When CSMA first reported the sale of Park West in May, the story was primarily a real estate transaction. Berkshire Residential Investments had acquired the 240-unit apartment community at Cedar Springs Road and Douglas Avenue. In the short time since that acquisition, the new ownership and management teams have given Oak Lawn a better story to tell: They have shown up as allies.
Park West representatives have attended community meetings, participated in productive conversations with neighborhood organizers and listened carefully to concerns and ideas from the people who live, work and operate businesses along the Oak Lawn Strip. Their support has not stopped with conversations. When community organizers raised concerns about the exterior lighting at Park West, the ownership team worked collaboratively to get the lights turned back on. The building now has a stronger and more welcoming presence at one of the most visible entrances to the Cedar Springs district.
Park West is also participating in the Cedar Springs Wine Walk, joining merchants, residents and visitors during one of the neighborhood’s longest-running events. Their willingness to participate reflects an understanding that Park West isn’t separate from the district surrounding it. Its residents, staff and property are part of the Oak Lawn community.
That relationship is also becoming visible through a substantial program of physical improvements. The tea, and eye witness accounts indicate the new ownership is investing more than $2 million in renovations and property upgrades. Check out the photos of the steady parade of visible work around the property. The improvements include new air-conditioning units, new exterior window trim, cleaning and painting the building, refreshed landscaping and other upgrades throughout the property.
The team has also responded to damage left behind after utility-related tree trimming. After a tree trimming company came through the area and left several trees looking wounded and unevenly cut, Park West followed up by cleaning up and reshaping the affected trees rather than leaving the damage as another neglected part of the streetscape. They expanded that work across the property, giving the remaining trees some much-needed attention and leaving the landscaping healthier, cleaner and more open. On a personal note, my apartment alley next door now gets considerably more light, so my plants and I are both grateful.
Park West has also made a clear statement about its relationship with Oak Lawn’s LGBTQ+ community. Its management team has directly expressed its pride in being here and its support for the community around it. They have attended the meetings. They have worked with community organizers. They have joined neighborhood programming. When asked to help address a visible problem, they acted. Their support has not been limited to a logo, seasonal message or corporate statement. It has been demonstrated through participation, investment and a willingness to work directly with the community.
The team has also responded to damage left behind after utility-related tree trimming. After power company work came through the area and left several trees looking wounded and unevenly cut, Park West followed up by cleaning up and reshaping the affected trees rather than leaving the damage as another neglected part of the streetscape. They expanded that work across the property, giving the remaining trees some much-needed attention and leaving the landscaping healthier, cleaner and more open. On a personal note, my apartment alley next door now gets considerably more light, so my plants and I are both grateful.
Park West has also made a clear statement about its relationship with Oak Lawn’s LGBTQ+ community. Its management team has directly expressed its pride in being here and its support for the community around it. They have attended the meetings. They have worked with community organizers. They have joined neighborhood programming. When asked to help address a visible problem, they acted. Their support has not been limited to a logo, seasonal message or corporate statement. It has been demonstrated through participation, investment and a willingness to work directly with the community.
Berkshire did more than purchase a property beside the Oak Lawn Strip. They chose to own property here and engage with the community surrounding it while showing they are proud to be here.