Residential Forum – The new kind of clubhouse in multifamily communities
Submitted by: Katherine Leicht, Shelton
With the economy still struggling to get back on its feet, young adults remain nervous about making a commitment to buying a place. Instead, they opt for renting in high-end apartment complexes with upscale, all-inclusive amenities.
Developers are not going to build one of these lavish communities before getting to know the market around the area. “It's critical to get detailed information about potential residents from the builder in the beginning," says Victoria Currens, principal with Style Interior Design based in Irvine , Calif.
Today, the “new generation” clubhouse has turned into a social gathering place for friends to hangout, families to host parties, and neighbors to meet and mingle with each other.
“The look and feel of multifamily communities continues to change. Greater competition is forcing developers to differentiate their products–and it all starts with the clubhouse. There is a new focus on lifestyle, amenities, and services. Developers willing to provide excellent clubhouse design, not to mention quality amenities and services, will add value to their property and will successfully attract renters willing to pay premium rates.” (Source A)
Below are some new and upgraded areas of the typical amenity space.
- Outdoor area
Today’s outdoor areas in new-construction multifamily communities are not your typical rectangular pool with uncomfortable chaise lounges. They are resort-style, recreational areas with waterfalls, bocce ball courts, grilling areas with top-of-the-line appliances, fire pits, and multiple seating groups.
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Metro 808 Apartment Homes –
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Metro 808 Apartment Homes –
Image courtesy of Woodfield Investments, LLC, www.woodfieldinvestments.com |
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Hidden Creek Apartment Homes –
Image courtesy of Woodfield Investments, LLC, www.woodfieldinvestments.com
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Whitehall Parc Apartment Homes –
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- Multimedia Theater
Say goodbye to watching the Lakers game on your 32”TV in your living room. Say hello to watching it with your friends and neighbors on an 80” flat screen with surround sound speakers.
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Creekstone Apartment Homes –
Image courtesy of Woodfield Investments, LLC, www.woodfieldcreekstone.com |
- Demo Kitchens
Seen in more of the upscale communities, residents can practice their cooking skills by themselves or take classes that are offered by the community every week by a local chef in the demo kitchen.
Wi-Fi Café
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Whitehall Parc Apartment Homes –
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Hidden Creek Apartment Homes –
Image courtesy of Woodfield Investments, LLC, www.hiddencreekapartment.com |
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Whitehall Parc Apartment Homes –
Image courtesy of Woodfield Investments, LLC, http://www.whitehallparcapts.com
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Whether the prospect is looking for a great pool area to throw parties in the summer or a demo kitchen to practice cooking, they have one thing in common: they want the “new generation” amenities, regardless of resident profile.
Sources:
