The latest design trends in development are meant to entice today’s renters— hotel-like lobbies with gas-powered fireplaces, communal spaces resembling luxurious airport lounges, rooftop resort-style pools with fire pits and gardens, interior units with upscale designer touches—these are just some of the impressive amenities being offered now. Indeed, developers are building multifamily properties not only to house people, but to foster an upscale, urban lifestyle, as well.
The new living spaces at Washington, D.C.’s, Navy Yard reflect this evolution, having been tailor-made for the “maximalist” in all of us. We at Hartman Design Group used such designs, which are truly redefining today's multifamily communities, at one of the Navy Yard’s new developments, Insignia on M, a 13-story apartment building developed by Donohoe and MetLife and managed by Bozzuto.
Access Is Everything
One of the great conveniences of living an urban lifestyle is having access to an extensive selection of neighborhood attractions steps from your front door. In the naming of Insignia on M, Donohoe, MetLife, and Bozzuto were inspired by the Navy Yard’s bustling nautical past and the naval uniform. Built atop the Navy Yard Metro (subway), the 324-unit building celebrates the revival of a vibrant neighborhood filled with great parks, restaurants, nightlife, notable attractions, and the ease of access to everything in D.C.
One of the other “key” access trends Insignia on M capitalized on is keyless entry. No more shuffling around trying to find keys while dealing with grocery bags, listening to music, and walking the dog!
It’s All About Amenities
Developers know that one approach to attracting savvy renters is to not only offer stylish finishes, but also design rental properties that resemble mini-resorts, creating a sense of community and providing everyday conveniences.
With telework becoming more prevalent, we designed Insignia on M to capitalize on residents’ need to be plugged in. High-tech touches necessitated by today’s urban telecommuters and smartphone users, such as USB ports, Wi-Fi access, iCafes, and well-equipped business centers, are some of the hottest amenities in today’s apartments.
Similarly, fitness centers in new apartment buildings, no longer just for strength training, have morphed into thousands of square feet of space dedicated to yoga, aerobics, cardio, and Pilates, among other classes. Breaking out of indoor spaces, pools have become rooftop centerpieces surrounded by indoor–outdoor living room lounges, gas grilling stations, and dining tables.
The design of the building helps accentuate one of the biggest trends in amenities today: partnering with neighborhood service providers to highlight and promote the offerings. Have a dog-friendly building? Try joining with nearby dog groomers to complement your dog park and spa. Are your residents looking for some extra motivation at the gym? Consider partnering with nearby fitness trainers to work with tenants in your development’s fitness center, to help them maximize their living experience.
Entertaining al Fresco
Insignia on M’s rooftop is truly an oasis in the middle of the bustling nation’s capital. The space was designed with something for everyone: Residents can enjoy multiple grilling areas for all their summer barbecuing needs, a splendid pool to lounge by, fire pits for roasting s’mores, and some of the hippest seating areas to hang with friends. For those looking to catch Capitals (NHL) and Wizards (NBA) games, there’s a TV viewing area. And Nationals Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Washington Nationals, is just a stone’s throw away—so close, in fact, that one can watch the game from Insignia on M’s rooftop viewing area.
Sustainability Is an Industry Standard
Developers are going to great lengths to appeal to eco-conscious renters by making sustainability their mission, incorporating environmentally friendly materials in pursuit of LEED certification; building reflective rooftops with solar panels; specifying floor-to-ceiling windows; installing electric-car charging stations; providing on-premises Zipcars; and more. Indeed, many of today’s urban apartment buildings, including Insignia on M, are built next to or above public transportation hubs, creating carfree spaces.
Pampered Pets
Apartments in urban spaces have gone from being merely pet-friendly to pet-pampering havens. As pet owners account for a larger share of renters, developers have designed spaces exclusively for the sole purpose of coddling canines and cats. On-site pet spas, washing stations, and rooftop dog runs are becoming the norm. Many buildings are also offering dog-walker, -sitter, or -training services, as well as doggie day care and happy-hour events for dog owners.
Insignia on M has built itself around amenities to make a dog owner’s life easier in many ways. For those mornings when residents want to stay closer to home for the pre-work morning dog walk, the building comes equipped with a beautiful turf dog run, including obstacles for playtime. Heading out of town and need a reliable dog sitter? Insignia on M has partnered with Baroo for on-site dog sitting and walking, so furry friends don’t have to go to the kennel. And if residents journey back from the park with a dirty dog, they can stop by the on-site dog spa to wash off their pup to prevent the tracking of muddy paws into their apartment.
While the national trend of minimalism within individual apartment units seem to be here to stay, common areas and amenities today definitely emphasize maximalism. Make your building more than just a unit full of individual homes and more of a community for residents to geek out over the amenities, make friends or telework in common spaces, and treat their furry friends to a life extravagantly lived.
