Craig Jones

Amenities play an important role in the success of a residential project, but with everything from co-working spaces to doggie spas to rooftop gardens, it can be hard for developers to determine the most essential amenities. MBK Rental Living did local market research to determine the best amenities to incorporate in one of its latest projects, Blue Oak in Paso Robles.

“We did a lot of research into the community and the surrounding area before moving forward with the plans for the project. Local residents and those moving from afar—demand has been about 50/50—appreciate the outdoors and are family-centered,” Craig Jones, president of MBK Rental Living, tells GlobeSt.com. “There's a connection to the earth brought about by a history steeped in winemaking, ranching and agriculture.”

The resident amenities at Blue Oak include a clubhouse with Wi-Fi in common areas, outdoor spaces with seating and open lawn areas with barbeques, a pool and spa, a fitness center, resident garden and a playground. The amenity package was designed to attract today's renters, but it is also unique for the area. “We also noticed that many existing rental communities didn't offer many of the amenities that renters of new apartment projects in Southern and Northern California have come to expect,” adds Jones.