The Great Outdoors
Residents at Loring Park City Apartments in Minneapolis relax and chat with friends at the property’s trendy courtyard.
Developed and managed by Village Green Cos.
HOT TICKET: Fire pits are all the rage today and work well in both courtyards (as pictured) or on rooftops, which are perfect for urban settings short on grassy lawn. Comfortable lounging chairs and trendy twinkling night lights complete the resort-like feel. And don’t forget to offer WiFi here and throughout the entire project. Tech-savvy Gen Yers won’t settle for anything less.
SOUND CHECK: Music is the perfect mood setter. For a lively daytime atmosphere, pipe in Kelly Clarkson or the Black Eyed Peas; slow things down in the evening with soulful tunes from Norah Jones and Coldplay.
TABLE FOR TWO?: Echo boomers are very social, but tend to prefer hanging out in smaller groups of eight or fewer. So in addition to the typical larger hang-out spots, it’s important to include plenty of smaller, more intimate gathering areas both outside and inside the property. These strategically placed spaces provide plenty of opportunities for chance encounters, be it on the way to the mailroom or the parking garage.
Party Time
The highly social Gen Y group makes full use of the clubhouse at Village Park of Royal Oak in Royal Oak, Mich., to grab a drink and meet new neighbors.
Redeveloped and managed by Village Green Cos.
BAR SCENE: Forget paying $10 for a bottle of beer at the local pub. Instead, residents can invite their friends to hang out at their own personal bar. The area provides a perfect opportunity for the social Gen Yers to chat with friends and meet some new neighbors. Of course, it’s B.Y.O.B.
IN AND OUT: Maximize the space by extending it outdoors. The clubhouse at Village Green’s MDA City Apartments in Chicago leads directly to a rooftop sky terrace complete with a hot tub, resistance pool, fireplace, and plenty of cozy seating areas.
PARTY PLANNERS: Want to make sure your clubhouse actually gets used? This restless echo boomer crowd likes to be on the go and appreciates planned activities. The space will fill up fast when renters are invited to watch Monday night football or attend a wine and cheese party.
INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH: Loft-style finishes score big points with the up-and-coming renters. And you don’t need an old warehouse to create this look. Exposed ductwork and commercial-style lights give this newly constructed building an industrial look and feel. The finishing touches: old black and white photos, brightly painted walls, and retro-looking furniture.