Quarterra Multifamily, a subsidiary of public home builder Lennar and a vertically integrated multifamily apartment builder, developer, and property manager, continues to grow its middle-income Quarterra Emblem Communities with the openings of Emblem Shakopee, near Minneapolis; Emblem Oswego, near Chicago; and Emblem Conyers, near Atlanta.
With six Emblem communities in lease-up and two under construction, Quarterra created the Emblem program to help address the national shortage in supply of Class A housing that is attainable for middle-income residents. The program focuses on the development of suburban apartment housing across the nation, with an emphasis on location. There are eight additional communities in the planning stages.
"The Emblem program takes aim at the growing housing attainability crisis facing renters in suburban markets while still meeting renter expectations for a modern, sophisticated living experience," says Doug Bober, division president of Quarterra Emblem Communities. "Through repeatable designs, we can produce a Class A product within financial reach of middle-income professionals. The program's success is exceeding expectations, raising the bar for cost-effective rental housing development and shifting the conversation on housing attainability."
The properties utilize consistent interior finishes from one Emblem community to another and feature high-end materials like quartz countertops, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and stainless-steel appliances. The amenities also follow a consistent prototype that focuses on simplification and standardization to increase efficiency and allow for a faster time frame.
At most recently opened Emblem Conyers in Conyers, Georgia, the community, in partnership with Nuveen, offers 264 garden-style apartments ranging in size from one- to two-bedrooms and 774 to 1,195 square feet. Residents have access to a modern clubhouse with a social lounge; a resort-caliber pool with a sun shelf; multiple outdoor grilling stations; package lockers; a dog park; and 396 parking spaces (including 30 garages).
"Emblem Conyers offers an elevated living experience in an incredibly enviable location," says Bober. "Conyers has its own identity, with a historic downtown district and community festivals, yet maintains its connection to Atlanta. Emblem Conyers was designed to put residents in touch with their local neighborhood and within reach of that big city energy. And the Emblem brand ensures attainable housing with resort-style amenities, well-appointed designer homes, and an ideal location."
Through scale and repetition, Quarterra is reducing the costs associated with architectural and interior design, branding, labor, and materials procurement. Those savings can then be passed on to residents and address the housing needs of the nation's missing-middle demographic.
