Models of excellence: NAA PARAGON Awards.

This year, the National Apartment Association (NAA) hosted its annual PARAGON Awards ceremony at the 2003 Education Conference & Exposition in New Orleans. Winners were honored in a special ceremony immediately prior to the Closing Gala The PARAGON Awards are given in four categories: Affiliated Apartment Associations; Professional Designates; National Suppliers Council (NSC); and Builders, Owners and Developers Forum. The Builders, Owners and Developers category was expanded this year to recognize excelence among properties of different sizes and ages.

The association awards recognize state and local affiliates who provide outstanding programs and services to their members. The professional designate awards recognize individuals who have earned one or more professional designations and have demonstrated excellence in their career in the rental housing industry. The NSC award recognizes a member of the Suppliers Council who is an extraordinary example of the importance of the relationship between the rental housing industry and its suppliers. The Builders, Owners and Developers Forum awards recognize excellence in construction and rehabilitation of apartment communities.

"As a national federation, NAA recognizes the best in the industry to hold up as models of excellence, whether individuals, associations or communities. Sharing these profiles of the PARAGON Award winners affords all members, of our industry the opportunity to share in these best practices," said Douglas Culkin, CAE, NAA Executive Vice President.

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician of the Year Houston's Nichole Burke Curl: Cuts Expenses, Reduces Callbacks New Orleans' Rolando Sandoval: A Loyal, Devoted Technician

Nichole Burke Curl, CAMTII, Lincoln Property Co., Houston. and Rolando Sandoval, CAMT, of 1st Lake Properties, Metarie. La., each received this year's Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician of the Year PARAGON Award.

Nichole Burke Curl, ARM, CAMT, CAMTII, CPO, instituted a standardized preventive maintenance program to be applied at each Lincoln property and conducts quarterly site inspections in conjunction with the regional property supervisors to make sure each property is following the program.

She also offers a comprehensive training program that includes moisture penetration and mold prevention, HVAC, plumbing and structural classes.

As Maintenance Director for more than 20 apartment communities. Burke Curl directly supervises eight service technicians at the CityView Central Maintenance Facility. These technicians are responsible for all preventive maintenance for the HVAC units, in addition to repairing and maintaining these units.

Burke Curl manages inventory weekly, maintains strict physical inventory records and requires a service request to be written for each part used. She lowered central maintenance expenses by closely evaluating each supply order, thereby reducing unnecessary expense

Burke Curl believes training is the key to maintaining and enhancing property values. She requires all employees to take a maintenance aptitude exam, which helps her assess skill level and identify training needs. Through her training programs she has reduced central maintenance expense through inventory control.

She also has reduced central maintenance overtime by 22 percent and reduced the number of callbacks by 50 percent in her first year and 10 percent her second year. By creating a rotating schedule among staff, she has a technician available from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Burke Curl teaches CAMT courses for the Houston Apartment Association and holds Certified Pool Operator and Electrician licenses.

She has developed and implemented monthly safety seminars for all maintenance and office personnel. She also started a Lock Out/Tag Out Program, which helps control energy.

Burke Curl holds herself to the highest standards of ethics and principles and constantly strives to improve herself and her performance and is never satisfied with the status quo.

"Nichole is our go-to person when it comes to mold and asbestos remediation," said John W. Ridgeway, CPM, Area Vice President, Lincoln Property Co. "She assists in property transitions and is always willing to lend manpower if someone is short-handed."

Rolando Sandoval, CAMT, joined 1st Lake Properties in 1986 and currently manages 1st Lake's entire onsite team of maintenance technicians, who service more than 7,200 apartment homes.

He also is responsible for managing Nationwide Laundry Service, a company owned by 1st Lake that installs and repairs laundry equipment.

Sandoval not only trains 1st Lake's maintenance employees, but also teaches maintenance courses for the Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans.

Sandoval earned his CAMT in 2001 and has also completed Louisiana Master Plumbing and Master Electrical exams.

"Once an apartment is leased, the maintenance team has the most direct contact with the residents," said Sandoval.

"Each position in the team has a very important role in keeping residents happy and proud to live in their community. With good training and good supervision, management can be sure that each team member will reflect the ideals of the company.

"Clean grounds and pools will reflect pride, a good make-ready will reflect trust and a trained maintenance technician will reflect confidence that future problems will be fixed.

"Over the years, I've realized that residents move out for many reasons, but with an effective maintenance team, many people will speak well about the apartment community. In our business. a positive image will help properties maintain high occupancy and above-market prices."

Pat Shane, President of 1st Lake Properties, said, "Rolando loves his career in the apartment industry and it shows by his actions. He is a devoted company person and his loyalty and devotion to 1st Lake is immeasurable."

Certified Apartment Manager of the Year Lexington's Sheila Pennington: Setting a Great Example

Sheila Pennington, CAM, a Senior Area Manager for Fogelman Management Group in Lexington, Ky., has found success through a positive attitude, good sense and leading by example. Her outstanding performance makes her this year's PARAGON Award winner as Certified Apartment Manager of the Year.

Pennington received her CAM designation in 1992 and since then has taught CAM courses, budgeting workshops and other programs for the Greater Lexington Apartment Association (GLAA).

Pennington authored an article in UNITS magazine on the importance of reporting honest occupancy numbers and facts to combat overbuilding in a soft market.

Both communities that Pennington manages have surpassed her occupancy goals by 5 percent, even during this concession-driven, competitive market. She manages 30 employees and, as a testament to her people management skills, has lost only one employee to a competitor, even though her employees are highly recruited by other companies.

During the past year, Pennington helped develop Fogelman's "Standards of Professionalism," resulting in a new motto, credo, employee promise and 15 standards of excellence.

"I am a firm believer that the cornerstone to excellent leadership is to lead by example," said Pennington, who is serving her second term as GLAA President. "I live each day as if it could be my last and try never to take anything or anyone for granted. I am a firm believer in treating everyone with courtesy and kindness. My grandfather instilled [in me] the Golden Rule and my wish is to apply it to everything I do."

Greg Williams, Regional Vice President of Fogelman Properties, said Pennington builds winning teams. "Her 'Choose Your Attitude' and 'No Bad Days' philosophy is evident."

She created a "Rotating Attitude Adjuster" program that ensures every employee is complimented each day by a different team member.

"Sheila applied her leadership skills and keen perceptions of business interactions to guide our Board of Directors, staff and members through our first true business plan," said Brenda J. Wells, Executive Vice President of GLAA.

Pennington received two Presidential Awards in 2002 from Fogelman, recognizing her achievements in growth in cities that reported (by professional market analysis) flat revenue growth for three years running, demonstrating Pennington's dedication and determination regarding finance.

2003 National Apartment Leasing Professional of the Year Orlando's Chip Tatum: A Model of Integrity, Respect, Consistency

By combining a thoroughness and passion for his job, Lennon "Chip" Tatum, NALP, CAM, Assistant Community Director, United Dominion Property Trust's Ashton at Waterford Lakes, Orlando, Fla., received this year's National Apartment Leasing Professional (NALP) of the Year PARAGON Award.

Tatum boasts a closing rate of 77 percent and has been able to maintain an occupancy rate that is 3 percent to 5 percent higher than the competition in this soft market.

In terms of marketing, instead of sending out mass marketing information all over town, Tatum contacts specific employers in the Orlando area. His presentations are complete and accurate and his forthrightness and honesty help make his prospects feel at home. He is a team player in the office, helping to review the applications filled out by colleagues to ensure they are in good shape.

"There is no one who is better at interacting with our residents and prospects," said Nancy Lovell, CAM, CAPS, Senior Manager at Ashton at Waterford Lakes. "He takes time to build relationships with each prospect and it is not uncommon for residents to ask specifically for Chip when they have a question or need service. Chip is punctual, reliable and is the 'go-to' person when something important arises because he is so dependable."

Tatum develops the community newsletter and its flyers. He is a favorite at the gate during our monthly "Breakfast on the Go" program and our monthly resident parties are greatly influenced by his ideas and participation.

He attends many classes through the Apartment Association of Greater Orlando to stay updated on all aspects of law the Americans With Disabilities Act and fair housing. Tatum also has become thoroughly familiar with the NAA Florida lease so that he can explain all the details of the lease to new residents. He recently graduated from the Citizen's Police Academy for the City of Orlando.

"My integrity, respect and consistency [when performing my job] have been the key to my success in property management," said Tatum. "While they all take a great deal of effort to maintain, they provide a measure of satisfaction, and play a critical role in my performance. Resident satisfaction comes with the trust, loyalty and the level they provide for the

National Suppliers Council Achievement Award Apartment Finder's Marcia Bollinger: Having Fun While Doing It All

Due to her longstanding determination and hard work in the multifamily housing industry, Marcia Bollinger, CAS, Senior Vice President of Multifamily, Apartment Finder, Lawrenceville, Ga., received this year's National Suppliers Council (NSC) Achievement Award PARAGON

Bollinger has more than 24 years in the property management industry. She has served on more than 200 local, state and national apartment association committees. She has also been the National Suppliers Council Secretary, Vice Chair and Chairperson also serving as NSC liaison for every committee during the past 10 years.

"Bollinger's impressive career has taken her from HPC to Homestore.com and finally to her current position at the helm of Apartment Finder, where, as Senior Vice President, she captains the fastest sailing ship in the Network Communications Inc. family of publications." said 2003 NSC Chairman Larry Bellack, CAS, Regional Sales Manager, Sears, Boca Raton, Fla.

Bollinger was one of the first to earn her Certified Apartment Supplier (CAS) designation and was the first recipient of NAA's NSC Victor Award in 1995 (the predecessor to the PARAGON Award). She is involved in legislative, membership, education and conference programs. She has been instrumental in helping others achieve success in our industry by sharing her knowledge with her piers. As Bollinger likes to say, "NAA friends are my 'other family.' I genuinely enjoy seeing and working with them! NAA is truly the fun part of my job!"

Bollinger is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations (advertising, journalism) and an Associate's Degree in business. She currently resides in Atlanta.

Professional Designate of The Year Cincinnati's Gary Sanzone: Hard Work, Great Results

By taking what is given and making it better, Gary Sanzone, CAM, CAPS, CPM, Property Manager and Partner, Mutual Realtors, Cincinnati, received this year's Certified Apartment Manager of the Year PARAGON Award.

Sanzone, who earned his MBA from Xavier University with a 4.0 grade-point average, has been in apartment ownership since 1985. He has actively pursued and obtained almost every educational degree and professional designation to make him the best in the property management field As a result of the initiative he has shown and the subsequent results. Sanzone is this year's PARAGON Award winner as Professional Designate of the Year.

Sanzone currently serves as President of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) and is a past president of the local Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) chapter.

Sanzone is a key reason for Mutual's growth from a two-employee, 300-unit company to a 25-employee company with 50 investor clients, 1,300 apartment homes, 150 single-family homes and 500 condominium units.

His judgment, skills and execution are excellent. Last year Sanzone was contacted by a law firm to take over management of 212 units in a family trust. At the time, the community needed extensive deferred maintenance and was only 46 percent occupied. Sanzone was able to complete a $500,000 capital renovation in six months and now the community boasts 96 percent occupancy. Mutual receives more and more referrals from law firms and the court system because of his proven skill and reputation for ethics.

"Gary has also worked with the managers to put in place many worthwhile policies and procedures to be certain that the building owner [our client] is getting the best possible value that we can deliver," said Sanzone's supervisor William Palmisano.

GCNKAA Executive Vice President Mark Franks said Sanzone has played a pivotal role on the organization's Board of Directors.

"In eight years on the Board, he has perfect attendance and has never missed a general membership meeting," said Franks. "Three years ago, our Association entered into a partnership with a local fair housing group. Gary has done an excellent job of shoring up this relationship and pointing out to all of our members that our support is not to a fair housing advocacy group but a new and separate organization focused on not only resolving but being proactive in preventing confusion and misunderstanding between our employees, residents and others living in our community."

Association Executive of the Year West Michigan's Kathy Vallie: Meeting the Challenge

Doing a lot and doing it right has been the track record for Kathy Vallie, Property Management Association of West Michigan, Wyoming, Mich., who received this year's Association Executive of the Year PARAGON Award.

Vallie, who has served as Executive Director of the Property Management Association of West Michigan and the Michigan State Association for five years, has met or exceeded her budgets. Vallie single-handedly started new NAA chapters in Detroit and Flint, Mich. The Detroit chapter now boasts more than 20,000 residence homes.

The recently formed Flint and Detroit chapters have grown due to Vallie's efforts to show them how to write a budget and how to implement the budget during these changing economic times. Both chapters met their goals.

Vallie has a knack through interviewing for finding talent that works best in the association environment. She also is superb at training staff in various positions and on how to run committees, recruit volunteers and work with a Board of Directors. She was able to put on education sessions that drew standing-room-only crowds. She also is effective at conveying to members the benefits of NAA.

Vallie also developed an innovative "Showcase of Apartment Homes," a billboard, radio, TV and newspaper campaign that promotes apartment living as a lifestyle choice. This highly successful campaign featured 50 apartment communities with events scheduled during four weekends, showing how residents have made apartment living a choice.

Communications Award Charlotte Apartment Association: A Convincing Case to Rent

With its members experiencing a soft market and residents being bombarded every day with the advertising campaign, "Why rent when you can own?" the Charlotte Apartment Association decided to help residents make an informed decision on whether it is better to buy a home or rent by developing the brochure Choosing the Right Home for You...

Before this pamphlet was even printed, members placed orders for 50,000 brochures, enough to reach 65 percent of apartment residents in the Charlotte market. The brochure covers the costs of homeownership, lifestyle choice, the maintenance factor and potential risks of homeownership.

The brochure outlines issues such as the time and cost involved in maintaining a home, the risk of investment and whether homeownership will ultimately make a person happy.

It then highlights the incentive to rent in comparison with owning a home, such as the short-term commitment, flexibility in size mad location, mobility, social activities, available amenities, controlled access and security, lush landscaping at no extra cost, the opportunity for reduction in commuting time, absence of a down payment, lower insurance costs and the short notice needed to make a move into an apartment.

It also features a list of expenses and payments involved in owing a home and paying rent, showing dramatic cost savings for apartment residents.

Community Service Award Houston Apartment Association: Golfers 'Tickled Pink'

The Bear Creek Golf Course in Fort Worth, Texas, was awash in pink last October as the Houston Apartment Association's (HAA) Pink Ladies Golf Tournament took to the links to take some strokes against breast cancer.

The event drew 26 teams of female golfers, who were assisted and served by 26 volunteer caddies for whom the golfers had bid at least $200. The event also included a raffle. For its efforts, HAA earned this year's PARAGON Award for Community Service.

The event's expenses were completely underwritten by 20 HAA member companies, which paid $500 in sponsorship. HAA teamed up with the Houston chapter of the American Cancer Society for the event. which generated $15,104 for the American Cancer Society. The nine-hole scramble event was tailored to first-time golfers and drew many apartment industry women who were interested in the sport, but who had not yet tried it.

Golfers who arrived early had the option of receiving free lessons from other HAA member golfers and Bear Creek golf pros. HAA President David Hargrove, Greystone Asset Management, introduced representatives from the American Cancer Society and a breast cancer survivor, who thanked all participants at lunch.

Host Committee Recognition Award Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans: Service With a Smile

The Apartment Association of Greater New Orleans (AAGNO) received this year's Host Committee Recognition PARAGON Award.

AAGNO's energy, enthusiasm and hard work helped make this year's conference NAA's best ever.

The conference's host committee, led by AAGNO Association Executive Tammy Esponge, CAM, and AAGNO President Anita Zappula, comprised more than 100 volunteers from the AAGNO.

The committee helped plan property tours, answered questions at the conference, monitored sessions, directed attendees, took tickets, staffed buses and generally gave all attendees a warm welcome in New Orleans.

Without their help, NAA would not have been able to provide the level of service with a smile that members have come to expect at an NAA conference.

Government Affairs Award Triangle Apartment Association: Meet the Candidate Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Apartment Association: Fair Housing Mediation

The Triangle Apartment Association (TAA), Raleigh, N.C., and the Greater Cincinniati & Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA), Covington, Ky., each received this year's Government Affairs PARAGON Award.

The Triangle Apartment Association Triangle Apartment Association sponsored a "Meet the Candidate" Open House. The event was held at a new apartment community in a premiere Raleigh neighborhood. The hosting community provided food and beverage for the open house and the Association handled the logistics. Federal, state and local candidates were invited and told they would have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with TAA members.

More than 75 TAA members attended the open house. The candidates enjoyed the opportunity to speak one-on-one with constituents, appreciated the industry information they received at the event, and were fascinated by today's luxury apartment product. This event was executed on a budget of less than $300.

Candidates are very appreciative of the opportunity to meet and talk with members of their constituency. Open houses such as these enable informed members to vote for candidates who support the apartment industry. It becomes easier to select a public figure to speak with about an issue. It also helps establish a healthy rapport with election candidates and elected officials.

The Fair Housing Mediation Service is a free service supported by an alliance between the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) and Housing Opportunities Made Equal.

This service offers mediation to owners and their apartment residents who are involved in Fair Housing complaints that previously would have resulted in either formal litigation or direct referrals to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

The singular goal of Fair Housing Mediation Service is to solve what years of litigation have not, by placing people face-to-face, eye-to-eye with a trained professional mediator to solve discrimination issues. Out of 88 cases, 60 percent were mediated.

Success was also represented in the increased good will GCNKAA has made with Housing Opportunities Made Equal (HOME), the local fair housing advocate.

The cost of The Mediation Board for the full period 2002 was $35,000 to hear 88 cases. While this cost might seem high, consider instead the cost that owners would have had to pay had they been required to go to court.

On average, the typical case was estimated to cost a bare minimum of $2,500 for the property owner before the cost of the trial is figured--all without necessarily solving the root problem. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission started with a "settlement" number of $5,000 to $25,000 and mandatory education classes through HOME to make the problem go away. Therefore, the cost-effectiveness is free vs. $7,500 to $25,000.

Through the program, the Better Housing League and Clear Corps took great strides to work more closely with GCNKAA to solve problems without litigation.

Education Award Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Apartment Association: Do-It-Yoursef Program

By both growing membership and providing an education outlet for its members, the Greater Cincinnati & Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GENKAA) has earned the PARAGON Award for Education by developing its Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Maintenance Series.

The program, which targets Independent Rental Owners and maintenance technicians, had four goals. The first was to develop a maintenance program that appealed to a new, previously untapped cross-section of membership. The second was to provide hands-on experience to maintenance technicians who were either new to the industry or who wanted to freshen up on their skills. The third was to boost what had become a struggling independent rental owners program and the fourth was to create an opportunity for do-it-yourselfers to network and share ideas.

Each seminar was one-day long and was limited in size since the seminar would be held in actual apartment homes. Member communities in need of maintenance were chosen, that way, they gained a maintenance upgrade while serving as host for the seminar.

The materials, tools, instructor and continental breakfast were paid for through sponsorship. The program's registration fee was $25, of which all monies were profit for the GCNKAA. With approximately 20 persons attending, the seminars brought in $500 in revenue.

Members volunteered apartment units that needed renovation. Some sample DIY sessions were: Tub and Tile, Kitchen Cabinet Replacement and Countertop Replacement. These programs not only were profitable for the association, they helped grow IROC membership by 38 percent since 2001. Many inactive members attended these seminars, which then showed them the value that comes with being a GCNKAA member.

The seminars helped show members that even with a small investment of $200 to $500, a noticeable and impressive improvement can be had for their communities.

Marketing for the seminars was done through GCNKAA's member magazine and word of mouth.

Membership Award Detroit Metro Apartment Association: Growing in Members and Value

The Detroit Metropolitan Apartment Association (DMAA) received this year's Membership Development PARAGON Award from the National Apartment Association.

DMAA was founded last spring and chartered in June of 2002. By the end of its first year as an NAA affiliate, it has grown to nearly 24,000 units, making it the largest NAA affiliate in Michigan. The success of this association is attributed to outstanding educational programs, important legislative lobbying efforts, and distribution of a 16-page newsletter that announced these important issues to the area's multifamily professionals and related vendor and suppliers.

DMAA Board Member Leah Brewer, President of Full House Marketing in Farmington, Mich., agreed that the DMAA's efforts to focus on offering industry education and involvement in legislative issues made it attractive to local multifamily housing professionals.

"Many national management companies with local communities were already familiar with the advantages of NAA membership in their areas," Brewer noted, "so they were excited to join quickly and get involved in the new local chapter."

"We focused on building our property professional membership first," explained Brewer who edits the DMAA's monthly newsletter, The Driving Force. "If you successfully service the industry professionals, the vendors and suppliers join quickly."

DMAA also partnered with the local Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) at its annual trade show. The DMAA provided educational workshops and a Real Estate Con-Ed course during the trade show as well as "Maintenance Olympics" events throughout the day.

"Maintenance staff sometimes feel they are not as valued as others in property management," Brewer said. "They were pleased to be offered something especially for them." The workshops and olympics helped bring record numbers of attendees to the show. The success of these events at the trade show gave the DMAA some excellent exposure and built excitement and momentum for the new Association.

Best Garden/Townhouse Community, Built 1980-1999, Over 150 Units Fogelman's Fountains at Andover: A First-Class Race to Live in Lexington

The Fountains at Andover, Fogelman Properties, Lexington, Ky., received this year's PARAGON Award for the Best Garden/Townhouse Community built during 1980-99 with more than 150 units.

The Fountains at Andover is located in a new development in Lexington. It has 318 garden-style apartment homes on 5 acres with two natural ponds and water features.

All apartment homes have widened doorways for wheelchair accessibility and each apartment home is water submetered. Since submetering the community in 2000, water usage has been reduced by 25 percent.

Designed and managed to provide personal service, the effort makes residents feel as if they live at a resort. Among its many amenities are ceiling fans in every bedroom, award-winning landscaping, enormous walk-in closets, a lighted tennis court, free gift wrapping, plant watering, daily UPS ground service, a free video library, cat friendly residences, ponds with lighted fountains and a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

The Fountains also has its own polling station for residents to use on election day.

The Fountains has promoted awareness for such groups as Christians in Community Service, adopt-a-family and the American Cancer Societies Relay for Life.

It includes a Lifetime Resident Referral Program that offers a $300 bonus to any resident who refers a prospective resident who signs a lease at Fountains.

One resident said, "I am impressed that the office staff is so helpful. They know the names of all of the residents. The maintenance team is also very friendly and quick to respond to resident needs.

Another said, "Our impression of this property can be said in one word--class." And another said, "The staff makes us feel like family."

Best Garden/Townhouse Community, Built offer 2000, Over 150 Units Cornerstone's San Marino at Laguna Lakes: Luxury in West Palm Beach

Offering a host of upscale comforts and conveniences to go with a beautiful setting, San Marino at Laguna Lakes, Cornerstone Properties, West Palm Beach, Fla., received this year's PARAGON Award for the Best Garden/Townhouse Community built after 2000 with more than 150 units.

San Marino at Laguna Lakes is a gated 355-unit luxury lakefront resort. This resort of 17 three-story buildings with Mediterranean architecture features a clubhouse with an indoor racquetball/basketball court, lighted tennis courts, playground, executive conference room and cyber bar.

Each apartment home features double stainless steel sinks, a breakfast bar, built-in microwave, ceramic tiled baths, intrusion alarms system, a refrigerator/freezer and icemaker, freestanding range with oven, dishwater, disposal, pantry and full-sized washer and dryer.

There are walk-in closets, wall-to-wall carpeting, vertical blinds, mini-blinds, vaulted ceilings (in some units), high-speed wiring and ceiling fans in living rooms.

Following are some of the concierge services available to residents of San Marino: auto wash and detailing, pet sitting, pool-side towel service, massage therapy, furniture rental, tennis lessons, Sunday brunch, video lending service, and limousine and car service. The property also hosts special events for residents, such as holiday parties, a basketball tournament, computer training, book club and networking opportunities.

The community center also has a lighted tennis court, billiards room, cyber bar with business services, indoor basketball and racquetball, children's clubroom, poolside gazebo and a high-impact fitness center.

San Marino, designed around a protected and preserved wetlands area, maintains the natural plants and eco system of its environment. The entire rain outflow from the property runs into the system of created lakes.

San Marino and its staff also give back to the community, participating in blood drives, literacy programs, Relay for Life (American Cancer Society), Toys for Tots, Bring Your Child to Work Day and 911 police and fire fundraisers.

Best Mid-/High-Rise Community, Built 1980-1999, Over 150 Units The Pennsylvanian: A Return to Elegance in Pittsburgh

Making available an exciting trip to the past with all the present-day conveniences. The Pennsylvanian, owned and managed by Brothers Property Corp., Pittsburgh, received this year's PARAGON Award for the Best Mid-/High-Rise Community built from 1980-95 with more than 150 units.

The Pennsylvanian was built in the late 1800s and originally served as headquarters for the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. Using historic tax credits, The Pennsylvanian underwent a $50 million renovation, which was completed in the 1980s. Brothers Property Corp. purchased The Pennsylvanian in 1995 and found it to be a community in need of deferred maintenance.

The leasing office and model apartment were remodeled common areas were redecorated and each apartment home received a facelift, bringing The Pennsylvanian back to its original splendor.

The spectacular entrance to the building's rotunda is a national treasure--a circular dome with skylights supported by four arched corner turrets. Within the rotunda's interior are ornamental plaques dated 1900, which name the four crowing destinations serviced by Union Station: Pittsburgh, New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Leading off the rotunda is the grand concourse, which hosts the community's special events. Adjoining the concourse is a private entrance into the private and corporate residences.

As its marketing materials suggest, "I remember the feeling of entering through the great rotunda. The silence echoing from the marble floors. The warm light on the painted ceilings. I remember not wanting to leave. Now, I don't have to."

With admired architecture of another era. The Pennsylvanian has 42 different floor plans designed in studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments, lofts and townhomes. Guest suites and corporate suites also are available. Among the luxury amenities are 14-foot ceiling, oversized windows, plush carpeting and 24-hour indoor valet parking.

As part of its restoration timeline, The Pennsylvanian received a custom paint job in the common areas and contrasted painting in each apartment's interior walls to go with wood molding; original oil paintings and planters with palms or ivy at each elevator lobby; new custom carpet throughout the halls; updated kitchen vinyl; and a remodeled upscale hair salon to which a spa was added.

Best Mid-/High-Rise Community, Built After 2000, Under 150 Units Vestcor's 11 East Forsyth: A Vision Come True in Jacksonville

Vestcor Construction Services' 11 East Forsyth, Jacksonville, Fla., received this year's PARAGON Award for the Best Mid-/High-Rise Community built after 2000 with less than 150 units.

Vestcor purchased a 17-story historic building in downtown Jacksonville with a vision to bring New York loft-style living to Jacksonville. The building, built in 1926, was abandoned in 1990. The building embodies early 20th century commercial features and Chicago-style elements expressed by the use of different materials and classical detailing.

Ornamental polychromatic terra cotta tiles stacked between windows accentuate the exterior vertical shaft while contrasting with the horizontal articulation of the limestone clad base and terra cotta crown.

Throughout the project, it was imperative that the historic character of the building be carefully preserved and restored. The building's exterior was restored in accordance with the Department of Interior regulations for preservation of historic structures, and the construction qualified for a 20 percent historic tax credit.

Significant to the restoration of the first and second floor facades was the discovery of existing decorative cast iron panels buried behind subsequently added granite. These panels were originally going to be replaced, but once found only required chemical cleaning and refinishing. The design objective was to create a contemporary living environment set against the historic backdrop of the existing structure.

11 East Forsyth now offers 127 apartment homes, including seven unique penthouse apartments, making downtown Jacksonville a more vibrant community. It also includes a 155-space attached parking garage.

In addition to the lobby, the first floor houses a community center complete with kitchen. conference area and club room and fitness center.

Among the amenities are a stunning view of River City, 10.5-foot ceilings, washers and dryers in every unit, designer kitchens with upgraded appliances, in-home computer alcoves with high-speed access, package and mail acceptance and 24/7 emergency maintenance.

Best Mid- /High-Rise Community, Built After 2000, Over 150 Units Restoration's American Can: A Beautiful, Industrial Giant in New Orleans

Historic Restoration Inc.'s American Can Apartments in New Orleans was once an industrial area where more than 1,500 workers made cans for storage of oil, beer, paint, carbonated beverages and coffee. This luxury property is on the National Register of Historic Places and has been restored according to the preservation guidelines established by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

This gated community, which received this year's PARAGON Award for the Best Mid-/High-Rise Community built after 2000 with more than 150 units, features six buildings, housing 268 apartments of one-, two- and three-bedrooms that range in size from 551 square feet to 1,615 square feet. Many of the apartments overlook the New Orleans skyline, Bayou St. John or the courtyard.

All of the floor plans are unique and reveal the original architectural features. Interiors offer 13-foot ceilings with the original wall-to-wall windows, washer, dryer, fully equipped kitchens, Internet access and enhanced cable television service. Preservation guidelines required that the original signage, existing brick walls, cypress wood beams and concrete and wood columns be retained. The retention of these elements, combined with the uniqueness of the structure, result in a wide variety, of available floor plans.

The community offers a fitness center, swimming pool, picnic area and a 24-hour business center that is equipped with computers, a fax machine and copier. The entertainment center offers audio and visual conferencing capabilities. The property has onsite courtesy officers and maintenance personnel on standby alert for after-hours emergencies.

The property has office and retail space--a coffee shop, drycleaners and wine shop--on the first floor, and hosts an open-air farmer's market each Thursday where residents can shop for fruits and vegetables, fresh flowers and seafood.

American Can is a partnership between Historic Restorations Inc. (HRI Group), a New Orleans-based developer, and Housing Horizons L.L.C., a wholly owned company of Kimberly-Clark Corp. The complex financing of this transaction was made possible by Glaser Financial Group of St. Paul, Minn., and the Fannie Mae Corp. HRI's mission is to renew cities by creating diverse, sustainable communities.