With summer just around the corner, property managers across Chicagoland are prepping their multifamily properties with innovative outdoor amenities that continue to take resident experiences up a notch, year after year. We're not referring to tried-and-true amenities like swimming pools or gardens. Think rooftop tennis, seasonal outdoor gyms and summer community kitchens. There’s no question that amenities have stepped up their game in recent years. But no matter the size or location of the outdoor space, property managers are getting creative, expanding the possibilities of exterior amenities so residents can enjoy more of the outdoors.
As an experienced multifamily contractor in Chicago, we’ve put together some ideas to help you elevate your spaces this summer and offer concepts for larger, more strategic multifamily renovations down the road.
The design and use of space has changed over the years, and the very things that used to set multifamily properties apart have now become requirements. Today’s residents are gravitating toward multifamily properties that feel more like full-service hotels than traditional apartment complexes. Trends that merge the hospitality experience with the warmth of home are attracting new residents and redefining what modern living looks like.
While newly built multifamily construction in the city and surrounding areas certainty sets a high standard with a rich menu of amenities, older properties are finding ways to stay relevant and competitive by adding value through outdoor amenities that make people feel engaged and active.
Many aging apartment buildings with underutilized courtyards, storage spaces once used for large equipment or vacant storefronts are rethinking how to repurpose these areas into valuable amenity spaces. Some are converting courtyards into bike storage areas to promote healthy lifestyles, or dog parks with washing stations to create a pet-friendly environment. Others have transformed empty commercial spaces or vacant apartments into gyms with retractable glass walls and garage doors that effortlessly bring the outdoors in.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to amenities in multifamily renovations or new builds, but growing attention on wellness, connection and fun are rising to the top of what residents value most in their living spaces.
With an increased focus on health and well-being, multifamily property managers are exploring new ways to encourage residents to embrace the outdoors. As remote work and a technology-driven culture create more sedentary lifestyles, finding a balance through social connection, exercise and access to nature has never been more important. To meet this demand, new multifamily construction and apartment renovations are transforming outdoor spaces into vibrant hubs for fitness, relaxation and community building.
According to a report by the Global Wellness Institute, wellness real estate is expected to grow from $438 billion in 2023 to $913 billion by 2028, highlighting the increasing importance of health-focused spaces in multifamily properties.
From the resurgence of balconies to the rise of biophilic design, more multifamily properties are incorporating access to green spaces and fresh air. High rises are dedicating entire floors and rooftops to house nature-infused areas, where residents can enjoy everything from quiet lounges and community gardens to lap pools and even pickleball courts and tracks.
Suburban multifamily complexes are elevating the resident experience by incorporating resort-style pools and saunas, outdoor kitchens and BBQs, Ping-Pong tables and walking paths that weave throughout the community.
Seasonal outdoor fitness areas have also become quite popular. Whether your multifamily property has an existing gym or you’re considering building one in the future, dedicating an outdoor area for fitness equipment or space for yoga classes this summer can provide real value for residents. Many multifamily properties are incorporating movable equipment, such as turf areas with battle ropes, weights and plyo boxes, for example, and even setting up large free-standing training systems in their outdoor spaces. These flexible workout stations cater to various fitness levels and add a convenient way to work out onsite, while promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.
In addition to wellness features, multifamily property owners are investing capital to build and improve spaces that support active programming. Courtyard movie nights, seasonal al fresco dining and rooftop putting greens and bocce ball are some ways communities foster connection among residents, and in turn, improve satisfaction, increase property value and attract new tenants—all benefits that improve the bottom line and drive growth.
As apartments become smaller and more units feature in-board bedrooms, the need for shared common areas has only grown. Mid-century multifamily properties in Chicago originally built with no outdoor amenities are now opting to invest in rooftop decks and dog parks to provide a place to gather and connect.
For larger suburban properties where there’s space to work with, capital expenses are being directed toward upgrading clubhouses with indoor-outdoor fitness and dining areas, creating common areas with biophilic work-from-home suites and up-leveling expansive outdoor courtyards with hammocks, fire pits, beer gardens, stages for live entertainment and water features.
Are these extras worth it? In the eyes of residents, absolutely. These amenities not only attract prospective tenants, but even more importantly, they protect the connection current residents feel to their community and where they live.
When considering capital improvements for your multifamily construction project, it’s important to assess what your residents truly want and then calculate how the investment aligns with your financial goals, factoring in the expected return and property value over the long term. ETI Construction can assist in putting together a feasibility analysis to determine the best use of your property for your residents and your budget.
Whether we’re reconfiguring layouts or building from the ground up, our multifamily construction team is ready to create spaces that invite your residents to spend more time outside and turn your outdoor areas into major selling points. Contact our team at (773) 299-6574 or request a quote today.