When it comes to luxury high-rise new construction projects, the lineup of amenity offerings is increasingly just as important as the floor plans. But in an era of ultra-convenience and comfort, what truly counts as an amenity — and what’s a given?
POOLS: NECESSITY
In sunny markets like Los Angeles or Phoenix, a pool is as necessary as a front door. Like the mysterious no-man’s-land time before cellphones existed, people can’t remember a day when they didn’t have a pool. And who would want to?
OUTDOOR GATHERING SPACE: AMENITY
While a pool is a given, a compelling outdoor green space in which to gather or escape to is still considered a treat — especially when done well. Through artful landscaping, changes in elevation and moveable furniture, even the most bijou of spaces can be transformed into open-air retreats residents can use as extensions of their own living rooms.
GYM: NECESSITY
A great gym doesn’t require much space and its equipment doesn’t need replacing very often at all. It’s a total “gimme” that saves residents the cost of a gym membership … and the de-motivating car ride to get there.
YOGA DECK: AMENITY
Talk about bang for your buck. A yoga deck takes very little effort to create and requires no equipment, all while racking up wellness points with residents who are down with the downward dog.
ATTENDED FRONT DESK: NECESSITY
This service has gone from a rare luxury to a must-have in recent years, and it still runs the gamut in its offerings. At the very least, it provides an added sense of security and a convenient place for package delivery, but on the more upscale end of the spectrum, the front desk can serve as a fully-fledged concierge.
COMMUNITY ACTIVATION: AMENITY
The old attitude – Make a great building and let residents go about their business. The new approach – Create a lifestyle for residents to connect with and enjoy. Community wine tastings, professionally led yoga classes, rooftop cooking demonstrations — these above-and-beyond offerings that engage residents at the place they call home suddenly make HOA dues feel less like an obligation, and more like an investment in themselves. And that’s a luxury in and of itself.
