The Importance of Site Planning in Multifamily Project
At Dix.Hite + Partners, we believe that exceptional site planning is the cornerstone of successful multifamily projects. Our approach goes beyond simply placing buildings and amenities on a plot of land; it involves creating vibrant, livable communities that foster connections, enhance quality of life, and stand the test of time.
Creating Great Spaces
One of the key aspects of our site planning philosophy is the creation of great spaces. As our Principal Scott Toschlog puts it: “it's not just about having lavish amenities like a big pool or fancy chairs, it's about designing spaces that encourage residents to get out of their apartments, walk around, and meet their neighbors. This sense of community is crucial for the long-term success of any multifamily project.” When we can get people to come out of their apartments and utilize the space around their buildings, it benefits the community in so many ways. Creating places where people want to be outside is a great way to do this.
The growing demand for Class B and affordable housing presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Even with tighter budgets, we can still create walkable communities with great spaces. These properties might not have all the high-end finishes, but they can still offer a high quality of life by promoting social interactions and outdoor activities.
Preserving Trees and Natural Features
When thinking about outdoor spaces, our principal Jessica Griggs is always reminding us of the importance of “tree save.” Preserving existing trees not only provides immediate shade and aesthetic value but also offers significant cost savings for developers. “From a developer standpoint, there’s a monetary benefit [from preserving trees], there’s less impacts, less mitigation, less trees you have to put in. But also from the developer’s point of view, you’re going to get instant canopy, which really helps to create those desirable outdoor spaces,” says Jessica.
Mature trees create memorable spaces with minimal added cost, benefiting the environment, the client's bottom line, and the overall appeal of the property. For example, when working on a project for our client ZOM Living in Tampa, FL, we worked diligently to save the existing trees, which significantly enhanced the appeal of the site. This approach preserved the natural beauty of the area and provided a quantifiable return on investment by creating desirable living spaces that attracted residents on day 1.
Enhancing Walkability
The tree canopy also plays a role in the walkability of our sites, which is another critical factor in our site planning process. Whether the project is in an urban or suburban setting, we strive to create a seamless walking experience. This includes designing loop circuits and ensuring that residents can easily access outdoor spaces without needing to get in their cars.
Our Principal Jamie Wright likes to emphasize the importance of considering the entire user group in our site plans. This means thinking about not just the residents but also their families, visitors, and even pets. By creating spaces that cater to everyone's needs, we enhance the overall livability and attractiveness of the community.
Designing for Life
At Dix.Hite, our approach to multifamily site planning is deeply collaborative. We work closely with architects, civil engineers, and other consultants to ensure that every aspect of the project fits together seamlessly. But more than anything, we are guided by our firm’s mission to "Design for Life." To us, Designing for Life means many things, but when it comes to multifamily, it is a reminder to us that we are creating spaces that support the life of the environment, the community, and the individual. From preserving trees to fostering social interactions, every aspect of our site planning is geared towards creating places where life can thrive.
