Over the past few years, tech-focused amenities have gone from being a perk to a must-have in multifamily communities.

According to a recent high-speed internet and smart technology study from Xfinity Communities, which surveyed multifamily property managers, real estate developers and property owners in 2021, 92% of respondents say fast internet is more of a requirement these days than an amenity.

Multifamily residents agree.

In a National Multifamily Housing Council survey, 89% of renters said they are willing to pay more in rent to cover the cost of included high-speed internet service. The Xfinity survey reported 75% of respondents said their current and prospective residents have a strong desire to have access to smart technology, particularly smart thermostats, integrated security technology, smoke detectors, lighting and locks.

“One Chicago, a massive mixed-use development in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, is a great example of a development that has fully embraced the adoption of smart technologies and created a living experience that towers over the city,” said Chris Smith, regional vice president of sales and marketing at Comcast.

One Chicago stands at 971 feet tall with 76 floors. The building is located on a full city block and features 812 residential units, 56K SF of office space, parking and 188K SF of retail. The development includes a Whole Foods Market, a Life Time fitness and wellness center, several restaurants, and a large roof amenity deck and dog park.

At the forefront, however, is the high-performance connectivity Xfinity Communities delivers to One Chicago.

“High-performance connectivity is crucial for residents, and it was a key component of One Chicago from the start,” JDL Development Project Manager Wes Olker said.

Olker knew residents would require high-speed internet service for remote work, schooling, entertainment and more. That's why JDL made the choice in 2019 to make Xfinity WiFi service a core part of the rent package. The heightened demand for high-speed data service during the pandemic affirmed the decision, he said. The service is available for residents to connect seamlessly throughout every part of the development.

Beyond WiFi access, connectivity from Xfinity Communities at One Chicago gives residents access to a full suite of smart technologies that enhance the living experience, Olker said.

Residents can use the One Chicago app to request maintenance services, reserve community spaces and pay rent. An exclusive valet parking app allows residents to request their car from anywhere. Electric vehicle chargers are stationed within the parking garage, where residents can process credit card payments for charging and car updates over WiFi.

Keeping in mind that more than 60% of Americans now take their health more seriously after the pandemic, JDL knew equipping One Chicago with touchless elevators and door locks would be the way of the future. In addition, the building's touchless elevators are equipped with bipolar ionization technology that neutralizes airborne pathogens. One Chicago provides a more health-conscious way of living that many Americans are looking for, Olker said.

“There is a strong demand for smart technology now and we only see that increasing in the future,” Olker said. “One Chicago provides the tech amenities that help to differentiate our property and attract residents.”

According to the 2021 Xfinity survey, 84% of residents have become more interested in smart tech in-unit over the past year. With 55% of buildings already implementing smart home tech, multifamily property managers must adapt to the desires of current and prospective residents or risk losing tenants.

“Forward-thinking property development groups like JDL are implementing solutions that will ensure their communities are future-ready with high-performance connectivity and smart technology,” Smith said. “We’re thrilled to partner with JDL on One Chicago to provide a fast, reliable technology network that helps to simplify and improve the resident experience.”

This article was produced in collaboration between Xfinity Communities and Studio B. Bisnow news staff was not involved in the production of this content.

Studio B is Bisnow’s in-house content and design studio. To learn more about how Studio B can help your team, reach out to studio@bisnow.com.