Community garden apartments: Sustainable green spaces for multifamily buildings

Getting outside during or after a hard day is one guaranteed way to lift your mood. 

It’s not just an old wives’ tale—nature has immediate positive effects on physical and mental health, helping to reduce stress and anxiety and improve mood. This makes green spaces and communal gardens invaluable in multifamily properties, improving tenants’ quality of life and boosting retention rates while increasing property appeal and value.

Below, we take a look at the advantages of having green areas in your property and share some ideas for creating the perfect oasis of calm and enjoyment for your tenants. 

Benefits of outdoor areas and community garden apartments

Adding a community garden or outdoor space can transform your multifamily property in numerous ways and help you: 

Increase tenant satisfaction and boost retention rates

An attractive, well-kept outdoor space offers tenants a place to relax and unwind, giving them a reason to stay in the property rather than look for another home. Tenants who feel connected to their living environment are more likely to renew their lease, saving you from costly turnover.

Enhance curb appeal and attract potential tenants

Community gardens and well-maintained outdoor areas are often a unique selling point that helps your property stand out, particularly in busy urban settings. Prospective tenants looking for a pleasant, eco-friendly space are drawn to properties that offer well-designed outdoor amenities.

Strengthen community bonds among residents

Shared spaces encourage social interaction, creating opportunities for residents to connect and build friendships. These community bonds can enhance the living experience and build a sense of neighborhood within your property, increasing tenant well-being and decreasing turnover.

Justify higher rental rates

Tenants are increasingly willing to pay a premium for eco-friendly, community-focused living spaces that improve their quality of life. Having desirable outdoor amenities often justifies slightly higher rental rates. 

Amenities to consider for community gardens and spaces

There are several features and amenities to make your green spaces more attractive, eco-friendly, and functional. A few to consider include: 

• Raised garden beds: Include raised beds and set up gardening programs encouraging residents to grow herbs and vegetables. This approach promotes sustainability while creating an inviting atmosphere and fostering community spirit.

• Outdoor lounge areas: Comfortable seating areas create an inviting space where residents can relax and socialize.

• Efficient decorative lighting: Energy-efficient lights make the space safe, well-lit, and usable at night. They are also eco-friendly and help keep energy bills at bay.

• Tool storage sheds: Sheds to store away tools and machinery are vital to keeping the space decluttered and well-organized.

• Seating and picnic areas: Choose durable, sustainable materials for furniture that add functionality without contributing to waste.

• Shaded pavilions or pergolas: Ideal for warmer or sunnier climates, these structures provide shade and make outdoor spaces more usable even during the hotter months.

• Outdoor fitness equipment: Gym equipment can amplify the health benefits green areas offer and help promote health and wellness among residents.

• Children's play areas: Family-friendly spaces make your property more attractive to a broader tenant pool and can help encourage a sense of community.

• Barbecue and grilling stations: Shared grills or outdoor kitchens give tenants a place to celebrate special occasions and contribute to creating a vibrant social hub. Ensure you set up a booking system for tenants to reserve them and set clear usage rules.

• Fire pits or outdoor fireplaces: Ideal for cooler evenings, these features help create a cozy atmosphere and are often a favorite among residents. Remember that fireplaces can be a fire hazard, so carefully assess your resident pool and property layout to understand if installing them is the right choice. 

• Community bulletin boards or kiosks: Even if you already use email or online platforms to reach tenants, physical bulletin boards can be an excellent way to foster communication and share information or reminders on events, gardening tips, or community announcements.

How to create an outdoor community space

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With many possible features to consider and pros and cons to weigh up, designing a welcoming and sustainable outdoor area for your multifamily building may feel daunting. 

To help you make the process less intimidating, follow the steps below: 

1. Develop a clear project timeline and budget to manage costs and schedule

As with any other project with multiple moving parts, you need a clear roadmap from vision to completion. A well-planned timeline and budget will ensure the project stays on track and within your financial limits. Be sure to account for installation and future maintenance costs.

2. Hire experienced contractors and communicate the project early to minimize disruptions

Analyze your budget and timeframes and select contractors with experience in outdoor space projects for multifamily settings. Clear communication of the project’s scope, timeline, and expectations helps prevent disruptions to residents and keeps things running smoothly.

3. Select low-maintenance, native plants to reduce upkeep

Looking after a green space can be time-consuming, so opt for native plants that thrive in your area’s climate. These require less water, fertilizer, and care, making them ideal for a low-maintenance, sustainable garden.

4. Pick energy-efficient outdoor lighting

LED or solar-powered lights can extend the use of outdoor spaces into the evening without spiking utility costs. Thoughtfully placed lighting also creates a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

5. Use permeable paving to manage water flow

Permeable paving is attractive and helps manage stormwater, reducing the risk of flooding and protecting the environment.

6. Incorporate recycled and repurposed materials 

Recycled materials bring character to the space while reinforcing your commitment to sustainability. For example, pick furnishings such as benches, raised beds, or decorative features made from repurposed wood or metal.

7. Provide recycling and waste disposal bins

Provide accessible recycling and waste bins and clearly signal what goes in each bin to make it easy for residents to keep the area clean. This small step promotes a well-maintained, organized space.

8. Include birdhouses and feeders to attract local wildlife

Adding birdhouses or feeders brings nature closer to residents, creating a peaceful and engaging environment that enhances the garden experience. Ensure you adequately manage these features to prevent health hazards for animals and residents.

9. Opt for landscaping that requires minimal care 

Set aside time to research resilient plants that stay lush with minimal intervention and ideally require less water to thrive. This will help you conserve water and reduce maintenance needs and costs while ensuring the space looks fresh all year round. 

10. Choose sustainable, durable furniture 

Invest in durable, eco-friendly outdoor furniture that can handle the elements. Look for pieces made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials and ensure they will work well in your specific climate and property.

11. Monitor progress to ensure ongoing quality

Once the project is complete, regularly inspect the space for any issues and plan for routine maintenance to keep it safe, clean, and appealing.

💡 Pro tip: Once your outdoor area is up and running, let tenants know the rules and hours of use so they can help look after the space and equipment.

Improving the tenant experience and supporting the environment with sustainable outdoor spaces

While green spaces can mean a significant investment in time and money, they bring many long-term benefits to your multifamily property. From fostering a sense of connection to enhancing property appeal, outdoor spaces improve the tenant experience, contribute to retention, and increase property value.

With thoughtful planning, eco-friendly amenities, and sustainable design choices, you can transform your property’s outdoor space into a thriving, beautiful area that tenants enjoy and is beneficial for both your portfolio and the planet.

Want to discover more ways to keep your multifamily property more sustainable? Learn how Minut can help.

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