Apartments

Marvel-designed Gowanus Green will offer 955 affordable rental units in Brooklyn

qpurcell — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 20:12:19 +0000

Marvel-designed Gowanus Green will offer 955 affordable rental units in Brooklyn

The community consists of approximately 955 units of 100% affordable housing, 28,000 sf of neighborhood service retail and community space, a site for a new public school, and a new 1.5-acre public park.

qpurcell Tue, 04/16/2024 - 15:12

Gowanus Green Partners, a joint venture between The Bluestone Organization, Fifth Avenue Committee, The Hudson Companies, Jonathan Rose Companies, and Mega Group Development, released new renderings for Gowanus Green, a sustainable, mixed-use community along the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn.

The community consists of approximately 955 units of 100% affordable housing, approximately 28,000 sf of neighborhood service retail and community space, a site for a new public school, and a new 1.5-acre public park. Phase I of the multi-phased project is anticipated to begin construction in 2025.

At least 50% of rental housing will be dedicated to extremely low/very low-income households with incomes averaging at or below 50% AMI, including at least 15% of rental units dedicated to formerly homeless households
Up to 40% of rental housing will be dedicated to moderate-income households with incomes averaging between 80% to 120% AMI
Senior Housing will be provided for seniors 62+ years in age with incomes at or below 60% AMI
Supportive Housing will be provided for formerly homeless, disabled individuals or homeless families with a disabled head-of-household
Affordable Homeownership will be provided for households with incomes averaging between 80% to 130% AMI

In addition, Gowanus Green will be a sustainable, resilient and environmentally healthy community that will implement innovative stormwater and wastewater management strategies that aim to achieve a Net Zero CSO development, while reconnecting the surrounding neighborhoods to each other and to the Gowanus Canal.

Legal cannabis has cities grappling with odor complaints

dbarista — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 15:19:26 +0000

Legal cannabis has cities grappling with odor complaints

dbarista Fri, 04/12/2024 - 10:19

MFPRO+ News

Relaxed pot laws have led to a backlash of complaints linked to the odor emitted from smoking and vaping. To date, 24 states have legalized or decriminalized marijuana and several others have made it available for medicinal use.

Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor

Policies are difficult to enforce

This issue is especially thorny in the multifamily market. For example, pungent cannabis odors led a woman in Washington, D.C. to sue a tenant who lived in a rental apartment adjoining her home for making her sick from the smoke, according to a Bloomberg report.

The case went to trial, and a judge ordered the tenant to refrain from smoking pot in his own home and within 25 feet of the woman’s residence. In many jurisdictions, weed cannot be smoked on public streets, sidewalks, and parks, but it is allowed in one’s home.

Nonetheless, complaints by those living in the same building or nearby are on the rise. In some cities, cannabis users have been flouting laws prohibiting public smoking, and enforcement is rare.

No clear policy has emerged to balance the legal rights of those wanting to light up with the concerns of those overwhelmed by the pungent odors of marijuana. It’s an issue that both governments and multifamily owners have to contend with where pot has been legalized.

Greystar becomes top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024

qpurcell — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 14:01:50 +0000

Greystar becomes top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024

qpurcell Fri, 04/12/2024 - 09:01

MFPRO+ News

One firm set records for this year’s National Multifamily Housing Council Top 50 roundup of multifamily firms. Greystar now sits at number one in the NMHC’s lists for top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024.

Quinn Purcell, Managing Editor

The firm also sits at third in the National Multifamily Housing Council’s 25 Largest Builders list.

One firm set records for this year’s National Multifamily Housing Council Top 50 roundup of multifamily firms. Greystar now sits at the number one spot in the NMHC’s lists for top apartment owner, manager, and developer in 2024.

This marks the 14th year in a row that Greystar has landed as Top Manager in the NMHC list. Additionally, this is Greystar’s fourth consecutive year as both Top Owner and Top Developer.

As of this year, Greystar owns 108,566 units, manages 798,272 units, and has started development of 9,151 units.

NMHC 50 Largest Apartment Owners

Greystar took the number one spot this year, jumping up from second in 2023. MAA, which owns 100,894 units in 2024, and Morgan Properties, which owns 92,935, took second and third respectively.

Over 80% of Greystar’s owned units are market rate, 17% are student housing units, and 3% are others.

Top Apartment Owners:

Greystar (108,566 units) rose to first
MAA (100,894 units) dropped to second
Morgan Properties (92,935 units) stayed in third
Nuveen (84,697 units) rose to fourth, from seventh
AvalonBay Communities (82,565 units) dropped to fifth, from fourth
Equity Residential (80,191 units) dropped to sixth, from fifth
The Michaels Organization (77,683 units) rose to seventh, from 13th
Cortland (74,831 units) dropped to eighth, from sixth
Monarch Investment (73,026 units) dropped to ninth, from eighth
The Related Companies, LP (72,423 units) dropped to 10th, from ninth

NMHC 50 Largest Apartment Managers

Greystar stayed in the number one spot this year, marking its 14th year in a row to do so. Asset Living, which manages 291,322 units, jumped from third to second place in 2024. RPM Living manages 226,169 units, rising three spots from sixth to third this year.

Nearly all (92%) of housing units managed by Greystar are market rate, while just under 5% are student housing and 3% are others.

Top Apartment Managers:

Greystar (798,272) stayed in first
Asset Living (291,322) rose to second, from third
RPM Living (226,169 units) rose to third, from sixth
Willow Bridge Property Company (201,472 units) dropped to fourth, from second
Curshman & Wakefield (182,214 units) dropped to fifth, from fourth
FPI Management, Inc. (167,767 units) dropped to sixth, from fifth
Apartment Management Consultants, LLC (145,697 units) stayed in seventh
Avenue5 Residential, LLC (121,932) rose to eighth, from 10th
BH (113,993 units) dropped to ninth, from eighth
WinnCompanies (109,037 units) dropped to 10th, from ninth

NMHC 25 Largest Developers

Greystar rose from second to first place in 2024 for largest developers. Mill Creek Residential started just over 8,000 units in 2023, rising from third place from second this year. Trammell Crow Residential started 5,823 units last year and has gone from fifth place to third in this year’s ranking.

Top Apartment Developers:

Greystar (9,151 units) rose to first, from second
Mill Creek Residential (8,022 units) rose to second, from third
Trammell Crow Residential (5,823 units) rose to third, from fifth
Wood Partners (5,137 units) stayed in fourth
Hillpointe, LLC (4,861 units) rose to fifth, from 13th
Alliance Residential (4,628 units) dropped to sixth, from first
The Michaels Organization (4,292 units) took seventh
Core Spaces (4,030 units) took eighth
Hines (3,670 units) rose to ninth, from 17th
D.R. Horton Inc. (3,433 units) stayed in 10th

5 key design trends shaping tomorrow’s rental apartments

rcassidy — Wed, 10 Apr 2024 18:00:25 +0000

5 key design trends shaping tomorrow’s rental apartments

rcassidy Wed, 04/10/2024 - 13:00

MFPRO+ News

The multifamily landscape is ever-evolving as changing demographics, health concerns, and work patterns shape what tenants are looking for in their next home.

Tim Schelfe & Wendy Oberer, CI Design, Inc.

Designers of next-generation multifamily housing must consider the impact of changing demographics, growing health concerns, and new work patterns.

The multifamily landscape is ever-evolving as changing demographics, health concerns, and work patterns shape what tenants are looking for in their next home. At Ci Design, our Residential Practice experts have identified five important trends that are reshaping the design of multifamily projects.

1. Encourage Healthy Habits

Apartment communities encompassing whole health, including physical, mental, social, and environmental wellness, can offer lasting benefits for residents. According to the World Health Organization, the built environment can influence up to 85% of our health outcomes.

Spacious clubhouses can surely draw in tenants, but more recently, walkability and outdoor connections outweigh extravagant perks. Curated outdoor spaces like a dog park or a central green plaza encourage social connections and a healthy lifestyle. Research has suggested connections to nature by bringing natural elements indoors can also offer restorative benefits.

Biophilic design can help activate the parts of our brain that reduce stress, help recharge our minds and bodies, and inspire us. Natural finishes that employ wood, water, stone, and living plants can offer a sense of calm and serenity. Views of the surrounding environment through spacious windows or balconies can also support exploration and stronger connections to the outdoors.

Pedestrian-friendly features such as walking trails or integrated parks can contribute to the overall appeal and sustainability of the development. Introducing state-of-the-art equipment in fitness centers can leverage an apartment building’s amenities, but integrating outdoor spaces that can accommodate group fitness like yoga can further attract potential tenants.

Aura Chapel Hill will include several features for the surrounding Chapel Hill, N.C., community to enjoy, such as public parks, on-site retail, and walking and biking trails. The client has also engaged an artist to provide two large sculptures that will provide focal points for these outdoor areas. While these outdoor spaces are meant to serve as a tenant amenity, they also bring a visual attractiveness to the community.

2. Emulate Resort-Style Living

Like grand resorts with all-inclusive offerings, multifamily developments are adopting a similar approach to create awe for guests within shared amenity spaces. Collina’s elegant lobby entrance establishes a feeling of luxury and higher-end commodity for residents within a busy commercial corridor in Baltimore County, Md.

Lobby at Collina, a luxury residence in Baltimore County, Md.

A network of resort-style lavish green open spaces, such as public plazas and outdoor gardens, will create an active site, along with such amenities as a pool, club room, entertainment kitchen, game and media lounge, state-of-the-art fitness center, and co-working lounge.

This new wave of amenities also applies not only to occupiers’ pets. Pet-washing stations and spas have become a must-have in pet-friendly multifamily developments. Singles and renters make up the fastest-growing group of new dog owners, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association. This cost-friendly alternative offers pet owners an added convenience for their pups' grooming needs with self-service stations that are more manageable than maneuvering around a bathtub.

Rendering of planned pet-washing station at Collina.

Evolve Companies’ multifamily project in Palm Coast, Fla., will feature a freestanding clubhouse that will house the complex’s leasing office and mail facility along with the project’s main amenities: a great room with lounge, kitchenette and dining area, business center, game room, and fitness center with dedicated yoga studio.

As part of the exterior amenities, the project will also offer a resort-style pool and outdoor gathering areas to take advantage of the Floridian weather and surrounding views.

3. Provide Co-Working Spaces

As hybrid work continues to be a way of life for many in the workforce, residents are seeking flexible living environments that cater to their lifestyles. Co-working spaces and common spaces with adaptable furnishings encourage social interaction throughout one’s remote workday, and designing separate work environments from living spaces promotes a healthier work-life balance. Multifamily developments providing work-friendly spaces, flexible floor plans and amenities such as quiet and private meeting rooms are becoming more attractive as the typical 9 to 5 office workday is becoming less common.

Co-working space at The Atwater, Bogota, N.J.

4. Create Instagrammable Moments

The next generation of renters want spaces that create a “Wow!” factor when they walk in. An apartment lobby or amenity should present the perfect opportunity for a photograph or Instagrammable moment, outdoors or in. Modernized design elements and eye-catching art pieces within co-working or gathering spaces provide renters with a fresh backdrop to share with their own community. Proximity to outdoor spaces like courtyards or a resort-style pool further encourages a scenic lifestyle that young tenants are craving.

Colorful artwork and bold graphics throughout common areas in Ruxton Tower Apartments, Towson, Md.

Amenities in the Ruxton Tower Apartments in Towson, Md., feature colorful artwork and bold graphics throughout the wallcoverings to not only bring a contemporary note to the design but also provide a fresh, dynamic quality to each space.

5. Elevate Lifestyles, Well-Being, Social Connections

In the fast-paced realm of multifamily developments, staying ahead means crafting unforgettable experiences that resonate with residents and visitors alike. It's not just about meeting basic needs anymore; it's about curating spaces that elevate lifestyles, boost well-being, and foster vibrant social connections.

Our approach infuses every aspect of design with innovation and intentionality. From cutting-edge amenities that promote health and productivity to tailored communal spaces that encourage community building, we're committed to shaping sustainable environments that leave a lasting impact on every individual (and pet) who calls them home.

About the Authors
Tim Schelfe, FASID, CID, is a Ci Principal with more than 35 years' experience as Director of Interior Design & Procurement. Schelfe has received more than 40 design awards for his portfolio of multifamily, hospitality, commercial, senior living, and custom residential interior design projects. He has served as Chair of the National Board of Directors for ASID and as a Past President of the ASID Carolinas Chapter.

Wendy Oberer, Assoc. AIA, Associate Principal, has over two decades of design and project management experience for multifamily, senior living, and mixed-use developments. She has extensive experience in all phases of a project, including project management, programming, master planning, schematic design, construction documents, and construction administration.

About Ci Design
Ci Design is an award-winning design firm with practices in science and technology, commercial and mixed-use, residential, mission critical, workplace, and industrial manufacturing and offices in Baltimore, Boston, Dallas, Arlington, Va., Greenville, S.C., and Raleigh, N.C. Ci’s 100+ team members provide architecture, planning, landscape design, experiential graphics and branding, lab and manufacturing planning, interior design, procurement, strategy, and change management services.

A surging master-planned community in Utah gets its own entertainment district

dbarista — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:44:05 +0000

A surging master-planned community in Utah gets its own entertainment district

dbarista Tue, 04/09/2024 - 11:44

Mixed-Use

Since its construction began two decades ago, Daybreak, the 4,100-acre master-planned community in South Jordan, Utah, has been a catalyst and model for regional growth. The latest addition is a 200-acre mixed-use entertainment district that will serve as a walkable and bikeable neighborhood within the community, anchored by a minor-league baseball park and a cinema/entertainment complex.

John Caulfield, Senior Editor

Downtown Daybreak will include a baseball park and megaplex as its anchors.

Sports and Recreational Facilities

Adaptive Reuse

Reconstruction & Renovation

Since its construction began two decades ago, Daybreak, the 4,100-acre master-planned community in South Jordan, Utah, has been a catalyst and model for regional growth. The community is now home to more than 30,000 residents living in 9,300-plus houses. Construction of another 10,000 houses is planned through 2036, over which period the community’s population is projected to increase to at least 50,000. The community is also projected to have more than nine million sf of leasable commercial space by 2036.

Daybreak continues to be a “release valve” for the entire Salt Lake Valley, said Brad Holmes, President of Larry H. Miller Real Estate, a development firm that, in April 2021, purchased 1,300 acres of undeveloped land within the community. Last October, the developer broke ground on the first phase of Downtown Daybreak, a 200-acre mixed-use entertainment district that will serve as a walkable and bikeable neighborhood within the community, anchored by a minor-league baseball park and a cinema/entertainment complex.

RELATED ARTICLES:

For over two years, Larry H. Miller Real Estate worked with a design team that included MVE + Partners to create the master plan for Downtown Daybreak. Tim Beuchat, Sr., an Associate Partner at MVE + Partners, declined to comment further about the project except to say that his firm was in construction documents for the neighborhood’s first two mixed-use buildings that will encompass residential apartments, retail, and district parking structures. Stephen James, the developer’s Chief Visionary Officer, did not respond to questions sent by BD+C.

According to Downtown Daybreak’s website, the district’s first phase will include 75,000 sf of retail and food and beverage space, 100,000 sf of office space, more than 300 residential units, parks and outdoor recreation that includes an ice-skating rink, an outdoor amphitheater and stage, and a third light-rail station for the TRAX Red Line.

Downtown Daybreak’s first phase will include spaces for retail, food and beverage, offices, apartments, and outdoor parks and recreation. Rendering: MVE + Partners

It appears that the housing being built for Downtown Daybreak will be mostly multifamily. One builder, Sego Homes, is promoting townhouses from its Sky Terrace Collection that range from 1,449 to 2,491 sf in size, and from $454,900 to $597,000 in price. Another builder, Holmes Homes, is offering nine floorplans from its Tempo Condominiums brand, ranging from $355,900 to $419,900 in price, and from 1,092 to 1,329 sf in size.

Sports and entertainment anchors

Currently, the Salt Lake Bees, a Triple-A baseball team affiliated with the Los Angeles Angels, plays at Smith’s Ballpark, a stadium with a 14,354-seat capacity. On opening day in 2025, the team—which Larry H. Miller Company owns—expects to move into its new home, a 7,500-seat ballpark in the heart of Downtown Daybreak. The privately funded stadium will offer a range of ticket options, from open-lawn seating to luxury boxes.

According to Ballparkdigest.com, the partners on the stadium’s construction, along with MVE + Partners and Larry H. Miller Real Estate, are Okland Construction, TallyCM, HOK, Urban Design Associates, Atlas Architects, and Loci Landscape Architects. America First Credit Union is Downtown Daybreak’s naming rights partner, and the downtown’s plaza will be called America First Square. (At presstime, the name of the stadium had not been disclosed.)

Downtown Daybreak’s other anchor, which Larry H. Miller Real Estate is building, is a megaplex entertainment center that will have between eight and 10 movie screens with luxury seating, 16 to 20 bowling lanes with lane-side dining, arcade games, a sports-themed lounge with access to an in-house chef and a scratch kitchen serving food made from fresh ingredients, and spaces for private dining, parties, and events.

The housing being built for Downtown Daybreak will be mostly multifamily. One builder, Sego Homes, is promoting townhouses from its Sky Terrace Collection that range from 1,449 to 2,491 sf in size, and from $454,900 to $597,000 in price. Another builder, Holmes Homes, is offering nine floorplans from its Tempo Condominiums brand, ranging from $355,900 to $419,900 in price, and from 1,092 to 1,329 sf in size. Rendering: MVE + Partners

Downtown Daybreak is projected to take 15 years to build out, with much of Phase 1 scheduled for completion next year. (The construction cost of this project has not been disclosed.) The district will be a 25-minute drive from Salt Lake City’s airport. It will also be near the University of Utah’s South Jordan Health Center, two other light-rail stations, two miles of Mountain View Corridor frontage, and 50-plus walking trails.

South Jordan’s Mayor, Dawn Ramsey, sees Downtown Daybreak as a “regional destination” with opportunities to create synergies. The new district “will rebalance the entire valley,” predicts Andrew Gruber, Executive Director of the Wasatch Front Regional Council, which 20-plus years ago came up with the idea for Daybreak with Envision Utah, a nonprofit business development advocacy organization.

Salt Lake City train station becomes a hotel

As Downtown Daybreak gets under way, downtown Salt Lake City is going through its own evolution.

Its new construction projects include the 225-key Asher Adams hotel, an adaptive reuse of the historic Union Pacific Depot Train Station. This Marriott Autograph Collection hotel, developed by the Athens Group and Hatteras Sky, topped off last October and is scheduled to open next fall. Okland Construction is the CM on this project, HKS Architects provided architectural design services, and JNS Design devised the hotel’s interior design. Pivot, a lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group, will manage the hotel.

The historic Union Pacific Train Depot is being adaptively reused for the new Asher Adams Hotel, which will include a stunning Grand Hall (pictured). Photo courtesy Athens Group

Utah Business reported that The Athens Group is converting the train depot into 13 historic guest suites, and constructing an entirely new building with 212 modern suites. The hotel will include a 1,500-sf fitness center, 9,000 sf of meeting space, and 3,200 sf of open-air gathering space.

The Asher Adams hotel, as completed, will be attached to The Depot, a 17,000-sf live entertainment and event venue that is also connected to the Delta Center arena, home to the Utah Jazz NBA franchise. The hotel will be located near the city’s Olympic Plaza on the northside of The Gateway, a popular open-air retail, residential, and office complex. The Gateway offers 650,000 sf of dining, entertainment, shopping, and special-events space. The Gateway first opened in November 2001, and since 2016 has been owned by Vestar, a Phoenix-based real estate developer that specializes in shopping centers.

On February 15, The Larry H. Miller Company said it would invest $3.5 billion into the Power District, a historical development in Salt Lake City. The company’s new renderings of this 100-acre project include images of a stadium (the Miller family has long expressed an interest in bringing major league baseball to Salt Lake City). The company is working with Sasaki on the Power District, according to the Salt Lake Tribune newspaper.

March reports record gains in multifamily rent growth in 20 months

qpurcell — Tue, 09 Apr 2024 15:00:08 +0000

March reports record gains in multifamily rent growth in 20 months

qpurcell Tue, 04/09/2024 - 10:00

Multifamily Housing

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.

Quinn Purcell, Managing Editor

Multifamily rent growth increased $8 during March 2024, to $1,721—the largest increase in 20 months according to a Yardi Matrix National Multifamily Report.

Multifamily rent growth reached a new record in March 2024, recording the largest gain 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.

In the March 2024 National Multifamily Report, Matrix’s data provides “some level of comfort” for worried market observers. While 13 of the top metros had negative rent growth over the past year, only two metros reported negative growth in March.

National Average Rents. Courtesy Yardi Matrix

Where is multifamily rent growth the highest?

As the economy continues to create jobs, with household growth boosted by immigration and wage growth, demand for multifamily units continues to rise. Markets in the midwest, such as Columbus, Ohio, Kansas City, Mo., and Indianapolis, Ind., have the highest multifamily rent growth. These metros trailed only New York City, N.Y., which topped the list with 5% year-over-year rent growth.

In March, San Francisco, Calif., was the only metropolitan city to report a growth in occupancy rate (0.1%) year-over-year. On the other hand, 21 metros have occupancy rates down by 0.5% or more, including Atlanta, Ga., and Indianapolis (both down 1.2%).

National Lease Renewals

The national lease renewal rate averaged 64.8% at the beginning of 2024—the first time it’s dropped below 65% in more than two years.

Lease renewals were highest in metros like New Jersey (82.6%), Philadelphia, Pa. (77.4%), and Miami, Fla. (70.4%); renewals were lowest in San Francisco (53.5%), Los Angeles (57.6%), and Austin, Texas (58.2%).

Renewal Rent Growth

Year-over-year renewal rent growth—the change for residents that are rolling over existing leases—declined in January 2024 as well, to 4.6 percent.

According to the report, renewal rents have been down every month since May 2023. The metros with the highest year-over-year renewal rent growth include Indianapolis (8%), San Diego (7.8%), and Orlando (7.7%). Just two metros reported negative growth, with Las Vegas, Nev. (–2%) and Austin (–1.5%) at the end of the list.

Overall outlook for multifamily housing in 2024

From the December 2023 National Multifamily Report by Yardi Matrix:

Expenses, income, deliveries, and interest rates pose key challenges for the multifamily industry this year
Though the market is expected to deliver over 500,000 units this year, there is a dramatic decrease in starts
Recent interest rate declines alleviate potential distress for multifamily owners, but long-term stability remains uncertain

Click here to read the full Yardi Matrix report.

Construction complete on The Station Apartments in Minneapolis

qpurcell — Mon, 08 Apr 2024 18:33:40 +0000

Construction complete on The Station Apartments in Minneapolis

qpurcell Mon, 04/08/2024 - 13:33

MFPRO+ New Projects

Big-D Midwest recently completed construction on The Station Apartments at Malcolm Yards, an innovative and unique housing property in Minneapolis.

The 210-unit apartment complex offers community-building amenities such as a social media content recording studio, co-working spaces, and a gaming center.

Big-D Midwest recently completed construction on The Station Apartments at Malcolm Yards, an innovative and unique housing property in Minneapolis.

The Station Apartments are part of the emerging Malcolm Yards neighborhood, a large-scale neighborhood development by The Wall Companies, which was once an industrial area that has been transformed into a modern, mixed-use center of activity.

Construction Complete on The Station Apartments at Malcolm Yards

The 210-unit, pet-friendly apartment complex offers community-building amenities such as a social media content recording studio, gaming center, pet spa, fitness center, co-working spaces, and a roof-top deck with stunning views of the Twin Cities metro area. Additionally, it boasts 6,878 sf of retail space.

The Station at Malcolm Yards, 485 Malcolm Ave. Photo courtesy Big-D Midwest

“We had a fantastic experience partnering with The Wall Companies on this exciting project,” said Cory Schubert, Big-D Midwest. “This project experienced some of the most difficult supply chain issues and as a team we worked through them and provided an outstanding product. It is an amazing addition to a vibrant neighborhood.”

Located in the Prospect Park area and just one block away from 29th Street Light Rail Station, the highly-walkable neighborhood features easy access to popular businesses like The Market at Malcolm Yards, Surly Brewing, and O’Shaughnessy Distillery. It also includes a new regional bike trail, numerous parks and thoughtful, sustainable technology.

“The Wall Companies is very excited to welcome our new residents to the newest addition of the Malcolm Yards neighborhood,” said John Wall, president of The Wall Companies. “Big-D and its professional and experienced team have come a long way to bring The Station Apartments to life. We are excited to wrap up this project and move onto the next one.”

On the Building Team:
Developer: The Wall Companies
Architect: Tushie Montgomery Architects
General Contractor: Big-D Midwest

The Station at Malcolm Yards, 485 Malcolm Ave. Photo courtesy Big-D Midwest

Sustainable mixed-use districts: Crafting urban communities

qpurcell — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 16:44:39 +0000

Sustainable mixed-use districts: Crafting urban communities

qpurcell Thu, 04/04/2024 - 11:44

Mixed-Use

As a part of the revitalization of a Seattle neighborhood, Graphite Design Group designed a sustainable mixed-use community that exemplifies resource conversation, transportation synergies, and long-term flexibility.

High-rise Construction

As an integral part of the revitalization of Seattle’s Denny regrade neighborhood, Graphite projects combine to provide a model of a sustainable urban community that exemplifies principles of resource conversation, transportation synergies, lifestyle benefits, and long-term flexibility.

Graphite has played a pivotal role in developing six buildings within a four-block area that serve the neighborhood with a robust offering of residential, commercial office, retail, and public amenities. Combined, the projects offer an impressive array of program elements:

Properties: 2201/Enso, McKenzie, Amazon Nitro, Amazon Frontier, Mary’s Place Family Center, Onni Block V, X3 Data Center.
Residential: 1,100 Apartments, 135 condominiums, 200+ shelter beds, 85,000 sf Retail, 2 million sf Office.
Open Space: 50,000 sf public open space, including over 650 Lineal Feet of frontage on Bell Street Park.
Amenities: Child Care, Public Art (“Stumpery” Hillclimb at 8th and Bell, “Murmuration” soffit feature at 8th Avenue, Dog Park at Nitro South Plaza).

Sustainable Mixed-Use Communities Case Study: The Denny Regrade

Complimentary Uses

By combining uses within each block—and in some cases within one building—the projects of the Denny Regrade employ vertical density to increase overall site utilization and reduce the amount of area required to house these functions as compared to horizontal, single-use models where each program element may be in an individual building. Construction and operational efficiencies follow, as site disturbance is minimized, structural components perform dual duty, and egress, mechanical and vertical transportation elements are optimized to serve the various uses contained within the vertical stack of each structure.

Building mechanical elements are consolidated within the subterranean garages and rooftops, freeing up the ground plane for open space, circulation, and active uses, while the towers above maintain high efficiency and program flexibility. The net result is the ability to fit more value within a smaller container, doing more with less.

There are likewise experiential and lifestyle benefits that accompany this community-driven sustainable approach. Buildings contain uses that activate the neighborhood throughout the day. While traditional single-use properties typically see peak intensity that cycles with their use—office during business hours, retail and residential in evenings and weekends, open space activity that varies with weather and season—the mixed-use Denny Triangle neighborhood blends these uses to provide engagement and activation on complimentary cycles.

The same workers who occupy offices during the day may also live in one of the on-site residences and take advantage of the diverse retail and service offerings, resulting in 24/7/365 activity. By offering this diversity on site and convenient connections to adjacent uses, transportation demands are also reduced as there is less need to travel to attend to the needs of daily life.

Photo courtesy Graphite Design Group

Connectivity

As it is located in downtown Seattle, the Denny Regrade neighborhood is inherently well-served by close proximity to regional transit networks, including protected bike lanes, RapidRide bus system, the streetcar, and future light rail expansion projects. This gives those who choose to live and work on site the opportunity to stay connected without the need for a car, reducing single-driver trips and their related emissions, as well as lessening demands on road infrastructure.

Additionally, numerous site-specific community transportation solutions have been integrated into the design of the properties themselves, helping address the critical “last mile” connection between broader networks and the places people live & work. These include: South Lake Union Streetcar line with stop at 2201 Westlake, King Country Metro stop on 7th Avenue, Protected Bike Lane on 7th Avenue and Bell Streets, Expansive Cycling facilities on site, with prominent entries designed to welcome bike commuters.

These transportation solutions are not merely a convenience to residents; they provide critical connectivity to schools, hospitals, grocery stores, parks, and other regional destinations that support urban lifestyles for residents who live in the city but choose not to drive every day.

Photo courtesy Graphite Design Group

Shared Resources

Functional elements of the buildings in the Denny Triangle have been designed to support density while minimizing resource use.

Mechanical systems in all the buildings employ state-of-the art technology to condition spaces efficiently while providing dedicated fresh air to occupants and operable windows, increasing health and well-being. Where programs are shared within one building, further efficiencies are attained.

At 2201 Westlake/Enso, waste heat that is a byproduct from cooling the office space is captured and reused to heat domestic water for the condominium units. Broader neighborhood strategies are also key, as both Amazon Nitro and Frontier have been designed to tap into a hot water loop that circulates and stores excess heat energy from an adjacent high-rise data center to offset on-site heating and conditioning loads.

Parking is another area where sharing between uses allows the neighborhood to do more with less. Located below grade, parking has been designed to flex between office, residential, and retail uses as demand fluctuates throughout the day. Spaces occupied by office commuters are available to retail and residential guests on evenings and weekends. This approach offsets the need to construct dedicated parking for each use, reducing the overall size of the garages, and lowering carbon intensity.

As discussed elsewhere, neighborhood and regional amenities are also elements incorporated and shared among the various mix of uses. A glass blowing studio is an engaging art and entertainment venue; a daycare serves both residents on-site and commuters; an on-site bike shop expands mobility options; a corner market and deli offer provisions without the need to a car trip to a large grocer; a dog bakery serves the neighborhoods four-legged residents and guests. All combine to enhance the livability of this sustainable urban community.

The Denny Regrade neighborhood in Seattle, Wash., shows what a thoughtfully designed mixed-use district can offer for urban life.

AE Works announces strategic acquisition of WTW Architects

qpurcell — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 17:56:34 +0000

AE Works announces strategic acquisition of WTW Architects

qpurcell Tue, 04/02/2024 - 12:56

Architects

AE Works, an award-winning building design and consulting firm is excited to announce that WTW Architects, a national leader in higher education design, has joined the firm.

AE Works

This move expands AE Works’ building industry leadership across the country and market sectors.

MFPRO+ News

Higher Education

Hospital Design Trends

Student Housing

Apartments

Architects

AE Works Ltd. (AE Works), an award-winning building design and consulting firm is excited to announce that WTW Architects, a national leader in higher education design, has joined the firm. This move brings together over 100 talented professionals. The acquisition is effective as of March 15, 2024.

AE Works is a top-ranked firm on the Architectural Record Top 300 that has delivered a diverse range of projects for leading commercial clients, research institutions, hospitals, and public agencies throughout the region and country. The addition of WTW Architects expands AE Works’ design leadership and presence in Pennsylvania and nationally.

Founded in Pittsburgh in 1959, WTW Architects has earned a reputation as a design leader in higher education, commercial, and healthcare projects. WTW Architects has worked on over 140 different college and university campuses to enhance student living and learning. This work includes significant projects at the University of North Dakota, Texas A&M, University of Nebraska–Lincoln, Penn State, University of Vermont, and Towson University.

AE Works Acquires WTW Architects

AE Works’ Founder, President & CEO, Michael Cherock, PE, shares, “We are excited to have WTW Architects join AE Works. WTW’s design leadership in delivering higher education facilities is now combined with our track record of work nationwide for leading businesses, research institutions, hospitals, and public agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institutes of Health, CDC. This move is a key part of our strategic firm vision to diversify our experience regionally and nationwide.”

In its 16 plus years of being in business, AE Works has been on the Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies list seven times—which puts them in the top 0.1% of all companies in the country. AE Works has grown consistently beyond its start-up years and has proven to be resilient throughout the recent pandemic and other industry challenges like the Great Recession. This move furthers the firm’s resilience and commitment to deliver excellence to clients with national reach, diverse market expertise, and wide range of building design and consulting services.

“We are excited to join a leading firm headquartered in our hometown of Pittsburgh. AE Works is focused on making building projects a better value for clients,” adds Larry Payne, AIA, President & CEO of WTW Architects. “Together, we will be able to do that better than ever. This is about providing clients and partners with the best value possible from an architecture firm and providing our staff more opportunities. United by tradition and innovation, I know we’ll continue to impact the architecture landscape in Pennsylvania and beyond.”

This strategic move isn't just about combining resources; it's about values, a strong vision for the future, and providing a great place to work for staff. Larry Payne has been appointed as Managing Principal and will serve on the AE Works’ firm management council. In collaboration with Michael Cherock and the leadership team, he will play a pivotal role in driving the growth and impact of the firm, both locally and on a broader scale.

AE Works and WTW Architects are jointly developing an integration strategy, aiming to synergize their strengths and further cement AE Works' position as an industry leader.

About AE Works
A top-ranked building design and consulting firm on the Architectural Record Top 300, AE Works has delivered over $1 billion of building projects for a diverse range of leading businesses, research institutions, hospitals, and public agencies. Leveraging the power of diverse services delivered by one team, AE Works makes building projects a better value. The firm is a certified B Corp, underscoring the company’s commitment to making a positive impact on employees, communities, and the environment. Services include architecture, interior design, engineering, and planning + project services. AE Works is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with additional offices in State College, Pennsylvania, and Washington, DC. Learn more at aeworks.com

About WTW Architects
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, WTW Architects is an architecture, interior design, and planning firm with over sixty-five years of distinguished design experience. This experience is marked by over 50 recent awards across higher education, commercial, healthcare, and mixed-use development sectors. Renowned for its leadership in higher education facility design, WTW brings an impressive portfolio on over 140 college and university campuses, including the University of North Dakota, The University of Pittsburgh, The Pennsylvania State University, and the University of Miami. WTW is recognized nationwide as a thought leader in the programming, planning, and design of student life projects. The firm's impact extends to iconic Pittsburgh landmarks such as Acrisure Stadium, Fifth Avenue Place, and the University of Pittsburgh William Pitt Union. Learn more at wtwarchitects.com

New technical bulletin covers window opening control devices

dbarista — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 14:33:28 +0000

New technical bulletin covers window opening control devices

dbarista Mon, 04/01/2024 - 09:33

Standards

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.

Peter Fabris, Contributing Editor

These devices help prevent accidental falls from windows

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.

\When properly designed, tested, specified, and installed, WOCDs can help prevent or reduce accidental falls from windows, while allowing the ability to open the window fully as may be needed to exit in the event of a home emergency, according to a news release from the Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance (FGIA) and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA).

The document, AAMA/WDMA TB-24-01, “will help users understand the important role of WOCDs, and how to tell the difference between them and other window hardware types like vent limiters or night latches, designed for different purposes,” said Dan Raap (AmesburyTruth), co-chair of the FGIA Window Opening Control Device (WOCD) Update Task Group.

WOCDs were introduced as a new window fall prevention device starting with the 2008 version of the ASTM International (formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials) (ASTM) F2090, Standard Specification for Window Fall Prevention Devices with Emergency Escape (Egress) Release Mechanisms. ASTM F2090 is a standard for window fall prevention devices that are releasable such that a window can be fully opened for emergency escape or rescue.