Lakes of Valparaiso plans fun set of activities for people, paws, and partners

The Lakes of Valparaiso (LOV) is part of Weiss Entities, a vertically integrated real estate company that develops, invests, and manages a portfolio of properties across Northwest Indiana and the Chicagoland region. Its mission is to assure an informed business that can create, acquire, renovate, and manage quality community developments.

However, it isn’t just properties the company invests in, but the people involved as well; when you invest in Weiss Entities, it invests back in you.

Thanks to its dedicated team, the LOV is able to put on a great time for residents and members of the community to enjoy in a variety of ways. 

On June 8, the LOV began the Cutest Pet Contest on its Facebook page. Fluffy residents had the chance to win a prize by June 15, and all their human companions had to do was post a snapshot of their pet. By liking and commenting on the photo, the pet had a chance to win a gift basket full of goodies, including a grooming service gift card.

Wrapping up a week later, the fuzzy winners that were crowned champions were an elegantly named dog, Louie George Preston, and a regally dressed cat, Milka. Their owners were able to stop by the clubhouse to pick up their prize.

“It did well. A lot of people did participate and submitted really cute photos,” said Sidnie Williams, marketing assistant at Weiss Entities.

The Cutest Pet Contest came from the desire to work in a pet-related event for residents to enjoy. While the LOV typically does a Puppy Plunge toward the end of summer, the intense heatwaves simmering through the midwest has put a temporary hold on things, as the team at Weiss wanted to keep all the residents and furry friends safe.

There’s still a chance the Puppy Plunge will happen, however. The event is just as it sounds: the puppies have a chance to cool off and enjoy a swim with other pets, chase toys, or explore the area while their human counterparts socialize and get to know their neighbors.

The LOV is also exploring the idea of a potential Pet of The Month to be implemented in the future. Whether or not the Puppy Plunge or Pet of The Month happens, the LOV ensures that caring for pets is a point of emphasis.

“We do a lot of resident events geared towards pets; we are very pet-friendly,” Williams said. “We have treats for both cats and dogs, and we like to include our pets in every aspect that we can.”

For the LOV, pets are more than animals; they’re part of the family.

“We want to give people their dream apartment. If that includes them being able to bring their pet, no harm there,” Williams said. “I don’t know many people who would choose a community that’s not pet-friendly if they do have a pet.”

Being open to pets is part of inclusivity for Weiss, as most people have furry friends these days. With 22 of 23 properties being pet-friendly, apartment-seekers have plenty of opportunities with Weiss to find a home that suits their needs best.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, no-pet properties were more common, even for the LOV. As more people began seeking companionship during lockdowns, the LOV saw the rise in need from its residents and transitioned into being fully pet-friendly.

“I think it helped a lot to show people in the industry that in order to be as inclusive as possible, which is always what we strive for,” Williams said. “There’s not any sort of, ‘Oh, I really love this apartment, but it’s in a non-pet friendly building. Do I give up my pet? Do I go for my dream apartment?’”

While Weiss Entities does unfortunately have breed restrictions that are out of its control, the development company continues working toward inclusivity for families of all shapes and sizes.

“We love our furry friends and residents. We encourage everybody to bring them into the clubhouse so that we can get to know them, and so that they’re more comfortable in an apartment setting as well,” Williams said.

Getting to know residents is important to Weiss. With a devotion to make the inhabitants of the properties feel seen, Weiss also offers a Hometown Heroes administrative waiver to those who qualify.

By showing a military ID, paystubs from a healthcare facility, or whatever the future resident uses for income documentation, the LOV will waive the $150 administrative fee for first responders, healthcare professionals, educators, or anyone involved in the military. While those qualifying for Hometown Heroes will have to pay the fee initially, by proving their status within the parameters, it will be credited back upon moving in.

Not all residents may qualify for Hometown Heroes, but everyone wins with Weiss Entities — any resident has the chance to join any of the events the company puts on each month. Each event varies in size throughout different days of the week, and there is something for every resident to enjoy.

Smaller events are activities with a limited number of winners, such as hiding a select number of plastic ducks around the building for residents to find. For more opportunities to win prizes while mingling with neighbors, the LOV offers bingo as well.

Summer and winter offer larger events for inhabitants of the LOV properties. One upcoming event that the LOV team is hard at work planning is the annual Summer Bash. Previous years have had a DJ, food, raffles, and cornhole tournaments. The courtyard is expected to be full of music, drinks, and fun.

“We specifically do it on a Saturday to ensure people can participate, because we want to hold appreciation for our residents in the biggest seasons,” Williams said. 

A lot of raffle prizes offered are donations from vendors in a process Williams described as a circle of appreciation. Vendors appreciate business from Weiss Entities, who appreciates the residents, and a gift is crafted for winners to take home.

“The residents ask when we’re doing a summer bash, so that’s definitely one that fits the most interest, and usually is the best turnout,” Williams said.

The Summer Bash is a wonderful opportunity for residents to interact with neighbors, as well as communicate with the staff at Weiss. Food and games break the ice and allow people to grow comfortable within the community. It’s also an opportunity to get to know the employees who aim to support those living on the property. This event opens the door to ask for help, make friends, and enjoy a comfortable life.

“We want our residents to feel as comfortable as they can with us, and ask those questions that they have,” Williams said. “Our events and programs are a good way to meet and vibe with your neighbors, while having a good time and growing closer with everybody.”

To learn more about Weiss Entities and its properties, programs, or services, visit its website at weissentities.com.

For more information on the Lakes of Valparaiso specifically, visit lovthelife.com.