14 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT THE MORTON

As an {almost} three-year resident of The Morton AND the heart of Grand Rapids, we’re still majorly impressed with the myriad of things to do right outside our apartment community’s door. The energy of the big city is electric—even during these times! The proximity of restaurants, bars, shopping, parks, public transportation and services is convenient. Plus, the extras and amenities that The Morton offers makes downtown Grand Rapids living unmatched.

It’s obvious – we adore The Morton! To celebrate the month of LOVE (Valentine’s lasts an entire month, right?!), we are rounding up 14 (see what we did there) reasons why we are passionate about living here.

1 | In the heart of it all

While in the heart of Grand Rapids, you can enjoy carriage rides, ice skate under twinkle lights, and enjoy all downtown has to offer. Being in the heart of downtown, we have a diversity of food options and the culture that only being in the center of it all can bring.

2 | Freebies and Discounts

West Michiganders love a good deal, ammiright?!

Through the Rock Perks program, Rockford Property Management has curated offers from a variety of businesses to get residents out and exploring the city. Some of our favorites (and close to The Morton) are Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Services of West MI, Freshii, Stella’s Lounge, MVP Metro Club, Kilwins, House of Wine, Apothecary Off Main and Grand Rapids Art Museum—to name a few. You don’t have to live at The Morton for these deals. Other Rockford Property Management communities includes Barley Flats, Fulton Place, The Hendrik, and Living @ 600 Douglas.

3 | Fur Baby Approved

What would downtown living be without your furry best friend?

With indoor pet relief and play areas, The Morton is the perfect home for pets (yes, they accept all breeds). Not only is the building dog approved, but getting those walks in is so much easier with plenty of great options – including parks – nearby.

4 | Luxury Living

Stunning, spacious, and elegant are just a few adjectives we’d use to describe our apartment. We love the modern appliances and unique layouts along with Quartz countertops and soft-close cabinetry—yes, we are aggressive cabinet closers.

More creature comforts like Nest thermostat, FULL SIZE washer and dryer, and lots of built in storage make us swoon. We chose a two-bedroom, but there are other options like studio and one bedrooms to fit all needs.

5 | The History

The Morton was completed in 1922 and served as a destination for furniture business travelers who came to buy from Grand Rapids manufacturers. In 1970, The Morton closed its doors and later became a residential apartment. Fast-forward to 2011 and Rockford Construction purchased The Morton. The building underwent significant upgrades and finally converted into a luxury multi-family community.

6 | DASH’ing Around GR

If you don’t want to walk, take the bus or autonomous vehicle (aka May Mobility) that picks up right outside of The Morton.

You might have noticed those pink buses cruising around downtown. The color is actually called “Punch” and the DASH (The Downtown Area Shuttle) is soon to be one of your favorite aspects of Grand Rapids. The DASH is a system of small buses that links downtown neighborhoods and destinations.

The DASH stops are across the street from The Morton. Did we mention riding The DASH and May Mobility--which runs the same route as The DASH--is FREE? It’s also reliable and drops off/picks up in front of many restaurants and shops. Need groceries? Take the bus or May Mobility to Bridge Street Market. When you get back, The Morton has grocery carts to take your goodies to your apartment. Be sure to check out the Transit app to view pickup locations, bus locations, and other important information, like how many people are riding each bus.

Seriously, ride it once. That’s all it will take for you to become a DASH fan like us!

7 | The Views

Giant windows grant you views of the city or the courtyard—depending on what side your apartment is located. One side of the The Morton faces the string light-lined street of Monroe Center (AKA Breonna Taylor Way) and the other overlooks beautiful buildings to the east. Either side boosts its own unique views and is certain to entertain.

8 | Patio Party

The spacious outdoor courtyard doesn’t just give off great views from above, it also makes any gathering at The Morton a top notch experience.

There’s also a grill, fire pit, and plenty of space to play games. We already know where we will be spending all of our time outdoors in just a few short weeks.

9 | Easy Entry

Have you ever wanted to wave your hand and have doors open? Yes, kinda like Star Wars. At The Morton you can do just that … with key fobs that can go on keyrings OR adhered to the back on your phone. Since it’s the one thing you carry at all times, it’s perfect for those of us that misplace keys on the regular. There’s even a freight elevator for all the big packages (thanks, Amazon!) and move in.

10 | It’s Soooo Convenient

We might never drive again! Not really, but there’s no need to leave immediate downtown unless absolutely necessary. There are tons of delivery and takeout options from local restaurants. Want more choices than what’s immediately around The Morton? Check out Uber Eats. Don’t want to make the {very} short trek to Bridge Street Market? Order from Aldi, Target, Meijer, and more all from Instacart or Shipt. Nothing better straight to your door delivery.

11 | Active Lifestyle

The Morton makes it easy to get a workout in. There’s an on-site fitness center with everything needed to break a sweat. Not a fan of treadmills? The Morton is close to Ah-Nab-Awen Park with access to the riverwalk.

There’s also the option of fitness classes through MVP Metro Club (Perks Program partners). Either way, living here definitely encourages us to get up and get moving.

12 | Friendly On-site Staff

The staff at The Morton genuinely cares about us. They’ve helped us with all of our move-in questions and maintenance requests, and we love that they’re available to help us, even when we’re locked out – because you KNOW it will happen at least once! Enjoy online services instead of person-to-person? The Resident Service Portal is perfect for communicating needs and even paying rent.

13 | Parking

“WHERE AM I GOING TO PARK?!” is the MOST FREQUENTLY ASKED question. {And if we had a dollar for every time we are asked … well, you get the point.} Luckily, The Morton’s parking structure is the next block behind the building. It’s partially covered for those hot summer days and the weekly Polar Vortex (thanks, Michigan) and the keycard makes in and out easy-peasy.

14 | Life of the Party

What we love most about The Morton is showing our friends around!

Thankfully, Rockford Property Management wants us to bring the fun to The Morton. We will be hosting get-togethers for those interested in living at any of the Rockford Property Management Properties---when it is safe to do so.

For those that already live in any of the communities, it’s simple to stay connected and meet new people. Currently, Rockford Property Management hosts events like like food prep, yoga, progressive social gatherings, live entertainment and so much more.

You can sign up below to be notified when we host events OR follow us on Instagram and view The Morton highlight for more info.

______________________________

Be our neighbor, learn more here.