Community Showcase.

NAA member The Morgan Group Inc. broke ground on the Estates at Westminster, one of only two sites to win the city of Westminster's (Colorado) multifamily development competition in 1998. The 504-unit property, the largest residential rental community under construction in northwest Denver, will be the second in MGI's Estates series in the Denver market.

Leasing will begin in October 2001, with completion slated for May 2003. The new development will include two clubhouses. Each will feature such lifestyle enhancements as sports pub/ party room with billiards; a professionally equipped executive business center with computer, Internet access, periodicals library, facsimile and copier services; a media movie/room with a large projection screen and stadium style seating; and a state-of-the-art exercise and aerobics fitness facility. Outdoor amenities in dude two resort-style swimming pools with cabanas and spas, two pit fires, a basketball half-court, two sand volleyball courts and a tot lot.

The property will boast the Estate Series' signature concierge services, such as weekly continental breakfasts, complimentary video rentals, valet dry cleaning, theater and event bookings, poolside and towel service and gourmet coffee bar.

NAA member Wallace Garcia & Associates designed a traditional "Rocky Mountain" elevation with cultured stone basis and cenentitious siding. The buildings are positioned to complement panoramic views of the mountains. The three-story Estate at Westminster homes will offer one-bedroom (236 units), one-bedroom with study (48 units) and two-bedroom (220 units) plans. Each will have a computer desk, built-in bookshelves, gas fireplace with molding and mantel, nine-foot ceilings, crown moldings, custom cabinets, Berber carpet, spacious walk-in closets and CAT5 wiring for additional phone lines for modems and fax machines. Bathrooms will have garden tubs and double vanity sinks. Kitchens feature a microwave, self-cleaning oven and faux granite counter tops. Half of the residences will have one- and two-car detached garages with storage space.

NAA member The Grove at Buckhead, located in the Buckhead community of Atlanta, strives to be ahead of the game in the recently turned soft Atlanta market. Owned and managed by NAA member Schaedle Worthington Hyde Properties, the five-year-old community is in the center of one of the most progressive, ever-changing markets in the country. The demographic of the Buckhead community is unlike any other. Although it is urban, Buckhead boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the region. With that market in mind, and to keep the occupancy above 95 percent, The Grove Buckhead recently completed an update of their showcase apartment home. By understanding the profile of clients touring their community, they were able to design a "look" and "feel" for their showcase home that embodied Buckhead.

An eclectic, urban design, the showcase home interacts with prospective residents appealing to their sense of sight, touch and smell. To achieve the desired affect, The Grove Buckhead chose pieces for their aesthetic value and function--eye catching and hip, but not distracting. The 168-unit community, with an average rent of $1,175, continues to combat the soft market by changing with the market and their clients. The Grove at Buckhead offers specialized customer service and amenities including; controlled access gates, 24 hour fitness center, swimming pool with lap tiles, car care center, on site video library, picnic area with grills and courtyard seating. The Grove Buckhead is a role model for progressive behavior in marketing multifamily housing.

NAA member The Terrace at Clear Lake, located just outside Houston Texas, was recently recognized as the Best Seniors Apartments in the United States by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and National Council on Seniors' Housing (NCOSH) at the 2001 Best in Seniors Housing Design Awards. It is focused on providing a resort-style luxury retirement for active adults and encourages involvement and interaction--it's designed with the integrity of the residents in mind. The senior living apartment community is designed with all of the units placed around centrally located amenities to encourage residents to walk and to interact with other residents. This creates a social, active atmosphere where friendships are developed and a longer healthier lifestyle is promoted.