Making Magic

By Diana Mosher, Editorial Director

Some of the most valuable educational sessions for multifamily property managers provide easy-to-implement ideas for freshening up older apartment communities. The goal, as much as possible, is to recreate the fabulous look of a brand-new apartment property so that current residents will remain loyal to the brand, and new prospects will fall in love on the first visit. In an ideal world they’d be able to capture the audience in the same way as the clubhouse at Encore at Rockrimmon in Colorado Springs, a new construction developed by Western National Realty with 95 percent occupancy. See the project in the October issue of MHN digital magazine.

Designed by Possibilities for Design Inc., an award winning interior design firm based in Denver, the clubhouse at this 260-unit property boasts stellar amenity spaces that can really hold a prospect’s attention.

“Over the last five years there has been an emphasis on amenities because the Gen-Y demographic wants a place to gather, meet friends and spend time together,” says Doris Pearlman, MIRM, IIDA, president at Possibilities for Design Inc.

“The amenity package as a whole adds a dimension to the property that creates a resort-like atmosphere that draws Gen-Y residents to this property,” adds Pearlman. “The fitness center and pool area eliminate the need for residents to buy gym memberships. And the business center
offers them the ability to office from home by providing computers, internet access and print services.”

According to John Limiero, director of commercial design at Possibilities for Design, the aesthetic of the renter demographic in Colorado Springs tends to be on the conservative side and not ultra contemporary. “The residents [at this apartment community] like things a little more earthy so we used textural and natural surfaces such as stone on the walls and exposed wood beams. We wanted to have clean lines as well, so the furniture is a bit more contemporary,” says Limiero.

The clubhouse at Encore at Rockrimmon  is just one of two clubhouses designed by  Possibilities for Design for Western National Realty in Colorado Springs. Each property has its individual identity, says Limiero. But the exterior architecture of the clubhouses is similar on both.

The branding really comes from the exterior architecture and to some degree the layout inside the clubhouses rather than the aesthetic design choices. Click here to see photography of the clubhouse at Encore at Woodmen Ridge.