SAN FRANCISCO—With the introduction of a mature redwood grove in the heart of the 855 Brannan apartment community, Equity Residential is once again raising the bar for innovative tenant amenities. The firm credits these amenities as a key motivator in leasing 75% or 145 residences within its first phase within just 70 days of occupancy, says Drew Sullins, vice president, development, Equity Residential.

Featuring 18 mature redwoods from 35 to 45 feet tall, 855 Brannan's redwood grove provides a tranquil escape from the hectic pace of urban living. There are also picnic tables, barbecues and seating areas carved from felled tree trunks.

“Together with One Henry Adams and Potrero 1010, 855 Brannan is the latest in the Design District's evolution into a true live, work and play neighborhood, and highlights Equity Residential's commitment to delivering communities that enhance the neighborhoods in which they invest,” Sullins tells GlobeSt.com. “Each property has introduced new landscaped public spaces that blend the architecture with nature and provide places for the community to gather, shop, dine and socialize. Add in the quality retail and growing number of tech and creative firms moving to the area, and you now have one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city.”

With construction still underway, 855 Brannan is expected to deliver the second phase of in late October/early November 2017.

“We strive to create apartment communities that cater to the sensibilities of each community we're in. In the case of 855 Brannan, we've upped the number and the size of curated spaces for residents to congregate, meet and enjoy themselves. Redwood trees are beloved in Northern California and we planted an entire grove in the center of the development, complete with customized chairs for reading, relaxing or enjoying a glass of wine, along with picnic tables and benches,” says Sullins. “The fresh forest scent you experience when walking through the Grove is entirely unexpected in the middle of the city and with trees reaching up to the fifth floor, the grove offers a view unlike any other to the courtyard-facing apartments and amenities.”

According to Mindshare North America, millennials control approximately 70% of the disposable income in America and the National Apartment Association/Enodo Score Study concludes that amenities for gathering and socializing tend to be highest rated and most important to apartment renters. Sullins said that Equity Residential is cognizant of what that generation is looking for in a home, and it is constantly striving to create communities that provide places to mix, mingle and relax.

“The definition of what we call home is evolving. No longer is the suburban single family home the ideal for this generation,” says Sullins. “Ease of lifestyle, enjoyment of free time with friends and being close to work have become paramount. And we're constantly looking for new and innovative ways to deliver that to our residents.”

Many of 855 Brannan's amenities have been designed to evoke the sensibilities of a mountain lodge, with expansive use of recycled wood from the former building on the site.

“It conveys more of a mountain resort atmosphere versus an apartment lobby,” Sullins notes.

In addition to the redwood grove, Equity Residential expanded on the rooftop deck concept with fire pits, Lynx barbecues, granite countertops and tables for dining. The fitness facility is expanded as well and includes a separate spinning room and outdoor yoga area. There are two huge community lounges on the ground floor with screens for watching movies or sporting events, common areas for WiFi use, plus a demonstration kitchen with a Viking Professional cooktop and double ovens.

“We enjoy working with Equity Residential as they're constantly challenging us to create unique and inviting environments at their apartment communities. It's never a cookie-cutter approach. Each community has its own appeal, and as a team we're continuing to explore and curate the communal areas to allow for both small and large groups to coexist,” says David Baker, 855 Brannan's architect. “I'm particularly proud of the way in which we've been able to restore and re-use the wood from 855 Brannan's former building, incorporating it into walls, tables, chairs and countertops. It truly creates an inviting, warm, but contemporary atmosphere.”

With construction still underway, 855 Brannan is expected to deliver the second phase of in late October/early November 2017.

Many of 855 Brannan's amenities have been designed to evoke the sensibilities of a mountain lodge, with expansive use of recycled wood from the former building on the site.

“It conveys more of a mountain resort atmosphere versus an apartment lobby,” Sullins notes.

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Developer Raises the Bar or Rather Trunk

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