15 Jun Residential Renewal
Point of View:
Residential Renewal
Updating older residential properties goes by several names—repositioning, renovation, rehab or reimaging. Whatever you call the effort to upgrade, the goal is the same: add value to the property by making it more resident friendly and market competitive. And it takes more than fresh paint to meet the expectations of today’s tenants.
At Withee Malcolm Architects we help owners rethink not only the property’s appearance, but how it functions for residents. Because we are actively designing new multifamily residences, we understand what renters, both market rate and affordable, want. To create “better than new” communities we look for opportunities to repurpose spaces improving the amenity mix to suit changing demographics.
Today’s residents are looking for communities that offer many of the same amenities they would find at great hotels or resorts. Spaces that are in tune with lifestyle choices from health and fitness to pet ownership are in demand. We work closely with owners and property managers to integrate new components into existing communities, evaluating opportunities to upgrade or introduce popular amenities.
A disused tennis court becomes a community gathering place replete with activity-based areas, seating around the fire pit for socializing, an outdoor kitchen with communal table and barbeque area to share meals with neighbors. Older community rooms are given a tech upgrade to support gamers, co-working lounges attract work-from-home residents and fitness studios now include separate spaces for spin classes and yoga.
Curb appeal is critical in attracting and retaining tenants and instilling a sense of pride in the community. We refresh dated facades by introducing a sense of scale and articulation that combines modern materials with traditional residential details such as defined entry ways, balconies and porches.
Resident demand for rental apartments is on the upswing—a 2017 study commissioned by the National Multifamily Housing Council and the National Apartment Association, cited by Multifamily Executive, found that 4.6 million new units will need to be built by 2030. With more than half of the current apartment stock over 20 years old, upgrading existing communities will be critical to meeting the need for both market rate and affordable housing.
Up-to-date, inviting and redesigned for the way we live now, reimaged properties add value for owners, residents and our communities.
Updates to consider:
- Enhanced security – from cameras to gates.
- Everything pets – parks, washes, dog runs.
- Hello Amazon – package lockers.
- Personal space – interior renovations for individual residences.
- New technology in the units – Nest thermostats.
- Water features – fountains, reflecting pools, waterwalls.
- Unique gaming areas – outdoor chess and game tables.
- Revitalize existing amenities – cabanas, pool deck, community spaces.
- Top chefs – pizza ovens instead of just BBQ’s.
- Roof decks – for at home entertaining.
- Uber or Lyft – designated ride sharing pick up areas.
- Social media ready – Instawall destinations where people can take photos.
- Yoga and bocce ball – outdoor fitness areas
- Curb appeal – new signage that relates to updated design and refreshed identity
Withee Malcolm Architects – Design that makes a difference
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