Nearly three-fifths of respondents (60%) to a recent survey by Multifamily Design + Construction magazine (a BD+C sister publication) had included free WiFi in a project in the last 24 months; this trend will surely accelerate in the near future as free WiFi becomes more or less a given for marketing purposes in the multifamily arena.
Smart technology like individual metering (48.3%), electric vehicle charging stations (an encouraging 42.0%), and fiber optic service (37.9%) are clearly catching on with developers and designers. Nearly one in four (24.7%) have placed a smart home system (such as Nest) into a project.
More than one in five (21.3%) respondents said they had built phone-charging stations into their complexes.
Some brave pioneers are experimenting with exciting new concepts like co-working spaces (27.6%) and so-called “maker spaces,” innovation centers, or incubator spaces (10.9%).
Is this movement toward individualized smart technology a signal that the days of the “computer room” or business center are numbered? Think about this: What could you do with that valuable found space?
More results from the MFDC survey to come next week.
Business services amenities:
Free Building-wide WiFi: 59.8%
Conference Room: 48.3%
Individually Metered Utilities: 48.3%
Business Center: 42.0%
Electric Vehicle Charging Station: 42.0%
High-speed Fiber Optic Service: 37.9%
Computer Room/Lounge: 36.8%
Media Room/Media Center: 29.3%
Base: 174
Source: Multifamily Design + Construction Reader Survey, June-July 2017
Related Stories
Multifamily Housing | Aug 10, 2021
A long-gestating apartment building finally gets underway in Long Beach, Calif.
Broadstone Promenade will add another piece to the city’s downtown lifestyle.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 9, 2021
Eden House residential development will rise 16 stories in Nashville
Gresham Smith designed the project.
| Aug 8, 2021
Furniture installation lends a 'hospitality feel' to a new apartment community in Colorado Springs
Furniture Solutions Group procured the furniture, window treatments, artwork, and accessories for the Mae on Cascade apartments in Colorado Springs.
Multifamily Housing | Aug 1, 2021
An aging public housing complex in L.A. is being redeveloped
The city and county are grappling with an escalating homeless crisis
Multifamily Housing | Jul 30, 2021
Multifamily housing for a post-COVID world
A trio of multifamily design experts presents concepts for post-pandemic apartment developments.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 28, 2021
158-unit multifamily complex set to begin construction in D.C.’s Logan Circle
Hickok Cole is the project architect.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 28, 2021
158-unit multifamily complex set to begin construction in D.C.’s Logan Circle
Hickok Cole is the project architect.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2021
New report predicts double-digit multifamily delivery rebound in 2021
Yardi Matrix also foresees rent inflation “persisting” in some metros for months ahead.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 27, 2021
Call for submissions: ‘Affordable Housing Projects' Cover Story
MULTIFAMILY Design+Construction is looking for the best new "affordable housing" communities for the Fall Issue 2021.
Multifamily Housing | Jul 23, 2021
26-story apartment tower tops out in Silver Spring, Md.
The building will be the tallest in Silver Spring.
