Trends in Multi-Tenant Housing and Community Spaces

Housing trends ebb and flow as economic, social, and even health factors, like the COVID-19 pandemic, impact not only the affordability of housing but also the preferences of the American public. In recent years, there has been a demand for more multi-tenant community living as the affordability of single-family homes has risen to levels beyond the reach of many.

Improved affordability compared to homeownership has made renting more attractive. Buying a home costs $1,091 more per month than renting an apartment on average. This affordability gap has driven a surge in demand. It is evident in the absorption rates (how quickly new or available apartment units are being occupied), with annual absorption reaching over 666,000 units in the last quarter of 2024, marking a net increase of nearly 450,000 units year-over-year. This increase represents a threefold increase compared to the previous year, indicating a significant uptick in rental demand across the USA.

Finding a community, not just a place to live

According to Meaghan McGee, PE, LEED AP, Senior Associate with the AE firm Kimley-Horn in Denver, the demand for market-rate multifamily housing is “super strong.” As this demand for multi-tenant communities grows, recent studies indicate that 60% of residents look for a living space that reflects their identity. This expectation can manifest in many forms and significantly boost resident satisfaction and retention.

Long-expected amenities like pools and fitness centers are now joined by new features that encourage a greater community feel. Walking paths, park-like areas, and pet-friendly facilities have been promoted to the list of expected amenities for many tenants. The 2020 pandemic drove pet ownership levels in the United States to 70% of households, resulting in demand for animal-focused amenities like pathways, pet waste stations, and washing areas.

Greenspaces are one of the most inviting features an apartment or multifamily location can provide. Some examples are communal spaces where residents can congregate, like garden areas, walking paths, picnic spots, and playgrounds. One of the best ways to create a sense of community in multifamily housing is by providing outdoor spaces where tenants can gather. Outdoor community spaces play a crucial role in multi-tenant developments, offering numerous benefits to residents and property owners. These spaces contribute significantly to the overall quality of life, community engagement, and property value. Over 90% of tenants express interest in attending informal get-togethers and informational gatherings in these spaces.

Creating a sense of place with quality decorative fixtures

The feelings created by a person’s positive experiences in a specific location or environment encourage a sense of belonging, familiarity, and safety. Through these experiences and feelings, opinions and preferences are developed and cultivated into a sense of place.

Well-designed outdoor spaces can lead to higher tenant satisfaction and retention rates. They increase the perceived value of living spaces by providing an extension of indoor living. Outdoor amenities and fixtures may also contribute to a sense of exclusivity and luxury, making the apartment community more appealing.

Decorative and functional lighting for community spaces

Appropriate lighting for safety in parking areas and entrance doors is required for apartments and multifamily locations, but lighting options for greenspace and communal areas must also be considered. These fixtures may include decorative light posts, lighted bollards, and pathway lighting.

When designing lighting for multi-tenant community areas like pathways and parks, several key considerations should be considered to create a safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing environment.

• Usefulness: Lighting should have a clear purpose, considering its impact on the area, including wildlife and habitats.
• Targeted illumination: Use shielding and careful aiming to direct light downward where it’s needed, avoiding light spilling into tenant windows
• Appropriate brightness: Use the lowest light level required, being mindful of surface reflections. Some lampposts and bollards may be used for security and pedestrian navigation, while other light poles may be used for landscape or feature enhancement.
• Controlled usage: Implement timers or motion detectors to ensure light is available when needed and turned off when not.
• Color temperature: Limit the amount of shorter wavelength (blue-violet) light to reduce negative impacts, especially for accent lighting where warmer CCTs like 2,700K or 3,000K may be more appropriate.
• Power Sources: For newly installed projects, electric wiring offers continuous illumination and flexibility of fixture selection. Solar-powered bollards and lampposts may be the best option if the project upgrades an existing communal area.
• Design Strategies: Space lights 5-8 feet apart, depending on fixture type and beam spread. Consider illuminating adjacent features like garden beds or trees for visual interest. Layering and zoning light applications may also incorporate light layers for depth and visual interest.
• Path and Walkway Lighting: Ensure even spacing and angling for adequate illumination without excessive shadows. To maximize the natural beauty, use low-level fixtures that blend with the landscape, such as bollard lights or spaced path lights.

Decorative community mailboxes add form and function

Many multi-tenant locations utilize cluster box units (CBUs) to handle post and parcel deliveries for residents. Developers have a choice of 2 types of cluster mailbox units to install: pedestal-mounted CBUs or wall-mounted mailboxes.

Both types are “package friendly” to accommodate most packages delivered through the US Mail. CBUs also include parcel lockers, which provide separate locked storage for many packages.

The benefits of a cluster mailbox unit are include;

• Safety and security for residents when installed in lighted, central locations
• Protection from the elements
• Durability and protection for delivered items
• Aesthetically pleasing in comparison to a variety of individual mailbox units

Brandon Industries as a partner for multi-tenant streetscape design

At Brandon Industries, we are at the forefront of enhancing the face of America’s neighborhoods while retaining their heritage. It is our goal to bring visually stunning spaces to life.

For over 38 years, our wide variety of Quality Streetscape Solutions™ have been doing just that. This includes street lights, signs, site furnishings, cluster box units, and more. We carry a complete family of products and can sell you everything from components to the complete unit.