Courtesy of Chroma
Some of the fastest-growing residential amenities in the country aren’t for residents; they’re for canine companions. The Trust for Public Land found that the number of dog parks in the parks systems of the 100 largest U.S. cities has increased by 74 percent since 2009, and the number of pet-focused amenities is on the rise in housing developments across the country as well.
“[On-site dog parks] used to be kind of the hip, cool amenity to have,” says Mark Milford, associate vice president of 2B Residential, which manages 21 apartment complexes in St. Louis and southwest Illinois, “but a lot more people are factoring that into the design of the site plan for the building, just to make sure there is a private spot for people to take their pets…especially for urban properties.”
Nine of 2B Residential’s properties have on-site pet parks, and two more parks are under development. Three also have self-service pet spas and baths.
Milford thinks the industry is moving away from breed or size restrictions, thanks to changing attitudes and more durable building materials. Unlike many other complexes, 2B Residential’s Cortona at Forest Park development doesn’t have a weight limit for dogs. Instead, Milford says, they may hold “a pet interview to make sure the dog’s not aggressive. That’s the No. 1 issue.”
Apartment complexes are also working to foster community among their pooch-loving residents through “yappy” hour events, end-of-season doggy pool parties at complexes with swimming pools, and pet-of-the-month selections.
At Chroma, in The Grove, a group text has been started so residents can let one another know when they’re headed to the on-site dog park.
The group text “is something that the residents organized even before I was there,” says Blake Hancock, Chroma’s community marketing manager. She lives and works there with her dog, Beaux, and takes him to the dog park every day. “There’s usually a 5 o’clock group
Courtesy of Cortona
and then a 7 o’clock group… We talk and half of us find out that the other half hasn’t eaten dinner and then we end up going to dinner.”
Philip G. Hulse, managing principal and CEO of Green Street St. Louis, which developed Chroma, thinks people are looking for “better, fuller experiences.” That’s why Green Street chose to allocate some of Chroma’s space for a dog park and spa. Hulse is also working to bring Kansas City–based Bar K, an entertainment space for people and dogs, to St. Louis.
“We’re trying to create a robust experience,” Hulse says. “I think having all the amenities that are built into the overall project makes people feel like they can live, work, and have a community here that’s deeper and more thoughtful.”
This has certainly been the case for Megan Oliver, a resident of Cortona, who says the complex’s on-site dog park has been a great place to make friends—for both herself and her dog, Marleau.
“He grew up being socialized because of the dog park,” she says. “Some of our closest friends in the building were made at the park. And, as much as we tire him out with walks, nothing beats even 15 minutes of play with other pups.”
