Living Spaces 2009

Volume One’s

RENTAL LIVING SPECIAL SECTION Sample from 2009 (turn the page)

Putnam Heights “BEHIND SHOPKO”

L I V I N G

Predominant Rental Units:

Mostly apartments, some townhouses and duplexes

Predominant Renters:

Lots of out-of-college folks, some young families, students, and retirees

Nearby amenities:

Ron’s Castle Foods, Shopko, a ton of restaurants, a few shops, a hospital, athletic fields, and indoor athletic facility

Bike/Walkability:

OK. A bike trail and shopping plaza just around the corner, plus a few parks, but must contend with heavy traffic of Clairemont

Active Neighborhood Association?: No

S C

P E

A S

Downtown “NOT WATER ST”

Predominant Rental Units:

Several apartment buildings, snazzy loft apartments, apartments above businesses, some duplexes, and some single-family homes

Predominant Renters:

Lots of college students and young professionals

Nearby amenities:

A RENTAL LIVING GUIDE TO HELP YOU GET WHERE YOU NEED TO BE Assembled by Jenna Campbell + Trevor Kupfer Images by Andrea Paulseth + Jeff McCabe Design by Brian Moen

Tons of shops and restaurants, both rivers, a library, movie theater, and a hospital nearby

Bike/Walkability:

Mind-blowing. Tons of trails along the rivers and over bridges, a transit center, and several parks within a mile.

Active Neighborhood Association?: Technically not

of its own. Four neighborhoods split up downtown.

INSIDER INFO It’s really up and coming, and it’s kind of exciting to be so close to all of the action.

– JESSICA BEHRENDT, OWNER OF ISABELLE & CO.

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East Side Hill “EAST HILL”

Predominant Rental Units:

Some apartment buildings and condos (Boyd Elementary), but mostly duplexes and single-family homes

Predominant Renters:

A big mix of people, from a few college students to a ton of young middle-class families and elderly

Nearby amenities:

Sandwiched between downtown and 53, so lots of shops, grocers, and restaurants nearby. A sledding hill, outdoor ice rink, and diverse churches.

Bike/Walkability:

Very good. A handful of parks/playgrounds, a few cemeteries, lots of schools in walking distance, two big trails and a few bridges, access to Eau Claire River, all of which overlooks historic downtown.

Active Neighborhood Association?: Yes.

It is currently working with the city to restore older single-family homes, improve parks, and prepare for the construction of Hastings Way, which may bring a third bike trail.

INSIDER INFO I love the East Hill. It’s as diverse as Eau Claire gets based on age, socio-economic status. … It’s close to everything. The homes are modest and mostly well kept. It’s quiet, safe, and family friendly. If anyone can find a place around here, I would recommend it!

– ERIC RASMUSSEN, MEMORIAL HIGH ENGLISH TEACHER

I am biased, but I love the East Side Hill neighborhood. It is a mix of professionals, working class, and eccentrics; and a mix of elderly, young families, and young single people. I think its diversity of people make it an awesome place, which is only enhanced by its fantastic location, historic neighborhoods, and great parks and schools, and worship facilities. Its bikeability and walkability are unmatched, and it is still an affordable place to live for all people.

– GINA KEENAN

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Randall Park Neighborhood

The North Side

“THE STUDENT GHETTO”

“THE PLANETS”

Predominant Rental Units: Single-family homes

Nearby amenities:

A handful of chain eateries, grocers nearby, the airport, and two sledding hills

Active Neighborhood Association?: No

Predominant Renters:

Out of college-aged, and family starters

Bike/Walkability:

OK. Limited trails, but tons of schools in walking/biking distance, a few parks, plus near Dells Pond and The Wells (skiing, hiking)

INSIDER INFO The best thing about the North Side is The Wells – a huge hiking area that most people don’t know about. Also, the people are down-to-earth.

There are more Packer flags and deer hanging from trees on the North Side compared to other parts of town.

– KEN SZYMANSKI, SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHER

Predominant Rental Units:

Duplexes, quadplexes, older single-family homes, some loft apartments above businesses, some apartment buildings, some townhomes

Predominant Renters:

Hordes of college students, some retired folks, a few families

Nearby amenities:

Tons of bars, shops, restaurants, and historic churches.

Proximity to downtown, campus, and a hospital

The Third Ward “BY CAMPUS”

Bike/Walkability:

Fantabulous. A bike trail and the Chippewa River border it on one side, with Carson Park and Half Moon Lake on the other, and Randall and Owen parks smack dab in the middle

Active Neighborhood Association?: Yes.

They’re currently involved the continued battles that are the Eau Claire County Jail and getting students to clean up their yards.

INSIDER INFO It’s just a really nice, friendly, family-oriented neighborhood. We just kind of fell into the neighborhood … and we really enjoy it.

– DEB LEWIS, PARTNERSHIP COORDINATOR AT LAKESHORE SCHOOL

Oakwood Hills “OUT BY THE MALL” Predominant Rental Units:

Lots of historic homes, some duplexes, and a few apartment buildings

Predominant Renters:

Tons of older folks, students, and professors, but increasingly more families and young professionals

Nearby amenities:

Just Local Food, a community garden, proximity to downtown shops/eateries, and right on campus

Bike/Walkability:

Awesome. Between here and the nearby campus and downtown, there’s several parks and trails, plus the river and all the historic beauty.

Lots of nice apartments and duplexes, all quite new

Predominant Renters:

All demographics, from college students and young families to middle-aged couples and elderly

Active Neighborhood Association?: Yes. Currently trying to reclassify Thorp Drive as a national landmark district.

INSIDER INFO

Nearby amenities:

The mix of architecture and the ever-changing demographic are what make this place great. … I feel lucky to be there.

– STAN CARPENTER, THIRD WARD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

Predominant Rental Units:

Oakwood Mall, tons of chain restaurants, and Borders

Bike/Walkability:

Eh. A few nearby bike trails, close to transit lines, and very few parks

Active Neighborhood Association?: No VolumeOne.org 34 Nov. 12, 2009

Southeast Side

ONLINE OBSERVATION

“OUT BY TARGET”

Students develop rental living database on the web Constructively using frustration from their own off-campus living experiences, local college students Andrew Tarcon and Brett Stapper have launched a national website called HomeJotter.com to help others avoid some of the same headaches.

Including colleges from all 50 states, finding a place to live near your school is just a few clicks away. The appealing layout is exceptionally simple, user friendly and informational. It brings together many different listings from various landlords, in specific areas, which would otherwise be all scattered around.

Since the duo is from the area,

Predominant Rental Units:

Suburb-like neighborhoods with some high-end rentals (mostly condos), lots of apartments, and a retirement community

Predominant Renters:

Some retirees and middleaged folks, a few young families and young professionals

Bike/Walkability:

Poor. Very few parks and trails.

many of the current listings on the site are from the UWEC and Stout areas. They are reportedly getting continuous updates and new listings from places around the country, filling out their site a little more everyday.

The service is completely free to both landlords posting available housing and the students looking for them. Avoiding membership fees and the clutter of advertising, the site runs purely on donations.

Even though the information they provide is not complete yet, the site shows promising potential and could prove to be a useful tool when looking for a place to rent.

Nearby amenities:

Oakwood Mall, Kohl’s, Menards, Target, Wal-Mart, movie theater, and tons of chain restaurants

Active Neighborhood Association?: No

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The South Side

“DOWN BY SOUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL�

Predominant Rental Units:

Rows and rows of apartment buildings, a few duplexes and eight-plexes, and some higher-priced homes

Predominant Renters:

Many out-of-college folks and young professionals, some young families

Nearby amenities:

Sports fields, a golf course, Fairfax Pool, and a few shops/ restaurants. Proximity to London Square.

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Bike/Walkability:

Eh. Not many trails or parks, but several schools in close proximity.

Active Neighborhood Association?: No

East Hill

(CHIPPEWA FALLS) Predominant Rental Units:

Older homes and duplexes

Nearby amenities:

Heyde Center, a few churches, shops, and restaurants

Predominant Renters:

Lots of families and young people

Bike/Walkability:

Mediocre. No trails or parks, but is very close to the phenomenally walkable downtown, plus has the Chippewa River and Duncan Creek on two sides.

Flats (CHIPPEWA FALLS)

Predominant Rental Units:

A big mix of condos, duplexes, and apartments

Predominant Renters:

Lots of young families, some out-of-college folks and retirees

Nearby amenities:

Golf course, hospital nearby, a sledding hill

Bike/Walkability:

OK. No parks, but a nice hiking/biking trail follows the Chippewa River

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Renter’s Cheat Sheets

Tips for the Prospective Renter

Here are some helpful tips for the serious renter. Cut them out. Laminate them. Place them in silver, heirloom frames and pass them on to the next generation.

“Is This Place Cool?” CHECKLIST __ Turn on all light switches to see if they do, indeed, produce light __ Check each power outlet (use a small appliance like a hairdryer or waffle iron) __ Turn on the sink and bathtub faucets __ Check for leaks or slow/plugged drains __ Flush toilet, check for leaks __ Look for smoke detectors and fire extinguishers __ Check ceiling and walls for cracks and water stains __ Check the locking mechanisms on doors

After You’ve Signed the Lease

Ask around. If a friend lives in a place they like, there may be units available even if they aren’t advertised.

Call the Health Department and check if there area any uncorrected complaints against the property (Eau Claire: 839-4718; Chippewa Falls: 723-5542; Menomonie: 2322388) Get the name of a possible landlord and run it through WI Circuit Court Access (http:// wcca.wicourts.gov/) to see if he/she has a clean record.

The Eau Claire Police Department has developed a voluntary landlord certification program. See if your landlord is certified, as it shows a dedication to what they do. (www.cvtc.edu/landlords/directory.htm) Never sign a lease without seeing the apartment – especially in complexes where “all the apartments are the same” and they keep a clean one on hand to show people like you.

__ Check the locks on all the windows __ How well sealed are the windows?

(Will you pay a ton for heat/air?) __ Inspect furnace and/or air conditioner: Are they well-maintained? __ Check hot water: Is it the proper temperature?

Read any and all lease paperwork and make sure all your questions are answered before you sign anything.

A one-page lease could be a red flag. The more paperwork, the better. Tenant and landlord responsibilities should be clearly defined.

__ Check for exit lights Good landlords enjoy answering questions.

They want tenants who care about their living space.

__ Is the exterior of the building well-lit and well-maintained?

Landlord Conversation Starters

WHAT utilities are included?

WHAT are the average monthly utility charges?

HOW are maintenance requests handled?

HOW long, on average, does it take to complete maintenance requests?

HOW are maintenance emergencies handled?

WHO do I call for maintenance emergencies?

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Educate yourself about your rights and responsibilities as a tenant. For more information, contact the Bureau of Consumer Protection at (800) 422-7128 or visit them on the web: http://datcp.state.wi.us/ Your landlord should always provide an emergency number. Get it.

Create a check-in sheet on the apartment and list all items that may be charged to your security deposit (such as stains on the carpet, scratches on counter tops, etc.) Keep a copy for yourself and send one to our landlord.

Grab your digicam and take pictures when you move in and after you clean up upon moving out.

If the apartment has gas heat and/or a gas stove, purchase a carbon monoxide detector.

Big security deposit suckers: defrosting the fridge and cleaning the oven.

When moving out, remember: Xcel Energy makes you cancel your own utilities – your landlord is only allowed to set them up. (And don’t forget TV, internet, and other such bills.)

Head to the post office for a helpful checklist of change-of-address reminders.

If you’re moving over the course of a few days, leave stuff like beds and entertainment items for last.

Check outlying areas like your garage, yard, and basement for possessions you might forget.

Save boxes early and often. Ask grocery stores if you’re desperate. Frequent recycling dumpsters at commercial spots if you’re extra desperate and bold.

HAVE the locks been changed since last occupancy?

WHAT’S the parking situation?

HOW is the lawn mowing and snow shoveling handled?

HOW ’bout dem Brewers?