspects if they have more than “he had black hair and was a little taller than me.” Does the person have any visible scars? Is he wearing a particular type of hat? If he spoke, was there anything distinguishing about his voice?
• Don’t flash cash or wear flashy jewelry. It’s pretty simple: if a robber can see what he’ll be getting, he’ll be more likely to go after you than someone whose possessions are less known.
• Never leave your purse unattended, even for a moment. First of all, it’s best not to bring a purse with you if not absolutely necessary (only bring necessary items like keys and a wallet if possible). However, if you do have a purse with you, never take your eyes off of it. The best example is at the grocery store: many ladies will put the purse in the child seat of the shopping cart, and then turn their back on it as they pick an item off the shelf.  That could be just enough time for someone to come by and swipe the purse.

Of course, these are only a few suggestions to keep yourself safe when out in public. So many things are common sense; just remember to be aware of your surroundings, and aware of your possessions at all times.

I know there are definitely some WPR residents who will be far more aware now that they’ve had a refresher course in safety!

Yoga comes to Renaissance Saint Luke – and you should, too

Here at Renaissance Saint Luke, we’re starting the New Year right with the help from a friendly neighborhood company, Ganesha Yoga and Adventures in Fitness. 

Ganesha will be providing our residents with FREE yoga classes every Monday starting this month! Certified yoga instructor Jane Musgrave will be leading the classes. Ganesha was founded in 2008 by two friends who were determined to get healthy and in shape, and needed each other to make it happen. The result is a very successful school that is bringing its expertise to our very own RSL.

It will be exciting to see our residents participate and gain some helpful tools to remain young, healthy and flexible. We’re betting they’ll also be happy to be a part of this great community.

You can be part of the yoga group, if you come to live at Renaissance Saint Luke. Why not?

 

Thinking about the QC? Well, you should.

Two years ago I moved to the Quad Cities, not knowing what to expect. Ever since I graduated from college I’ve lived and worked in much larger metropolitan cities such as New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. If someone had told me I would be living in the Quad Cities area at this time in my life, I would not have entertained the thought and would have asked what and where are the Quad Cities.

Times can change, and reasons can change. Having now lived on the Iowa side of the Quad Cities, I’ve learned that Davenport is a great city to call home. When I was considering the move to Davenport, high on my list were the Mississippi riverfront and the beautiful bridges that light up the night; these were major attractions for me; icing on the cake was my desire to be closer to family in the area.

Now I find myself encouraging folks to come to the QC. Whether you’re moving across country or just stopping by for a weekend getaway, it’s time for you to meet Davenport. So pull up a chair and take a virtual ride with me along the riverfront.

In the city of Davenport we have two main universities: Saint Ambrose, located just a few blocks away, and nearby Palmer College of Chiropractic. Palmer has a unique place in history; it’s where the first chiropractic adjustment took place. I bet you didn’t know that! Several renowned music festivals take place in Davenport each year, including the Mississippi Valley Blues Festival, the Mississippi Valley Fair, and the Bix Beiderbecke Memorial Jazz Festival. Plus, for you physical fitness aficionados, the internationally known seven mile (11 km) foot race called the Bix 7 runs during the festival.

Davenport has a Class A minor league baseball team, the QC River Bandits. We’ve also got 27 parks and over 12 miles (19 km) of recreational paths for biking or walking. You can definitely get some definition living here! We have our own ballet company and city orchestra, a wonderful year-round farmer’s market, the Figgie Art Museum and other local art museums, music concerts, street festivals, local business coffee shops, and many other “big city entertainment items.” We also have the entire Mississippi riverfront, which you can experience up close and personal, whether it is visiting the many parks along the river, dining at restaurants along the water, experiencing a boat ride down the river, or simply viewing the Big Muddy from a high-rise window.

And… drumroll, please.. we also have the eagles (no, not the famous rock group, but the actual majestic bird that represents the USA). You can spot them near the river.

Davenport has a declining crime rate and a low rate of unemployment, and was ranked as the most affordable metropolitan area in 2010 by Forbes. In 2012, Davenport and the QC metropolitan area were ranked among the fastest-growing areas in the nation in high-tech job growth. We’re on the move upward!

So, I invite you to put the QC on your bucket list of places to visit, or better yet, live and be a part of history through the redevelopment of its cities and neighboring communities. During your visit, be sure to stop by and see us at The Taylor Renaissance, a beautifully restored registered piece of history in the west side of the city of Davenport. Even more exciting, Renaissance is growing in the QC, too, and we’re finishing our sister property, The Jackson Renaissance. It’s another piece of renovated, registered historic building site. You have to see the properties to appreciate our unique presence in the city, and what an impact we’re having in Davenport’s neighborhoods.

Some of the seniors living with us had heard about the renovation of the schools, and have told us their stories of being students, and some even teaching at Taylor and Jackson. Our company had a vision to offer an alternative to QC seniors, by providing beautiful rental homes designed to work with those seniors on a limited income. We represent the smart option in the QC.

Walk through the halls of the old schools, and see the architectural beauty come alive again. Each classroom is now a luxurious, affordable apartment home, and you’ll marvel at this adaptive reuse.

Come see for yourselves; Davenport and the Renaissance properties are truly a great place to live!

Jean S, Site Manager
The Taylor Renaissance
The Jackson Renaissance

Renaissance North is on TARGET to be the best place to live ever!

Hey, Ren North-ers!

Here’s a preview of the TARGET opening this year just four blocks from Renaissance North. Can you believe it? You thought it was already the best place to live in Old Town. Now we’ve got a big-box retailer two  minutes from us!

Designs for the three-story building, unveiled by Target representatives at the hearing on July 21st, include a 318-space internal parking garage, a lock-up area for 50 bicycles, plans for widened sidewalks along Division, a green roof and perimeter landscaping on the property. The building will also contain a 35,000-square-foot warehouse space on the third level.

Target is just one of the big retailers moving into our area. You’ve got to come check us out at Ren North and find out more reasons why it’s THE place to live in Old Town.

It’s arty and fun in the Ren West neighborhood

We love our residents here at Renaissance West, and one thing we always enjoy is unearthing their many hidden talents.

We have recently discovered a gifted painter in our midst. The name of our present-day Picasso is Datel Rios. Drawing, animation, painting, sculpting, and jewelry making have been his loves since he was a child.

Datel attended Columbia College here in Chicago, where he earned his BA in Fine Arts. In  his free time he can often be found working on multiple new projects, where he’s always looking to create something original and inspiring. He aspires to learn and grow as an artist. 

Datel has a portfolio of work, and if you are interested in viewing and/or purchasing any of his pieces, you can contact him via email.

Datel would like to one day open an art gallery here in Logan Square. I must say that’s a fabulous idea! Logan Square has been mentioned by reporters and bloggers as the best neighborhood for affordability and a runner-up for best neighborhood for culture, diversity, and nightlife. There’s an array of new eateries, pubs, coffeehouses, cafés and clothing shops, along with a grassroots arts movement.

I happened to stumble across a quote that I believe describes our Ren West location perfectly: “Logan Square has many attractive features, including wide park-like boulevards, a unique mix of housing types, public transportation, bike and walking paths, progressive local shops and a really cool vibe. The convenience of two Logan Square blue line stops makes it a destination for those wanting to get more for their money.” Courtesy of Greg Whelan at Redfin.

I’m a local Logan Squarist, and I love that I am able to work and play in a neighborhood so richly influenced by art and culture. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, and you’re a frequent visitor of one of our local venues or vendors and happen to inevitably fall in love with all things Logan Square, consider becoming a part of our Renaissance West community.

For more leasing information for our lovely studio apartments feel free to contact us at 773-862-2500 or check out our other grand locations at our website.

You Can’t Spell Party Without “Art”

Living here at Wicker Park Renaissance, there certainly isn’t a lack of fantastic things to do, especially with the amazing art scene in the neighborhood. Artists began the renaissance of this gorgeous area back in the late seventies and early eighties. 

Something that our residents can enjoy happens each month: the Wicker Park/Bucktown First Fridays, presented by The Flat Iron Artists’ Association.  On the first Friday of each month, the WP/B area comes alive with a unique celebration of the arts.  As their own website states, “it’s a pARTy and everyone is invited.”  And for the budding artist that is likely living here at Wicker Park Renaissance, it’s a chance to get inspired by other local artists. You go!

Come on out and join us. Spend part of the first Friday evening of the month from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the historic Flat Iron Arts Building at 1579 N. Milwaukee Avenue, a mere block away from Wicker Park Renaissance, where we can explore two floors of art displayed in the intimate setting of over three-dozen resident artists’ studios and living spaces.  Also included each month is a selection of guest artists exhibiting in the building’s common areas, as well as impromptu performances throughout the evening.  And many of the studios also offer refreshments, which is never a bad thing, right?

In addition to all this, special guest artists are featured in the FIAA Gallery and Cultural Center on the second floor of the Flat Iron Building.  You’ll also find literature and special offers from the dozens of WP/B businesses participating in the First Friday events.

Is it possible to see everything in just one visit?  Nope.  But the best part is that you don’t have to.  The Flat Iron Building is so close to home, and while there is a suggested donation to First Friday, there is no true “admission price” to the event, so all of us can keep coming back for more arts and fun! But, do be sure to consider dropping something in the pot.

‘Tis the giving season

It was an exceptionally happy Christmas here at TRC! We were lucky enough to once again take part in Toys For Tots, joining the US Marines to make kids smile at Christmas.  Look at all the great stuff we collected! 

You just know the Marines get the job done. Their goal is to “deliver, through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders.” Well, based on our boxes, we’re going to have a few new leaders pretty soon!

This year, I am happy to report that we collected and donated approximately 150 brand new toys for this very worthy cause. Hey, give our team members a big salute! Thanks, all you Renaissance folks!

Way to go team – happy new year!