SEATTLE—The e-commerce boom continues to push multifamily developers and owners to upgrade mailrooms in innovative ways. Especially here in Amazon-land, it's evident that the ease and proliferation of online shopping has ignited a need for larger, transformed delivery spaces.

In the era of Amazon Prime, Blue Apron and Snap Kitchen, building mailrooms—once dismissed as the destination for bill sifting and catalog disposing—are finding a new moment in the spotlight with design overhaul and enhanced amenities to keep pace with the package-delivery demands of residents.

Some of the most highly anticipated mailroom upgrades include package concierge systems that can digitally accept packages and inform residents of deliveries via email or text message; cold storage locker systems designed to safely store grocery, meal kit and prepared food delivery; instant pickup lockers designed to provide access in less than an hour; flexibility so residents can pick up packages at their convenience rather than only during office hours; and added organization to ease the daily workflow of property managers and access for residents to quickly find packages.

In addition to on-site delivery solutions, some multifamily buildings are signing with mail and package concierge services. These companies accept and sign for packages off-site, then schedule in-person delivery directly with residents.

In this exclusive, Carla Powell, vice president of residential management, 2BResidential breaks down some of the innovations that are in place in multifamily mailrooms around the country.

GlobeSt.com: Describe the look of the new and improved design of a typical mailroom.

Powell: Mailrooms have evolved into larger, more social spaces. The rooms are expanded to accommodate ADA regulations that all mailboxes must be accessible. Many of our clients are utilizing the wall space above the boxes for TVs that stream the property's social media feeds to communicate with residents.

GlobeSt.com: How do the package concierge systems and the instant pickup lockers work?

Powell: Providers such as UPS, FedEx and Amazon deliver packages directly to the package lockers. This frees up time for the leasing team because they do not have to deal with accepting and retrieving residents' packages. The residents register their cell phone number or email and receive a notification when there is a package delivered. They are given the locker location and an access code to retrieve it. This allows them to get their package on their schedule, which is typically after office hours. After a few days, if the package is not retrieved, it will be returned to the shipper to free up the locker space.

GlobeSt.com: What amenities provide flexibility, meaning residents can pick up packages at their convenience rather than only during office hours?

Powell: We allow entry to the clubhouse 24/7 to access the lockers, and some properties have a concierge to deliver packages directly to the resident's apartment or be picked up past office hours.

GlobeSt.com: Tell us more about increased organization to ease the daily workflow of property managers.

Powell: Accepting and retrieving resident packages would normally take two hours per day for our staff. That time is now being dedicated to a host of initiatives including enhanced tenant engagement, leasing efforts, social media, maintenance and more.

GlobeSt.com: What are some of the modern design elements meant to encourage resident gathering and interaction?

Powell: We are creating lobby areas that are designed for people to socialize. Apartment units are smaller, so tenants are leaving residences to work in the lobbies at larger tables. Developers are adding small office cubicles on a first-come, first-served basis or with the option to be rented monthly. Pools are designed to feel like resorts, with cabanas, fire pits and outdoor kitchens.

For more information on multifamily news, join us at RealShare Apartments in Los Angeles, CA from October 29-30, 2018. RealShare Apartments brings together the industry's top owners, investors, developers, brokers and financiers as they gather for THE MULTIFAMILY EVENT OF THE YEAR! This conference leverages the strength of ALM's Real Estate Forum & GlobeSt.com who report on the multifamily sector daily. Register for RealShare Apartments here.

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Multifamily Mailrooms Find Place in the Spotlight

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