GET READY TO ROLL! GCNKAA INAUGURAL COMMUNITY CONNECTION BUS TOUR HITS THE ROAD APRIL 24
The GCNKAA Bus Tour is more than just a journey - it’s a premier opportunity to showcase the diverse landscape of multifamily housing in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, gain valuable market insights, and build meaningful connections with industry leaders. This high-energy event brings together top professionals for a day of networking, education, and collaboration - all while giving back to the communities we serve. Limited seating on the bus is available for our property owners, management companies, and all of their team. Tickets are $50 per person and include a light breakfast and refreshments on the bus, lunch, and Happy Hour.
The route includes 1010 on the Rhine, The Alto, Factory 52 Apartments, Graphite Oakley, and Sky Central Apartments.
MEMBERS WIN BIG MONEY AT TRADE SHOW!
Congratulations to Michelle Bohman with BRG Apartments and Michael Atchison with Heritage Hill Capital Partners for winning, respectively, the $500 and $1000 Scavenger Hunt prizes; and to Matthew Rosensweet with Rookwood Properties for winning the $1000 VIP Grand Prize at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association Trade Show.
With thanks to a jam-packed day and an excellent line up of seminars, a crowd of more than 900 people attended the free annual trade show which featured 90 exhibitors displaying their products or services. A big thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors who made this event a success and we hope to see you back in 2026!
And finally, thank you to our VIP Sponsors who helped make this trade show as successful as before: Apartments.com, Apply Rite, Belfor Property Restoration, Bernecker Brothers Roofing, Calloway Cleaning & Restoration, Chadwell Supply, ePremium Insurance Agency, Hays + Sons Restoration, MB Link Refinshing, Pinnacle Paving & Sealing, PPG Paints, Rent, ResidentIQ, Rite Rug, Royal Finish, Sherwin Williams, and Zillow Rentals.
THE GIVE-BACK INITIATIVE
We strongly encourage all sponsors and attendees of the Inaugural GCNKAA Bus Tour to take part in our give-back initiative by donating essential hygienic items to Roll Hill Community Center. Needed items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, sanitary napkins, deodorant, lotions, shave gel, razors, lip balm, face cloths, bandages, hand sanitizer, tissues, nail clippers, and hair ties. Simply bring your donated items to the start location at Graphite Oakley and GCNKAA staff will take care of the rest!
THE SPONSORSHIPS
As a sponsor, you’ll put your brand in front of key decision-makers, position yourself as an industry leader, and contribute to an event that strengthens our market. Don’t miss the chance to align your business with innovation, connection, and impact. Secure your sponsorship today and be a driving force in shaping the future of multifamily housing! Visit www.gcnkaa.org/events or see inside for details!
BUSINESS EXCHANGE DEADLINES APPROACHING
PROPERTY OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES:
This is your opportunity to conduct multiple meetings with multiple vendors in one morning, allowing you to easily expand your network of suppliers. Once you register to participate, you will receive an Information Statement Form complete with an A-to-Z listing of the products and services our associate members provide to the multifamily housing industry. Simply complete the information and return to GCNKAA.
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS:
Similar to Speed Networking, this Business Exchange offers you the opportunity to meet one-on-one in 5-minute intervals with key decision makers from several of the participating property owner and management companies. This year, we are eliminating the Pre-Scheduled meetings and will allow our attendees to rotate around the room however they wish. Please note that there may be lines for some of the participating primary member booths; if so, please wait patiently in the line until it is your turn.
We have created two registration levels for Associate Members. The VIP Early Bird offers attendees an additional 30 minutes of networking prior to the open meeting rotations. Visit www.gcnkaa.org for more details.
An event booklet will be provided to all participants with detailed and highly beneficial information on all of our participating companies. As an associate member, you may either submit a full color, half-page ad to include or send a brief paragraph about your company. See deadlines and registration details on page 17 of this newsletter.
**Apartment Association of N. KY merged with GCNKAA
Office Hours: Monday Through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
ADVERTISING RATES 2025
The following advertising rates are for
Ad rates are for full color ads. Link from your ad
ADVERTISING DEADLINES
Ad deadlines are the first of the month for the next month’s issue. Placement of articles and ads is limited to pre-set space and dimensions of the Apartment Advantage. Submissions may or may not be used and placement is at the discretion of the editor
Apartment Advantage is a monthly publication of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, Kenwood Executive Center, 7265 Kenwood Rd, Ste. 100, Cincinnati, OH 45236; phone (513) 407-8612; fax (513) 407-7868. For up-to-date information check out our website: www.gcnkaa.org.
Across the Board
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Melissa Joy, President
Melissa Joy
Spring has sprung in Greater Cincinnati and beyond. I am writing this article coming off an impactful week with the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) in Washington, DC, for the annual Advocate Legislative Conference. If you’ve ever been to Washington, DC during this time of year, you have surely seen the beauty of the cherry blossoms. This week must be the most beautiful phase of the short peak season for the blooming trees this area is known for. As I have reflected on my time in DC this year, it has become evident that my experience was a stark (and beautiful) contrast to what I expected to encounter this week.
I’m very vocal about my perspective on a couple of things: my passion for this industry is one, and my lack of passion for politics is another. Thankfully, as I have shared my vulnerability and rationale for not loving politics over the years, I have been met with great support from friends and colleagues in this industry, many of whom have helped me feel included, valuable, and aware of how I can play an important part in lobbying for the kinds of legislation that is necessary to ensure the stability and health of the industry I love. With the pollical climate we are in, divisiveness seems to be prevalent among so many of my friends and family. I prepared for this week by study-
This section contains articles and information concerning the Board of Directors and Association policies.
tions that could potentially invoke uncomfortable feelings for people I care about due to the “politics” surrounding party lines. I am here to tell you that every meeting and “political” conversation that took place on The Hill and around dinner tables during the week was productive, non-divisive, and met with respectful and mature dialogue, even those that included a complete disagreement of issues. I was proud, humbled, and so grateful for the way everyone showed up, recognizing the issues that unite us are often greater in number than those that divide us.
Attending conferences, speaking out, lobbying, and even admitting you don’t know as much as you need to know about certain topics can be intimidating if you’re just getting started, unaware of the way politicians prioritize the needs and requests of their constituents, have an introverted personality, or just have a lot going on in life. I’ve been to this specific conference with all of those realities going on and despite feeling unsure, I’m very grateful to have worked through obstacles and sought support from my friends and colleagues who are very educated and passionate about processes that protect and create opportunities for the multifamily industry we all serve. I highly recommend anyone who is in our industry to start now by learning more about the things you may not naturally love.
In closing, back to the Cherry Blossoms. Do you know why the Cherry Blossoms are of such significance in the Washington DC region? I did not - so I Googled it (which was fun because it displayed cherry blossoms floating across my screen). If you don’t want to Google, I share my findings: In 1912 the Mayor of Tokyo and people
Brain Power
Low, Predictable cost &
High ROI At .50 cents a unit, the average GCNKAA member’s savings pay for the pass after 5 people attend a single session!
Government & Housing Legalities
By Kevin Coughlin,
On March 26, a delegation from the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) met on Capitol Hill with members of the United States House of Representatives and United States Senate. Meeting with members from Ohio and Kentucky, our advocates expressed the continued challenges we face in the housing sector, while highlighting key legislative opportunities that would benefit our members and
This heading deals with housing & legal issues within the Governmental
ADVANCING NAA’S PUBLIC POLICY AGENDA AT ADVOCATE 2025
ties such as partnerships and s-corps. A majority of housing providers are organized as pass-through entities and this provision gives some parity with larger corporations. Extending the deduction will ensure more affordable housing for people who need it.
• Supporting the respect State Housing Laws Act (H.R.1078 & S.R. 470) - Questions still abound about the status of the COVID-era CARES Act and its federal restrictions on evictions. Language in the CARES Act was intended to be temporary, yet fair housing advocates made legal challenges arguing the federal rule still supersedes state laws. This legislation affirms that the federal government will defer to
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SEEKING PROPERTY OWNERS
This heading contains membership, staff, committee information and events.
AND MANAGEMENT COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE IN 2025 BUSINESS EXCHANGE
THE PROGRAM
The Business Exchange is a trade show-style event where the owner and property management companies are the exhibitors and the Associate Members are the attendees. The Associate members circulate the room in three-to-five minute meetings. This is one of the largest revenue generators for the Apartment Association and the participation of our management companies is critical for its continued success.
OWNER AND PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY REGISTRATIONS
The Business Exchange offers an easy way to manage multiple vendor meetings in one location. This is an excellent opportunity to gather the latest price and product information with a personal touch. We respectfully request that owner/management attendees be senior executives with the authority to make purchasing decisions.
The Business Exchange Committee has worked hard to make changes to this event to provide better value for the companies who participate. Two of these changes include eliminating the prescheduled meetings for the first hour of the event, and moving this
from a morning event to an afternoon event.
The only investment we ask of our property management companies is your time and to donate two $25 gift cards to be raffled off to participating associate members during the Business Exchange.
The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association’s 2025 Business Exchange will be held on Tuesday, May 13 from 1:30 pm to 5:00 am at the Oasis Conference Center in Loveland, Ohio. Participation in this event is free for all management companies. Please plan on arriving by 1:15 pm to ensure you have time to prepare your table. From 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm, we will have open rotations for our participating Associate Member Gold Sponsors; followed by networking from 2 pm to 2:30 pm; and finally, from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm, we will host the open rotations for all attendees. Appetizers and refreshments will be available.
If you would like to participate as a property management company or an owner, or would like more information on the Business Exchange, please click here or contact Michele at the Apartment Association offices by emailing michele@gcnkaa.org or calling 513 407-8612.
To download the Information Statement and Registration Form click here.
NAA ANNOUNCES FINAL GENERAL SESSION SPEAKER: REGISTRATION OPEN!
Kevin Brown Motivational Speaker Author
The National Apartment Association (NAA) recently announced the third and final General Session speaker for the 2025 Apartmentalize Conference in Las Vegas this June: motivational speaker and author Kevin Brown.
Kevin Brown’s unconventional path to business and personal success has taught him that winning in business and in life requires anything but conventional thinking. He grew up in Muskegon, Michigan where his blue-collar roots taught him the value of hard work and determination. With a streetwise aptitude and a never quit attitude, he worked his way from the front lines in business to the executive boardroom.
Kevin understands what drives organizational excellence and customer loyalty. He knows first-hand how great brands think, feel and act. He is a branding and culture expert with a 30+ year career in franchise development. He spent the last 20 years of his corporate career as part of a leadership team that helped transform SERVPRO® from a little-known family business into the #1 franchise in their industry with annual revenues exceeding $2 billion dollars. Since 2016, he has traveled the world pursuing a mission to share The HERO Effect® message with as many people and organizations as possible.
The HERO Effect® is a simple philosophy that separates world-class organizations and high-performance people from everybody else. Kevin is passionate about helping people expand their vision, develop their potential, and grow their results. And, as the father of a child with autism he knows firsthand how the principles of true success reach beyond the boardroom and into the lives of real people facing the challenges of everyday life.
As a highly sought-after keynote speaker, Kevin has had the privilege of speaking to a wide variety of organizations including American Express, Delta Airlines, PayPal, ExxonMobil, Nationwide, H&R Block, Sprint, Ernst & Young, Million Dollar Round Table, Merck, Booz Allen Hamilton, and many more.
Kevin is the bestselling author of The Hero Effect® (2017/2019). In his second book, Unleashing Your Hero (Harper Collins Leadership/Nov 2021), Kevin shares how the heroes who transformed his life are people just like you. People who were willing to use their gifts and abilities to serve others at a high level. This book is a guide to help everyday people discover and unleash their hero at work and in life.
Kevin has received numerous honors, including being named one of the ‘Top 30 Motivational Speakers in the world for 2024 according to Global Gurus’, one of the ‘Top 10 Keynote Speakers of 2021’ by SpeakInc; one of the ‘Top 41 Motivational Speakers Who Can Energize Any Sales Team’ by ResourcefulSelling; among the ‘Top Customer Service Speakers’ by Eagles Talent Speakers Bureau; one of the ‘Best Keynote Speakers of 2019’ by NorthStar Meetings Group; and an elite and in-demand ‘Gold Star Speaker’ by GDA Speakers.
Kevin entertains, inspires, and challenges people to show up every day and make a positive difference at work and in life!
6 REASONS YOU SHOULD ATTEND APARTMENTALIZE
Whether you’re in management, leasing, marketing or maintenance, if you love working in rental housing, you belong at Apartmentalize. Apartmentalize provides countless chances to converse with the best in the industry through interactive activities, the NAA Exposition and structured networking events.
General Sessions
Hear from three accomplished general session speakers who will inspire, motivate and entertain you with stories from outside of the industry. Speakers include author Jay Shetty, Olympic Champion Simone Biles, and motivational speaker Kevin Brown.
Educational Seminars
Choose from over 90 sessions throughout the conference spanning a multitude of topics including Maintenance, Operations, Leasing, Affordable Housing, Marketing, Leadership and Industry Trends. With over 250 industry experts, you’ll find a solution for every day of the week! These sessions feature industry experts and provide useful information that attendees can apply to daily work life. The full listing of Education Sessions will be available soon!
Open Space Stations
This peer-to-peer learning experience is an opportunity to engage in creative conversations with fellow attendees who are passionate about the same issues and topics as you. Expert facilitators support small group discussions that explore a dedicated topic for each group, which you determine together.
Express Education
These sessions take place in a dedicated space in the NAA Exposition and are quick 30-minute interactive sessions that include quick digestible content, easily applied takeaways, Q&A and storytelling. The full listing of Education Sessions will be available soon.
Fishbowl Sessions
Fishbowl Sessions are meant to be more intimate, allowing for more active participation from all attendees, breaking down the separation between ‘panelist’ and ‘audience. A chair is left open on the panel to allow for attendees to step into the conversation.
NAA Exposition
The NAA Exposition brings together the rental industry’s top management professionals and suppliers eager to network, share ideas and the latest products and services.
Apartmentalize is scheduled for June 11-13, 2025, in Las Vegas. Registration is open here. Full conference includes access to everything including General Sessions, Education Sessions, NAA Exposition, Welcome Reception, Lunch on Thursday and Friday, Networking Events including Thursday Night Party, NAA Excellence Awards. Registration is currently $1080 per person through May 16, 2025. After that, price increases to $1330 per person.
GET READY TO ROLL! GCNKAA’S INAUGURAL COMMUNITY CONNECTION TOUR HITS THE ROAD ON APRIL 24
The GCNKAA Bus Tour is more than just a journey - it’s a premier opportunity to showcase the diverse landscape of multifamily housing in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, gain valuable market insights, and build meaningful connections with industry leaders. This high-energy event brings together top professionals for a day of networking, education, and collaborationall while giving back to the communities we serve. Limited seating on the bus is available for our property owners, management companies, and all of their team. Tickets are $50 per person and include a light breakfast and refreshments on the bus, lunch, and Happy Hour. The route includes 1010 on the Rhine, The Alto, Factory 52 Apartments, Graphite Oakley, and Sky Central.
THE GIVE-BACK INITIATIVE
We strongly encourage all sponsors and attendees of the Inaugural GCNKAA Bus Tour to take part in our give-back initiative by donating essential hygienic items to Roll Hill Community Center. Needed items include toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, sanitary napkins, deodorant, lotions, shave gel, razors, lip balm, face cloths, bandages, hand sanitizer, tissues, nail clippers, and hair ties. Simply bring your donated items to the start location at Graphite Oakley and GCNKAA staff will take care of the rest!
LIMITED SPONSORSHIPS LEFT
As a sponsor, you’ll put your brand in front of key decision-makers, position yourself as an industry leader, and contribute to an
event that strengthens our market. Don’t miss the chance to align your business with innovation, connection, and impact. Secure your sponsorship today and be a driving force in shaping the future of multifamily housing!
Program Sponsor - $750 (Limit of 2)
• Exclusive sponsor for the bus tour event program
• 1 complimentary registration for the Bus Tour
• Half page ad in the Bus Tour Passport Event Program
• Showcase your brand to attendees and hand out swag
• Social media spotlight
• Company logo included on all promotional marketing including the registration portal
• Receive list of attendees after the event
• Half page ad in the newsletter for April OR May 2025
Bus Sponsor - $500 (Limit of 3)
• Provide light refreshments on bus (non-alcoholic) and/or small breakfast item(s). **Refreshments not included in sponsorship fee. Please let GCNKAA staff know what you are bringing to ensure we have a variety of drinks and food.
• 1 complimentary registration for the Bus Tour
• Showcase your brand to attendees and hand out swag
• Social media spotlight
• Company logo included on all promotional marketing including the registration portal
• Receive list of attendees after the event Register online here.
Drew Musser, Senior Producer Freddie Mac Multifamily
Emily Franke, Team Leader, Mortgages & Real Estate Investment State Farm
George Ung, National Account Manager
Fannie Mae Multifamily
Spoor, Partner
Sara Behrman, Executive Vice President BWE
GOLF OUTING SCHEDULED FOR JUNE 19; SPONSORSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE
On Thursday, June 19, 2025, Aston Oak’s 18-hole golf course will host the Association’s 38th Annual Golf Outing. By using the 18-hole facility to host our event, we can host up to 160 golfers providing even more owners, multi-site managers, property managers, leasing consultants and other vendors for you to meet and greet. Here’s more information on how to get more bang for your buck.
There are NINE types of sponsorships available. You may select the type you want based on the level of participation you want the day of the outing. Hole sponsorships require the most participation while other types require only minimal participation. We strongly encourage all hole sponsors to have a representative from their company sitting at their sponsored hole. IF you cannot guarantee this, we recommend you consider a different sponsorship option that does not involve as much participation. To encourage hole participation, the golf committee will be hosting the Golfer’s Choice Award to the hole voted the best! All will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
All sponsors receive signage at the outing, pre-event marketing exposure and public acknowledgement of sponsorship during dinner the day of the outing. Hole and beverage sponsors also have the unique opportunity to create a memorable impression and build relationships at their sponsored hole/station. Beverage sponsors will be listed on the beverage cups distributed during the outing and trophy sponsors will be listed on the trophies. All sponsors are also invited to donate door prizes or give-aways to all participants.
Due to liquor licenses, NO sponsor is permitted to bring ANY alcoholic beverages onto the course. All alcoholic beverages will be provided by the course ONLY. There will also NOT be any beer at beverage stations. Beer and liquor will be provided only by two beverage carts controlled by Aston Oaks employees that will drive around the course all day. Beverage stations for the 2025 outing are located on holes 4, 8, 12 and 16. Please note that if you select one of these holes as a hole sponsorship, there is a chance you may have beverage sponsors nearby.
If you are interested in reserving a sponsorship or a foursome for the 2025 GCNKAA Golf Outing, call or email Michele at the Apartment Association office at 513 407-8612 or michele@gcnkaa. org or click here for more information. Foursomes and sponsorships are limited and will be sold on a first come first serve basis.
Click here for details.
GCNKAA 39th ANNUAL GOLF OUTING
The Apartment Association Outreach, Inc.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Justin Seger, HILLS Properties, Outreach President
Justin Seger
5K 4 RENT
The Apartment Association Outreach, Inc.’s 14th Annual 5K 4 Rent is Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 9 am in Friendship Park. Sponsorship Levels are $350 for a Bronze Sponsor; $500 for a Silver Sponsor; and $1,000 for a Gold Sponsor. We are grateful for all our sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Jetz Service
Finish Line Sponsor BRG Apartments and all our remaining 5K Sponsors.
Gold Sponsor: Forcht Bank
Silver Sponsors: GreenWay Waste and Recycling, Harrison’s Pro Tree Service, Monarch Investments, Pinnacle Paving and Sealing, Rent Manager, and TOWNE Properties.
Bronze Sponsors: CIG Communities and Sandstone Properties, LTD.
If you plan to participate in this fun-filled morning, please register at www.5k4rent.org.
CHILDHOOD FOOD SOLUTIONS
Childhood Food Solutions is growing, and we need volunteers.
The next bagging date is April 16 at 9:15 am at The Villages at Roll Hill Community Center. If you have any questions, please reach out to Susan Peck at the Apartment Association Outreach office, susan@ gcnkaa.org.
JEWISH FAMILY SERVICE
Special thanks to Liz Vogel and her devoted staff for hosting our AAO Board at their Clifton location. We learned about their holistic approach to helping families in need and their commitment to supporting housing security for the residents of Cincinnati.
I appreciate the generosity of our membership. I hope you can join me in donating to the AAO and help those in need in our community. Thank you!
Dear Friends,
Presenting Sponsor
Finish Line Sponsor
Our Committee
Lloyd Cobble- Chair
Susan Peck
Theresa Hallett
Sarah Brewer
Nichole WIley
Gwendolyn Burgess
Kellie Jones
Rebecca McLean
Emily Mason
Megan Ruberg
We are very excited to announce that the Apartment Association Outreach’s thirteenth annual 5k 4 Rent Run/Walk event will take place on Saturday April 26, 2025 at 9am at Friendship Park, 1101 Riverside Drive, in Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. Please support this event and help Outreach raise money for Rental Assistance. Rental Assistance is provided to responsible and qualified recipients through our long-standing partnerships with Freestore Foodbank in Ohio, CAIN, Churches Active in Northside, Jewish Family Service and Santa Maria Community Services.
Gold Sponsor - $1,000
Company Logo on 5k 4 Rent Shirts
Company Logo on AAO Website & Sponsor Banner
Company Logo on AAO Facebook Page GCNKAA Newsletter Recognition Includes Brunch & Beverages
Silver Sponsor - $500
Company Logo on 5k 4 Rent Shirts
Company Logo on AAO Website & Sponsor Banner GCNKAA Newsletter Recognition Includes Brunch & Beverages
Bronze Sponsor - $350
Company Logo on Sponsor Banner & Brunch Table GCNKAA Newsletter Recognition Includes Brunch & Beverages
Name: _____________________ Company Name: _______________________ Email: _______________________________ Phone: _______________
CHECK PAYMENT- Amount Enclosed: $____________ Checks payable to “The AAO” Please mail your donations to: The Apartment Association Outreach, Inc. - 7265 Kenwood Road, Ste 100, Cincinnati, OH 45236
CREDIT CARD PAYMENT
Name on Card:____________________ Card Number: _________________________________ Exp Date: _______________ Security Code: _______________ Zip Code: _________________ ______Gold $1,000 ______Silver $500 ______Bronze $350 SELECT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY
All donations made to The Apartment Association OUTREACH, Inc. are tax deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact Susan Peck with questions at 513.407.8612 or susan@gcnkaa.org.
CIG Communities
Helping families stay in their homes
Trend Setting
HUSTLE & BUSTLE
By Michael Miller, NAA Managing Editor
During the past five years, there was a migration pattern disruption, but it wasn’t necessarily the mass exodus narrative from the large, coastal living metros. For example, remote technology firm employees moving from San Francisco to Boise, Idaho. While some alternative, smaller markets have turned into mining boomtowns, the desire to stay urban remains as well.
SETTING EXPECTATIONS
Buildings, like most items, are designed and constructed to keep outside out and inside in, this includes noises.
“We have communities that are located along major traffic routes, in military jet zones, etc.,” says Christine Gustafson, Vice President of Marketing & Public Relations, The Breeden Company. “Understanding noise and congestion concerns begins at the onset of conversations with prospects for our teams. We communicate, setting the expectations of the area. Prospects are well-researched today and understand living in various areas comes with potential external sounds.”
Alex Oliver, CEO of St. Louis-based Oliver Properties, says communication is a top priority and can alleviate challenges prior to their arrival. This includes discussions with the convention center and other associations that might host street events and festivals.
“If there is going to be a late-night concert that may cause heavier traffic, we try to communicate to our residents in advance about potential traffic disruptions. We are pretty clear in our marketing and leasing that it’s an active urban environment, so mostly our resi-
This heading contains information on Management & Leasing.
dents expect there to be a higher level of noise and activity that comes with that.”
Oliver has spun its location as a benefit rather than a challenge for residents and the community, leaning into the building’s location as a marketing tool. “We leverage preferred employers in office buildings near us, marketing the amenities that exist outside our four walls with all the retail activity that comes with being in a heavily trafficked location,” Oliver says. “This especially appeals to transplants to our city who seem more interested in experiences in their new city so live close to activities.”
Proximity to the convention center and hotels has created less seasonality in leasing efforts, says Oliver, and only a small dip occurred from summer to winter. That can be attributed to the community’s location near restaurants, shops and bars: A location that “creates an environment where people want to live, and they are looking year round.”
While a community’s vicinity to entertainment districts can present challenges, there are solutions available to keep residents satisfied at their current community. “Effective soundproofing is essential to maintain a tranquil living space. High-performance windows and insulation, along with strategic building orientation, can significantly reduce external noise,” says Grayson Silver, Managing Partner – Tampa + Director Vertical Mixed-Use + Director Student Housing, Baker Barrios Architects. “Additionally, incorporating sound-absorbing materials in walls, floors and ceilings helps minimize noise transmission within the building.”
Mother Nature, regardless of community location, can affect the property, residents and staff. “St. Louis doesn’t get a lot of snow, but when we do, clearing sidewalks, driveways and ramps around a dense neighborhood creates challenges and is generally labor intensive,” Oliver says.
The Breeden Company has a community in Virginia two blocks from the Atlantic Ocean, where salty air drastically impacts the building, “so it’s pivotal, from the onset, to understand an asset’s environment and prepare,” says Gustafson. “Additionally, in an environment like a coastal one, humidity impacts an asset externally and internally—how paint reacts to the humidity, how materials age/ respond to weather conditions.”
While leasing demand can fluctuate no matter the factor, The Breeden Company is taking this chance for trendspotting. Prospect leasing patterns can be analyzed, and this has helped with the company’s flexible lease agreement terms. These work in the firm’s favor. “For our communities close to venues or entertainment districts, the areas allow for dynamic marketing and advertising opportunities as well as provide our community residents with event/party opportunities as well,” Gustafson says.
ACCESS
Keeping residents safe and unwanted guests out is also important. Key codes, secure parking lots and enhanced exterior lighting have been beneficial, Oliver says. The company uses package lockers as well as a camera system. “Tailgating,” knowingly or unknowingly allowing a guest to follow closely behind before the access point locks, is not allowed.
In the heart of downtown Orlando, Fla., Baker Berrios is designing Westcourt, a joint venture with JMA Ventures, Machete Group and the DeVos family, owners of the National Basketball Association’s Orlando Magic, who play at the Kia Center located directly across the street. The entertainment district will feature a 270-unit high-rise apartment building and more than 1,100 parking stalls to go with a new hotel, live event space, retail and office areas. Between basketball home games and the new development and entertainment destination there is a lot of traffic in a designated area.
“Ensuring security in a mixed-use development that accommodates both transient visitors and permanent residents requires a multifaceted approach. For example, clear sight lines can be strategically designed to allow natural surveillance and visibility throughout the development,” says Silver. “Additionally, to manage public and private access points, architects can integrate advanced access control systems that differentiate between resident-only areas and public spaces, ensuring that residents enjoy privacy and security without compromising the vibrant, open nature of the entertainment district.”
FORE! A GOLFER’S DREAM
Leasing is underway at Fairways at Cranford, a new community from development and management company Hartz Mountain Industries. The community in Cranford, N.J., is managed by Greystar. Suburban life has turned into a golfer’s dream as not all infill and downtown markets can support a golf course, let alone a golf simulator or minigolf setup. Regardless of community offerings, the drive remains to satisfy residents and staff.
“The growing demand for suburban rentals, fueled by remote work trends and a preference for larger living spaces, prompted our teams to adapt marketing strategies and enhance amenity offerings to align with residents’ evolving needs,” says Gino Blanco, Marketing
Manager, Greystar.
The community’s proximity to a nine-hole golf course has also helped with leasing and desirability. The property is also near the vibrant downtown with boutique shops and dining options as well as public transportation at the Cranford Train Station, providing access to New York City and other destinations.
JUST A BIT OUTSIDE: LIVING WITH THE PASTIME
While not completely nestled between the large skyscrapers of downtown, there are still communities engulfed in the “feel” of the city. Baseball fans can live in the heart of Wrigleyville near Wrigley Field, home to Major League Baseball’s Chicago Cubs, with the Northside ballpark just a few blocks away.
“Our marketing highlights the lifestyle that comes with living in Wrigleyville—unmatched access to games, concerts, restaurants and nightlife. We showcase real resident experiences through social media, host exclusive resident events that tap into the local scene and partner with neighborhood businesses for perks and promotions,” says Colleen Needham, Assistant Vice President, Regional Property Manager for Draper and Kramer. “We also tailor our messaging to different demographics—young professionals, remote workers and longtime Chicagoans who love the energy of the district.” The community is also located across the street from the Chicago Transit Authority’s Sheridan Red Line Station, with access to downtown Chicago.
Leasing demand follows similar excitement for the neighborhood, being so close to one of the city’s most iconic monuments, so noise and large crowds are accounted for with well-designed insulation and soundproofing as well as communicating the schedule of local events to residents. “The energy of the neighborhood is a major draw, and we emphasize that living here is an experience, not just an address,” Needham says. Constant upkeep is also important as maintenance teams are managing increased post-baseball game common area activities.
Some of those areas can get loud, especially if the local team wins the championship. Case in point: November 2023, when the Texas Rangers won their first World Series. Now, One Rangers Way houses residents in “The 2023,” “The 1972,” “The Ballpark,” “The Pennant,” “The Fergie” and “The Express,” units named after significant dates, items and players connected to the Rangers franchise. One Rangers Way is one part of the focal point that is the Arlington Entertainment District, which is also the site of AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League, and Texas Live!, among other features and attractions.
Among the 43,000 square feet of amenity space are a resortstyle pool, co-working spaces, fitness center and Zen garden to go along with views of the large football stadium and surrounding area.
“Beyond traditional marketing, we have developed some unique strategies to showcase the uniqueness of the area, from immersive golf cart tours of the bustling Entertainment District, showcasing the quality and style of the apartments with three model units to show in the newly opened community to showcase a sampling of the range of floor plans we have to suit a variety of lifestyles” says Nicholle Soendker, Director of Residential Marketing at Cordish Living.
“The Cordish Companies’ model for these communities is to be proximate to sports venues so residents can have the best of both worlds: A hospitality-driven living experience and access to some of the country’s most exciting sports events.” This included the 2024 MLB All-Star Week schedule of entertainment.
