Life In A Senior Affordable High-Rise

DailyArtsyCrafter said:
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Mailboxes Foyer & Hardback Library

Though I don't really care for brown furniture, this is a nice cabinet in the front lobby near the front desk. I think it is unique that our front desk is open 24/7. There are 5 employees who man the shifts. I've only met 2 and not the overnighters. The offices are closed after hours and on weekends.

We have this photo board of residents who have served in the military. I don't know how often it is updated. Maybe photos are removed when someone moves or passes away. I guess any veteran who moves here can submit their photo for this wall. I think the application also asks if the person is a veteran, so the leasing agent is aware of who is a veteran. I don't recall seeing a board like this at the 3 other senior apartments where I've lived.

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These are the mailboxes, which are in the main hallway, which leads to the 2 elevators and back entrance foyer on the left, the hardback library on the left and the main floor activity rooms on the left and right. Our apartment key is also our mailbox key. There are no large mailboxes to get packages in. Anything that does not fit in our small mailboxes has to be picked up at the front desk. The postperson leaves a note in our box telling us to check.

FedEx, Amazon, UPS, etc., deliveries are left at the front desk and logged in. The desk clerk then calls the resident to say there is a package. Though I'd rather get my own packages out of a lock box or have the delivery left outside my door like at the other tower I lived in, this is a good system. It avoids deliveries being made to the wrong apartment or floor. Though I've not known of a problem with theft from apartment doorways, if you're not home, your pkg is safe in the apartments mailroom until you return.

The good thing about towers ~vs~ cottages is that residents don't have to go outside to get their mail, use the laundry room or fitness center or to participate in activities in a separate community building or clubhouse. When the weather is bad, frigid or scorching, we can remain inside toasty warm or cool and comfy. Even though I have to adjust to the 10th floor height, this makes it worth it. Everything is open 24/7. If you can't sleep, you can go to the basement and work on a puzzle. You can use the treadmill at 4am. I like washing clothes at 1 and 2am, and even beyond, so I can be alone, at peace and not talk if I don't want to. 🤣

When these amenities are in separate buildings, the residents' access varies. If these areas are connected with the office(s) building, sometimes they can be locked when the office is closed. There is a single-story place that I was considering where the mailboxes are in the office building. Residents are restricted to getting their mail before the office closes. I guess they can't get their mail on Saturdays. I don't know what working residents who get off after hours do about their mail pickup. Maybe they authorize a neighbor to get it for them. I would not like that situation.

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This is the entrance to the hardback library. The paperback library is in the basement. I was reading the guidelines on the door. I think it said that they do not accept donations older than 2011, unless they are special for some reason. I don't come out of my apartment very often 😄 but I've never seen anyone in here. Though small, it seems very quiet and comfortable. The windows look out on the back parking lot.

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The books are in very good shape, I guess because they are not ancient. I like to read older gothic, Victorian, some classics, etc., books. I won't find any by Mary Stewart, Catherine Cookson, Anna Gilbert, Daoma Winston, Victoria Holt, the Bronte sisters and the likes, unless they are modern reprints.

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This is looking from the back of the library out the door towards one of the activity rooms or lounges. I like the library but I think they should allow older books, at least from 1965 forward. That would allow many gothics that were popular in the 60s and 70s.

That was when I discovered them and was voraciously reading the ones that my aunt passed to my mother. She hid them, well not hid but she stashed them away as she read them and when I discovered them I began to scavenge them at night. 🤭

The library is seeking volunteers to help sort and shelve books. I've seen boxes of books and a full library rolling rack. I may give it a try later on.

The windows replacement is ongoing. The contractors are using a hanging scaffold platform, not a crane. I've heard that some residents are angry because the window screen area is smaller. I don't really like that but I'm thankful for this; that they have screens at all and that they are not framing in part of the large window frames and installing smaller windows.

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This diary is for those who are interested in obtaining a senior, income-based apartment and for those who are just curious.

Reminder: If you want me to un-tag you, let me know and I'll kindly comply.

@Kaila @Jules @CaliS @PeppermintPatty @Coco @squatting dog @JustBonee @Pinky @katlupe @IrishEyes @Jazzy1 @Pepper @CinnamonSugar @hollydolly @astralcat @CallMeKate @Medusa @MACKTEXAS @OneEyedDiva
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That china cabinet reminds me of the one my mother had as part of her dining room set. It also came with a dresser (though not called that for dining room furniture)...I forgot what they're called. Nice that you have a library and plenty of seating areas. Mailboxes are small though. I like that tribute wall with pictures of those who served.
 
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CaliS said:
Very nice photos and great detail. I really get the feeling I have been there and walked around! Thank you so much for sharing! 😊
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You are very welcome. I want to make my posts as real as possible. I'm so glad you're enjoying them.

smiley said:
I like to feel the earth beneath my feet??
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Me too. That's why I'll never fly again if I can help it. While living on the 10th floor has to be adjusted to, being able to look down on trees, bushes, the driveway and parking lot helps to ground me.

OneEyedDiva said:
That china cabinet reminds me of the one my mother had as part of her dining room set. It also came with a dresser (though not called that for dining room furniture)...I forgot what they're called. Nice that you have a library and plenty of seating areas. Mailboxes are small though. I like that tribute wall with pictures of those who served.
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I remember the old word used to be buffet. I'll eventually show pics of the paperback library. I don't mind the small mailboxes, just so grateful that they are inside. I would have preferred for there to be at least 4 large boxes for packages. You know, the mailperson puts your pkg in one and puts the key in your mailbox.

When you open the box for the # on the key and take your pkg, the key stays in the lock for the mailperson to use for the next person who has a pkg delivery. That way I wouldn't have to interact so often with the front desk. But there are always good reasons that God does what He does in the lives of those, that is, who believe. I'll stop here before someone accuses me of preaching, and this is not a preaching thread. 🤣
 
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DailyArtsyCrafter said:
Probably the best thing to do if the possibility of intolerable upstairs noise is a main priority. You shared the most important point...quiet ones may move and loud ones may move in. Even with owner-occupied condos, quiet ones could sell. We all have to decide on what we can and cannot tolerate. Good luck with your search. Don't give up!
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My daughter was in a place where the upstairs tenant would sometimes play his drums during the middle of the night! He finally moved out.
 
@DailyArtsyCrafter "I remember the old word used to be buffet." Yes, I think that's what it was called. We used to have small mailboxes here. They were vertical and could barely fit 9 x 12 envelopes in them. Finally, almost two years ago, we got boxes that were almost twice the size. This works out very well because now my medications fit in the mailbox when I order more than two at a time and so do large envelopes.
 
jhummel73 said:
My daughter was in a place where the upstairs tenant would sometimes play his drums during the middle of the night! He finally moved out.
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That was too much to hope for 😄. How wonderful that he moved out!

GoodEnuff said:
I needed one in my kitchen for storage but couldn't find one that would fit that small space. Ended up buying a dresser and it looks and works great as a "buffet".
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I once had an apartment with a sweet little window in the tiny dining area off the kitchen. In these apartments only the end units had this extra window. I found a small, oak color, three-drawer dresser at the thrift store and put it under that window as a buffet. It was so cute and served the purpose. I put linens and kitchen utensils in the drawers. During the holidays, I put a three-foot Christmas tree on it. I was so happy that people driving around my building could see it.

OneEyedDiva said:
@DailyArtsyCrafter "I remember the old word used to be buffet." Yes, I think that's what it was called. We used to have small mailboxes here. They were vertical and could barely fit 9 x 12 envelopes in them. Finally, almost two years ago, we got boxes that were almost twice the size. This works out very well because now my medications fit in the mailbox when I order more than two at a time and so do large envelopes.
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That's great! I've never heard of apartments/condos getting upgraded mailboxes that are twice the size. In the only other senior tower that I've lived in (in another state), when they renovated the building they moved the mailboxes from inside to outside. They were put under a permanent canopy some yards to the left of the front door but they were the same size, probably the same ones. There were about four picnic tables under the canopy too.

This was right before I moved in so I never experienced the mailboxes inside. The tenants were very upset that they were moved. This area got sort of heavy snows. The walkway would be built up with packed snow, drifts and ice. Maintenance put salt down on top of the iciness 🙄 and I was surprised that they did not take time to remove the winter buildup completely from the sidewalks.

I could barely make it to my box and tenants using canes, walkers and wheelchairs could never make it. Though I never saw them try, I knew it wouldn't work. I had to brace myself against the wall and grab ahold to bushes to make it there and back.
 
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Forest Lounge.jpg

The Forest Lounge

This is the main activity/event room. It is called The Forest Lounge and is on the main floor. There are two parts and this is the largest half. Most of the events take place here. There is another community room in the basement. The door to that part of the courtyard and the bike rack area can't be used. It has a note on it that the alarm will sound if used. Too bad.

Everywhere that I've been in this building has been comfortable temperature wise, whether cold or hot outside. I guess because of how old the building is, the HVAC is a boiler system. More about that when I share my apartment.

Forest Loungea.jpg

This cabinet displays dolls from many countries. I haven't yet looked closely at them. I've only been to one calendar event in this room. It is called HOTP (Hot Off The Press). The chaplain (female) sits at the table and reads interesting news and trivia from mags and newspapers, some serious, some funny. It's a casual time to comment on and discuss these tidbits.

I did ask someone what HOTP meant. When I decided to go, I thought an overview of building and organization news would be shared. As I sat there and learned what it was all about, I became incredibly bored. I have certain news that I watch and I don't even read my AARP mag and bulletin anymore. Too much info crammed in them and pretty much a rehash. The few magazines I've subscribed to over the years have become boring. I don't buy newspapers anymore. (Did you hear that Atlanta stopped publishing The Journal-Constitution?)

But I determined to sit through this session. I didn't want to hurt the chaplain's feelings by walking out early on. I think I drifted off to sleep once, slumped to the side in my chair. 🤭 I opened my eyes to catch her glancing at me. Another tenant slept through the whole thing, slumped to the side in her chair. There are twelve apartments per floor and nineteen floors. Only 10-12 attended with another tenant coming in later. I'm sure there are more when there is a social event with food.

As she went on, it seemed unbearable. She asked trivia questions with clues about what we thought was created at certain times in history. I got the last one by saying rubber bands. Mostly everyone clapped. I made it to the end. I commented that, I thought an overview of building and organization news would be shared. She dropped her head and mumbled, This is just a fun time to talk about the news.

I didn't mean to embarrass her. I think it is a nice social event, especially for those who don't read periodicals. But, I was so surprised (more like stunned) and worn out by it that I couldn't resist saying, I had no idea. I had no idea this is what is discussed. Do you have any updates about the windows being installed? After news was shared by her and some of the tenants, we rose to go. Me and another tenant were the first two to the elevator. I was so grateful to be leaving and I said to myself, Never again. 😄 I see that it is on the March calendar one time, so maybe it's only once per month.

Forest Loungeb.jpg

This is the opposite end. I think this is the 3rd piano that I've seen here. 😄 As you can see, the white tree has leprechauns on it, celebrating St. Patrick's Day. I think they change it out for seasons and holidays. Why it's way over there, I don't know. Maybe they move it around.

Forest Loungec.jpg

This is the other part of The Forest Room. It is across the hallway and was also decorated for St. Patrick's Day. I came down for Coffee & Donuts, which is on the calendar once. I've seen tenants playing games here in the evening.

Forest Lounged.jpg

Since my HOTP story was so long, I'll stop here. Next week I'll share something interesting about moving from one senior Section 202 property to another.

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This diary is for those who are interested in obtaining a senior, income-based apartment and for those who are just curious.

Reminder: If you want me to un-tag you, let me know and I'll kindly comply.

@Kaila @Jules @CaliS @PeppermintPatty @Coco @squatting dog @JustBonee @Pinky @katlupe @IrishEyes @Jazzy1 @Pepper @CinnamonSugar @hollydolly @astralcat @CallMeKate @Medusa @MACKTEXAS @OneEyedDiva
 
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So you say events take place in the community room pictured above. It's a nice space. What sort of events (besides the long presentation that you regretted attending 😆). It was considerate of you not to walk out during the talk. But I understand wanting to. Our co-op is having its annual stockholders' meeting tonight. I'm trying to decide whether to go. I dislike attending meetings but usually a good take out meal is served afterward. I'm still leaning toward not going and just getting a copy of the minutes later.
 
Like you, I get my news from other sources than most people so I would not have enjoyed that either. I don't participate in group activities in my building. I am friends with everyone but don't enjoy those social events. I sit there anxiously waiting for it to be over. They have potlucks which I used to go to when I first moved here. The people have changed, moved or died, so I don't feel any connection to the ones who seem to be younger disabled people. I am happy living here though.
 
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