Amenities That Drop Jaws
As the real estate market evolves alongside other commercial markets, it runs into the same inevitable challenges. Consumers want "more" and they want "different." Amenities have been on the rise in response to these changing desires and while there is certainly a trend of pretty standardized amenities, there are developers and communities that go the extra mile. Forget basketball courts and bike rooms, these are some amenities that are truly out of the ordinary.
The Soori High Line
Indoor or outdoor pools are an increasingly common amenity offered in subdivisions and high-rise developments. Pools are great and all, but go to enough of them and one quickly learns the number one problem with them—other people. The Soori High Line in New York City has eliminated this issue entirely and in a condo building no less. The High Line offers 31 incredible condos with 16 of them offering private pools designed by renowned architect Soo Chan. The high glass wall design allows for the pool to be closed off from the rest of the living space but is entirely visible from nearly any part of the condo. The pool itself offers an amazing swim-up view of the city.
Rough Hollow
Another award contender for the disruptor of the run-of-the-mill community pool is the Rough Hollow neighborhood in the Lake Travis area of Austin, TX. Rough Hollow offers a lot of amenities to its residents including a "Rough Life Director" who regularly rolls out a slew of activities and events, but what really sets this neighborhood apart is its lazy river and swim-up bar. Tubing is a no-coast, American summer pastime and Rough Hollow has honed right in on it. In the height of summer’s heat, few things can beat a water activity that requires minimal physical exertion and drinking. What could be better? Just don't get sunburnt.
Casa Mira View
Over in San Diego, CA, developers know the area offers a lot to residents entertainment-wise so they have to step up their amenity game to keep up. Casa Mira View is one such place that's bowling down its competition with its on-site bowling alley. Residents can stop in and bowl a few games as they please in addition to having other amenities at their fingertips, including a karaoke stage, rooftop spa, fitness center, and resort-style pools. The only risk with places that has so many amenities is finding a reason to leave.
Viera
Ever seen the movie, "We Bought a Zoo"? If the "based on actual events" version of that movie seems fun but you're not ready for the commitment, check out Viera in Melbourne, FL. Viera is partnered with Brevard Zoo and residents are just a stone’s throw away from 56 acres that contain over 550 animals. There are roughly 165 species from all over the world inhabiting the zoo and Brevard offers numerous packages and experiences to see them. The zoo isn't exclusive to residents, so it's possible to visit before committing to buying a home, since you should probably test out whether or not you want an actual zoo as an amenity.
Avenel
Many higher-end developments offer clubhouse amenities or are a part of a golf resort in some capacity. Avenel in Potomac, MD is not too different but they have one major exception—horses. The immaculate Avenel community has a state-of-the-art equestrian center that offers numerous stables and areas for horses. Should you be a horse owner looking for a community or just casually interested in horseback riding, this is the place. Now, of course, it wouldn't be good advice to say "move here if you maybe like horses", but if you're in the right place financially and are curious about the equestrian life, then Avenel is a good start. They offer riding services should you not have a horse of your own and the property includes bridle paths to explore on horseback. Oh yeah, they have three pools.
520 West 28th Street
If equestrian centers and bowling alleys just aren’t enough, then New York, who always bring their “A” game to their luxury amenities, might be better for you. Many subdivisions, complexes, and developments are beginning to offer slick, modern conveniences in entertainment and transportation, but Zaha Hadid's Chelsea development is taking it to a new level. The 520 West 28th Street high-rise touts its own IMAX theatre that very comfortably seats a dozen. Home theatre equipment has gotten really good over the years and many people can brag about their projection units and surround sound systems, but bringing an IMAX screen to a residential complex puts the kibosh on the braggadocio. The building also has a heliport on the roof so residents can arrange for pick-ups and drop-offs should they find it necessary. Uber offers helicopter pick-ups now, so if you want to, you could simply make a few taps on your phone and then head to the roof for your own helicopter escort. What a time to be alive.
Sources:
Think Outside the Box: Unique Amenities at Casa Mira View [Casa Mira View]
Avenal Real Estate [Margie Halem Group]