DESIGN: How to Create Community Identities through Architecture
Establishing a community identity is one of the critical elements of a successful project, and it can be accomplished through design. Not only does a well articulated and attractive identity differentiate a development from its competitors, but it also makes it more warm and inviting to prospects and therefore delivers clear marketing benefits.
Global Case Study: Balancing Cultural and Developer Goals in a Korean Mixed-Use High-Rise
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Traditional and Modern Design Elements Converge in a Washington, D.C. Condominium Property
Kenyon Square is a 153-unit high-end residential condominium building in the newly revitalized neighborhood of Columbia Heights in Washington, D.C. The developer wanted a design that appealed to an older, more established client and younger professionals and to differentiate itself from its retro-modern neighbors. The scope of the interior designer's services consisted of the common spaces, including the main and secondary lobbies, lounges, corridors, elevators and library.
Multi-Housing World Countdown: Deal Expo Debuts in Denver
If you've got a deal to promote, but need a partner or financing -- or you're looking for a joint venture -- you won't want to miss Deal Expo.
PROFILE: Architect Engineers Value into Projects
Luxury housing, even in New York CIty, can be designed and completed within a realistic construction budget, says Marvin Meltzer
Housing Slump May Last Longer than Usual, Says Joint Center’s Director
New York—The housing downturn may last longer this cycle than is historically the norm, suggested Nicolas P. Retsinas, the director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, which released its annual State of the Nation’s Housing report this week.
Perspective: The Housing Market: Facing Up to Reality
I don't know how anyone--whether you've been through a depressed cycle or not--can be surprised about the terrible state the housing and financial markets are now in. For more than a year, there has been this monthly "shock and awe" campaign about disappointing housing sales in the media, by analysts, among lenders and the Fed. This ought to stop.
Perspective: Tomorrow's Multifamily Kitchen Trends (Part I of II)
By Kevin Henry, NYLOFT Kitchens
Multi-Housing World Countdown
This year, Multi-Housing World is offering a range of networking opportunities for its attendees; a golf tournament and opening party to the show floor reception and presentation of the Design Excellence Awards.
Community Outreach
Atlanta--Gables Residential recently held its ninth annual Gables Day community service events, which took place over two weeks throughout the company’s 14 operating regions. The importance of community service inspires National Gables Day during which each corporate and onsite office is closed for the day and all associates, from company executives to onsite associates, work together on a community service project.
Making Pest Management a Priority
Warmer weather makes outdoor activities possible but it also tends to increase pest pressure, too. Providing for pest management service is a fact of life for most property managers. In multi-unit housing settings, a variety of micro-environments, such as kitchens, bathrooms and garbage collection areas, elevate the potential for pest infestations. While the occasional pest problem is common, a serious infestation can lead to lost reputation and, by extension, lost revenue.
U.S. Architecture Firm Expands in Middle East, India
For the past two and a half years, Humphreys & Partners Architects L.P. has been working in the United Arab Emirates and last month opened its first office there, in Dubai. It's also operated an office in India, in the city of Chennai, since last year. This Dallas-based firm, which runs eight offices across the U.S., is doing work in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as well. To learn more about the firm’s overseas experiences on condominium, hotel and office developments, MHN Managing Editor Teresa O'Dea Hein recently spoke with CEO Mark Humphreys, who founded the company 17 years ago.
How Green Can You Go?
What should multifamily developers do when faced with the extreme challenge of building and marketing a new community, while significantly reducing the use of water that would normally be required for landscaping? From a sustainability point of view, efficient use of water can be achieved in a number of ways, including use of drought- resistant plants, strategic use of artificial turf and technology.
Four Steps to a Successful Adaptive Reuse Project
When it comes to adaptive reuse projects, developers must take a variety of steps to ensure successful preservation. "I like to think of it as the preservation of our cultural patrimony, the recycling of our built environment," says David Abramson of Newark, N.J.-based David Abramson & Associates, who specializes in historic preservation and adaptive reuse.
Tips for Award-Winning Performance
Mills Properties Inc. recently took home a total of seven prizes at this year’s “Rising Star of the Year Awards” banquet, organized by the St. Louis Apartment Association (SLAA). Among Mills’ honors is the prestigious title of Management Company of the Year, which it has won a total of five times since 1998. To get some insights into how this property management company consistently turns in award-winning performances, MHN spoke to Jan Wiesler (pictured), senior vice president of operations at Mills Management.
Training Days
One of the best ways to retain good property managers once they’re hired is to provide valuable training. Dominium Management Services (DMS), a privately owned apartment management firm, operates an onsite training facility, Dominium University, to offer standardized introductory classes to newly hired property managers and advanced classes to longer-term managers. This also helps ensure each employee receives similar training, which facilitates consistent performance and management practices.
Using Architectural Branding to Make Your Project Speak
Just because they’re inanimate doesn’t mean buildings can’t speak. In fact, their non-verbal voices evoke powerful human emotions about “home.” Where and how we live is an expression of our personality, hopes, fears, aspirations and sense of community. To be successful in this increasingly competitive market, each multifamily project must serve as an ambassador, issuing a personalized invitation to a particular clientele. In real estate marketing language, this message is called “architectural branding.”
Introducing the Judges for MHN's First Green Initiative Awards
The judges for MHN’s first annual Green Initiative Awards have been chosen. They were selected based on their experience with and knowledge of sustainability within the multifamily industry.
Special Report from AIA National Convention: Top Architecture Trends
Boston--In keeping with the concerns of today’s society, this year’s AIA (American Institute of Architects) national convention and design exposition placed great emphasis on the role of social responsibility within architecture. Many of the growing trends demonstrated at the show involved awareness of the impact architecture has on the world, as well as advances in new technologies to improve upon design.
The Effect of Engaged Workforce on Leasing Process
Do satisfied employees align themselves with company goals, take ownership of their work, and deliver a high level of service? On the surface, the answer would appear to be an obvious “yes.” In reality, however, just knowing how satisfied employees are does not provide the most accurate representation of their commitment and job ownership.
Apartment Starts Will Trend Down After this Year, Held Low by Shadow Inventory, Condo-to-Rental Conversions, Says NAHB Economist
Washington, D.C.—Multifamily made news recently by being the one housing sector that showed a steep increase in starts. Nevertheless, overall starts for the sector, for both apartments and condominiums, are expected to decline by next year.
A Changing Way of Thinking Leads to New Residential Spaces
As environmental consciousness, economic prudence and social responsibility become ways of life for many, more developers and builders are drawn to the trend of New Urbanism to suit residents’ lifestyles.
The Time To Conserve Energy Is Now
Today’s apartment owners and property managers are placing a greater emphasis on energy conservation not only to cut costs, but also to lessen the environmental impact of their properties. Because there may also be legislation requiring more environmentally sensitive equipment, water-saving devices and additional conservation measures, managers and owners should address this issue now, rather than waiting.
LED-powered Curtainwall is Unveiled in China
Beijing, China--The GreenPix Zero Energy Media Wall, designed by New York-based Simone Giostra & Partners Architects and located on the Xicui Entertainment Complex in Beijing, features the world’s largest color LED display. The wall, illuminated by solar energy captured by the building during the day, is the first photovoltaic system integrated into a glass curtain wall in China.
Going Green from the Ground Up
Consumers have reached an environmental turning point. According to the latest research, the vast majority is "seriously concerned" about the environment and believes that a company's environmental practices are important in making key purchasing decisions. For builders and property owners who can prove a commitment to sustainability, this means a leg up on the competition with these savvy consumers.
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