Living at CHT

Why You Should Get A Houseplant for Your Apartment

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 19:42:37 GMT

Keeping houseplants in your apartment is one of the easiest ways to make a small space feel more alive and welcoming. They add color, texture, and warmth, turning a basic apartment into a cozy home. Whether it’s a tall fiddle-leaf fig in the corner or pothos trailing from a shelf, greenery helps soften hard lines and brings a touch of nature indoors—which is especially valuable in an urban environment.

Beyond aesthetics, houseplants can positively affect your mood and daily routine. Caring for them creates a sense of responsibility and calm, providing a rewarding ritual in watering or checking for new growth. Many find that plants reduce stress and increase focus, making them an excellent addition to home offices or living areas.

Apartment living also makes it easy to start small with plants that fit your lifestyle. Low-maintenance options like snake plants, ZZ plants, or succulents thrive in limited light and require minimal attention. As you gain confidence, you can experiment with herbs, flowering plants, or larger statement pieces. With the right choices, houseplants can flourish in any apartment and make your space feel healthier and more personal.

The Wisconsin Experience: Hiking With a View

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 20:26:25 GMT

Experiencing Wisconsin: Hiking

The city of Madison has amazing places to explore, it provides the perfect balance of living in the city while having the opportunity to escape into nature without driving hours. This winter has been nothing but unusual. At this point in the season, the sun is shining brightly and stepping outside no longer involves several heavy layers. This lovely weather is the perfect opportunity to get outside and get a head start on your hiking bucket list. Let me inspire you to add a few more destinations to your list.

Picnic Point and Lakeshore Nature Preserve:

This is a classic hike that many enjoy year round. Located right downtown on University Bay Drive, this is an easy trail to share with friends and family. Here you can choose your own adventure and have a completely different experience every time you go. From Picnic Point you can observe the lake’s shore and enjoy a beautiful view of the capital. You get bonus points for watching the sunrise. There is no better way to start off your day than to see shades of orange also paint the lake. Plan your visit by taking a quick look at their website!

https://lakeshorepreserve.wisc.edu/visit/plan-a-visit/

Owen Conservation Park:

Just a 13 minute drive west from downtown Madison, Owen Conservation Park is a hidden gem. This former farm land was purchased by the city of Madison and managed to return the native ecosystem. There are fifteen acres of prairie, thirty seven acres of meadow, and forty acres of woods that have reclaimed the landscape. This beautiful historical space also has a magnificent scenic overlook of Madison’s West side. This is definitely the trail to take for a peaceful afternoon.

https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/find-a-park/park.cfm?id=1305

Governor’s Island:

The island is a 60 acre green area with hiking trails and beach access for canoeing, swimming, and fishing. The island is located right off the Mendota Mental Health Institute, on the north side, with a man made land bridge for access. The terrain is fairly flat and enjoyable, with frequent opportunities to look out to the lake through the high rocky bluffs. This can quickly become a favorite, go-to spot for a quick get away.

Governor Nelson State Park:

This destination is just a 22 minute drive away from the Capital. Governor Nelson State Park offers four different hiking trails ranging from 1 to 2.4 miles with a diverse and vibrant ecology. You have the opportunity to trek through oak woodland, savannah, and wet prairies. It feels like you are hours away from the city, instead of just a few minutes away!

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/govnelson/recreation/hiking

There is always a place for any event and for any time constraint. Let’s take care of ourselves by enjoying the many places that offer the opportunity to walk in beautiful and natural spaces.

Maximizing Your Apartment Space

Thu, 06 Apr 2023 15:53:00 GMT

Maximizing Your Apartment Space

Find Furniture that Serves a Dual Purpose

Furniture such as ottomans, tables with storage, multifunctional headboards and futons all serve dual purposes and are perfect ways to utilize space effectively. Dual furniture pieces can maximize storage space, create additional seating, add shelf displays and do much more. Be sure to check out some dual furniture options to get the best value for money on a college budget.

Customize Storage - Under benches, ottomans, coffee tables, baskets, etc

In any small space, it is important to capitalize on storage to keep an open and visually appealing setting. Furniture such as ottomans, shelved coffee tables, and benches allow for storage in or under furnishings. Wicker baskets, Nordic storage baskets, wire baskets, foldable bins, cube bins and woven bins are easy and inexpensive containers to hold any necessary storage. Aside from cabinetry and shelving units, these containers can hide your items, match your interior, and easily fit under other furniture to be pulled out when necessary.

Go Vertical - Bookcases

Bookcases are a great way to maximize vertical space that can sometimes be forgotten or unused. Filling vertical space with shelves gives the ability for more storage, presentation, and less used floor space.

Keep Things Neutral , use light colors and contrast

Neutral tones and light colors make for a more open and collective space. Although we at CHT encourage you to be authentic and unique in your decorating practices, neutral tones such as whites and light browns make for a brighter room, while darker colors tend to more easily absorb light to show a smaller effect. Soft blues and greens also make for a more open and airy space.

Add Mirrors

Mirrors reflect artificial and natural light to stage a brighter and more open setting. When designing a room, having a focal point such as a large piece of furniture that draws a viewer's attention is an easy and effective way to create depth in a room. This depth can be reflected through the mirror when tilted at

Use Light Fabrics

Light fabrics make for a more airy and open space. Your room will appear less bulky.

Exposed Legs and Lower to the Ground

Furniture with exposed leg space creates more floor space, and an illusion of a larger room because of it. With more floor space, light is able to travel below furniture legs, creating a brighter, more open room. Furnishings with exposed legs and that are lower to the ground, creates more space in the room, offering a sharper and more open visual appeal.

Furniture that Folds or Can be Easily Moved

Furniture that folds and is easily movable, such as tables with wheels allow you to keep a space open. If necessary, foldable and moveable furniture can be added to assist when company is present or for any other purposes. When not in use, this furniture can be stored in a closet, or other area of your home.

Shelving in Bathroom

Over-the-toilet shelving and slim cabinets can maximize storage space in a bathroom while allowing for the bathroom to appear large. Due to vertical space being used, the bathroom still appears large and offers ample storage space. This is an easy way to store toiletries and other bathroom supplies.

Declutter Counter Space - platform something in shelving and cabinetry

Decluttering kitchen counter space is an easy way to portray a sharper and more open image. Wire spice racks and stackable cabinet shelves are examples to help maximize storage within the kitchen so that all food can be more easily visible and organized.

Hooks

Hooks are perfect for storing items and utilizing vertical space. Kitchen utensils and bathroom essentials can be easily stored with the use of hooks, not to mention any clothing necessities as well!

How to Spend Your Winter In Madison

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 17:18:18 GMT

Winter Musts in Madison 2022-2023

It cannot be helped, Fall is coming to an end. Yet, with this end, the beginning of Winter arrives to embrace us with dreams of hot cocoa, frosty mornings in warm pajamas, and an array of activities to keep everyone busy during the darker, colder months. As Madison residents, the city and multiple institutions work towards bringing great activities to engage in all year long. And so, I present you with the best activities to add to your list for Winter of 2022-23.

The Holiday Fantasy Lights at Olin Park

A great way to kick off the season is with the holidays, a time when lights sparkle down state street and adorn mostly every home. However, if you are looking forward to seeing lighting take the next step, The Holiday Fantasy Lights at Olin Park is the place for you–at no extra cost. From the comfort of your car, you can ride around the park and enjoy the magnificent light displays. Plus, candy canes are given out to visitors from 4:30 to 10 p.m. every night.

The Holiday Express Flower & Model Train Show

Now, if your thirst for holiday spirit was not quenched by the magnificent light show at Olin Park, Olbrich Botanical Gardens has something ready for you. Picture the holidays adorned with jolly decorations, flowers, AND trains, could there be a better combination? I don’t think so. The Holiday Express Flower & Model Train Show will run from December 3rd to the 31st, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. While there is an admission Fee, it will be well worth it.

Edgewater Hotel Ice Rink

A must do in Madison is ice skating. While the lakes and ponds take some time to freeze over, weather permitting, The Edgewater Hotel offers an opportunity to ice skate early in the season. The decorating lights around the hotel and the view of Lake Mendota makes it a magical experience. The rink will become available starting December 7th, open from Wednesday to Sunday. Ticket purchase is available online.

CHT Study Break: Cocoa, Coffee, and Cookies

The ultimate Winter must, however, will be the CHT Study Break event. On December 19th, there will be cozy warm drinks up for grabs in the Roundhouse office, accompanied by delicious cookies. In addition to that, there will be a gingerbread house competition! The CHT team will present beautifully decorated gingerbread houses, and our residents will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite one.

Winter Carnival 2023

From February 6 to the 11th, the Wisconsin Union organizes an outdoor Winter Carnival located at the Memorial Union by Lake Mendota . As many may know, the Wisconsin Memorial Union is the perfect spot to sit on a warm Summer day, listening to live music and enjoying a cold drink. However, in the Winter it's just as lively with events. Join the fun and get a chance to pose with Lady Liberty.

Grocery Shopping On A College Budget

Tue, 22 Nov 2022 19:24:24 GMT

Tips on how to shop for healthy groceries on a college budget!

Don’t Shop while Hungry

Studies show shopping while hungry increases your chance of impulse buying. Be mindful of your budget and don’t shop on an empty stomach!

Buy in Season

Produce can be expensive, especially when buying out of season. Luckily, some produce never goes out of season including apples, bananas, carrots, and celery. However, you may want to reconsider purchasing strawberries in the winter as they will be much higher priced than in summer. Not to mention, in season produce is typically fresher and has more nutritional value!

Make a List

Making a list can be helpful when deciding what you are planning on making for the week. It also redirects you from products you don’t need, and don’t fit into your budget for the week!

Meal Prep/Use Leftovers

Meal prepping and using leftovers is a great way to save money because your meals are already planned and can be kept frozen or refrigerated for the time being. This is also a time saver because budgeting one day a week to make meals for that week means less time in the mornings and nights to spend making food. This allows you to also buy ingredients in bulk, and keep from wasting.

Freeze Anything and Everything You Can

Buying frozen fruits and vegetables tends to be cheaper than buying them fresh and also allows them to last longer. You can also buy frozen meats, meals, etc... for use later in the week, month or year!

Cut Back on Meat

Meat, especially red meat and seafood, tends to be more expensive. Cutting back on meat and taking a more vegetarian route is a great way to save money, not to mention it can also have great health benefits!

Buy Generic/Store Brand

Making a switch from the name brands to generic/store brands is an easy way to save a few dollars per grocery trip. Don’t be fooled by the advertising tactics, they tend to taste the same anyways!

Use Coupons

Some grocery stores will scan for any and all coupons and checkout, there are also apps and websites that carry coupons, and the old fashioned newspaper and mail coupons way. Collecting and keeping up with coupons is an easy way to save money each time you grocery shop!

Take Your Roommate(s)

Buying in bulk tends to be cheaper, taking your roommate(s) and splitting the cost is a great way to save money, and buy items that tend to be cheaper, such as meat, at a cheaper price. Take a trip to Costco once a month if possible!

Favorite Summer Things to do Around Madison

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 17:41:07 GMT

Warm weather is here... that means it's time to head outside to your favorite local Madison summer events!

Madison Forward FC Game

Join in on the fun with Madison's newest sports team, Forward Madison FC. If you enjoy soccer, a fun filled fan environment, local food, or just an overall good time, head over to the Flamingoes game and you won't be disappointed! Catch a game at Breese Stevens Fields, just down the street from the Capitol, and after the game be sure to stop at the Palette Bar and Grill for a drink and to meet the players!

Henry Vilas Zoo

Check out Madison's awesome and FREE ADMISSION zoo! Henry Vilas Zoo boasts over 650 animals. Spend an afternoon learning about the incredible animals and conservation efforts of the zoo! If you're hungry, stop by one of their various restaurant locations and have lunch with a view of the animals, or bring your own and enjoy a picnic! Then explore Vilas Park and Lake Wingra nearby. Be sure to donate if you can, to keep the efforts of the zoo going!

Mad City Ski Team

The Mad-City Ski Team is made up of a group of volunteers of all ages that perform free water ski shows on Lake Monona for the Madison community. They offer free ski shows most Sunday nights throughout the summer, where attendees can view from the Monona Terrace or the surrounding path. Be sure to grab some dinner for the show because you won't want to miss it!

The Monona Terrace also offers a variety of events throughout the summer such as concerts on the rooftop, dance lessons, yoga class and many more! Check their schedule online to learn more.

The Farmer’s Market

The Madison Farmers Market is a time honored classic way to spend Sunday mornings. Local farmers and businesses provide access to fresh and delicious foods for purchase, and of course the countless samples of cheese! Take a walk around the Capitol building to find vendors selling everything from flowers, jams, baked goods, fresh fruits and veggies and many more. Be sure to stop by Stella's booth for the fresh cheese bread!

Concerts on the Square

Starting Wednesday, July 7 at 7pm, Madison will begin it's time honored tradition of Concerts on the Square. In the past, it occurred on the Capitol square and attendees would come picnic, purchasing food and drinks from local businesses or bringing their own, while enjoying music performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. This year, the event will occur at Breese Stevens Field also home to the Madison Flamingoes! It is a great way to support local businesses and explore Madison! Due to restrictions, if you don't make it in the field, finding a restaurant nearby with an outdoor patio will assure you can still hear the music and enjoy the fun!

Brewery/Distillery/Winery Hop

Thanks to Wisconsin's award winning selection of beers, Madison is home to a variety of breweries and distilleries. Some include great outdoor spaces to enjoy the sunshine or summer nights. Many offer a great selection of food as well. Be sure to spend a day hopping between as many as you can to taste an array of different beers or drinks!

Try Some Places Nearby...

-Great Dane Brewing Co

-Capital Brewery

-Ale Asylum

-Old Sugar Distillery

-Cambridge Winery - Madison Tasting Room

Parks and Lakes

Madison boasts an exciting system of parks and bodies of water to enjoy the nature of southern Wisconsin. They make for great ways to spend a day or afternoon with family and friends. Many of the parks include recreational activities such as volleyball, tennis and basketball courts. Those on the lake typically offer beach access and ability to rent paddle boards, kayaks and more! Try some places nearby…

James Madison Park
Tenney Park
UW Madison Arboretum
Vilas Park
Brittingham Park is located next to our Parkview complex! On Monday evenings throughout the summer, food carts are available at this spot!

Union Terrace

Days and nights at the Memorial Union Terrace are a staple to Madison summers. The UW Madison's Union Terrace sits at an iconic spot on Lake Mendota, set with colorful chairs and the perfect place to watch the sunset. Grab some food, a pitcher and some Babcock ice cream and enjoy an evening with friends. Check out their schedule online, as they frequently host movie nights, mini concert performances, and many more events!

Mallard’s Game

The Madison Mallards games are a great way to enjoy a summer night in Madison! As Madison's affordable collegiate baseball team, attendees can enjoy a night at the ballgame set with hotdogs, peanuts, drinks and good times! The Mallards home field, Warner Park, also offers a variety of attractions throughout the game to walk around and enjoy. Test your swing, check out their merch, and get the player's autographs afterwards!

Eco-Friendly Cleaning 2022

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:19:27 GMT

Looking for an easy, eco-friendly and cheap way to keep your apartment looking clean? Check out our tips and tricks on cleaning your apartment while reducing your carbon footprint!

White Vinegar and Baking Soda

Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and abrasive, and works great for odor absorption and scrubbing. Vinegar works great for removing hard water stains. Mixing the two together works wonders! Combine them 50/50 to create a paste that works great in the bathroom for removing stains and unclogging drains. This duo is often present in your everyday DIY cleaning product!

Invest in Greenery

Houseplants hold many benefits, including decorative flair and mood boosting capabilities. They are also great at improving air quality by neutralizing toxins, and creating fresh oxygen for you to consume!

Air Purifier Plants

Aloe Vera
Snake Plant
English Ivy
Spider Plant
Areca Palm

Reusable Towels Over Paper Towels

Switching over to reusable towels over paper towels can create a huge difference! Each year the U.S. alone uses over 13 billion tons of paper towels. That number could be drastically reduced if more people switched over to a more eco-friendly solution. You can also use old T shirts, socks and other old fabric as rags.

Essential Oils Over Paraffin Wax Candles

Essential Oils are a great alternative to paraffin wax candles for many reasons. They tend to be cheaper over time, you can pick the scent, and no toxins are released into the air when in use. Investing in a diffuser is a great way to get the best value out of your essential oils, not to mention the water vapor released has been proven to boost your mood!

Salt, Lemons, flour and Coconut Oil to Polish

Lemons have natural antibacterial and antiseptic qualities which make them perfect for cleaning and getting rid of germs. Mixing lemon juice, flour and salt together creates a paste that is perfect for polishing metals around your home, and you can add salt to create a thicker scrubbing texture! Coconut oil is a great agent to polish wood furniture because it moisturizes and brings out color. Add a tablespoon at a time to a dry rag and polish away!

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Rather than creating your own cleaning solutions, many companies have gone green with some or all of their products. This makes it easier for consumers to buy eco-friendly products, and keep harsh chemicals out of our water supplies/landfills!

The Best Madison Coffee Shops

Mon, 22 Nov 2021 21:46:14 GMT

Looking for somewhere cozy to complete your homework besides your apartment? Try out these local Madison coffee shoppes to help you get your caffeine fix and focus on!

Michelangelo's Coffee House

A late night art filled coffee shop and cafe located at the top of State Street near the capitol. Michelangelo’s is a quaint spot featuring tasty signature drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. With seating areas available outside, and plenty of indoor seating, Michelangelo’s is a great spot for your next study session, coffee date, or anything in between!

Fair Trade Coffee House

Fair Trade Coffee House is a charming spot with indoor/outdoor seating located in the heart of State Street. Fair Trade boasts live music along with a constantly changing art gallery to suit your visual and auditory needs. Coffee, smoothies, pastries, meals and more, it is easy to spend hours in this exciting environment!

Colectivo Coffee

Colectivo Coffee is an exciting and colorful coffee shop with locations all over Madison, Milwaukee, and Chicago. They feature bold colors and the perfect spot for an afternoon sip with their open garage door patio seating. You can’t go wrong with their signature coffee blends, smoothies, pastries and an all day breakfast/sandwich menu.

Grace Coffee

Grace Coffee is the modern plant mom/dad coffee shop we all needed. They feature cute and trendy plants and a fluffy pup to greet you during your visit. They have locations all around Madison, including one on State Street and one near Breese Stevens Field on East Washington Ave. Whether you’re stopping in for a meal, a delicious sweet pastry, coffee, or a signature cocktail, Grace is the place for any occasion.

Barriques Market

Barriques Market is aesthetically pleasing to any eye with it’s industrial space decorated with wine barrels galore. You will find aged wine from all over the world, along with coffee drinks, beer, and a cafe menu. This is the perfect place to de-stress over a glass of wine, study with friends and coffee, or enjoy your own company with a scrumptious meal. Barriques offers locations all around Madison. Be sure to stop in and check it out!

Cargo Coffee

Cargo Coffee offers a journey around the world in a coffee shop. Their walls are aligned with maps and other decor to get you ready for your adventure. Boasting two locations in Madison: one on Park Street and one on East Washington Avenue near the capitol. Cargo Coffee offers the perfect home getaway to study, relax, and enjoy some good coffee.

The Best Things to do Around Madison

mjakorb@gmail.com (Margaret Korb) — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 19:17:22 GMT

Checkout our favorite things to do around the lovely city of Madison!

Madison Forward FC Game

Henry Vilas Zoo

Mad City Ski Team

The Monona Terrace also offers a variety of events throughout the summer such as concerts on the rooftop, dance lessons, yoga class and many more! Check their schedule online to learn more.

The Farmer’s Market

Concerts on the Square

Starting Wednesdays in the summer at 7pm, Madison will begin it's time honored tradition of Concerts on the Square. In the past, it occurred on the Capitol square and attendees would come picnic, purchasing food and drinks from local businesses or bringing their own, while enjoying music performed by the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra. This year, the event will occur at Breese Stevens Field also home to the Madison Flamingoes! It is a great way to support local businesses and explore Madison! Due to restrictions, if you don't make it in the field, finding a restaurant nearby with an outdoor patio will assure you can still hear the music and enjoy the fun!

Brewery/Distillery/Winery Hop

Try some places near our apartments...

Great Dane Brewing Co
Capital Brewery
Ale Asylum
Old Sugar Distillery
Cambridge Winery - Madison Tasting Room

Parks and Lakes

Try some places near our apartments...

James Madison Park
Tenney Park
UW Madison Arboretum
Vilas Park
Edward Klief Park
Brittingham Park is located next to our Parkview complex! On Monday evenings throughout the summer, food carts are available at this spot!

Union Terrace

We couldn't leave out this classic Madisonian spot! Days and nights at the Memorial Union Terrace are a staple to Madison summers. The UW Madison's Union Terrace sits at an iconic spot on Lake Mendota, set with colorful chairs and the perfect place to watch the sunset. Grab some food, a pitcher and some Babcock ice cream and enjoy an evening with friends. Check out their schedule online, as they frequently host movie nights, mini concert performances, and many more events!

Mallard’s Baseball Game

5 Fun Facts About CHT Apartments

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 23:20:02 GMT

Welcome to CHT Apartments!

Welcome to our first blog post! We are so excited to share posts with you about our company/apartment living, the city of Madison and more! For our first blog we wanted to share with you 5 Fun Facts about CHT Apartments:

1) CHT IS OWNED & MANAGED BY A NATIVE MADISON FAMILY

You heard that right, our business is owned by a true Madisonian family. CHT Apartments LLC. has been in business for over 50 years in Madison, Wisconsin. The family absolutely adores the charming city and all it has to offer from the farmer's market to Lake Mendota. If you need any recommendations on where to eat some delicious food or watch the gorgeous sunset, feel free to ask our owners & managers!

2) CHT HAS 3 OFFICES

CHT Apartments has 3 office locations in downtown Madison

1 - Main Office: 505 N. Carroll St. Madison, WI 53703

2 - Roundhouse Office: 626 Langdon St. Madison, WI 53703

3 - Parkview Office: 725 W. Washington Ave. Madison, WI 53715

3) CHT OFFERS FURNISHED APARTMENTS AT NO EXTRA COST

Furnished apartments are extremely hard to come by in any downtown and at no extra cost? You're kidding! CHT Apartments offers furnished apartments at no extra cost to you at most of our housing locations. Each resident at any optionally furnished location will receive one free furniture move upon move-in to their apartment. This furniture move can be used at anytime during the lease term at CHT Apartments. Any additional furniture moves will be a minimum charge of $35.00 .

4) CHT HAS AMAZING GIVEAWAYS & PERKS FOR RESIDENTS

The team at CHT loves to offer authentic giveaways and perks for our residents. We hold contests through our social media outlets/website with winnings up to $250.00 . We also offer referral credits of $100.00 per new lease, transfer credits of $200.00 , and even HALF OFF your first month's rent when you renew your apartment lease! We love to see our residents happy and saving money!

5) CHT HAS AN AVERAGE MAINTENANCE SURVEY SCORE OF 4.8/5

Our Maintenance team rocks and it shows with our survey scores! Over the past year, CHT has rebuilt our team and the standards of work orders with our new online portal system. Every resident receives a Maintenance Survey after a maintenance request has been marked completed by our team.

The survey asks 4 questions: How satisfied are you with the overall experience? Has the issue been resolved completely? Was the work completed in a timely manner? Any additional feedback?

Our maintenance team has received over 180 surveys in less than a year and averaged 4.8/5. We also offer 24 hour maintenance as a courtesy to our residents for any emergency issues. Shoutout to our maintenance team!

That's all for now folks! Thank you for taking the time to read and learn more about our company! Stay tuned for more exciting blog posts.

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