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Wiese knows and loves her job, and handles herself professionally. Proud of Elliott Arms, the eight-story art deco-style landmark built in the early 1950s, Wiese speaks highly of each occupant in its 102 residential units, knows each by his or her first name, and shares that their ages range from 18 to 90.
Wiese also speaks well of John Wirth, president of Glenco Properties Inc., Greenfield, Wis., which owns Elliott Arms. “I enjoy working for a property owner who puts money back into the business to make it better,” she said. “This shows pride in ownership.”
The result of a cheery, helpful manager and frequent facility upgrades is clear: There are no vacancies at Elliott Arms; there is a healthy waiting list supported by applications neatly stacked on Wiese’s desk.
“Peggy is a great asset to Elliott Arms,” Wirth said. “She has a wonderful attitude and takes a genuine interest in the residents.”
Sibyl Piotrowski, 89, a resident since Jan. 1, 1984, added, “As our manager, Peggy is very efficient and has a nice smile. If there are problems, she’ll always talk them out. And she does so with respect to all. She is the best soul!”
As a child, Wiese, now 57, received good advice from her dad: “You can decide what kind of an influence you want to be — someone who cares about others, or someone who doesn’t. The choice is yours.”
“I have chosen to make sure the days of others are made better, not worse,” Wiese said. “This really is quite simple. It’s showing respect for people and treating them the way you want to be treated.”
Sure, there are awkward situations, she said. “But I work hard so we come away making all parties feel good, and that the respect of everyone involved is intact.”
At Elliott Arms, there are studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments that rent anywhere from $390 to $695 a month. There also is a penthouse established by combining the two apartments where previous owners John (he passed away in 1994) and Marian Elliott lived for
25 years until Marian’s death in June 2007, on the morning of her 99th birthday.
Elliott Arms’ occupants are “a real nice mix” of college students, working people and retirees, Wise said. “It’s great to hear different generations interact. The older residents seem to like the energy that young people bring.”
At the same time, graduate students select Elliott Arms because they want a quiet place to study. “This is not a party house. It is quiet here,” Wiese said.
“When I am meeting students who wish to become renters and their parents come with them, it’s good to hear ‘I want my daughter (or son) to live in a clean, safe place.’ The building is always locked and equipped with an intercom system. All residents are conscious of this. It makes them feel safe,” Wiese said.
“When we purchased Elliott Arms in 1998 it was an excellent structure built with fire-resistant masonry and steel trusses. … But it was tired and needed updating,” Wirth said. Since then, renovations have totaled $1.5 million, including window, air conditioning, appliance and mechanical system upgrades, refurbishing of some apartments from retro to deluxe status, and redecorating common areas.
“I have so much fun showing off Elliott Arms and being a part of its restoration,” Wiese said.
She is fascinated with Elliott Arms’ history. The building — tan brick with a dark marble entrance — was built for about $1 million when an eight-story structure was unheard of in La Crosse. Three stories were what the city ordinance allowed. The ordinance was amended to allow for the building, which became Cass Street Apartments until the Elliotts purchased it in 1973.
Manager of Elliott Arms for nine years, Wiese got her start in apartment management 25 years ago at the 96-unit Meadows Townhouses and Lancer Village Apartments in La Crescent.
“I’ve always felt that my work is a business,”she said. “I have never forgotten that I’m taking care of someone else’s investment. I want to protect it. But I’m also taking care of a place where people live — a place they like calling home — one that fills them with pride,” she said.
From all indications, Wiese is succeeding.
