CREJ

Page 32 — Multifamily Properties Quarterly — May 2021 www.crej.com T here is a shift in the multi- family apartment market, evidenced by how spaces are being reutilized in existing buildings and what is being brought to the “drawing board” for new projects. The shift is due to a changing age demographic, recent COVID-19 concerns, as well as the growing desire for more convenience and on-site amenities. The own- ers and developers of multifamily apartment communities are having to rethink what should go into the design of their properties as well as the experiences residences are tak- ing from the services being provided. Many are looking to amenities that enhance lifestyles and engage and connect the community as well as provide community focused experi- ences for neighbors and tenants to enjoy together. What is at the forefront of the next generation of multifamily properties? n Evolving demographics. While young adults continue to spearhead the demand for apartments, many apartment communities are realizing an increasing market among middle- aged and high-income renters. These two demographic groups are putting a premium on designing for more convenience and different kinds of amenities that will appeal to their age group, while also blending in well with what millennials are seeking. For example, everyone appreciates ease of living, so focusing on ame- nities such as enhanced concierge services, pickup and delivery of clean- ing, grocery pickup and in-apartment delivery, on-site convenience markets, enhanced automated storage areas for package deliv- eries, ride-share programs, shuttle and fleet rental car services, and more will provide lifestyle enhancements that appeal to everyone. n Dining and drink options. People have been more inclined to stay close to home in their apartment buildings (especially as restaurant and entertainment destinations are limited due to the pandemic), so provide choices such as in-house bars and cafes where resi- dents can sit and enjoy a drink and appetizer while socializing with their neighbors. Grab-and-go food kiosk areas with prepared sandwiches and salads that can be paid for with the swipe of a card give residents the option of grabbing a snack without having to venture out or calling a delivery service. Food truck parking located on the property can provide a fun interactive approach to dining and neighborhood interaction. n Community connection. Many people enjoy a community atmo- sphere and meeting others. Create comfortable, open and semiprivate community spaces that give residents a place to meet their neighbors. This might include adapting an exist- ing space to become a lounge area focused around a taproom, in-house coffee shop, interactive gaming area such as pinball, shuffle board, arcade games and pool table, or other forms of entertainment. Reconfiguring exist- ing, compartmentalized spaces to be more open is another way to achieve this goal. Providing “maker spaces,” where people can learn a craft, create artwork, make pottery or take part in an interactive learning environment is another way to bring people togeth- er and build a community spirit. n Maximizing fitness possibilities. Fitness areas need to up their game in modern multifamily properties. State-of-the-art equipment always is important, but begin implementing a broader variety of choices. Some of the things to consider include reconfiguring space for special work- outs and programs, such as Cross- Fit classes, yoga, Pilates, barre and dedicated dance studios. Bringing in professional trainers and instructors also will up the ante and differentiate your community. n A resort lifestyle . By tapping into a “resort lifestyle” concept, multifam- ily developments are implementing features that are meant to impress residents and their guests alike. For example, full-service spa amenity areas can include massage, nail and facial treatments. Interactive areas might include the latest and greatest golf/snow sport simulators (where a resident can virtually play a round of golf or ski a virtual slope at the most famous areas around the world), spe- cial event spaces for invited speakers, wine and beer tastings/pairings and even incorporating nightclub areas for local bands and comedians. n Work-from-home support. As more people are working from home, make sure your property is providing the support they need. This can include incorporating home office workspace into individual units as well as cre- ating coworking space in common areas to include conference rooms, private single-use areas (such as a phone booth) and state-of-the-art multimedia capabilities. Providing high-speed and secured internet access and technology-driven areas while creating a flexible and comfort- able setting for people who want a dependable place to work from their laptop is key. n For pets. In pet-friendly buildings, consider making room for a grooming station for pet owners, incorporating a pet park and relief areas preferably in an outdoor area. Provide access to pet walking services, grooming, vet- erinarian services and training. n Access to the outdoors. Heightened by the pandemic, the most important aspect is to provide outdoor spaces within the connected community – ample areas to relax, exercise, work, entertain and experience the out- doors through individual balconies, large rooftop amenity areas and enclosed areas that can open up to the outdoors by sliding glass walls. Design does not necessarily have to be all about the next big thing. It is important to think about the future and how existing and underutilized spaces can be activated to easily accommodate what residents want at any given time, without having to go through a major renovation of a prop- erty. Amenities need to be designed to be easily adaptable to changing inter- ests and needs. s mksunset@semplebrown.com Embrace smart design decisions for your property Mary Kay Sunset Principal, Semple Brown Architects and Designers Design