Building Homes and Community: Allison Ross of Fairlawn
From Detroit to Bloomington-Normal
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Allison moved to Bloomington-Normal in 2012 after a mentor encouraged her to apply for a role in the area. She’s been deeply involved in the local property management scene ever since, currently working with Fairlawn, a company specializing in investment, development, and management of apartment communities.
“I’ve really focused on marketing and leasing since I started in this industry,” Allison shared. “I love that no two days are the same—there’s always something new to learn and improve on.”
A Typical Day in Marketing and Property Management
Allison’s work is centered around supporting Fairlawn’s communities, which span Bloomington-Normal, Indianapolis, and Champaign, Illinois. Her day-to-day tasks include:
Collaborating with property teams on marketing strategies
Managing resident applications and leasing funnels
Overseeing reputation management, including reviews and resident experience
Staying updated on industry trends and continuous learning
“The goal is always to help people find homes that work for them while ensuring our communities provide a great living experience,” Allison said.
Exciting New Developments: Weldon Reserve & Carden Springs
Fairlawn is expanding its footprint in Bloomington-Normal with two major projects: Weldon Reserve and Carden Springs.
Weldon Reserve is a unique subdivision of 90 rental homes, offering three- and four-bedroom houses with two- or three-car garages. Perfect for those seeking a home-like experience without buying, Weldon Reserve is currently about halfway through development, with residents already moving in.
Carden Springs will be a large-scale community with 477 units, featuring an array of amenities designed to enhance resident life. Highlights include:
EV charging stations
Pool and jacuzzi with a poolside kitchen
Clubhouse and gym
Dog run, playground, and pickleball courts
A retention pond for fishing
Walking paths throughout the community
Leasing for both developments is underway, with move-ins starting as soon as mid-August for Carden Springs.
Marketing That Connects With the Community
Allison emphasizes community engagement as a cornerstone of Fairlawn’s marketing strategy. From hosting beam-signing events to sponsoring local activities like Movies on the Mural, Fairlawn focuses on building meaningful connections. Partnerships with major employers like Rivian are also in the works to ensure new residents are aware of local housing options.
“The community has been incredibly responsive,” Allison said. “People are interested in updates, progress, and how these new developments will impact Bloomington-Normal.”
Life in Bloomington-Normal
Having lived in the area since 2012, Allison has come to love the vibrant and welcoming community. From summer festivals like Make Music Normal to winter hockey games with the Bison, there’s always something to do. Her favorite local spots include:
Crafted Coffee for specialty drinks
Flingers Pizza for lunch
Pop Up for dinner
Getting Connected and Building Relationships
Allison credits her community involvement to taking initiative. She recommends finding groups that align with your interests, such as Bloomington Normal Young Professionals (BNYP) or local working moms’ groups. Her personal motto?
“Be afraid, but do it anyway.”
This mindset helped her move six and a half hours from home, build professional connections, and dive into new opportunities in Bloomington-Normal.
Learn More and Get Involved
For those interested in Fairlawn’s properties, Allison encourages visiting Fairlawn BN to explore all available communities, including Weldon Reserve, Carden Springs, Pinecrest, and Fox Hill.
“There’s a place for everyone,” Allison said. “We want to help people find the best fit for their lifestyle and needs.”
Conclusion: Allison Ross’ journey from Detroit to Bloomington-Normal demonstrates the power of courage, connection, and community. With Fairlawn’s innovative developments, residents now have more options than ever to call this vibrant town home..
Learn More
To explore Fairlawn’s communities, visit fairlawnbn.com.