Just moved in? Learn How This Resident Easily Made Friends

Name: Mark Swaggard     
Location:  520 Lofts 
Years/Months Lived at 520 Lofts: 6 months 

Why did you want to move Downtown? I’ve been with ADP for the past couple of years. They asked me about 6 months ago to move to the office in Allentown. 

What was the deciding factor that made you choose 520 Lofts as your new home? I was searching for a great place to live, and 520 Lofts had the clean, modern apartment I was looking for where I can entertain guests. 

Where’s the best place to go to for happy hour? I’m loyal to Tacos Y Tequila.

What’s your favorite dish to order every time you’re out?  Steak tacos from Tacos Y Tequila always hit the spot.

What are some small things about living at 520 Lofts that make your day better? I really like the package machine - it’s very futuristic. I also love the small gym. I can work out before work without the hassle of traveling to a gym. 

What’s your go-to store to shop at in downtown? Assembly88 has a great selection of dress shirts. 

What is your ideal way to spend the weekend in Downtown Allentown? I love going out with all the new friends I met at the STRATA/520 happy hours. Everyone is around my age and has the same interests as me. 

What’s your favorite spot to go to in 520 when you want to relax, besides your apartment? Did I mention Tacos Y Tequila? I think they have a special door just for 520 residents. 

How did you make your apartment, home? My apartment didn’t feel like home until I had my TV mounted on the wall. 520 is great with letting you make changes to your apartment, so it feels more like home. 

What is one thing you love about 520 Lofts that most people haven’t heard of? The happy hours are important to folks who just moved. It’s a great way to meet new people. 

What’s your favorite memory so far since you’ve moved to Downtown Allentown? I loved hanging out on the roof of the other buildings.

Where’s one place you’ve been wanting to visit in downtown that you haven’t had a chance to go to yet? I’m still getting to know the area, so I’m interested in exploring the other side of Hamilton Street.

What’s the best way to start your day at 520 Lofts? I always stop for coffee at Tim Hortons on my way to work. 

You have friends from out of town visiting, where do you take them to have a good time? I’ll take my friends to either Tacos Y Tequila or Bell Hall for burgers. It’s great that we don’t have to worry about driving home or taking an Uber.