For multifamily developers, and their building teams, getting the amenities mix right could make or break the success of their multifamily housing developments.
Ongoing research by BD+C's sister brand, Multifamily Design+Construction (MFDC), aims to help developers, owners, architects, and other project team members identify proven and trending multifamily amenities.
The latest iteration of MFDC's research, the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study, ranks the top 131 amenities that developers are providing in today's apartment and condominium communities. A total of 342 industry professionals completed the online, 11-question survey over a four-week period in February/March 2021.
The makeup of respondents includes architects/interior designers (34.9 percent), developers/owners/property managers (30.5 percent), construction professionals (21.4 percent), consultants (5.0 percent), engineers (3.2 percent), and others allied to the multifamily housing field (5.1 percent).
Thanks to our 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study sponsor: EXACOR™ | Huber Engineered Woods
Top 10 outdoor amenities at multifamily housing developments
Among the findings from the 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study is a ranking of the top 10 outdoor amenities.
Fire pits (66.1 percent), lounge areas (64.0 percent), and covered parking (55.3 percent) were cited most often by survey respondents, followed by rooftop deck/terrace (54.4 percent), outdoor pool (53.2 percent), and walking paths (49.4 percent). Outdoor kitchens (43.6%) and community gardens (31.6%) are also popular items.
Looking at historical data from the 2019 and 2017 Multifamily Amenities surveys, almost all outdoor amenities tracked closely with the 2021 report. Although “storage (outside the unit)” seems to have dropped off significantly, at 44.2% this year, vs. 57.5% in 2019 and 62.4% in 2017.
Nearly one-fourth of respondents (24.6 percent) had installed a Jacuzzi, up slightly from 2019 (20.6 percent).
Outdoor movie screens (15.8 percent, vs. 14.4 percent in 2019) and catering pantries (12.9 percent, up a touch from 11.7 percent in 2019) also made the list.
The 2021 Multifamily Amenities Study ranks amenities and features across nine other building areas:
• Top ‘smart connectivity’ systems
• Top 10 indoor amenities
• Top 10 recreation amenities
• Top 10 convenience services
• Top 10 quality of life amenities
• Top 10 business and technology services
• Top 10 security services
• Top children's services
• Top services for pets
• BONUS: COVID-19 impact on amenities
• BONUS: List of ‘first-time amenities’ for developers
Download the complete findings for free (short registration required).
Related Stories
| Sep 24, 2014
Architecture billings see continued strength, led by institutional sector
On the heels of recording its strongest pace of growth since 2007, there continues to be an increasing level of demand for design services signaled in the latest Architecture Billings Index.
| Sep 22, 2014
4 keys to effective post-occupancy evaluations
Perkins+Will's Janice Barnes covers the four steps that designers should take to create POEs that provide design direction and measure design effectiveness.
| Sep 22, 2014
Sound selections: 12 great choices for ceilings and acoustical walls
From metal mesh panels to concealed-suspension ceilings, here's our roundup of the latest acoustical ceiling and wall products.
| Sep 15, 2014
Ranked: Top international AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
Parsons Brinckerhoff, Gensler, and Jacobs top BD+C's rankings of U.S.-based design and construction firms with the most revenue from international projects, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Sep 15, 2014
Gen-Y-focused multifamily development under way in L.A.
The new urban residential community at 1001 S. Olive Street will offer open floor plans consisting of 64 studios, 109 one bedroom units, and 28 two-bedroom units, ranging in size from approximately 500 sq ft to 1,100 sq ft.
| Sep 9, 2014
Using Facebook to transform workplace design
As part of our ongoing studies of how building design influences human behavior in today’s social media-driven world, HOK’s workplace strategists had an idea: Leverage the power of social media to collect data about how people feel about their workplaces and the type of spaces they need to succeed.
| Sep 7, 2014
Behind the scenes of integrated project delivery — successful tools and applications
The underlying variables and tools used to manage collaboration between teams is ultimately the driving for success with IPD, writes CBRE Healthcare's Megan Donham.
| Sep 5, 2014
First Look: Zaha Hadid's Grace on Coronation towers in Australia
Zaha Hadid's latest project in Australia is a complex of three, tapered residential high-rises that have expansive grounds to provide the surrounding community unobstructed views and access to the town's waterfront.
| Sep 3, 2014
Ranked: Top local government sector AEC firms [2014 Giants 300 Report]
STV, HOK, and Turner top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest local government design and construction firms, as reported in the 2014 Giants 300 Report.
| Sep 3, 2014
New designation launched to streamline LEED review process
The LEED Proven Provider designation is designed to minimize the need for additional work during the project review process.
