2024 will be a hot year for Oakwood as 10 new communities will welcome residents across Central Ohio. These communities span from Mount Vernon to Marysville, to Grove City, Ohio. Columbus remains a hot housing market and is one of the top places for young professionals to choose to live. The year ahead promises not only growth for Oakwood but also an enhanced living experience for those looking to be a part of Central Ohio's thriving communities.

These 10 communities offer many of the must-haves for apartment renters, including resort-style pools, modern fitness centers, dog parks with dog washing stations, secure package rooms, electric vehicle charging stations, and much more. In every community, you can count on round-the-clock emergency maintenance and a dedicated onsite team ready to attend to all the needs of our residents. At Oakwood, we believe that home should be easy so our residents enjoy a convenient online resident portal to pay rent, request maintenance, and receive important communication from the onsite staff. 

Beulah Place Phase 2: Beulah Place Phase 2 will be opening up in Quarter 1, adding 120 new apartments to the larger Beulah Park project. 

Mill 23 at Coughlin Crossing: This new Delaware community is located at the crossroads of Stratford Road and Route 23. Mill 23 features 1 & 2-bedroom apartment layouts, including classic carriage-style buildings with garages for rent.

Retreat at Canal: Slated to open within the first Quarter of 2024, Retreat at Canal will be our second community in Canal Winchester.

Club at Woodside: One of two Oakwood communities set to open in Marysville this year, Club at Woodside will feature nearly 200 new apartments. This community will open in Quarter 2. 

Retreat at Marysville: This community will open within Quarter 3 of 2024 with 130 new apartments. 

Retreat at Mount Vernon: Our inaugural Mount Vernon community is set to open in Quarter 2. This first phase is bringing 152 apartments to Mount Vernon. 

Fenimore Phase 2: The second phase of this New Albany community will add 96 new apartment homes in Quarter 3 of 2024. 

Zelle at Polaris: This Polaris community is located off Lazelle Road., It marks Oakwood’s 8th community in Polaris. Its 84 new apartments will start leasing in Quarter 4 of 2024. 

Three additional communities are scheduled for Quarter 4 of 2024 in Dublin, Powell, and Gahanna, collectively adding 482 more apartments to Central Ohio.

Community Featured in Image: Retreat at Canal 

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"I am truly honored and grateful for this recognition. It's a testament to the unwavering commitment and collaborative spirit of the entire Oakwood team. Together, we've redefined industry standards and prioritized creating a resident-centric living experience," says Keith Jones, Oakwood's President and CEO. 

Keith took the reins of Oakwood in early 2022. His industry experience, integrity, and results-driven leadership have set a new standard for excellence, showcasing Oakwood's commitment to innovation and resident-forward living. Under Keith’s leadership, Oakwood has grown significantly, adding a record 10 new communities to the portfolio with an expected 10 more communities opening in 2024. The award celebrates Oakwood's dedication to shaping a sustainable future in multifamily living.

Multifamily Leadership, the force behind the summit, empowers industry leaders with insights and strategies. This award recognizes those, like Keith, who redefine practices and implement innovative methods, emphasizing the crucial role of innovation in the multifamily sector.

Congratulations to Keith Jones on this well-deserved recognition. As Oakwood continues breaking boundaries, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, innovation, and quality of living for our residents.

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We are thrilled to announce that Oakwood has been ranked by Columbus Business First as the largest apartment manager in Central Ohio! Boasting an impressive array of over 11,900 apartment units, Oakwood distinguishes itself as the unrivaled leader in the region. What sets Oakwood apart is not just the sheer number of units but our unwavering commitment to providing unparalleled service to our residents.

Remaining at the forefront of apartment living since 1970, Oakwood is not just a local leader but also a nationally recognized management company*. Our communities are strategically positioned, catering to diverse preferences, ranging from cutting-edge urban, mixed-use developments to tranquil rural settings.

And the good news doesn't stop there—Oakwood's remarkable selection of apartments continues to grow! In 2023, we proudly broke ground on five new communities across Central Ohio, reaching as far as Mount Vernon. We have 6 more projected communities breaking ground in 2024. This expansion is a testament to our continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our residents in every place they choose to live.

President and CEO Keith Jones shared his enthusiasm, stating, "Our remarkable expansion truly reflects our unwavering passion and diligent efforts right here in Central Ohio. We are proud of the strides we are making to enhance the living experience for our residents. Each new community is an opportunity for us to create spaces that go beyond being residences—they are vibrant, thriving communities where individuals and families can truly thrive."

As Oakwood charts the course for the future, we invite you to join us in this exciting chapter of growth and community. As we expand our footprint, our commitment to providing exceptional living spaces and fostering a sense of belonging remains unwavering.

**2022 Division Online Reputation Assessment (ORA) Power Ranking, J Turner Research

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Drum roll, please! The doors to Northstar Flats are officially open in the heart of Sunbury, Ohio! We celebrated this brand-new community’s ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, November 27th. This modern apartment community is now open for tours, and you could be moving in within just a few short weeks! If you are looking for suburban tranquility with a vibrant lifestyle, Northstar Flats is the place for you! 

Our residents will enjoy fantastic amenities geared around a fun, easy lifestyle. Our amenities include a cutting-edge golf simulator, a heated resort-style pool, a rejuvenating tanning bed, a gourmet coffee bar, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a community garden.

Choose from our selection of 1-bedroom or 2-bedroom homes, each thoughtfully designed for your comfort and style. Discover spacious, open living areas complete with high-end finishes. With stainless steel appliances, durable hardwood-style flooring, elegant pendant lighting, and other designer touches, you have the perfect canvas to create your dream home.

Situated just north of Columbus, Northstar Flats is truly one-of-a-kind. It is strategically situated at the crossroads of state Route 36/37 and Interstate 71 for easy access to Delaware, Polaris, and more. Find shopping just minutes away at Tanger Outlets and the Polaris Mall, with various grocery stores just a short 15-minute drive away.

For those seeking culinary delights, you'll find many enticing restaurants in nearby Sunbury and along Main Street in charming Delaware. One of our staff favorites is Surve right in the heart of Sunbury! 

Discover the perfect blend of comfort and excitement at Northstar Flats – your gateway to an exceptional lifestyle in Sunbury, Ohio! Schedule your tour today! 

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Halloween is one of our favorite holidays! From hosting Halloween parties, fun decorating contests, and handing out candy at the leasing office for Trick or Treat, our teams always get in the spooky spirit! Decorating your balcony or patio for Halloween can be a fun and creative way to get into a scary good mood! Here are 10 of our favorite balcony and patio Halloween decoration ideas to inspire you:

1. Pumpkin Patch: Round up the kids and carve scary or funny faces into pumpkins. If you want to avoid the little ones using sharp tools, try painting your pumpkins! Arrange your carved or painted pumpkins on your balcony.

2. Spider Webs: Use fake spider webs to cover your balcony railing, corners, and furniture. Add plastic spiders for an extra creepy effect. Avoid this option if you suffer from arachnophobia!

3. Glowing Lanterns: Place battery-operated lanterns or candles inside mason jars or lantern holders. You can use orange or purple lights to create an eerie atmosphere. Use command strips to keep them from falling over in the autumn weather!

4. Witch's Lair: “I put a spell on you!” Create a witch-themed balcony with a cauldron, broomstick, and a witch hat. Add a fake black cat and some spell books for extra charm.

5. Haunted House: Take some inspiration from Eddie Murphy’s 2003 movie “Haunted Mansion” and transform your balcony into a haunted house with faux cobwebs, ghost decorations, and spooky silhouettes in the windows.

6. Skeletons and Tombstones: Set up skeletons or skeleton parts in various poses on your balcony. Add tombstone props and write funny names like “Chris P. Bacon”, “Noah S. Cape”, and “Ima Goner”.

7. Black Cats and Bats: Decorate with black cat and bat cutouts or figurines. Hang them from the ceiling or arrange them on your balcony furniture. This is a great idea for your front door as well!

8. Halloween Wreath: If you love crafts, create a Halloween-themed wreath to hang on your balcony door. Use materials like fake spider webs black feathers, orange ribbon, and plastic spiders. Dollar Tree is a great, cheap place to grab supplies!

9. Cemetery Scene: Arrange miniature gravestones, skeleton hands reaching out of the ground, and flickering LED candles to create a spooky cemetery scene. This theme looks even better at night!

10. Halloween Plants: Consider potted Halloween-themed plants like black roses, purple chrysanthemums, or "bloody" red-stemmed plants. This theme is made for those with green thumbs!

If you don’t have a balcony or patio, all of these themes are great ideas for your front door as well! Remember to consider safety when decorating your balcony, especially if you use lighting, electrical appliances, or fog machines. Always follow your community balcony/patio rules, and safety guidelines, and keep decorations away from fire hazards. We hope you enjoy creating a hauntingly festive atmosphere for Halloween!

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Summer is in full swing, and Oakwood is showing no signs of slowing down. With 4 new communities already breaking ground this season, the momentum is strong. One of the most exciting ventures is the start of construction at The Galaxy at Polaris—a project set to redefine the concept of multi-use development. Nestled conveniently in the heart of Polaris, The Galaxy isn't merely aiming to be an apartment community; it's striving to craft an entire neighborhood that fosters connection, convenience, and community. This community is set to launch in Fall 2025.

A Vision Beyond Brick and Mortar
As the latest addition to Oakwood's portfolio, The Galaxy at Polaris stands as a testament to a forward-thinking approach to urban planning. The developers are building a thriving microcosm—a place where residents can live, work, and play harmoniously. The developers envision a dynamic blend of residential and commercial spaces that seamlessly integrate and foster a sense of unity and purpose.

Unveiling the Project's Scope
This community includes a 731-space public parking garage, a six-story apartment building featuring 289 units, approximately 37,000 square feet of vibrant commercial spaces, meandering walking paths, a lush park, and an inviting amphitheater—all situated on an expansive 16-acre canvas. The commercial aspect of this project is equally enticing. A 7,000-square-foot restaurant will become a culinary hub, providing a delightful gastronomic experience. Complementing this, a 25,000-square-foot entertainment and restaurant space promises to be a dynamic destination for leisure, making every outing a memorable one.

A Haven for Active Lifestyles
Anticipating and embracing the pulse of the community, The Galaxy goes above and beyond by catering to the growing popularity of outdoor sports. The introduction of 12 outdoor pickleball courts caters to the surge in demand for this engaging and social sport. With the foresight to potentially cover these courts in the future, The Galaxy ensures that residents' preferences are not only met but exceeded.

Shaping the Future Together
The Galaxy at Polaris is more than just a construction project; it's a collaborative endeavor to mold the future of urban living. Oakwood's commitment to creating a vibrant, inclusive, and harmonious neighborhood shines through in every aspect of this development. By embracing diversity, innovation, and the spirit of togetherness, The Galaxy at Polaris is your portal to an extraordinary lifestyle.

Discover this out-of-world experience on our website.

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Are you looking to spruce up your living space without making permanent changes? Whether you're a DIY novice or a seasoned pro, here are some creative ideas that range from beginner to advanced level. These projects will help you add style, personality, and functionality to your home, all while being temporary and renter-friendly.

Note: Before beginning any of these projects, it's important to check with your leasing office for permission and guidelines. Additionally, make sure you can return your space to its original condition when it's time to move out.

1. Add Art in Unlikely Places
Unleash your inner artist by incorporating art into unexpected corners of your home. From that one wall that's just too small to the sides of your fridge, these small but impactful touches can make your space truly unique.

2. Removable Wallpaper and Wall Decals
For renters, removable wallpaper and wall decals are game-changers. They allow you to transform your walls without damaging them. Choose from a wide range of patterns and designs to suit your style and taste.

3. Revamp Your Countertops
Revolutionize your kitchen by either using peel-and-stick contact paper or going all out and laying new countertops over the old ones. This ingenious DIY, popularized by Jess, brings a fresh look without the hassle of a complete renovation.

4. Temporary Backsplash
Elevate your kitchen or bathroom with a temporary backsplash. With peel-and-stick options available, you can experiment with different styles and colors, all while protecting your walls from splashes and spills.

5. Temporary Flooring Solutions
Upgrade your floors without commitment. Choose from wood or tile floor options that are budget-friendly and easy to install. Change your flooring to match your evolving style, though we’ve been loving these fun and funky checker floors.

6. From floor to ceiling
Utilize your wall space by installing shelves or using ceiling hooks to hang decor. This often-overlooked area can provide additional storage and a unique way to display your belongings.

7. Create a Plant Wall
Tying in number 6, bring nature indoors with a plant wall. Not only does it add a touch of greenery, but it also contributes to better air quality and a calming atmosphere. If you have pets, make sure to do a little bit of research on what type of pants are safe for them in case they get curious and have a snack!

8. Soundproofing Solutions
Minimize ambient noise in your apartment by incorporating soundproofing techniques. Does this mean you’ve been granted permission to play your drum kit at home 24/7? No, but this can help you live more peacefully around the ambient sounds of an apartment complex. Utilizing accent rugs and curtains can enhance your space's aesthetics and acoustics. These versatile pieces not only dampen sound but also introduce texture, color, and dimension to your rooms.

9. Bookshelf Room Divider
Transform your space with a clever room divider. Use a bookshelf, like the popular Kallax cube shelves from Ikea, to separate areas while maintaining an open and airy feel.

10. Outdoor Patio Decking
Maximize your outdoor space with easy-to-assemble decking. Whether you have a patio or balcony, this DIY project allows you to create a comfortable outdoor oasis that you can enjoy throughout the seasons.

These DIY ideas offer an array of possibilities to refresh your living space without making permanent alterations. From simple additions to more complex projects, these temporary solutions enable you to customize your environment according to your preferences and needs.

The post Renter Friendly DIYs to Elevate Your Space appeared first on Oakwood Management Blog.

We have officially broken ground at The Retreat at Canal! This upcoming community is set to introduce 140 apartment homes, consisting of beautifully designed one and two-bedroom homes that offer both comfort and style. Nestled in the vibrant community of Canal Winchester, Ohio, our thoughtfully designed apartment complex offers an unparalleled living experience. We are excited to begin welcoming residents as early as November 2023!

The Retreat at Canal will offer an array of amenities, including a heated pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center with TRX All-in-One Suspension Training System and a Peloton Bike, and a bark park to play catch with furry companions.

Our philosophy revolves around making home life effortless, which is why our community is thoughtfully designed to include a package concierge system, a complimentary coffee bar to kickstart the day, and round-the-clock, 24-hour emergency maintenance services for our resident’s peace of mind. Additionally, residents have the convenience of electric car charging stations and the benefit of complimentary weekly doorstep recycling pickup.

Situated just southeast of Columbus, Canal Winchester strikes a perfect balance between the tranquility of a suburban haven and the accessibility of urban amenities. You'll find culinary delights and fun nights with restaurants like Shade, Canal Wigwam, Harvest Moon Craft Kitchen, and Loose Rail Brewing. This strategic location provides residents with easy access to shopping, entertainment, and employment opportunities while allowing them to retreat to the serenity of their charming hometown. Families will find excellent schools and a welcoming community atmosphere.

The Retreat at Canal features a fantastic location, just minutes to accessing I-70, I-270, and Route. 33. Right around the corner, you’ll find Pickerington Ponds Metro Park, a 1,600 acres park with multi-use trails, picnic and shelter areas, and superb bird watching. 10 minutes away, you’ll find Walnut Woods Metro Park, 1,455 acres of woodlands and fields bordered by Walnut Creek to the north. The park is known for its picturesque Tall Pines Area, which features dramatic stands of pines and sweetgum trees.

Keep an eye out for further updates as we continue to shape the future of living at The Retreat at Canal!

View floorplan, photos, and more on The Retreat at Canal website.

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We’re breaking ground at The Fenimore once again! The eagerly anticipated Phase 2 of our New Albany community has officially broken ground, with a projected completion date of the second quarter of 2024. Building upon the success of the initial phase, this new addition marks an exciting step forward for The Fenimore.

Located near Central College Road, Phase 2 stands as a testament to our continuous dedication to creating remarkable living environments. The Fenimore provides distinctive amenities that not only enhance daily living but also encourage sustainable practices. Residents of Fenimore can relish in a refreshing saltwater pool, a tanning bed, a dog park for their furry companions, and a fitness center that includes a yoga room. Additionally, residents have the convenience of electric car charging stations and the benefit of complimentary weekly doorstep recycling pickup. This first phase boasted 180 units and was completed in 2019, setting the foundation for what promises to be an even more remarkable expansion! Fenimore Phase 2 will feature 96 new 1 and 2-bedroom homes, exemplifying the careful consideration and dedication that goes into each facet of our development. Phase 2 residents will enjoy all the perks of our Phase 1 community!

The Fenimore Phase 2 follows the exciting announcement of the Intel Corporation’s development just north of our community. Central Ohio requires thousands more housing units for the expected population surge due to Intel Corporation's $20 billion expansion in New Albany. A Building Industry Association of Central Ohio report reveals that the project will generate 3,000 direct jobs, 7,000 construction jobs, and 10,000 indirect jobs. The area continues to grow, with many exciting developments in the Hamilton Quarter. A short drive from The Fenimore, residents can find new businesses like Target, BJ Wholesales, and an Ohio State University outpatient care center. The Developer, Weiler Co., also has plans to build a small single-story retail center south of The Fenimore. There could be one to five stores in the center. We're excited to see its positive impact on the New Albany community and beyond. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to shape the future of living at Fenimore!

Click here to check out Phase 1 of The Fenimore.

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Residences at Topiary Park has been honored as one of the Best New Multifamily Developments by Columbus Business First! Open since May 2023, this community is a classic example of downtown living, with walk-up townhome entrances, beautiful bay windows facing the peaceful Topiary Gardens, and luxury timeless finishes. As you explore the Discovery District, it becomes evident that this community is not just a place to reside; it's a vibrant and thriving microcosm of its own. The unique combination of contemporary living spaces, picturesque views, and a strong sense of community sets it apart from any other development in the area.

This award is a part of The Building Columbus Awards that cast a well-deserved spotlight on projects that exemplify professional excellence in design, development, and construction while positively impacting the community through investment, job creation, and revitalization.

Nestled gracefully at the edge of the world-renowned Topiary Gardens, our exceptional community seamlessly blends with its breathtaking surroundings. Our community has been crafted to honor the rich history and art of the gardens. Throughout our premises, you'll find statues, artwork, and other elements that pay homage to this cultural heritage.

From high-quality finishes, such as quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances, to the convenience of smart home technology, every detail is crafted to perfection. Our mission to provide a superior lifestyle for our residents is brought to life through an array of amenities. From a 24/7 modern fitness center to a dog wash station, a gourmet coffee station, and a secure gated parking garage, we've thoughtfully designed this community to cater to every need and desire.

Receiving this prestigious award is a testament to the dedication and passion we've poured into creating an extraordinary living experience. President and CEO Keith Jones shares, “We are incredibly honored to receive The Building Columbus Award, which serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to professional excellence in every aspect of our work. This prestigious recognition not only highlights the dedication and passion of our entire team but also affirms our mission to positively impact the community through our projects.” We take immense pride in knowing that our commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality and innovation has been recognized in such a meaningful way.

Join us at Residences at Topiary Park and experience the ultimate blend of luxury, convenience, and natural beauty. We are honored to offer you an award-winning place to call home.

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