July 29, 2014 – Globe St.

By Carrie Rossenfeld

Residents of all ages are demanding high-style, high-function common amenities, according to R.D. Olson Construction. The firm recently completed extensive renovations on 27 Seventy Five Apts., a 468-unit garden-style apartment community in Costa Mesa, CA, owned by UDR Inc., in addition to several upscale recreation buildings for the Rancho Mission Viejo Co. in its master-planned communities Sendero and Gavilan in Rancho Mission Viejo, CA.

The 27 Seventy Five Apts., for which the locally based construction firm has served as general contractor, has been repositioned with contemporary upgrades and features. All apartment units and exteriors at the project have been renovated, infrastructure and amenities throughout have been upgraded, and the firm has also built a new, 14,000-square-foot community building and reconstructed the 3-acre lake that functions as the centerpiece of the community. Peak West Development served as construction manager for the project.

According to Bill Wilhelm, president of R.D. Olson Construction, “This project’s combination of construction and renovation elements, along with the need to complete the work while keeping the complex operational for residents, were challenges that our team was able to tackle head on. The result is a modern, amenity-rich apartment community that will suit the needs of the next generation of residents.”

 The updated apartments feature sleek, open living spaces with contemporary lighting, modern kitchens, luxurious bathrooms and ample windows. Community amenities include upgraded eco-friendly landscaping, lighted sport courts, a pool and outdoor lounges and grills. The newly constructed community building features a rooftop lounge, game room, conference and business centers, fitness facilities and a great room with a fireplace. The project was designed by Costa Mesa-based Newman Garrison + Partners.

 At Rancho Mission Viejo, R.D. Olson has completed four recreation buildings: Hacienda, Ranch House, Guest House and the Outpost. The 11,000-square-foot Hacienda caters to senior adults and includes a luxurious great room with bar, yoga studio and fitness center, outdoor cabanas and bocce courts. Ranch House is a 5,400-square-foot clubhouse that features an exercise room, pool, spa and water-play area for kids. The 5,800-square-foot Guest House includes a community room and full catering kitchen for residents; the Outpost, a 2,200-square-foot clubhouse, features a pool and spa, complete with a bar, outdoor cabanas and bocce courts, as well as a barbecue and hammock areas.

GlobeSt.com was unable to reach Wilhelm prior to deadline to discuss the evolution of high-style amenities for residents, but stay tuned for an upcoming interview with him in which we explore the subject more deeply.

Listening to residents in order to understand their needs and wants is crucial in commercial real estate development. As GlobeSt.com reported earlier this month, understanding what each community needs and what their unique challenges are is key to a successful planning, according to Brian Judd, principal of design, planning and environmental firm PlaceWorks.