In another example of how the real estate sector is adjusting to a post-pandemic work world, the recently opened 221-unit Avalon Princeton Circle offers a little bit more than just a mix of studios and 1-, 2- and 3-bedroom units.
It’s offering some units with a work-from-home den space.
Matt Giammanco, senior director, development, at AvalonBay, said the amenity falls in line with what AvalonBay prides itself on: Providing options for all.
“We do strive to include a diverse array of unit types in our communities — in terms of bedroom count, size and layout style — to attract a wide variety of demographic profiles,” he told ROI-NJ. “And we intentionally include a number of units that incorporate loft or den space that are targeted towards the work-from-home or hybrid work renter.”
To be clear, not all units have the WFH space. Those that do generally have areas approximately 8×9 to fit the need.
Giammanco said it’s too early to determine if this will become a standard offering.
“While we would not go so far as to say all one-bedroom units will have work-from-home space in the future, we currently believe, and have for some time, that having a reasonable proportion of these units types within our mix is necessary to attract a broader segment of today’s renter population that find those spaces highly valuable,” he said.
The Avalon Princeton Circle site was transformed from two outdated, obsolete office buildings into a beautifully appointed multifamily rental community with a mix of unit types, including rental townhomes with integral garages and apartment homes of various bedroom sizes across multiple buildings.
Its bedroom options break down this way:
28 rental townhomes
- 22 two-bedroom townhomes;
- 6 three-bedroom townhomes.
193 apartments
- 10 studio units;
- 78 one-bedroom units;
- 74 two-bedroom units;
- 31 three-bedroom units.
AvalonBay officials said the community, nestled in a wooded setting off of Terhune Road, has plenty to offer.
The smart-growth oriented site, which is also pursuing LEED and Energy Star certification, is located within walking distance to the grocery-anchored Princeton Shopping Center and is less than two miles from downtown Princeton and Princeton University. The quiet yet vibrant setting includes a pool with pool deck, an outdoor fireplace, barbecue grills, a kitchenette, a covered, heated dining patio, and ample outdoor seating. Inside the clubhouse, the spacious lounge area includes multiple seating areas (including private work-from-home pods and large banquettes), a separate kitchenette area, and a well-appointed fitness center that includes a yoga studio. The pet-friendly community also includes a pet spa and tiered pet park to cater to residents’ furry friends.
The inclusionary community also incorporates a subset of affordable family rental units, as well as five units specifically designated for adults with special needs, whereby AvalonBay is partnering with the ARC of Mercer County to provide support services for those residents.
