The New Urbanism is a design movement dedicated to complete, connected communities—one that looks for ways to transform the landscape. New Urbanism adheres to a belief that there is no better way to build community than through shared experiences. The very design of many of the Lower Mainland’s condo projects are engineered to create engagement and interaction among residents.
Over the last few years, condos have shifted from being considered “boxes in the sky” to becoming real communities — and savvy buyers want everything that comes with that: a walkable neighbourhood with accessibility to all of the services and entertainment close by, but more importantly to many is the wish for built-in amenities.
Thoughtful communal spaces in condo buildings create a sense of connection
For buyers, common areas have become an increasingly important factor in their decision-making process, and projects that offer a variety of amenities are consistently in high demand. With these buyer expectations in mind, Jayen Properties’ President Sukhi Rai is focussed on creating projects that foster a sense of joie-de-vivre and reflect this kind of lifestyle.
Two decades ago, amenities like swimming pools and basketball courts were the norm, and although these are still desirable by some age groups, Gen Z (born between the mid-to-late 1990s and early 2010s), covet different amenities. They are the ones most likely to ride their bikes to work, pursue various outdoors sports with gusto, and likely work remotely, at least part of the week.
Those were some of the findings in a study by Saskatoon-based Point 2, which took in the wants and needs of Millennials (born between 1981 and 1996),and Generation Z. Why focus only on these two cohorts? These two groups total 8 million and 6.7 million of our country’s population, respectively, and both are expected to grow the fastest within the next few years.
Meanwhile, in a 2023 survey of housing experts conducted by Vancouver-based Spark Real Estate Technologies, they took a different approach but came up with similar conclusions. The Vancouver-based company, that concentrates on new development sales and marketing software, took its results and came up with the top 15 most desired and not-so-desired condo amenities. They include: indoor/outdoor rooftop entertainment spaces, urban garden plots, bike storage, co-working spaces with private pods, and electric vehicle charging stations – just some highlights that took centre stage.
What if home could be more in every way?
Jayen Properties latest project, Burquitlam’s Level, takes that tenet a step further by finding ways to appeal to a new list of buyer needs inspired by the recent pandemic living. The award-winning developer’s goal is to create an extraordinary sense of community at Level. Location, not surprisingly, was also an integral to the overall plan. Situated in the exciting, emerging and sought-after neighbourhood of Burquitlam, this desirable stretch of urban living boasts big-city amenities with great walkability, cultural diversity and a wide range of shopping and dining opportunities.
Level features studio, one, two and three-bedroom homes, featuring amenity spaces like a gym with yoga studio, theatre room with a big screen and comfortable chairs, social lounge, whisky room, co-working café, courtyard, kids and pet play areas, and a rooftop deck.
Personalized Pampering
Staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a priority for many condo buyers. As a result, fitness facilities and recreation areas have become fundamental parts of condominium living. A gym and yoga room is considered the bare minimum when it comes to in-house wellness offerings. What has changed over the years is that the gym is no longer one that offers the bare minimum in equipment and space. Today, developers, like Jayen Properties, are scaling up gyms with state-of-the-art equipment and yoga studio. (An emerging trend is a cold plunge pool).
For multi-family projects, common areas are meant to enhance the daily life of residents by providing spaces for socialization, entertainment, fitness, relaxation and more. They cater to different needs and desires, but generally focus on making owners feel as though they’re living a hotel-like experience.
Here is the Top 15 list of in-demand and some not so in-demand amenities from 2023: Spark Real Estate Technologies
- Rooftop and green space (including urban garden plots)
- Exercise rooms
- Meeting and party rooms
- Bike storage
- 24-hour concierge
- Remote work stations
- Secured delivery storage
- Pet-centric amenities
- EV charging
- Wellness facilities
- Swimming pool
- Workshop
- Car washing station
- Theatre room
- Billiards/games room