All Aboard

Development adjacent to transit continues to increase in value. Our creative community design solutions at transit locales achieve densities approaching 100 DU/Ac. Vallagio, a transit-oriented community in Denver, has received numerous local and national design awards including being named the city’s “Neighborhood of the Year.”

Why Gen Y

With a population that outnumbers the Baby Boomers by 8 million people, Gen Y is influencing American purchasing patterns NOW. The apartment community is designing for Gen Y now, with Wifi connections, Wii rooms, and coffee bars. Homebuilders need to learn about Gen Y now, in order to be ready for these young buyers that will greatly impact the housing market starting in 2012.

From Hippie to Hip

By 2014, 85 million households will be headed by someone 55 or older. Now, consider the number of different personalities and lifestyles among 75% of this demographic who own a home. How do you design homes and communities for this very diverse group? Here’s what we know: Boomers won’t buy unless they have a good reason, so give them one! We can help you determine the right product to capture a greater share of the Boomer market.

Living Large

According to the NAHB, the average American home is about 2,400 sq.ft. The current trend is a move toward smaller, well-designed homes. How do you make a small home “live large”? Try some of these ideas. Open the front door to an expansive view through the main living space toward an outdoor feature. Add large windows in the corner of a narrow room to flood it with natural light, and views to the outside. Provide memory points throughout the home – library niches, window seats, etc. These are just a few of the space maximizing tricks we have up our sleeves!

Keep Them in the Kitchen

How many times have you been part of a gathering with family and friends where everyone hangs out in the kitchen? Buyers want a kitchen that is worthy of spending time in. Great kitchens include a “universally designed” work triangle, excellent flow and site lines toward the living space, and large oversized islands shaped to promote socializing. Whether it’s a single-family home or an apartment, we design kitchens that sizzle.

Shades of Green

Looking to leave your competition behind? Consider going green. The first step is to identify your target market. How green do you, and do they want to be? Address those concerns, and sell it with gusto. These are a few of the greens you should consider.

  • Healthy Greens – this group looking to get pollutants out of their lives. Looking for healthy indoor and outdoor environments.
  • Conserving Greens – saving energy is great, but this group wants help saving a few bucks. Lower the utility bills.
  • Crunchy Greens – this crowd wants to do the right thing. Reverse global warming, save the planet.
  • Extreme Greens – are ready for utopia – they want to create an independent, self supporting community.

HUD 221(d)4

Certainty of financing….that’s what is appealing about this program, especially in today’s market. There are more hoops to jump through, more restrictions on appraisals and less flexibility during construction; however, there is also a bright light at the end of the underwriting tunnel…money. We are well versed with HUD financing on both large and small projects. We make navigating the process much easier.

Furry Friends

Did you know that pet friendly apartments are in greater demand than those that are not? So, why not differentiate yourself from the competition and accommodate all of your residents with a dog wash. Provide a conditioned space with good ventilation, a wash stand, and a hair dryer. Locate it functionally near pool equipment or maintenance, and be sure to include this feature on your marketing tour! Is there retail in your community? If so, consider providing a boutique store with supplies, treats, and pet sitting opportunities.

Where am I?

What makes a community memorable? It’s as much about the way it feels, as the way it looks. Think about gathering areas, focal elements, and sense of place… providing the emotional and social connections that should occur where we live and play. Think about gathering areas, focal elements, and walkways…all the connections that should occur where we live and play. In your next community endeavor, consider some of these ideas to craft a memorable place. Create value for your buyers by giving them a place they want to call home!

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All Aboard Why Gen Y From Hippie to Hip
Living Large Keep Them in the Kitchen Shades of Green
Got Financing? Furry Friends Where am I?
It begins with an idea. A fresh perspective. A renewed commitment. A positive outlook. These ideas on the future of design, strategy and sustainability will grow as our team continues to add new ideas. Sign up to be notified about our new blog, launching early in 2009.