CREJ

/ BUILDING DIALOGUE / SEPTEMBER 2017

he rapid rise of new apartment develop-

ment in Denver is staggering, prompting

developers to seek project elements that

position them above the crowd. Well laid-out unit

floor plans and distinctive exterior designs are al-

ways important for managing cost while expanding

creativity. But new approaches to amenities can tar-

get many new valuable market niches ahead of the

competition.

Creative amenities are becoming the hot selling

point with prospective tenants, and they extend be-

yond pools and fitness centers. Today’s market trends

in apartment design draw increasingly from the life-

style and activities of millennials, but these also transfer

across age groups who desire a similar lifestyle.

Pool and fitness centers are becoming larger, even

bordering on hospitality or commercial proportions.

Multiple social spaces are also becomingmore common.

Thesemay feature indoor and outdoor gathering spaces

with grills and TVs, and demonstration kitchens that are

attractive to “foodie” groups. All provide opportunities

for people to interact with their follow tenants in spaces

that are like extensions of their living rooms.

For sports-oriented tenants, golf and ski simulators

are appearing in some projects along with climbing

walls and indoor basketball courts. There are dedicated

yoga rooms and even massage rooms for after-workout

routines. Gear rooms for bike repair and ski tune-ups

include areas to wash off mud frommountain bikes or

grime from road bikes. There are also loaner bikes on

some properties, allowing tenants quick access to com-

muting around town.

A large proportion of Colorado renters are dog or cat

owners. The industry has captured this market by pro-

viding dog washes and spa amenities, including treats at

the front desk andwash areas and dryers. Catering to pet

owners doesn’t seem to be slowing and such amenities

are increasingly becoming project focal points. In the fu-

ture, we may see more connections to veterinary offices

and boarding facilities with training and behavior class-

es at the property. Dog wash areas are graduating from

the stainless steel tubs in the back room to large-room-

sized showers near the front of the building. In addition,

there are plenty of ground-floor units with large yard

spaces for dogs to roam.

Interestingly, on the opposite spectrum, I recently col-

laborated on a project that intentionally prohibited pets.

This proved to be successful with nonpet owners who

preferred an animal-free home. While not a large proj-

ect, the owner realized there was an opportunity in that

market.

As a growing number of young people telecommute,

workspaces and conference rooms on the property are

growing in popularity. The increase in shared workspac-

es and business centers is also an opportunity to expand

these services in other markets. In addition to targeting

Erik Okland,

AIA, LEED AP

Associate

Principal,

Cuningham

Group Ar-

chitecture

Inc.

ELEMENTS

Apartment Amenities

As Competition Heats Up, Creative Amenities Grow www.ghphipps.com

1-877-5PHIPPS

(1-877-574-4777)

INSPIRE • LEAD • DELIVER

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