Multifamily developers, designers cater to occupants’ need for mobility
By Robert Cassidy, Executive Editor
Mobility, whether on two wheels, four wheels, or more, is on the minds of multifamily developers and designers, according to a recent survey of 215 architects, designers, builders, and developers in the U.S./Canada multifamily construction sector, by Multifamily Design + Construction, a BD+C sister publication.
The need of bicyclists for secure storage is being met by two-thirds of respondents (66.5%); about one-third (31.7%) are providing repair and maintenance services in so-called “bicycle kitchens,” while one-fifth (20.4%) said they’re offering bike sharing. A similar cluster (19.0%) said they’re providing car-share services (e.g., Zipcar).
A remarkable number of respondents (17.6%) said they have created waiting areas for shared-rise services (Uber, Lyft), but these may just lobbies or other weather-protected areas.
A substantial group, about two-fifths (39.4%), have built “within a short walk” of bus or rail transit.
Look for the full report in the Fall (October) issue of Multifamily Design+Construction.
Mobility amenities in multifamily developments:
Bicycle Storage (secured): 66.5%
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: 42.0%
Transit Access: 39.4%
Bicycle Repair/Maintenance: 31.7%
Bicycle Sharing: 20.4%
Source: Multifamily Design + Construction Reader Survey, June-July 2017