There’s been an explosion of amenities in the U.S. and Canadian multifamily construction sector. Package delivery centers have tripled in size. Simple bicycle “racks” have become bicycle “kitchens,” where residents can not only safely store, but also maintain and repair their $10,500 Bianchi Oltre XR4s.
Some properties now have dedicated rideshare areas for tenants to wait for their Uber or Lyft rides.
Multifamily residents are demanding high-end security systems, the latest smart home technology, “green” energy and water efficiency, and lightning fast WiFi. On the horizon: co-working and “maker” spaces.
Developers and designers are bending over backwards to provide more—and more elaborate—services and facilities for pets. Dogs, mostly. As for amenities for children, not so much. You’re more likely to find a doggie wash station than a children’s playroom in most multifamily complexes.
Anything that spells “wellness” is in high demand, thanks to the spike in asthma and allergies. Renters and condo buyers want to know about any “Red List” chemicals in the materials, building products, and finishes you’re using. Developers and their design teams are using fitness and nature amenities to
get tenants and condo owners out of their living units and into the outdoors.
All these must-have extras add to the burden designers and contractors must contend with to meet the needs—and budgets—of multifamily developers and their customers—renters and condominium purchasers. Multifamily residential real estate is no longer just about location, location, location. There’s a new mantra: amenities, amenities, and more amenities.
These amenities trends and more are highlighted in Multifamily Design+Construction’s Multifamily Amenities 2017 survey. Download the free 16-page survey summary at: http://bit.ly/2eZMluw
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Apr 9, 2024
March reports record gains in multifamily rent growth in 20 months
Asking rents for multifamily units increased $8 during the month to $1,721; year-over-year growth grew 30 basis points to 0.9 percent—a normal seasonal growth pattern according to Yardi Matrix.
Industry Research | Apr 4, 2024
Expenses per multifamily unit reach $8,950 nationally
Overall expenses per multifamily unit rose to $8,950, a 7.1% increase year-over-year (YOY) as of January 2024, according to an examination of more than 20,000 properties analyzed by Yardi Matrix.
Affordable Housing | Apr 1, 2024
Biden Administration considers ways to influence local housing regulations
The Biden Administration is considering how to spur more affordable housing construction with strategies to influence reform of local housing regulations.
Affordable Housing | Apr 1, 2024
Chicago voters nix ‘mansion tax’ to fund efforts to reduce homelessness
Chicago voters in March rejected a proposed “mansion tax” that would have funded efforts to reduce homelessness in the city.
Standards | Apr 1, 2024
New technical bulletin covers window opening control devices
A new technical bulletin clarifies the definition of a window opening control device (WOCD) to promote greater understanding of the role of WOCDs and provide an understanding of a WOCD’s function.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 26, 2024
Adaptive Reuse Scorecard released to help developers assess project viability
Lamar Johnson Collaborative announced the debut of the firm’s Adaptive Reuse Scorecard, a proprietary methodology to quickly analyze the viability of converting buildings to other uses.
Green | Mar 25, 2024
Zero-carbon multifamily development designed for transactive energy
Living EmPower House, which is set to be the first zero-carbon, replicable, and equitable multifamily development designed for transactive energy, recently was awarded a $9 million Next EPIC Grant Construction Loan from the State of California.
Adaptive Reuse | Mar 21, 2024
Massachusetts launches program to spur office-to-residential conversions statewide
Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey recently launched a program to help cities across the state identify underused office buildings that are best suited for residential conversions.
Multifamily Housing | Mar 19, 2024
Jim Chapman Construction Group completes its second college town BTR community
JCCG's 200-unit Cottages at Lexington, in Athens, Ga., is fully leased.
