Connect Midwest Multifamily Recap: Designing for Life and Work (VIDEO)

Multifamily developers are rethinking what it means to create “home” amid continued demand across the multifamily sector.

At the recent Connect Midwest Multifamily event in Chicago, industry leaders discussed insights and trends, including how new residential projects are increasingly designed to foster both functionality and well-being.

“The suburbs have definitely led the way early in this transition in Chicago,” said Trevor Ryan, Partner and President, Marquette Companies. Speaking to current trends, Art Rendak, President, Inland Mortgage Capital, noted, “epic numbers of tenant retention.”

Ultimately, today’s multifamily communities are designed not just to house people, but to support how they live, work, and connect. “We’re seeing lots of execution and mainly new construction or gut rehabs, with a few office-to-resi conversions across the country and specifically in the Midwest, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus,” said Christopher Ellis, Senior Director, Nuveen Green Capital. 

Coworking, in particular, has emerged as a highly sought-after space in new developments. “Coworking is hands down by far the most utilized amenity,” said Alicia Frame, Administrative Director, Mavrek Development.