Apartment’s Amenities Include Internet Access

Arlan Hurwitz credits the Internet for saving his 112-unit apartment building in Anaheim.

With vacancy rates as high as 12% and profits down after five years of a real estate recession, the building was a drain. And Hurwitz, who owns the building, couldn’t find a way to stem his losses.

“I was in the shower one day and trying to think what else I could do. It’s been a tough five years,” Hurwitz said. “Then I thought about the Internet. I was doing some work myself on the Internet and thought it might attract others.”

Hurwitz paid a local computer firm $5,500 to create a program for tenants that includes four Internet training classes. He entices residents with 10 free hours of surfing on the Internet each month.

The result: His building at 2611 Baylor Circle is now full and future tenants are on a waiting list.

“Our phones are ringing for the first time in years,” he said.

“It’s an inexpensive way to create a lot of community feeling.”

Debora Vrana covers real estate for The Times. She can be reached at (714) 966-5979 and at debora.vrana@latimes.com.