Exclusive Look at the 520 Lifestyle
Name: Kelly Schmidt
Location: 520 Lofts
Years/Months Lived at 520 Lofts: 2 months
Why did you want to move Downtown? My employer ADP moved its office downtown in May 2018 to prepare us for the big move to Five City Center come September 2019. I think it only took working in the city for a week for me to want to pursue apartment options downtown. There is something about walking out the doors of your office at 5 o’clock to see people outside Queen City BBQ playing bean bag toss, residents walking their dogs, and people heading to a hockey game that really got me motivated to make the move.
What was the deciding factor that made you choose 520 Lofts as your new home? I had toured STRATA about 3 years ago and really appreciated the sense of community I felt. When my office moved to downtown, and I saw the construction for 520 lofts, I went online to see if it was a Landmark Community.
Where’s the best place to go to for happy hour? The Dime! You really can’t beat $1 French Onion Dip with a view.
What’s your favorite dish to order every time you’re out? The table side guac at Tacos Y Tequila. I am pretty sure I think about it 85% of my work week.
What are some small things about living at 520 Lofts that make your day better? I love the mural in the Hamilton stairwell. Never in my life did I think I would enjoy climbing 5 flights of stairs. I also love the Butterfly MX system. My friends don’t have to wait in the cold for me to get up from the couch.
What is your ideal way to spend the weekend in Downtown Allentown? On Fridays, I usually head home to unwind, or I grab a drink with friends after work at Queen City. Saturdays I like to start my day by walking my dog, Calvin. The afternoon varies but you can always count on my presence at Bell Hall by 8:30 sharp for some trivia. Sundays are for brunch at Union and Finch and laundry.
Where do you go to unwind after a hard day at work? Bell Hall for a cosmo. 
How did you make your apartment, home? By having my friends over to enjoy the apartment with me.
What is one thing you love about 520 Lofts that most people haven’t heard of? I like the package concierge! I am used to rushing home as my packages would be sitting on my porch for hours. I like knowing that my package is safe and only I can access it.
Which Downtown Allentown event do you look forward to every year? Restaurant Week!
What’s your favorite memory so far since you’ve moved to Downtown Allentown? Coming in last place in trivia at Bell Hall with Keriann Gulmy every Saturday night.
What’s the best way to start your day at 520 Lofts? Walking my dog to the Arts Park.
Where’s the best spot to get cozy and relax at 520 Lofts? The lounge on the 6th floor. It's my favorite place to play Uno.
You have friends from out of town visiting—where do you take them to have a good time? I first take them to The Dime for a drink with a view. Then I take them Tacos Y Tequila for authentic Mexican. We usually end up at Bell Hall for a few cocktails and conversation.
Check out how Kelly kicked off her weekend in her #DowntownTakeover. ▼