Multi-Housing News - October 2008 - (Page 25)

slowly,” believes Pye, whose division manages resident services and technology for both its own communities and third-party owners. “There was technology that once deployed, didn’t necessarily perform as expected.” Pye says the major issues with all technology are three-fold: Does it scale cost-effectively? Does it require that resident expectations be managed so they don’t expect something they’re not getting? Is it readily understandable? And is it code compliant, meeting Fair Housing and ADA guidelines; can you apply it in a fair way? For example, Pye points out, if your resident lounge features a 42-in. flat screen TV, it can typically be mounted no more than a certain number of inches high and access to the controls has to be within regulations. Legal liabilities have to be managed vis-a-vis resident expectations, he explains. At the same time, Pye notes, if technology is highlighted in a model unit, that same feature should be in the apartments to be rented so that resident expectations are met. “You have to market the service without over-promising.” The most notable current example, he explains, is the iPod docking station—residents need to understand that it still needs a receiver, speakers and an amplifier to work. Likewise, if your common area TV features HD service, residents will expect that same quality level. “You have to make sure that the technology offerings you implement are actually a benefit to your property and/or offer cost savings,” Pye advises. One such technology Pye likes is digital locks, which offer cost savings on not having to get keys cut, space savings on not having to set up an area for key track and, he adds, suggest a higher focus on security. “There are people who believe multi- The business center in Kettler’s Gramercy at Metropolitan Park, Arlington, Va., is a popular amenity. Industry experts say that despite the fact that most residents have their own computers, business centers continue to be in demand. START SPREADIN’ THE NEWS. THE GIRDER-SLAB® SYSTEM DELIVERS DRAMATIC SAVINGS IN COST, LABOR & TIME. THE AQUA LONG BEACH LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK The Girder-Slab® System combines the speed of steel with the low ﬂoor to ﬂoor heights of ﬂat plate. Use your design team, choose your own subs. For more information call 888.478.1100 or visit www.girder-slab.com 51 Projects either completed or under-construction and 6.8 million SF of new projects in Development The combined advantages of structural steel and ﬂat plate concrete Recipient of the AISC Special Achievement Award. For more information, visit www.multi-housingnews.com/productinfo www.multi-housingnews.com | October 2008 25 http://www.girder-slab.com http://www.girder-slab.com http://www.multi-housingnews.com/productinfo http://www.multi-housingnews.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Multi-Housing News - October 2008

Multi-Housing News - October 2008
Contents
From the Editor
MHN TV Premieres
Market Pulse
Special Report: MHN 2008 Design Awards
Development & Design: Mirabella
Market Report: Chicago, Kansas City
Property Management: Tracking Residents’ Tech Wish Lists
Finance: Freddie Mac/Fannie Mae
Tech Report: Marketing Web sites
Products: Appliances

Multi-Housing News - October 2008