3/23/2020

Multifamily Communities Are Adapting To Social Distancing With An Array Of Virtual Amenities

Across the United States, schools and businesses have shut down in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. But instead of hunkering down on the couch and binge-watching sitcoms, many Americans are learning at home, hanging out with friends online and working out or working from home while practicing social distancing and sheltering in place.

From virtual wine tastings to online workouts, digital amenities have become the silver lining in home confinement, and multifamily communities are stepping up to the plate.

For instance, The Cooper at Southbank, the first residential tower in Chicago developed by Lendlease, a leading international property and infrastructure group, is offering virtual fitness classes through its vendor, Elevated Living.

The same instructors that have been training residents at The Cooper’s fitness center are now streaming yoga, total body HIIT, Pilates, kickboxing and Zumba workouts via Zoom, all of which can be done from home.

Virtual workouts not only offer residents of The Cooper a healthy outlet, but they also provide a much-needed opportunity for socialization with neighbors and friends. The Cooper plans to expand its online amenity suite to potentially include a virtual trivia night, virtual cooking classes and a virtual classroom workshop for children.

Michael Fazio, chief creative officer of LIVunLtd, New York City’s largest luxury concierge and amenity management company, said his team has come up with ways to connect residents at 525 West 52nd Street, despite them not being together physically.

The firm is offering free virtual meditation and fitness classes plus one-on-one sessions with personal trainers and nutritionists at the luxury rental development on the West Side of Manhattan.

The LIVunLtd team is reimagining its book club to become virtual in order to keep the community of readers engaged. By reading books, many people find that they can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world.

Read the full article at Forbes.com