Condo owners run the gamut from young professionals to downsizing empty nesters, but all want something more out of their housing choice than just a roof over their heads.
Buyers are not just looking for a unit but a lifestyle, says San Diego designer Jules Wilson, who sees three new trends among her condominium clients:
--hotel living buildings that feature luxury comforts and urban amenities that rival a five star-hotel
--integrated retail buildings that include built-in retail elements such as coffee shops and boutiques in the building lobby or first floor
--startup housing that allows entrepreneurial millennials to work from home or connect with likeminded individuals in creative setups
Click through the next three pages for examples and photos of each style.
Grey House: Integrated Retail
This luxury residence, developed by Oliver McMillan, is in Houston’s River Oaks District, a retail center that’s home to designer boutiques Tom Ford, Hermès, Dior and Cartier. The distinctive building includes 279 luxury contemporary residences inspired by the fashionable surroundings. The building affords residents access to concierge, poolside cabanas, fire pits and a private gym while being steps away from world-class shopping and entertainment.
Symphony Honolulu: Hotel Living at Home
Symphony unites modern contemporary elegance with the casual island life of Hawaii, Wilson says. Located in Kakaako near Ala Moana Beach Park, the 388-unit condominium tower gives residents access to a private movie theater, state-of-the-art fitness center with yoga studio, entertainment lounge with karaoke, one-of-a-kind Velocity Premier Auto Concierge and more.
IDEA1 District: Startup Housing
This project, developed by Lowe Enterprises and slated for completion in 2017, is part of San Diego’s reinvigoration of the East Village community as a design and technology innovation hub. The building will include “Startup Housing” for entrepreneurs, creatives, recent graduates and downtown employees. They’ll have access to co-working space, an exercise room, event kitchen and a large interior social space, plus a clubhouse and rooftop space. To encourage collaboration between inhabitants, retail and restaurants will also be built in, including a craft beer pub, restaurant and shops. The flexible events space is open to the public and will feature a shared café and co-working space that will host meetups, hackathons, panels, presentations, art fairs and more.