Passion Meets Excellence at Upper East Apartments
In any industry, talent alone isn’t enough to reach the pinnacle of success. What truly sets exceptional performers apart is passion, that unstoppable drive that creates emotional connections and inspires others to care. This principle, outlined in The Code of the Executive by Don Schmincke, perfectly reflects the management philosophy at Upper East Apartments.
At its core, property management is about people—not just buildings. The true superstars in this field build emotional connections with residents, owners, vendors and team members alike. When passion fuels performance, routine responsibilities are elevated into meaningful experiences. This spirit is at the heart of Upper East Apartments in Frederick, Maryland, and it’s what propelled the Grady Management team to win Best in Show out of more than 200 entries in the 2024 Property Management Association Apartment Community Excellence Awards.
According to Property Manager Alaina Yingling, the secret lies in more than impressive amenities. “The property sells itself. It’s extraordinary. We’re LEED Platinum-certified with a 10,000-square-foot clubhouse that feels like a mini-resort. The ownership group thought of just about everything. But the real reason for this honor is our team. We love what we do. We work well together, and it shows.”
The PACE Awards judges agreed, noting, “Alaina was amazing. Truly a fantastic property manager who takes pride in her property. The community was clean and gorgeous and the amenities were outstanding.”
Resort-Style Living, Reimagined
Upper East Apartments delivers a living experience that rivals top-tier resorts, blending modern luxury with thoughtful design. The property features a state-of-the-art fitness center, a heated saltwater pool and a Renewal Pod that offers a private space for relaxation and mindfulness.
Residents enjoy tech lounges in each building, a stylish game lounge and a rooftop terrace offering sweeping mountain views. Convenience is also front and center, with a 24-hour micro market, bike storage in every building, EV charging stations and a beautiful courtyard complete with grills, pergolas, fire pits and lawn games. Upper East also is home to Frederick’s first Pinder Street Pet Spa and has a designated area for the community’s monthly food truck program.
A Leader in Sustainable Living
As a LEED Platinum-certified community, Upper East Apartments raises the sustainability bar. Solar-powered common areas reflect the community’s commitment to the environment. Inside the clubhouse, six interactive iPads display real-time energy generation data from each of the six buildings, allowing residents to see green living in action.
Deep Roots in the Local Community
Upper East isn’t just a residential community—it’s an active participant in the local culture of Frederick. The on-site art gallery showcases rotating works by local artists, while the food truck program brings in six to seven different vendors monthly, offering residents a variety of experiences. The management team also partners with nearby restaurants and small businesses to support resident events.
Creating Community Through Events
Building strong resident relationships is a top priority. The Upper East programming calendar fosters connection and celebration. Events include holiday parties, rum tastings, morning mimosas, sip-and-paint nights and spring green workshops where residents receive plants for their homes. Community favorites such as dessert swaps and the December Angel Tree bring warmth and generosity to the holiday season. Giveaways and collaborations with local businesses round out a calendar that feels as personalized as it is fun.
Operational Excellence Behind the Scenes
What residents see on the surface is made possible by a disciplined and detail-oriented management approach. The team conducts weekly property walks of every building and common areas. Regular maintenance meetings ensure timely completion of work orders, while daily communication—through group chats, texts and office visits—keeps the team closely aligned.
A Blueprint for Excellence
Upper East Apartments demonstrates that passion is not just a personal quality, it’s a competitive advantage. The team’s enthusiasm, care and pride shine through the entire community, from sustainable design to resident programming. Their recognition as Best in Show at the 2024 PACE Awards isn’t just a reflection of excellence, it’s proof that when people love what they do, they create places others love to call home.