Three winning BTR site and product solutions
California – Summerwell La Quinta
Specs:
- Build to Rent primary housing units with accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- 320 total units, 37.9 acres, 8.44 du/ac
- 999 to 2,374 sf units
- 6,851 sf community center
Strategy:
By designing the program to include ADUs from the outset, unique plan configurations could be considered. A combination of attached primary homes, primary homes with attached ADUs and fully detached ADUs creates a ton of plan variety within a very consistent lot configuration across the site. This helped the developer fine tune the unit mix that would best resonate with local renters, including multi-generational families seeking separate, private living areas for grown children or aging parents. Additionally, the primary units include one or two-car attached garages. Gracious square footages, detailed elevations and a large community center justify premium rents.
Nebraska – Aerie at Blue Sage
Specs:
- Build to Rent apartments, townhomes, duplexes and cottages
- 323 total units, 21.9 acres, 9.54 du/ac
- 679 to 1,989 sf units
Strategy:
As the second ever large-scale build to rent community in the area, this project was competing with a proven success. To differentiate themselves, the developer expanded the program to four product types: Garden apartments, townhomes, duplexes, and cottage homes. Each building features consistent, contemporary styling that generates incredible visual appeal across the community so these homes stand out against the competition. Modern architectural design is on trend, and the simplicity expedites construction and creates a cohesive streetscape across product types. The resulting master plan produces a highly walkable, visually interesting neighborhood. Lessons learned from Phase 1 will inform the future product mix deployed in Phase 2.
Connecticut – Mansfield Wetlands BTR
Specs:
- Build to Rent row-style townhomes and detached cluster homes
- 157 total units, 12.87 acres, 12.2 du/ac
- 165,550 net rentable square footage
Strategy:
The developer needed to leverage two separate buildable areas bisected by preserved wetlands.
Northern area of site (top of plan)
The client originally thought apartments would be necessary to achieve their target density, but BSB Design land planners suggested townhomes instead. The design achieved a similar net rentable square footage but at a higher premium rent (or sale) per unit. In addition, this building configuration increased sightlines to wetland open space to activate the vehicular feeder routes and create a focal point from the primary thoroughfare. The wetlands were converted from a construction obstacle that complicates the development to a visual amenity that complements it.
Southern area of site (bottom of plan)
The developer needed a minimum of 20 units in this subsection of the parcel, so for-sale product was not an ideal option. BSB’s land planner designed an attached build to rent cluster configuration then pulled the units apart. The detached homes helped the developer maximize tricky areas of the site by allowing planners to rotate footprints independently. This achieves a total of 22 units with the feeling of a single-family neighborhood, plus a bonus area of guest parking. The developer now has two marketable product types that appeal to different renter profiles, fully leveraging the site bisection created by protected wetlands.
